Global Business Perspectives

I can say I am a little shocked that this is happening - that an agreement was not made between the UAW and GM.  One item that seems to be a point of contention is the request that GM not move any more of their manufacturing operations abroad.  Is this something that any global company can promise?  We live in a global economy and the world is becoming flatter every day.  To have a viable business 10, 25, 50 years down the road, GM and many other global businesses have had to make some tough decisions moving plants abroad to stay competitive. 

Toyota and other foreign car makers are moving their plants abroad -which means that they are moving facilities and manufacturing facilities here to the U.S. and they are creating additional jobs while gaining market share.  Do we want to keep doing business the same way we always have and “hope” that GM doesn’t just completely go under which may cause all GM employees lose their jobs?  Or even more interesting have a foreign company come in and take away a domestic icon?  What is the best decision for the majority and for business viability?

I know that almost every family here in the Detroit region is affected in some way by the automotive industry.  I have an uncle that works on the line for GM and I certainly want his future secure.  However, having a Master’s Degree and working hard to move  up the corporate ladder, I know that I don’t make as much as some of those that work on the line.  Is that fair?  I am not sure.  I know that I want a secure future too.  

I think the negotiators are truly trying to figure what is best for everyone…GM, Detroit, UAW and everyone in between.  I hope that we can come to some agreement in the next few days.  I can only imagine what a long term national strike could do to Detroit - we don’t need any more bad news for our economy. 

What do you think is best for everyone involved?