Is the compensation number accurate or misleading?

That is not a defined benefits pension plan (which have been phased out or
never existed at most companies). A defined benefit pension plan like GM has
provides pre-defined benefits based on salary, years of service, etc when
you retire. It works sort of like Social Security. So if they don't have
enough funds in the Pension Fund account (which is separate from the company
accounts) to pay for the anticipated retirement pay they will have to give
out, the company is required to make up the difference. This money is
accrued in advance, and is not pay as you go (like the government does with
Social Security). For example, at the end of 2007 GM had $100 billion in
their pension fund account and they anticipated that they would eventually
have to pay out $85 billion in the future.

If you select your own investments, you definitely do not have a defined
benefit pension plan, you get whatever money is in the account when you
retire. Assuming you aren't talking about a 401K, then you probably have a
cash balance retirement plan, where each employee has a specific amount of
money in the account based on the contributions made by the company and any
investment gains or losses on the account as the result of investments. No,
the company is not responsible for investment losses.

It is possible to have a cash balance retirement account even if you don't
get to choose your own investments, as IBM had from about 1999 - 2005
(before they completely eliminated pension benefits and increased the
company matching on the 401K plan. In this plan the cash balance was
guaranteed to increase by a certain percent each year depending on which
contract they signed for that year with a financial services company
(usually an insurance company). This is why the US government could not
allow AIG (largest insurance company in the US, or maybe the world) to go
bankrupt, because they had a lot of pension fund and 401K money in their
accounts.

 

How Would you know you, never worked in an auto assembly plant!

Guys like you that are working at McDonalds should join a union LOL

 

And if you go apples to apples, Toyota workers get about $48 per hour,
roughly $17 in wages and the rest in benefits.

Someone mentioned the price of a Toyota is about the same as an American
car of comparable value.

The trouble is, for every 1000 GM cars, there are far more fall-outs than
per 1000 Toyotas. The parts last longer on a whole.

So, Toyota is putting the money into better parts. And enough profit so
they don't have to go running to the government with their hands out.

If GM in particular had focused more on being a carmaker than a bank or an
investment firm, they wouldn't be in this mess.

Toyota has the financials as an aside. Oh, and their homebuilding
business, too. And their sewing machines. . . textile looms. . . etc.

 

That may be your opinion but we did not see any approachable difference if
failures between imports and domestics in the thousands of cars we serviced
annually in our shops over the past ten years or so. Japanese superiority
is more myth than fact


You don't know what you are talking about when ot come to government
handouts. The Japanese government give "handouts" to ALL of their
manufactures and has been doing so ever since WWII. The don't call it
"Japan Incorporated" for nothing LOL

 

Being able to afford "something" has little to do with ones standard of
living...

Where I live, we are in a labour crunch. McDonalds is offering $13 per hour
for burger flippers.... I couldn't afford to live on $13 per hour.

However.... when the "free" world becomes involved, we might see a "sweat
shop" develop.... An employee will cling to their job.... glad to have above
"average" income... willing to work long and hard hours to maintain that
above average income.

Whoaaaaa. that sounds a lot like me....

 

If the burger flippers are supposed to be able to live in $13/hour
then I guess the Wall Street guys should get the same or less.
Losing billions of dollars can not be more difficukt than flipping
burgers.
Same to rick and co
Cars are made by robots and not much skill involved for the monkeys
that feed them.

 

While not a wage I'd want to try to live on, it is pretty good money for a
high school kid, an uneducated dropout, or a part time mom that wants to
make a few extra bucks while the kids are in school.

 

As I understand it then it is going very well for McDonalds now.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Mac_Index
the price of a Big Mac was $3.57 in the United States
The Big Mac can be used to tell the difference in cost of living
around the world etc.

 

Oh. Some trained monkeys do a better job than others.

 

Gorillas are quite good but not that many.
Chimps are in greater supply.

 

Yes and no, Ed.... Over ten years ago, people were getting $17/hour sweeping
floors.... In something a little over 6 years, my wages have doubled... Is
this normal? I think not....

This is inflation on steroids...

