Originally Posted by Joe Keegan
Based on what I've observed, Whitney's not that far off the mark regarding some areas.
No doubt about it, Joe, and the data cited from the EDPA bears it out. The average wage for a non-automotive industry worker in Alabama is less than half what an automotive industry worker makes. But the salient point is that Mr. Whitney was referring specifically to the automotive industry.

I observe a great irony here, in that some folks see the union automotive workers as being grossly overpaid and others lament the fate of automotive workers should they lose the protection of their unions. I think both extremes are . . . well, extreme. I think a $1300 weekly wage is a heck of a plum for a skilled worker in Alabama, and compares favorably with the union wages being payed in Michigan. Is that more money than these workers are "worth"? I'm enough of a Free Marketeer to believe that it is not, else they wouldn't be getting it.

BTW thanks for your very kind remarks about my resemblance to a horse's tail. wink You're right.

Steve
Give us the wisdom to teach our children to love,
to respect and be kind to one another,
so that we may grow with peace in mind.
(Native American prayer)