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The Big Squeeze Analysis - Walter Reuther

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Walter Reuther, president of the General Motors division of the United Auto Worker, worked hard to help his employees at GM. Unlike many other employers, he actually gave a damn about his employees. He demanded what looked like ridiculous requests during such an economic downfall, but he knew what was right and what his workers deserved. Many corporations struggle to compensate workers with what they deserve, including monetary compensation and respect. Workforce conditions we have usually generalized to third world countries exist in America as well. It isn't only sweat-shops that are hidden around the country, but large corporations are involved. Companies aren't sharing their prosperity with their workers anymore. Americans are going without health insurance because of the high costs. Wages and benefits are not helping employees. Pensions are not like they were. 401Ks aren't as helpful giving a secure retirement as pensions were. Many employees don't even have 401Ks. Many workers are being forced to work harder, faster, and longer for less than they are worth. Many prestigious companies break the law with their investors and Walmart, Toys R Us, by cheating their workers by making them work off the clock, not pay overtime by erasing hours off the time clock, et cetera. Many other companies are hiring undocumented workers to get cheaper, more pliant workers. Not only are large companies not compensating their workers for work done and overworking them, they are mistreating them and disrespecting them. Many Americans don't feel they are getting their fair share of the American dream. Our generation might be the first to live worse than their parents. When Greenhouse wrote "The Big Squeeze,  only one-third of entry-level positions offered health benefits. With the Affordable Healthcare Act, it may improve, but it may be worse for new graduates and new employees. Reuther demanded a 30 percent raise and a pledge from GM to keep its p

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