Quote:
Originally Posted by tpter1  ......
So, although our workers have safer conditions, better working conditions and we do more to protect the environment and observe human rights than some other countries do, it is coming at a cost for us.
I am on the union's side on this one. |
Whose side we are on is not the issue really. The issue is are the products saleable - is there a value add or are they going to close the factory anyway - just a little later with lawyers the only ones that win?
The only win/win situation is to produce something that is worth what you ask for it. America DOES have such things, Bach has obviously lost touch with them. If the unions can stretch this out a while, the smart employees will have time to find something else (maybe) and the quality will go down even more after they leave, making the decision to go off shore even easier.
It is proof that VALUE for your money is the only real reason to run a business. Without real innovation and solid quality, you can produce anything anywhere for almost any price.
What Bach horns are most popular? As far as I can tell, the model 37 Bb and the 229C, both very old designs. All the bugs should have been worked out by now, but the silverplate still comes off easily, the C is still not universally in tune AND if you have 10 of one model in front of you - they are all VERY different. THAT is a manufacturing DESASTER. Yamaha solved all of this decades ago. Schilke never had the problem.
What are we saving at Bach? What are we striking for? The right to continue the status quo? Unless the materials used are inferior, the discrepancies are either poor design or inadequate manufacturing. No amount of employee protection made an instrument change its playing qualities. The problems at Bach are MUCH older than the problems leading to this strike. Some of the horns are very good!
The problem is not demanding a price for the horn that could keep the operation afloat. The problem is that customers have a choice and have real reasons for buying other horns. If the "artisans" at Bach want a safe job, the product has to mature with age. That is the solution. The cash cow 37 and 229 are DYING.
I am on the side of innovation. If the unions force that issue, the employees have a chance, if not..................................