Why Do U.S. Auto Workers Get Election Day Off? Thank Their Union.

[Teamster Jeff]

Neat fact: While you probably had to wake up at some ungodly hour this morning (or dodge out of work) in order to get to the polls, the workers of Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler have had a day off to go vote.

And for that, they can thank the United Auto Workers.

Back in 1999, when the economy was roaring, car demand was at record heights, and Detroit's big three were terrified of factory strikes setting back production and profits, the UAW negotiated a contract that treated federal elections as paid holidays.

http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2012/11/why-do-us-auto-workers-get-election-day-off-thank-their-union/264651/

[spin]

1. Election day should be a national holiday. (n/t)

[Teamster Jeff]

3. These 4 hours waits at some polling places

are a national embarrassment. If not a national holiday at least have elections on Saturdays

[sarcasmo]

2. UAW kicks A$$.

[Brickbat]

4. That's awesome. UNION YES.

[cherokeeprogressive]

5. I totally agree with employers giving employees the day off but I don't think it should be paid.

Why punish employers on election days? The punishment for most of them would be two-fold. First, they'd be forced to pay employees for not working (regardless of whether the employee plans to vote or not), second if the employer is a store or some such, they'd be out whatever revenue they might have made that day.

Can't agree with that.