BloggeRhythms 6/11/2011

As I mentioned again yesterday, lot's of things go on in the U.S. that I simply don't understand, and I've got another one for today.

According to an article in, The Herald, of Everett Washington, Boeing Co. opened a new $900 million facility in North Charleston, SC on Friday and 1,000 workers will begin assembling 787 aircraft there next month. However, if the National Labor Relations Board and Machinists have their way, Boeing will need to set up a similar permanent 787 line in Washington to go along with its original Dreamliner line in Everett. An administrative law judge in Seattle will hear the complaint beginning next week.

The decision to open a South Carolina plant came after Boeing and its Machinists couldn't come to an agreement on a long-term labor contract. This followed their being at odds the previous year, when the Machinists staged a 57-day strike before signing a new four-year labor deal.

For Boeing, the case means being able to make its own business decisions, but if the labor board triumphs, it will "prevent all companies from placing new plants in right-to-work states if they have existing plants in unionized states."

Now, here's where I get confused. Obviously, if the union had an agreement with Boeing saying that all new plants had to be built in places satisfactory to them, the current point would be moot. And in that event, Boeing no doubt would simply acquiesce. But, it seems that they don't.

So, if that's the case, why on earth can't a manufacturer build its facilities wherever they want? Boeing's been successful for a very long time and certainly knows what's best for its business. And I'm sure that means its got to do what's best for itself, its stockholders and customers as well as those it employs. It isn't running a charity and isn't in business to redistribute its wealth. So then, who's in charge here, and who calls the shots, the business or its employees?

Now, there's certainly no doubt that unions serve a valuable purpose when they do what they were intended for. Insuring that workers have a say regarding their incomes and general welfare. But, other kinds of lines have to be drawn as well, because employers have to make many major decisions by themselves.

So, it seems to me that if self-serving organizations, such as unions, are permitted to make decisions affecting issues far too complex and sophisticated for them, it will eventually kill the entire system for all. And, we currently have another glaring example of that kind of inanity, with our public school teachers who've by now dumbed down four generations of students by demanding to be in charge of education, something they clearly lack themselves.

That's it for today folks.

Adios