Pantagraph.com | News | No progress made Sunday in negotiations between MMNA, UAW

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

Townie here... wrote on Sep 14, 2008 1:38 AM:

" Again, let me thank the Mitsu workers. I love my Galant...thank you so much for providing me with a very safe yet inexpensive nice car. I wasn't sure I wanted to go the Mitsu route, but after the fact I'm so happy I did!! I keep trying to convert my friends too!

Thank you for producing a quality product! I love my first brand NEW car and appreciate your hard work! "

The Mickster wrote on Sep 13, 2008 12:54 PM:

" ZS....please make up your mind!
zs wrote on Sep 9, 2008 2:36 PM:
I'm not saying production work is easy

zs wrote on Sep 9, 2008 7:03 AM
Production line work is boring, repetitive, and easy. "

51AreCriticallyStupid wrote on Sep 12, 2008 11:29 PM:

" beowulf brought up a good point. He mentioned "Cat broke the back of their union in the early 90's". The only reason this happened is because people like on this forum were bitter against their neighbors when they found out someone was making more money than themselves. They then proceeded to cross the line and take these jobs because they bragged about doing it for less money and loving it - just like the freaks spouting off here. Now they are complaining about low wages and poor health care insurance - go figure. These freaks on here won't be happy until there are only low paying jobs in the area and the whole place looks like the boarded up cesspool down in Decatur, IL. UNBELIEVABLE WHAT THESE GEL-HEADS ARE ARGUING ABOUT! "

musicman wrote on Sep 9, 2008 8:58 PM:

" Unions are allowed to make whatever promises they want to non-unionized plants. They are protected by the law in this regard. Meanwhile, management is forbidden from trying to sell workers on a real alternative because the law, again, protects the unions from this “selling” tactic.

Basically, unions can promise all sorts of unrealistic crap and management can only hope that the workers realize they are being fed garbage. It’s a lousy system that doesn’t get the workers what they need nor does it help a business work better when times are tough. "

beowulf wrote on Sep 9, 2008 4:13 PM:

" To zs - First off: I don't work there. You have no idea what I do for a living. You're the one blabbing about your career choice.

Second: You've proven my point... you wouldn't like a 33 percent pay cut and reduced benefits - don't expect these fine people to like it, either.

To the MMNA workers - I support you in your efforts. However, a strategic pullback during these difficult economic times may be in order so that you may live to fight another day when times get better. Do whatever you want, just remember... Cat broke the back of their union in the early 90's - and the place has never been the same. I don't want to see Mitsubishi go down the same path. "

highlndr7 wrote on Sep 9, 2008 3:56 PM:

" Why does everybody gripe about how much money we associates make? More importantly its none of your business!!! We do not work for the federal or state governments, none of your tax dollars goes into our pockets so back off! If you want to talk about overpaid people look upstairs at management! Nobody tells you what our vice presidents , president, CEO, or others make, wonder why? Maybe its their little way to drum up support in the media. And finally for all you union bashers if it wasn't for unions you would not have a 5 day work week it would be 7, and it would be 12 hours not 8 a day! and your pay would be laughable! And your children would be working right next to you! Read a book about how the old times were before unions and how they have HELPED the people of this nation! Sure there are some bad apples in every bunch but you don't judge all the apples by a bad few!Come on people think for yourselves! "

zs wrote on Sep 9, 2008 2:36 PM:

" to beowulf:
I have more classes and training in industrial maintenance and industrial electricity than you would ever be willing to think about.
For the most part, mindless drones working a production line, are just that... mindless drones working a production line. I'm not saying production work is easy, but to assume that you are worth $28 an hour is idiotic at best.
I'm in my current job because it is local to me. No other reason to tell you the truth. I have no desire to drive 35-45 minutes to Bloomington for work @ the pay rate that happens around here. Had I known that I could get paid $28 an hour to do production line work, I would already be working right next to you. Taking a pay cut is never easy for anybody - I know I couldn't afford a 33% paycut, but then again, I dont currently make $28+ an hour. "

Ratchetjaw wrote on Sep 9, 2008 10:55 AM:

