I just sent a note to ABC News, criticizing their Dec. 3 misleading coverage of the wages and benefits of unionized auto workers. ABC claimed they make $73 in wages and benefits. What they didn't say was that this figure includes the pension benefits paid to retired workers.The Center for Automotive Research determined that "average wages for workers at Chrysler, Ford and General Motors were just $28 per hour as of 2007." Worker compensation is about 5% of a car's cost (10% if you include the pensions).
Webform to Contact ABC:
http://abcnews.go.com/Site/page?id=3271346&cat=World%20News%20with%20Charles%20Gibson
For a more authoritative run down, see Media Matters.
Psssst... Do Something
- Contact the Broadcast Media
- Contact the Newspapers
- Contact the US Senate
- Contact the House of Representatives
Sources:
Thanks to Godless Liberal Homo for the link to ABC, and Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting (FAIR) for researching the substance of this issue.
Media Matters, Media still wedded to $70+ per hour autoworker falsehood despite GM's recent statements to the contrary, December 6, 2008.
3 comments:
It's good that people are starting to make their blogs more politically active. Venting is not enough.
Agreed. You're a good inspiration.... honestly, you can take credit for my new "Take Action" footer.
Each worker should be fully aware of their rights. Be pro-active in asking what are your benefits and rights as an employee.
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