Since 1975, United Technologies has led the way in building and researching high tech products. You can find their influence in everything from aircraft to security systems to military equipment. But now, United Technologies gets press for the wrong reasons.
In Indianapolis, Indiana, there is an air conditioning manufacturing plant called Carrier, which United Technologies owns. Carrier announced the plant will begin a move to Monterrey, Mexico starting next year. Eventually, this will cost 1,400 American jobs. A meeting was called. When workers heard this plan, let’s just say, they didn’t hide their disappointment and frustration. As company president Chris Nelson delivered the bad news, it was returned with jeering and cursing. Here’s the video, but viewer discretion advised: Some of the language is graphic. Him saying things like, “This was strictly a business decision” and “We’re committed to treating you with respect during this transition…” hardly made workers feel better. Even political leaders are getting involved. Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett plans to issue an executive order to help out workers. Indiana Governor Mike Pence authorized his state to offer job training and education to those affected. Meanwhile in Huntington, Indiana, a town approximately 100 miles north of Indianapolis, another United Technologies plant announced it’s move to Mexico. Around 700 jobs will be lost…in a town of only 17,000 people.
Can you blame the workers for the reaction? I can’t. Imagine working hard, being loyal and doing the right thing for years, only to have your job shipped to a foreign land. Of coursed you’re going to be ticked off. Then they tell them it’s just business. That’s like a hit man or gangster telling the victim, “We have to kill you know. But it’s just business.” Unfortunately, their ordeal isn’t unique. So far in 2016, many businesses are cutting down or letting good workers go. By moving to Mexico, United Technology thinks they’re going to save money because they can pay employees less in Mexico and the unions aren’t as strong. That means they can exploit workers more without consequence. This is a total move of greed on United Technologies’ part. The only ones winning here are the CEO and top VP’s. Some may say, “Oh, that’s just capitalism.” I beg to differ. This looks more like crony capitalism to me, where only a few have a shot at the American dream while the vast majority starve. ?Is this just business or personal to you?