" Every job is important in any company and these MMNA associates have been able to afford the American Dream by way of a foreign company just starting up. If these jobs are lost there will be a lot of trickle down affects, i.e. no more eating out at McDonald’s or other restaurants, shopping at specialty shops or malls, all of the extras will be eliminated. The public is too fixated on how much this Union Shop makes. The company wants to take away the pension, 1/3 of the pay, no more 401(k) contributions and on top of all of that have to pay for healthcare. The company is still making money, the workers cost is a fraction of the total cost of the car. It is correct that the economy is in the dumps but it could be even worst if MMNA moves the plant to another country and they would be shipping the cars back here to be sold. How about the CEO’s and CFO’s make it on an average workers pay and benefits or better yet let all American’s make the same pay so we are all on the same playing field? "

51%AreCriticallyStupid wrote on Sep 9, 2008 9:09 AM:

" When I see A Mitsubishi Article online here I can always count on some cheap entertainment. I just have to slow down and gawk at this never ending train wreck. The torch-and-pitchfork-mob can always be counted on to be out in force - trashing their neighbors and community members. They go on little to no information and blab with whatever intelligence they can muster up. This is similar to reading the script of a Jerry Springer show. Too bad people aren't required to paste their photo next to what they write so we could all see who these freaks and mutants are. It would just add that much more to the entertainment value. After all this is just entertainment because nothing real is being accomplished here. If someone has so much rage in them that all they want to do is rip your bra off and roll around the Jerry Springer stage then they are not going to listen to anything.
Keep up the nonsense! I look forward to future posts in upcoming articles! "

AM wrote on Sep 9, 2008 9:03 AM:

" Sayonara MMNA "

mmnaworker wrote on Sep 9, 2008 8:53 AM:

" As you can see I work there. There isn't a worker at the plant that wants to run MMNA out of town. The auto industry is way down along with our plant. We realize that and realized that a year and a half ago. We took over a $4.00 pay in addition to some other pay freezes and insurance concessions. We KNOW now that some cuts will have to be made on BOTH sides. But $9-10 pay cut WITH 50/50 insurance, no COLA and a few more things are just way to much for the back breaking work it is. I believe most workers can live with some of the cuts and concessions but what the company is demanding is way over the top. We don't want the plant to close and would be willing to help keep it viable as we did before. "

designer wrote on Sep 9, 2008 8:09 AM:

" To: zs and anyone else who thinks these workers need to stop whinning

STOP BEING SO IGNORANT ! It's real easy for you to sit and post on the internet when this isn't happenning to you. All of you would be freaking out too if you were in the same position. Oh I'm sure you will say no I am thankful I have a job, well until it happens sto you I suggest you keep your ignorant opinions to yourself.

Just wait until it happens to you, then lets see how much you have to say. Plus if your job is so dangerous and underpaid why are you still working there ? Get a clue, these workers deserve every bit of what they are making and then some. "

beowulf wrote on Sep 9, 2008 8:08 AM:

" To zs - They are wanting to cut pay by 33 percent - that would be about $19/hr - NOT down to $25/hr. As it has been said here already - YOU take a 1/3 pay cut (plus greatly reduced benefits) and see how happy you are about it. Probably a typical maintenance guy - can't fix anything other than a cup of coffee.

Why not attack the REAL money drain on the cost of producing a vehicle or doing business in general.... TAXES!

Try asking the government (we ARE their employers, after all) to take a 33 percent pay cut and see how far you get with that. "

floyd wrote on Sep 9, 2008 7:39 AM:

" grizz. Right! Let's organize all the fry cooks at McDonalds to make $22.50 per hour. Then everyone will be squealing about the $25 Big Mac. You crybabies should have to live on fixed income and see what it's like when greedy people want more and more for less and drive up costs. Years ago I worked for a company that had two plants. One union one not. The one not was the more productive and as long as you did your job everyone got along fine. The non union plant everyone got along well and there wasn't room for deadbeat workers. Because the non union plant was more productive it got better pay and benefits. "

zs wrote on Sep 9, 2008 7:03 AM:

" Pay me $28/hr BASE PAY (which is 11/hr base pay more than I'm making now as a maintenance tech in another local factory,) and I'll be at work every day of the year, sick or not. My current job is very dangerous and highly stressful. Production line work is boring, repetitive, and easy. I've been there, trust me. The only reason I left the production line at my current factory is for more money, but obviously being a lead maintenance tech was not the right choice. I should have picked a simple job at MMNA and gotten paid another $11/hr! BRILLIANT! "

zs wrote on Sep 9, 2008 6:13 AM:

" To: ANYONE whining about your production job at MMNA:

Maybe you cant call in whenever you want, but I bet there are a lot of people in this county and I'd even go so far as to say I bet there are a lot of people in this STATE that would go to work every single day of the year for $28.57 an hour. I make more than $10 an hour LESS than that as a maintenance worker at another local factory.

