[Vision2020] A sweet deal

[Kai Eiselein, LatahEagle Editor]

According to a a report on CBS's Up to Minute overnight newscast last night,
auto workers have a sweet deal when they get laid off. Think they go down
and file for unemployment? Think again. Instead, some go to the factory,
where they spend the day watching videos, playing crossword puzzles, reading
or other leisurely activities as they wait on-site just in case production
ramps up and they are needed. They get paid their full wage from the company
for doing this, two men who consented to be interviewed get $33 an hour for
sitting around.
Others spend their days helping at non-profit organizations, again on the
company dime. The program benefits non-profits, which is good, but one
leader of a non-profit says he was asked to sign time slips showing union
members had been there for six hours, when in fact they had been there for
two.
He refused and told them to leave and not come back. (His identity was
hidden for fear of retaliation by union members) The UAW denies any of its
members would do such a thing.
Something along the lines of 8,000 UAW members are in this program at cost
of millions to the big three auto makers. The auto makers hope to cut this
program in the next contract with the union.