quote:Originally posted by MarianLibrarian:
That's not really a fair comparison. The same items that used to be manufactured here are still being manufactured and consumed, but they're not being made by Americans anymore.
Because Americans won't do the work anymore. Or they won't do it on a basis that allows the manufacturer to make a profit. Or they are not capable of producing the quality of product that the market demands.
American's love of leisure and sitting on their haunches has cost them world dominance, specifically in the manufacturing fields.
Referring back to a previous post. Are you willing to pay $5.00 for a coke and $2.00 for a pack of crackers so a convenience store clerk can make $25.00 per hour? We are assuming no improvement in quality of the items, or quality of the service...only that the clerk is now making a wage where they can afford to live in style. I think very few people would be willing to do so.
The job is not worth that pay. No specialized training is involved. No extensive schooling is required. Relative to other occupations, it's not a hazardous job, and requires no certifications.
Unfortunately, a lot of jobs fall in that category. Lots of jobs are not worthy of high wages, because anybody can do them, and lots of people are able and available.
Many manufacturing jobs are the same. They require no great level of skill, no specialized training or certifications. So when the cost of that employee exceeds the return the employee's work is bringing in...it's time for the manufacturer to shut the job down and find a less costly solution.