[sneakernets]

I'm glad to see anti-union rhetoric hasn't really evolved in 40 years.

Strikes didn't "force" automation, the market did. Consumers did.

The reason why the US car industry really died is that the US car industry refused to compete, getting Congress in their pockets to ban their competition instead. So blaming unions while designing four-wheeled boats that got 15 MPG downhill, then legislating yourself to be the only choice... is hilarious! It's also against the entire spirit of the free market.

[britch]

If I understand you correctly you're saying American car manufacturers were speaking out of both sides of their mouth.

"Free market" when it comes to labor.

"Necessary protections" when it comes to international competition.

[aurizon]

Yes, hand in hand they walked the oppositional walk