Wages

The reindustrialization of the US economy can significantly narrow the income gap if unions actively participate in the new manufacturing facilities. Total compensation cost of union workers in the auto sector averaged $65 per hour including benefits of $25 per hour. UAW workers pay only 3% of their health care cost compared to 30% for other industries. Retirements include a pension plan for all hired before 2008 and 401K plan for those hired later. Company contributes 6.4% to the 401 K plan. They also have profit sharing, paid leave, holidays, vacation time and family medical leave. They have supplement pay for laid off workers. For the average auto worker this means about $130,000 per year including wages and benefits as compared to the average of all workers which is $83,000.