Too bad MMNA isnt hiring. I'd get a $10/hr raise to quit my current, high stress, high danger job. And all I'd have to do is stand on a production line doing the same thing over and over and over. Been there, done that in my current factory. I quit production to come to Maintenance to make more money. I do make more money than our normal line workers, but after seeing what production people make at MMNA, I think that maybe I'm in the wrong business.

QUIT YER WHINING. You might get a pay cut to $25/hr. You WOULD STILL be overpaid. "

JOeBully wrote on Sep 9, 2008 5:04 AM:

" This corporation losing money is like saying the same about Exxon, they are pumping profits like the one armed bandits taking oil from the ground, home faster than you can say the name, Mitsubishi. Drill, drill, drill!!!

If you do not understand the keiretsu system of shifting money around then you should remain silent on the issue until know the facts. MMNA has been a "Diamond Star" cash cow for the transfer of wealth from the US to Japan since it's inception.

The very idea that the company should now pack up and leave after what the entire state/community has sacrificed over the past twenty years in property tax reductions and government programs is an insult to the American citizen. I hope that the federal judge/arbitrator in charge of these proceedings has the wisdom to know the difference as well.

It's not about us working class folks, our salaries are a speck of dirt in their eyes.
Workers of the world everywhere should unite instead of divide. "

Controller wrote on Sep 8, 2008 11:45 PM:

" Ok, I'll simplify this for those that need it.

MMNA is losing money. How can workers expect the company to stay viable without cutting costs? When the whole pie shrinks, your piece of the pie shrinks too. Can they cut material costs? No, they're probably rising. What's left? salary and benefits. It's rough, but it is also in your interest to help keep the company in business. Employees in the airline industry have had to do this time and time again over the past decade or more. "

grizz wrote on Sep 8, 2008 11:33 PM:

" To all those that think it is OK to give up our wages and benefits. Instead of bringing us down towards your level, why don't you organize and work together to bring you up towards us. I started out 19 years ago under $10 an hour at MMNA and it has taken us those 19 years to get where we are today. I am not giving it up. Period. "

What I'd give wrote on Sep 8, 2008 10:56 PM:

" NormalWoman: You obviously hear it from the air conditioned office side of the plant. Yes, they have been downsized. But let me get this straight...they went without a raise? That must be horrible, did you hear the line workers had a pay DECREASE? No cost of living raise? Hey, guess what...they LOST their cost of living. Only two bonuses? That's just tragic...because the union workers got NONE. So sorry, my mistake...you're right, whatever happens to the staff happens to the union workers too. Oh, and does the staff get sick days? You know, the kind you DON'T have to schedule the day before? Because the line workers can't just call in if they wake up sick, and haven't been able to for quite a while... "

DNO wrote on Sep 8, 2008 10:30 PM:

" To Normal Women........Management might have taken a pay freeze, but they have NEVER taken a pay cut! Production workers took a $4 an hour cut. It's time for management to do their part to save the company. Does anyone think Big Jerry Berwanger is going to volunteer to give up 1/3 of his 6 or 7 figure salary? "

NormalWoman wrote on Sep 8, 2008 7:18 PM:

" The first thing that I want to say is that I think that it is a tradegy that so many people are going to be affected by what is going on out at MMNA. Unless you are the one working out there and going through this is doesnt really matter what anybody else thinks. These people work hard, 8 hours of a rough day. What matters here is that these people deserve this and it is worth fighting to hold to at least what they have now, they are not asking for anymore than that.

And to 'What I'd give" you obviously know nothing about the staff at MMNA, I know that in the last 5 years the staff has been downsized three times, they also have gone without a raise for five years, no cost of living raise, and they have only received to two bonus checks in the last five years, and they had lost their match to the 401k when the associates did, and they also had their benefits raised at the same time the associates did. What ever happens to the associates will happen the staff too. "

lobster wrote on Sep 8, 2008 7:13 PM:

" hey floyd you are right on with that comment you know how much money would be saved if people that had a sore back or a kink in the neck would not claim that as workmans comp then they will go home cut wood ride dirtbikes that should be fraud and punishable by law. The mmna people need to quit cutting down all workers and if they could manage a company better than there managemrnt how come you do not open your own company. "

floyd wrote on Sep 8, 2008 6:44 PM:

