Quote:
Originally Posted by beppe
Fix It Again Tony
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Exactly.
Quote:
Originally Posted by DMcCunney
The new CEO of Fiat is trying to change the corporate culture, and especially the work habits (or perhaps that should be non-work habits) of the folks that build the cars. It will be an uphill battle, as the work force has been used to an environment where things featherbedding and not bothering to show up because a soccer match was on were accepted practices.
Even some of the work force recognizes that changes are required, because it's global competition, Fiat has to compete on quality and price, and they can't rely on the Italian government to bail them out so they don't have to change. But only some of the work force, and since the changes will also require layoffs to bring staffing in line with demand, I wish him luck.
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Dennis
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I understand that overabundance of strikes doesn't do miracles for business (I would be quite surprised over the football match question, as money is
tight for people working in the sector, sometimes after years on and off
cassa integrazione*), but
still, if they did have cars with a decent structure (and not like the Punto I did my driver's license three years ago- basically an overgrown car audio system, with impossible seating for people over 1m65, feet size 41 getting
stuck if not with the most inexistant sole, and a decent
clutch, which was rather scary for a learner**) they might fare a lot better. For example, plenty of people would buy
their cars instead of other Western/Western European brands (that are in the same price range).
In fact: it doesn't seem to me that their van line fares badly. They put a lot more effort there (cooperating with Peugeot and Citroen, for example) and the result is much more appreciated. And it shows in the streets. Erk.
*they're off work and receive wages on a certain percent (and under a certain amount), paid partly by the State so that the workers aren't fired (and they can
consume, which is the bone of modern economy
and they cost less than being on the dole). It doesn't always end up with return to full occupation for all parties, but for example my old nanny's son's old design industry did draw benefits during some tight times in the 1990s-early 2000s.
**it went
off as I was trying to change the gear. Now, my father had been quite clear with the "don't force the clutch" rule, and the same goes for the teacher; plus it's really more comfortable to do it that way, so I don't think it was some weird manoeuvre on my side; and again: it should
stay there. Off it went! Fortunately the teacher put it back while I attempted not to panic too much into a busy street.