While each and every one of us would dearly love to be paid with sacks and
sacks of money... it can't happen.... A job is only worth what it is worth
in terms of knowledge - in terms of technical expertise - in terms of
investment in tools....

Speaking of which.... Let's look at a salesman... He has, among other
things, a suit. Might be a cheap one - might be an Armani... His ''tools"
incl\ude looking good - smelling good and sounding good... $800 for a decent
suit, $200 for nice shoes, $1500 to have his teeth capped and that halitosis
dealt with.. done deal... can't do anythiung for the mans personality - but
we are all in that boat.

I smell bad - I don't own a suit - I'm an asshole and usually proud of the
fact... but I own a LOT of tools... more than some people paid for their
house. I have a lot of intellectual property... I deal in reality and cannot
baffle people with bullshit because it will catch up with me.

We are coming to that point in time where the stark reality will be getting
paid appropriately for what we do. Assembly line workers are in for a rude
awakening....

 

Wow.... imagine... an employer (the guy that signs the FRONT of the cheque)
being able to decide where HIS business is going. How unorthodox can you
get?

I spent many years as self employed... A small business, the most I had for
employees at one time was about 12 - a mix of full and part time. "This" is
the "job" and "these" are the tasks the "job" requires - none are illegal,
dangerous or immoral... "this" is what it pays.

While you might decide that holding a gun to my head for higher wages or
expensive benefits might be appropriate - as the keeper of the purse
strings, I would find it appropriate to decide what I am going to spend and
where I am going to spend it.

Now that we have manufactured our own Catch 22... I can prove that it is my
ball - my glove... hell, even the ball field belongs to me - and I can send
everyone home.

Picture, if you will, a shepherd... He can either drive the sheep to where
he wants them... or he can follow them - praying that they will wind up
where he desires....

 

========================================
1989-1998 240sx tutorials (91-94 unless indicated) :
========================================

A
bbreviations
AIV removal(PAIR
valve)
Air
Regulator

Alignment
Alternator
removal
Needs work
Antenna Install[/
url]
Automatic
transmission-1991-1994-FSM
Battery
terminal replacement
Battery FAQ
Belts-changing[/
url]Needs work
Brakes-1991-1994-
FSM

Brakes-Bleeder
screw

Brakes-replace rear
pads
Brakes-replace rear
rotors
Brake master
cylinder replacement
Brake light[/
url]
Buying
guide-1989-1998
Cam
Alignment(1991-1998)
Catalytic converter
Cleaning Detailing
[/
url]
Clutch master
cylinder
Clutch-replacing[/
url] (no pictures)
Clutch-1991-1994-
FSM

Codes:
retrieving
and reading(1991-1994)
Codes:
retrieving & reading(1995-1998)
Codes: retieving
&
reading(1989-90 SOHC)
Code 34
detonation/knock sensor
Compression test
methodology
Computer codes:
reading
Control
arm-front lower control arm replacement
Coolant system-
general
Coolant change[/
url]
Coolant-
Temperature sensor
Crankshaft position
sensor
CV boot replacement
[/
url]
Dash removal
[/
url]
Defogger-rear
defroster(1989-1998)
Detonation
sensor/
knock sensor
Differential-
aftermarket install
Differential oil
change
Distributor
see Timing
Distributor timing
[/
url]
Dist. timing
trouble-
shoot
Door-
hinge sags Needs work
Door latch
troubleshooting(Driver's door)
Door Panel removal
[/
url]
Engine-
Fuel_emission-1991-1994-FSM
Engine
Removal 1991-98
ECU-serial numbers
[/
url]
ECU- Tuning
Electronic help
Exhaust manifold
removal
Factory service
manual-1991-1994 Incomplete-see link in my signature
Factory service manual
1989 best
Factory service
manual-1989-1990
Factory service
manual-1995
Factory service
manual-1998
Fender brace
install

Fiberglassing
Flooding
Freeze plug
(expansion)
Fuel filter
replacement
Fuel injector
replacement
Fuel Injector Leak
test
Fuel pressure
regulator
Fuel Pressure specs(see fuel pressure reg. article 34/43 psi)
Fuel pump
install

