Reply #15: i was making anywhere from 10-12 (without over time) in the early 70`s with...

[madrchsod]

cost of living every three months,paid dental and health care, could miss 10% of hours worked every three months and two weeks vacation.

i worked at a UNION steel drop forge shop that was hotter than hell in the summer and cold as the north pole in the winter.

i worked for a UNION STEEL mill that paid 8.50 to start then went up to 12-13 depending where i worked. good benefits and vacation plan.

the next forge shop i worked for in the mid 90`s was NON UNION and paid 10-12. had to pay for insurance,two weeks vacation,and that`s it. that place was even hotter and colder.

the first two employers are out of business because of south east asian labor costs. the third one has cut production in half.

UNIONS raised everyone's wages and trade agreements were friendly to AMERICANS