Odds and Ends: October 2024

- A people that values its privileges above its principles soon loses both.

- Dwight D. Eisenhower

The above words of wisdom can apply to the owners of production and the laborers who service their product. The creed of business is the priciple and the distribution of the net proceeds is the privilege. The creed should be to make the best possible product and to take care of the workers who produce it. 

Boeing Strike

The company was able to end a pension for its workers a while back. They knew the workers feel cheated by this issue. This hits hard when the CEO has excessive pay with a bonus of share options as well as many others in management. When the company offered a 35% raise, they thought that would win the day. This also made them appear better in the public view. What they should do is to offer a matching donation to the workers K401. Of course, an offer of $10 grand to go with the pay raise. Boeing would need to limit the matching offer or this will be a real big issue in the future. However, it would show a real concern for your workers welfare and the company makes more than enough to go this route. 

With that said, we, at Evolution predicted 2024 would be a year of strikes. When we read Kaiser Health Care workers are also on strike along with many smaller firms, our call is on the money. Many of these strikes are dated to previous contracts. Workers no longer go on spontaneous strikes. The government intervened a long time ago. There is a government arbitrary who steps into disputes, especially if it concerns the national economy. To work off the job without warning is like getting a strike, excuse the oun, against your claim before the mediator. In other news...

Francis Scott Key Bridge

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has reached a settlement with the owners of the vessel that destroyed the bridge. The Singapore shipping firm's insurance will cover $102 million case. However, the owners are not out of hot water. The FBI is conducting a criminal investigation due to the poor maintenance and lying reports about repairs. The owners should reflect. They are blessed with money, but they only seek to enhance their wealth rather than protecting their vessels (product) and the seamen employed (workers). They should read the words of wisdom at the beginning. The CEO of Boeing should read it as well. In seeking another buck, the shipping firm is losing many more. The state of Maryland is also filing a lawsuit against them. 

Good News

Form Energy has developed a battery that feeds electrical power grids up to 100 hours. Of course, you and I do not realize what this means. It means their battery is 25x better than anyone else. Sorry, we cannot buy their sares. This is a private company. That does not take away the good news by an American firm. Peace.