Fuel Pump install
(s14)
Fuel pump
Needs work
Fuel pump kill
switch

Fuse & Relay
Locations
Ground kit[/
url]
Ground-checking[/
url]
Hatch-
water leak
Headlight
troubleshooting
Helicoil
Idle-
stalling at stop lights
Idle adjustment[/
url]
IACV AAC
cleaning
& electrical trouble-shooting
Ignition lock/
switch
Intake manifold good article
Intake-AEM
install
on 1997
knock
sensor/Detonation sensor
Light
bulb replacement-dash
Leak down test-
FUEL

Light bulb- S14
Climate control
MAF-cleaning
[/
url]
Master cylinder
(brake) replacement
Master cylinder
brake bleeder kit
Oil pump
inspection
Oil pressure sensor
[/
url]
Oxygen sensor
PCV
Paint
codes
l
PCV-Location[/
url]
Power steering-
hose replacement
Power steering-rebuild for
1995
Power steering
pump-
removal/replacement
Power steering
system-bleeding
Relays-theory
[/
url]
Radiator
Radio
harness wire colours-89-98
S
eat upgrade
Specifications
(1991-1994)
Stalling-at stop
lights
Starting -hard
start
when engine warm
Starting-hard start
when engine cold
Starter trouble-
shooting-Engine won't turn over
Steering-also see power steering
Steering wheel
removal
1990 steering rack replacement
Steering-rack
bushing replacement
Steering-Tie rod
removal
Steering-tie rod
[/
url]
Steering-tie rod/
rack angle
Stereo Faq
see
radio
Stripped bolt
remedy

Stripped bolt remedy
Stud replacement
[/
url]
[url=http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread/97924]Subframe[/url]
[url=http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread/242578]Subrame(1995-1998)
[/
url]
[url=http://zilvia.net/f/chat/165043-bushings.html]Subframe bushings
[/
url]
[url=http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread/11638]Suspension-misc[/
url]
[url=http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread/370290-1991-1993-240sx-
front-strut-replacement-tutorial]Suspension: Front Struts[/url]
[url=http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread/370768-1991-1993-240sx-
rear-
shock-replacement-tutorial]Suspension: Rear shocks[/url]
[url=http://www.nicoclub.com/articles.php?id=212392]Suspensiion-Sway
bar end link, Tension control rod, Control arm bushings(all front)[/
url]
[url=http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=286600&page=1]
Suspension: front lower control arm replacement[/url]
[url=http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=385480]Suspension-Rear
ball joint[/url]
[url=http://www.expertvillage.com/video-series/4351_ball-joint.htm]
Suspension-Ball joint replacement video[/url]
[url=http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=254769]Suspension-
tension control rod[/url]
[url=http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread/370906-cheap-sway-bar-
link-
upgrade]Suspension: Rear sway bar[/url]
[url=http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=254375][B]T[/B]
emperature sensor-coolant[/url]
[url=http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread/306630]Thermostat[/url]
[url=http://www.240sx.org/faq/articles/
throttle_position_sensor_adjustm.htm]Throttle position sensor(TPS)[/
url]
[url=http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=330774]Tie rod removal
[/
url]
[url=http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread/358264]Timing Light guide
[/
url]
[url=http://www.240sx.org/faq/articles/timing.htm]Timing-adjusting[/
url]
[url=http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread/357786]Timing-Distributor
[/
url]
[url=http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread/357530]Dist. timing
trouble-
shoot[/url]
[url=http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread/105618]Timing Chain Rattle
(1991-1998)[/url]
[url=http://www.nicoclub.com/articles.php?id=161689]Timing chain
rattle
(SOHC)(1989-90)[/url]
[url=http://www.240sx.org/links/installs/timing_chain/index.html]
Timing chain install (SOHC)[/url]
[url=http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread/220814]Timing chain
replacement(SOHC) best[/url]
[url=http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=255023]Timing Chain
(DOHC)[/url] Incomplete
[url=http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread/81404]Tires[/url]
[url=http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=291830]Tire chains[/
url]
[url=http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread/358025]Top Dead Center[/
url]
[url=http://www.eternalrivals.com/240sx/trans/]Transmission oil
change
[/url]
[url=http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread/239220]Transmission[/url]
[url=http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread/221905][B]V[/B]acuum
diagrams[/url]
[url=http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread/255646]Vacuum Pump Leak[/
url]
[url=http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=257238]Valve removal/
seal replace[/url]
[url=http://my240.epijunkie.com/240SX_VIN_and_MID_Decoding]VIN-
reading/
decoding[/url]
[url=http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=220947][B]W[/B]ater
pump
replacement[/url]
[url=http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread/232942]Water pump
(1995-1998)
[/url]
[url=http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread/81407]Wheels[/url]
[url=http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=247358]Wheel stud
replacement[/url]
[url=http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=381913]Wheel stud
replacement2[/url]
[url=http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=363488]Wheel bearing
replacement-rear[/url]
[url=http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=355042]Windshield wiper
noise fix[/url]
[url=http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread/245266]Window-repairing
amp
(1989-1995)[/url]
[url=http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread/256110]Window-repairing
power windows(1996-1998)[/url]
[url=http://www.240sx.org/faq/articles/power_windows.htm]Window-stuck
[/
url]
[url=http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread/218638]Window-replace
motor
1995-98[/url]
[url=http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread?id=251576]Wiring diagrams
[/
url]