" I've seen some of those workers who claim injuries but you'd never know it if you saw some of the things they do on their own time. "

highlndr7 wrote on Sep 8, 2008 6:34 PM:

" First of all thanks to all the good people who offered their support! It is appreciated! Secondly Labor is ONLY 3% the COST of any vehicle! So how is taking away 33% of 3% going to help the company? The Head Management is responsible for the bad decisions which has led the company down the wrong road. Their are more levels of management which waste far more money than a production worker! How many cars do you think we could build if all the managers called in sick tomorrow, answer... the same amount we did the day before! However if we all called in sick ...none. We are Good Hardworking People! Which is what this country was built by! And I personally don't judge a person solely on his education . And finally to all those people posting they will gladly take our place, good luck you silly people! When I hired in 20yrs ago many people were tested few were hired, and still fewer had what it took to do the jobs we do all day every day! "

lobster wrote on Sep 8, 2008 6:26 PM:

" You guys at mmna act like you are the only workers in the world that work hard for a living. I can bet I work just as hard as you do but I do not get paid as much as you but I am happy with what I got just like a lot of hardworking people. "

cub wrote on Sep 8, 2008 5:39 PM:

" I agree that if Mitsubishi was looking to giove you a contract, they would have already. I would be that all the people that had in 12+ years right before the big layoff thought they were safe too. "

man wrote on Sep 8, 2008 5:36 PM:

" to deanwormer. I read in the paper every start of the school year teachers going on strike. How come I always hear teachers complain about thier salery? Just like temp wrote,start looking for another job. We complain about a dollar when thier are those with out a dime. "

these posts!!!!!! wrote on Sep 8, 2008 5:31 PM:

" I am a laid off worker form MMNA and for everyone that thinks they are over paid I am sorry they are not!!! The work is hard and there is no one telling you how wonderful you are well except the UAW certaainly not the company! I hope they are planning to bring back second shift but I have heard form a friend that works for the unemployment office they are getting ready to handle the additional 1200 workers that will lose thier jobs when the plant closes. I support all that the UAW is trying to do but I want all of the workers to realize the jobs out here are not even close to what you have. I hope you get what you are seeking and don't forget all of the laid off brothers and sisters!!!! "

temp wrote on Sep 8, 2008 4:22 PM:

" What I'd give wrote: So you're saying that if someone cut your pay by 1/3, took away your pension and 401k you'd be able to afford the expenses you've budgeted for for 2 decades?

Nope - but that's when I would start looking for another job. Lot's of us are losing benefits - my own employer took out our guaranteed pension and replaced it with a 401k. Unfortunately, looking at the job market - there are not jobs that give a guaranteed pension anymore - so leaving won't improve my situation. I continue to go to school and learn to keep my job skills sharp, so when I don't like the deal my employer gives me - I go somewhere else. It's called capitalism - you ought to try it. "

deanwormer wrote on Sep 8, 2008 4:16 PM:

" you know when you look at the average wage for a line and maintenance worker and then look at the average wage of a teacher, there is something very wrong with the picture. i'll let you union folks figure out the rest. "

lobster wrote on Sep 8, 2008 4:01 PM:

" Hello I just want to know if you are going on strike at 6:30 tommorow or what. People say we dont know what is going on but nobody wants to share. I would also like to see you go on strike and just see what the big bad union will get you nothing. If mmna was interested in a deal you would already have one. "

twodog wrote on Sep 8, 2008 3:46 PM:

" Most of us at Mitsubishi have been there around 20 years.We have no imput on what we build at the plant. Most of us there have given 100% to making that plant work. The Japanese talk about how honorable they are. If they are so honorable why are thet trying to make us pay for there mistakes. They have decided what kind of car we make at the plant. I say if they want to take away 1/3 of our wages,go ahead and close the plant down and get them out of the United States. All we are to them is a number. Honor my BUTT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! "

2tired wrote on Sep 8, 2008 3:30 PM:

" gobears is exactly right if MMNA gets there way with the 2 teir pay scale and reduction of health care other wise they will go somewhere cheaper. People might get upset with with this comment but it's the truth. Business the size of MMNA can pick up and move to a new plant every 5 years, that is all it takes to get their investment back. The 2 tier wage is going to happen if you like or not. Right now the MMNA has the upper hand ask the UAW member that went on strike at Cat in the early 90's 18 months on strike for nothing less of everything. A striking worker can be replaced with someone that wants to work. UAW has no leverage!!! Ask the employees from Danville what type of leverage they had on GM in the early to mid 80's I bet they would have accepted the 2 tier pay now after GM closed the plant. Take off the rose colored glasses and look what other jobs are around that will pay you $18 an hour. "

