When I wasn’t a union employee, I worked for an insurance company that was large enough to need an in-plant printshop and bindery. Same insurance deal, only better, never saw a bill. My forays into small shops always lead back to places with better benefits all the way around.
I made less money working for MSI than I would have in a small commercial shop. But, there was a company funded pension in addition to the 401K. You couldn’t get it through to bargaining unit guys that you were saving 20% of your wage a year. They only cared about the $2-$3 an hour they would be missing out on.
I worked there 17 years. Huge windfall when I moved on (not by choice) invested elsewhere. I work Union now, but have a former boss that would beat everything I have no questions asked, if I came to work for him. I would have to get across the river, am I’m old enough that my commute matters as much as who I work for. Anybody crying about no opportunities and no money/benefits at this time is delusional. The stuff is out there. If you are a tradesman or hold a Journeyman card, it is a great time to be alive.

If you have to buy insurance ON TOP of the crap they give you in England in order to get timely medical treatment, then what the hell is the point of the stuff they give you, and why would anyone want it?


My neighbor lady works part time for Kwik Trip, gets a wage and better insurance then she can buy from the Minnesota health care exchange, at no cost. Many, many employers go begging for help around here, now, and the plans that are available are much improved. My wife has a policy from her employer, local school district. Enough said there, right? She has a hard job, but, they take care of her.

Best,
Ted