RK ARCHIVE - Senator Webb stops in 1st CD

The plant, which makes torque-converter clutches for automatic transmissions, has experienced a significant decline in the workforce in the last 8 years, and currently employs around 150 workers.

After an introductory meeting with local and national GM and UAW leaders Senator Webb went on a plant tour and then met with employees.

In my opinion his visit sent a clear message of his true concern about the continuing erosion of the middle class and in particular about the elimination of manufacturing jobs.

I applaud his efforts to bring these vital issues forward and thank him for visiting the 1st District.

Comments

What, you mean he "wasted" his time with the employees (Catzmaw - 2/12/2007 6:36:45 PM)

instead of hanging out with the big cheeses chewing tobaccy and slapping each other on the back like his predecessor? Goodness, what's this world coming to?

Hope to see a story about this posted somewhere.

welcome to the world of corporate labor arbitrage (TurnVirginiaBlue - 2/12/2007 8:36:42 PM)

I hope Webb gets a second opinion on whether it really is cheaper to ship parts around the globe, assemble them and bring them back in and why that is.

I'm don't trust these Corporate "executives" on some of these numbers to be frank and what are their assumptions? That the labor force offshore is living in a cardboard box or that fuel costs $2.20/gal or what?

What about the middle class eventually not being able to afford the cars?

BTW: When was the last time anyone can remember a politician visiting the workers on the job and talking to them, even as a publicity stunt?

That was like some sort of childhood memory from something on the TV in the 70's to me....all I can remember right now is Kerry in that hunting suit with no duck. :)

He wants to know where this is going (Info_Tech_Guy - 2/13/2007 3:40:15 PM)

Sen. Webb's comment about the future of middle class jobs is certainly refreshing. He wants to focus attention on the longer term implication of moving all possible work outside the U.S. -- offshore or just over the border.

2 items available to (chiefsjen - 2/12/2007 9:28:45 PM)

show support for Webb.

visit:

www.cafepress.com/galaxydesigns58 -- right now I have button and sticker available -- i will be making more as the days go on.

glad to see Webb still living up to his word :)

I hope that (doctormatt06 - 2/12/2007 10:27:05 PM)

The senate can get to vote on the Employee Free Choice Act, its time for employees to have some rights, instead of just always having to bend over and take it, when the bosses want to cut losses (while still saving their big fat paychecks) by cutting the number of employees

Just watched the two videos (Catzmaw - 2/12/2007 11:01:37 PM)

I'm familiar with the LTE which was read to Webb. I posted a response to it yesterday. Interestingly enough, all the comments but one to the letter from this guy named Davis (not the Congressman) were in favor of Webb. It just shows how much opinion is swinging Webb's way. Ridiculous anyway to accuse Webb of "whining".

It was good to see him in a factory actually speaking to the people there. I get the sense that he's still formulating his position and trying to see all the practical issues involved in coming up with a comprehensive trade policy.