Long decline in our industrial base
At $529 in 2004, the average weekly earnings of production workers were about 19 percent below the 1973 level; this is because of a failure of the economy to deliver the benefits of prosperity to all workers. Workers who have been most negatively affected are men with a high school diploma or less between the ages of 25 and 54.
Over the last three decades, economic changes have contributed to lower average earnings, increased earnings inequality and an increase in the percentage of men who cannot support a family on their own earnings. Labor-saving technological changes and the globalization of markets have reduced employer demand for production workers in the U.S. and institutional changes -- such as a decline in the inflation-adjusted value of
the minimum wage and shrinking unionization rates -- have eroded the bargaining power of workers.
The official poverty rate in 2004 is not much different than it was in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The United States' manufacturing base has declined over this period, with much of the production going out of the country. Our public servants in Washington must be more accountable to the people, not the international corporations. Join VOID in our message to replace irresponsible incumbents with challenger candidates who have the American worker at heart, for the good of our economy and us all.
Comments
Working Americans have not realized the benefits of technological progress and economy thanks to government granted monopolies. From copyrights and patents to our federal reserve system, our nation's laws are designed so that a few benefit off the backs of many.
Thanks for stopping by, btw.
Posted by: qrswave | January 22, 2006 7:48 PM