3mom wrote on Sep 8, 2008 3:15 PM:

" To gobears: I sincerely hope that MMNA does not close, but when the big 3 automakers are suffering greatly, how can that plant continue to produce? MMNA was in trouble before the other automakers. It is an efficient plant that deserves to be running at full production, but unfortunately, there are severe financial problems that are just not going away. What auto plant has continued to perform well running one shift? Even though there is talk to bring the Lancer back, which I hope is true, there have been several autos brought to that plant and disassembled.

MMNA needs to cut down the mgmt and engineering force to bring the ratio to worker down to a more equitable level for the plant to survive during these hard economic times, and MMNA needs the support of the community which after reading some of the posts regarding MMNA doesn't seem to be there. Making $50,000 and $60,000 is not a great wage....there are other big companies with employees making far more than that. Stop bashing, and start showing support for the UAW, the workers, and the entire staff at MMNA. "

BLAHBLAHBLAHBLAH wrote on Sep 8, 2008 3:01 PM:

" I hope you are right that Mitsubishi is not going anywhere.....but sometimes it's not so good to wear rose colored glasses, ecspecially when it comes to your job. People who have been at jobs for 30 plus years are being "downsized". The worker is no longer secure in any job, not just Mitsubishi. If the bottomline calls for cuts it's gonna happen. I'm sure the workers at Ford didn't think they would be out of a job either. When Mitsubishi workers are on shut down everyone who works in support business up and down W College are forced to shut down or decrease manpower....as are many employers who aren't even local. Mitsubishi touches more lives and income then just this community...and what the UAW does will effect more then just the UAW members. They will not be the only ones scrambling for a job. "

mmnafamily wrote on Sep 8, 2008 2:49 PM:

" Thank you citygirl!! To BLAHBLAHBLAHBLAH: Yes, I've spent 19 years at MMNA which have been great and have afforded me to make a good life for my family. For this I am grateful! If jobs in my field would've been available 24 yrs. ago, I would've declined working in a factory. Unfortunately, there weren't any jobs even with my college degree.

Twenty-four years ago, I graduated from college, I was newly married and just starting out. I uprooted my spouse to begin a life elsewhere in the US using my degree working at a now defunct, nationally known, computer company. I then enlisted in the military to fight for my country and for YOU to have the freedom you have today.

I took the job at MMNA out of pure necessity, not because I wanted to. Since we've been in the B-N area, we've had to listen to the bad mouthing given to us by some in the community. Be a part of the solution because the problem has a life force of its own without your comments. "

gobears wrote on Sep 8, 2008 2:36 PM:

" to blahblah, the plant has no plans for closing, why would they just buyout 105 people at 85,000 each? why are they fighting for a two tier wage scale so fiercly? why is there a new mits lancer (currently built in japan) being dissasembled and studied in our plant? ive heard from two different sources that iron workers have been told after our contract gets settled,that two new lines are being installed.the company has huge plans including possibly bringing second shift back, if the lancer plays through that is all facts that they don t want employees or the public to know. "

What I'd give wrote on Sep 8, 2008 2:35 PM:

" Frosted: Agreed....do your homework before you get on your soapbox like you actually understand the complexity of the situation. 1,200 workers who've been there 20 YEARS and everyone thinks they should just roll over, play dead and take the bad hand MMNA is trying to deal them? The workers in that plant have car payments, mortgages, utility payments, families to support, etc. So you're saying that if someone cut your pay by 1/3, took away your pension and 401k you'd be able to afford the expenses you've budgeted for for 2 decades? You must be a trust fund baby then, cause that has the potential to send many people into bankruptcy. This is one of the most efficient plants in the country so saying you'd take over for "ungrateful" workers, I'd place bets on you not making it through ONE cycle. They are supposed to make cuts in the office before they even touch the line, wanna guess how often that's happened? You're also forgetting the HUGE effect this will have on the economy of this town. "

designer wrote on Sep 8, 2008 2:16 PM:

" mmna, you have my support !

