Have you noticed, either you pull it and it flies out all over the place, or, with a full roll, you pull it and only get one square because it is so thin and weak. Business Week says recalls from all the auto companies are soaring. Auto overtime is nearing levels last seen in World War II when the nation's survival depended on it. . . . That means the industry depends on a lot of tired workers and on equipment that may not have been out of operation long enough for proper maintenance and repairs. . . . Overtime has allowed the auto industry to look increasingly profitable over the years.
Car companies can stay flexible on staffing levels.
The massive layoffs and ramp ups of past years no longer are necessary. If demand slows, they merely will reduce the amount of overtime. Even at double time, overtime is cheaper than adding workers to the payroll and providing them with expensive benefits. . . . The Fall 2000 issue of Inside Track, the Company magazine sent to all our homes, features a member who has had 16 years of perfect attendance. He has never called in sick, only been late for one minute 10 years ago, cashed in 150 vacation days, volunteers to work on weekends, and comes in every day half an hour before starting time.