The CrimsonRide drivers’ struggle to make ends meet inspires much empathy. Few of us have grown up in such desperation as their families.
However, the best decisions are based not on emotion, but on logic. From this perspective, the best move is to keep the wage the same while trying to gain other concessions to reach an agreement.
A wage isn’t something that is given merely because someone works. It is the price based on the services rendered and the skills required. The drivers are hard workers and operate our transportation system effectively. Their skill set is another matter. Commercial driving programs last only eight weeks, compared to two or four years for associate or bachelor’s degrees. It’s easy to see why the price level is so low for CDL drivers. The education is in greater supply compared to other professions.
Another reason for maintaining the current wage rate is the languid state of the economy. At present, American business is in a tailspin, and the future of our markets is murky at best. The last thing any business needs right now is cost increase. Last year, First Group PLC had a profit margin of 0.93 percent, while its competitors had margins of 2 percent. All of their money went back into fuel, maintenance, personnel and other necessary costs. If the drivers were successful in gaining higher wages, several of their coworkers may be greeted with pink slips.
This does not mean that each side cannot come to a consensus on some things. If the workers want health care, First Transit may be able to offer a range of insurance to guarantee the workers against catastrophic illness or injury, or provide SCHIP for their children. Another possibility may be to provide free tax preparation to ensure that the drivers receive the Earned Income Tax Credit, which would translate to higher wage rates without a payroll increase. These would provide an excellent compromise for both parties until the economy picks up.
The drivers presently want their cake and a fork to eat it with too, and this is not feasible at this time. The only way either side will get any headway is to pull some planks from their platforms. Otherwise, no one will be getting “yes” any time soon.
Gregory Poole is a senior majoring in metallurgical engineering.