PEOPLE NEED TO STOP POSTING WHEN THEY HAVE NO IDEA WHAT IS GOING ON AND ARE JUST READING SOMETHING IN THE PANTAGRAPH. IT IS NO ONE'S BUSINESS WHAT THESE WORKERS MAKE BUT THEIR OWN ! "

Rather Irked 2 wrote on Sep 8, 2008 2:13 PM:

" 2tired wrote "Just courious, how many Mitsubishi cars are parked in your drive? "

I'm proud to say that I have 1, my mother, as wellas 4 siblings. How many other's can say the same?

Quite franky, I'm appaulled at the indignant remarks towards the 1200+ workers fighting for something they have worked hard for. Furthermore, those who find us greedy in anyway, should take the 30% paycut, dissolve your pension and afford healthcare without insurance THEN remark to the situation without the disdain that seems to be dripping from 90% of the posts about MMMNA. I have a strong feeling, not one of you would say anything but expect a hella lot more in return.

Where is the support. Should this plant close, EVERYONE will be affected even if you do not work for MMMNA or its suppliers with the absense of tax revenue not to mention skyrocketing unemployment. If you're a part of this community, you will no doubt feel it...right down to the college educated cashiers at McD's fighting for thier overtime when over a thousand other people will be scrambling for ANY job to pay the mortgage. "

BLAHBLAHBLAHBLAH wrote on Sep 8, 2008 1:53 PM:

" MMNAFAMILY....What I and many others are trying to express is that if the UAW members strike and/or Mitsubishi shuts it's doors you are going to face foreclosure for sure, because in reality there are no jobs for the workforce that will be out of jobs. 19 years working an assembly line...so what are you able to offer the next employer as a viable trade? What job are you going to get in this community making 50K a year with only factory work experience? You are not!! At least right now you are employed and able to pay your bills..sure you might have to adjust your budget but aren't we all. This issue is not just impacting MMNA families it is impacting many of us, and we to wonder day to day if the plant and jobs will be there...but the UAW union is helping to run the plant out of town and when they go, the UAW members will be crying because they can't make a living wage..... "

citygirl wrote on Sep 8, 2008 1:50 PM:

" mmna family - you have my support! I agree... it is easy for people outside to judge, and they don't know what it is like to work for this company and many who are judging don't even know what is being negotiated. I have heard and seen what the workers gave up for this company not too long ago to help them. And I am watching now - people on here think the workers are asking for the world. They are just trying to keep what they have... after years of working at any job, how would you like to come in and give up 1/3 of your pay, give away your pension, give away any cost of living adjustment - especially in these times. There are a lot of us that support the workers - and are praying for a quick and fair resolution! "

gobears wrote on Sep 8, 2008 1:39 PM:

" hello all, i have worked at mmna over 20 years and feel their offer is a slap in the face, and thank god the majority feels the same. because of current economic conditions a decrease is not out of question. however cuting our wage by over a third all at once is disrespecting to say the least. an offer of gradual reduction over the coarse of the contract would be the way to treat your employees fairly. this simply is a ploy, to you, the public to see us as "greedy"by calling for a strike. and as for you people who would just"walk"in and do our jobs for less,lets rewind 20 years when i jumped through hoops for 3 months of testing, just to be chosen for employment. we just didn t put an app. in like 99% of most jobs. we deserve what we have and will fight UAW strong to protect it! "

2tired wrote on Sep 8, 2008 1:31 PM:

" Just courious, how many Mitsubishi cars are parked in your drive? "

mmnafamily wrote on Sep 8, 2008 12:40 PM:

" Your support is greatly appreciated! "

mmnafamily wrote on Sep 8, 2008 12:39 PM:

" We transplanted to B-N over 19 years ago. We left our extended families, friends, neighborhoods, churches, schools, rolling hills and river running through it landscape, to come to a place in the middle of a flat cornfield. We were fortunate to be offered jobs which would enable us to buy a home, have and raise a family, and live life. We were fortunate to be a part of building a community which has grown incredibly since MMNA and companies who supply products to MMNA located in B-N.

We have our home, our children’s educations, daily living expenses and our future to pay for. If we take a 30% pay cut, add in unaffordable health care insurance costs and take away our pensions it’s not a matter of if, but when we can’t pay our mortgage we’ll be forced to foreclose. We’ve worked very hard to be able to live the life we have today and it’s been a great life for the past 19+ yrs. We’d like to continue to be able to live the American dream to afford future generations to reap the benefits of our hard work and sacrifice. "

TheLurch wrote on Sep 8, 2008 12:38 PM:

" It's interesting that State Farm workers complain here about Mitsubishi workers making way more than the SF people think they are worth...............that finger could point in several direction..........including right back at ya!

