UAW concessions

Okay, One of the main arguments over the auto industry bailout is that the UAW has not given in enough to help the auto industry. This is simply not so, the starting wage for new hires is in the $14 an hour range and it tops out at about $18 per hour. The inflated per hour wages cited by some critics of the auto bailout, who say that auto workers make $60+ per hour, omit the fact that these figures include all of the benefits as well as an average overtime estimate and pro-rated bonuses.
The UAW workers did make $25-$30 per hour at one time, and some of the older workers still earn that much, but the fact is that many concessions have already been put into place and the workers are making much less that before.
As far as addressing the pension system for former UAW workers, the Senators and Congressmen who claim that the retirees need to give up some of their "lush" pensions should look in the mirror. The pensions for elected officials is unbelievable and they are eligible after only six years in office, not to mention their extravagant health care benefits.
After spending 30+ years on an auto assembly line, these workers should not have to face the prospect of having their pension or benefits cut.

Drumcoach