****CUSTOM INSTALLS************************************
[url=http://www.240sx.org/links/installs/cai/clinthicum/
240sxcai.html]
Air intake install[/url]
[url=http://www.240sx.org/links/installs/aem-intake/index.htm]Air
Intake install-S14-(AEM)[/url]
[url=http://www.240sx.org/links/installs/short_intake/index.htm]Air
Intake-Custom S14[/url]
[url=http://www.240sx.org/links/installs/BRAKE-UPGRADE.jpg]Brake
upgrade-240sx to 300zx[/url]
[url=http://www.240sx.org/links/installs/flywheel/index.htm]Clutch
install[/url]
[url=http://www.240sx.org/links/installs/
how_to_wire_electric_fans.htm]
Fan-electric wiring[/url]
[url=http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread/242562]Fan-wiring[/url]
[url=http://www.240sx.org/links/installs/
first_gen_electric_fan_install.htm]Fan-electric wiring[/url]
[url=http://www.240sx.org/links/installs/efans/index.html]Fan
install-
electric for s14[/url]
[url=http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread/240404]Fiberglassing [/
url]
[url=http://www.240sx.org/links/installs/hotshot/
hotshot_header_install.html] Header Intall[/url]
[url=http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread/206434]Hood pin install[/
url]
[url=http://www.240sx.org/links/installs/lsd2/index.htm]LSD(limited
slip differential) install[/url]
[url=http://www.240sx.org/faq/articles/apex.htm]multichecker[/url]
[url=http://www.240sx.org/links/installs/nosinstall/NOS_Install.htm]
Nitrous oxide-direct port wet kit 1990 240sx[/url]
[url=http://www.nicoclub.com/articles.php?id=186872]Painting-
headlight
housing[/url]
[url=http://www.240sx.org/links/installs/chrisr/index.html]Sound
system intall 1995 240sx[/url]
[url=http://www.240sx.org/links/installs/coilover/coilover/
index.html]
Suspension-coilover conversion[/url]
[url=http://www.240sx.org/links/installs/s14_5speed_swap.htm]Swap-
auto
to 5speed s14[/url]
[url=http://www.240sx.org/links/installs/turbo240/240sx.htm]
Turbo-1989
240sx[/url]
[url=http://www.240sx.org/links/installs/turbo90240/feature2.htm]
Turbo
1990 240sx[/url]


Note: People are just sharing their experience in these articles/
tutorials. The authors are not experts. Always refer to factory
service manual for safety and expert opinion.


IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: Trusting your life to something you read on
the
internet is just plain stupid. Get corroboration from a more
reliable
source, use your common sense, don't get yourself killed, and don't
come crying to us if you do




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