What strikes me is that the economy is SO bad, the goverment (that these same finger pointers probably elected) is giving a free ride to Bad Businesses the government set up to rob the tax payers blind, Freddie and Fannie, and we are complaining about hard working middle income people in our community who pay taxes and buy goods and go to our churches and are great people...........

The goverment, both Dems and GOP, are selling our kid's futures to the highest bidder and they have us so bewildered with their double talk we are blaming each other............... "

mmnafamily wrote on Sep 8, 2008 12:37 PM:

" Remember when the people in New Orleans were preparing for Katrina? They weathered the storm pretty well...until the flood wall broke and Lake Ponchatrain spilled water everywhere causing death and total devastation. They weren't prepared for what they couldn't see or didn't know...they were only preparing for what the weather radar showed. We all know what resulted. They are still recovering...just last week Gustav was a threat---they held their breath waiting to see if the flood wall would hold...thankfully it did.

There are many economic conditions happening now which are below the radar of public knowledge. This is cause for the perfect storm to brew. If we only prepare for what we can see, or think we know…just like Katrina, the likelihood of complete destruction is extremely high. "

mmnafamily wrote on Sep 8, 2008 12:36 PM:

" Reading the blogs here today are very discouraging. Where's the support? MMNA opened its doors during a time when the US economy was just beginning to recover, coming out of the Reagan administration, and was starting to flourish once more as a nation.

As a workforce, in 2006 we took a concession which equaled over $40 million dollars to enable MMNA to remain viable. We did this while still under contract for a very different wage and benefit package. Should MMNA close its doors, or cut the current workers compensation by 30% and take away pension benefits, not only will this cause financial devastation for the MMNA workers and their families, that devastation will spread out to include a 60 mi radius devastation on other companies...whether or not they have direct ties to MMNA. "

JTE wrote on Sep 8, 2008 12:23 PM:

" Hmm... $50K/year (or about $25/hour at a 2040 year), plus around 35% benefit costs means the average MMMA production worker needs to generate about $67,500 a year for the company just to break even. So, what does the UAW give the company that they couldn't get without the union? I don't think the UAS taught anyone in the plant how to weld, or how to avoid RSI problems. They're not at all like real trade union that teaches apprentices how to do the work. For example, the plumbers' union gives classes to teach people to be plumbers, which could make that employee more valuable for the company. They "You Ain't Workin'" union however, only has their hand out for more money to the national headquarters.

jte "

designer wrote on Sep 8, 2008 12:13 PM:

" to yolanda;

seriously, you need to get over it. they are not being greedy. sounds to me like you are just jealous because they have jobs right now and are fighting for their pay and you must be considered one of those people who is unemployed. my fiance works at Mitsubishi and you have absolutely no idea what it is like for them to go to work and have no idea if in an hour the plant will just close its doors for good. I love that people are allowed to post on here when they have absolutely no idea what is going. they earn the money they make. SO GET OVER IT AND STOP BEING SO IGNORANT ! "

Controller wrote on Sep 8, 2008 12:07 PM:

" When the company you work for is losing millions a quarter and the industry itself is contracting, workers need to get realistic. When the company is making money, then sure, get your piece of the pie. Right now though, the union workers should take a look at the concessions that airline pilots and workers have had to make since the airline industy in the pot too. "

BLAHBLAHBLAHBLAH wrote on Sep 8, 2008 11:51 AM:

" The UAW rep states that the cuts would have a negative impact on the "loyal worker" and the communitee...what kind of impact does the UAW union think it will be when Mitsubishi closes it doors for good and the "loyal worker" has to join the ranks of umemployed? Do these workers honestly think they are going to find jobs making the kind of money they make now? Factory jobs are not out there in this community and that is what they are trained for. My husband drives a truck out of Mitsubishi, he along with many others who jobs are support jobs to MMNA will also be out of work. The UAW union memeber should be happy to have a job. They should ask some of their former co-workers who took the buy out or got laid off, how easy it is to find a job!!! "

2tired wrote on Sep 8, 2008 11:23 AM:

" What's odd is someone's math is off at $28/hour for a 2040 work year is $57000. Which is good pay for this area, if the plant was in Chicago it would be a different story. For this wage a work can live very comfortable, he/ she will not get rich, but if he/ she wanted to get rich they should have never choosed this profession. The UAW needs to take a step back and look around the area if the want to keep this plant in Normal. Cat did the exact same thing that MMNA wants to do and they have been hiring ever sence. I guess when the vote down the contract, they can go to Cat for $12/ hr. UAW has to realize it not the same work place as it was 30 years ago someone in some country will do that same job for less money, and take pride in their work. "

