Company Announcements on Friday Suggest Potential Job Growth in Future

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.laborradio.org/node/14178

Submitted by Jesse Russell on September 19, 2010 - 5:17am
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Friday saw a stream of positive announcements for potential job growth at some U.S. factories. General Motors said that a $483 million investment at a plant in Spring Hill, Tennessee could see the return of 483 laid off workers. GM will make the investment if it receives requested incentive packages from state and local governments. The U.S. Navy announced it is trying to bolster interest in a shipyard that is scheduled to be shuttered by Northrup Gruman in 2013. Northrup plans to consolidate ship building to Mississippi. The Avondale shipyard has been in ship production for 75 years and employs 5,000 workers. The Navy’s plan would advance a multibillion dollar contract that would see the construction of a new class of oilers starting in 2014. The plan would likely see scrutiny by the Treasury Department as it could allow for a foreign company to purchase the property. Boeing plants could also soon see a hiring spree as the company announced plans on Thursday that the company would be increasing the current pproduction rate of 737s of 31.5 planes per month to 35 planes per month in 2012 and 38 planes per month in 2013. Boeing did not know as of Friday how many new workers that would mean in the long run.

[TBF]

1. Jobs - yay!

I keep wondering what is going on behind the scenes though. With all the "talk" about the tax cuts potentially expiring, my guess is that there has been a lot of behind the door dealing. I expect to see some temporary hiring, and in return I expect to see a "compromise" to occur in which all cuts are made permanent by the end of the year.

[dkf]

2. I doubt it would be permanent. Extended maybe but not permanent.

[TBF]

3. Maybe -

I just think the extension is going to happen. They wouldn't talk about it otherwise. I see posturing that will result in "compromise". I do think those making under $250K or so should have their cuts extended. Double digit unemployment, everyone strapped, it's a hard time to raise taxes on anyone but particularly at the low levels it would be foolish.