Union talk at Nissan spurs scrutiny: Gap in pay shrinking

With renewed talk of unionization at Nissan’s Canton plant, an automotive analyst says the gaps between pay and benefits at union and nonunion automotive facilities is shrinking.

Bill Visnic, senior analyst with automotive website Edmunds.com, says the trend is especially true among newer hires in a post-recession landscape where labor unions have made significant concessions to “The Big 3” domestic automakers, particularly General Motors and Chrysler.

A new hire starting work at a nonunionized facility like the Canton plant can earn a comparable wage to someone beginning a job at a unionized plant, Visnic says.

Clarion Ledger
6/5/12