Frosted wrote on Sep 8, 2008 11:03 AM:

" To Charlie: Yes i do find it odd , Auto plant workers should be paid more if you were to do your home work and look at all the work related injuries from repetitive work and a very limited rotation at the Mitsubishi plant you might have a better under standing.I was informed by the union that approx. 40% of the production workers at Mitsubishi are on work related restrictions that takes priority over seniority as far as job placement and that number is climbing all the time.Mitsubishi has some of the highest work comp. rates in the State.I really truly believe if you could walk in a production workers shoes or trade places with a production worker at this plant you would have a much different View !!!You only have one body and a lot of the production workers in my opinion are paying a high price and having health problems due to this type of work.They are worth every penny and should not have to take a pay cut.The problems at this plant has always been BAD MANAGEMENT that have made some very BAD CHOICES that has got them in the position there in. "

who cares wrote on Sep 8, 2008 10:33 AM:

" no i don't think it's odd to make 50k.i think it's odd gas is over 3.60 a gal.and everything in general is going up and they want to cut the pay check by1/3.pretty soon there will be no middle class.just the rich and the people that live hand to mouth.and by the way that place would make a terrible prison.there's about 100 way to get in and out that i know of. "

summer2 wrote on Sep 8, 2008 10:13 AM:

" My plant is not union, but we do supply parts for MMNA. What happens with Mitsubishi Motors North America is a subject we are all watching close. "

Bama Yankee wrote on Sep 8, 2008 10:11 AM:

" To Charlie:

The average wage in the auto industry has decreased 28% over the past 3 years. The cost of living for auto workers goes up just like everyone else's, and in many cases even more when their benefits are cut. How much have your wages went down? "

Jarhead71 wrote on Sep 8, 2008 9:52 AM:

" Not bad wages in B-N area. I think this should be a matter for local workers to settle, not some union bosses in Detroit. In these times, striking for strike pay instead of working for $50,000 to $60,000 a year is stupid. Union bosses have stopped working for union members all across the USA. They have out lived their usefulness and they know it. I used to be in the teamsters and got out because I got tired of paying for the right to work to overpaid union bosses drawing six figure incomes that did not have my best interests in mind. "

voa wrote on Sep 8, 2008 9:47 AM:

" " Does anyone else think it is odd that the average production worker makes $50k? "---Charley

What do you find odd about it Charley? Too much, too little? "

STLCards5 wrote on Sep 8, 2008 9:39 AM:

" I was thinking what is the sticking point? Give the workers everything they want, get them back to work, and then close the plant in 6 months like they've already planned. "

yolanda wrote on Sep 8, 2008 9:12 AM:

" I think the MMNA employees should just be happy they have jobs and stop being so GREEDY!! I am sure there are plenty of unemployed people that would be happy to take their jobs and even work for less pay then the current MMNA workers are getting, so if the present MMNA workers are not satisfied with what the company has to offer then I say walk away and give it to someone else who would truly appreciate the work and the money. "

charlie wrote on Sep 8, 2008 9:03 AM:

" Does anyone else think it is odd that the average production worker makes $50k? "

Not so Political wrote on Sep 8, 2008 6:38 AM:

" Coming soon - The Illinois Department of Correction @ Bloomington / Normal. "

bnhuman wrote on Sep 7, 2008 11:52 PM:

" What are the sticking points? Does the UAW out of Detroit have the best interest of a "foreign" plant in its mind or would the shutdown of such plant help with US car sales? "

Jimbo wrote on Sep 7, 2008 9:11 PM:

" The bargining comittee is doing a good job for us but im not sure about the rest of the Union staff. They tell us, sign up to get email updates...I nor any of my work mates have gotten any emails at all. The only updates we get are from the Pantagraph, you know the press that we are not supopose to talk to.....Come on 2488 talk to your members, we want to be informed. "

Super J wrote on Sep 7, 2008 6:58 PM:

" Just out of curiosity, why does it seem like these things are always done at the last minute? If the contract expired in August, why did they wait until July to start negotiating? Why not start six months ahead of time (or more)? Is there something in the contract that states they can only negotiate at six weeks prior to expiration?

Not really a critique, just an observation. Seems like it would be smart to get a plan in place as far in advance as possible. "

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