Trenton Dierkes is concerned for the future of those who work in manufacturing and plants here in the United States. He is a long-time factory worker who handles many areas of glass manufacturing. He is thankful that he still enjoys the benefits of union representation and great insurance options and retirement plans, but many in the industry are not. Manufacturers are opening plants here in the United States, but not employing most of their employees directly.
The new trend here in the United States is to outsource their employees due to a growing marketplace and the need for more jobs. Nissan for example uses an in-house contractor called Yates Services, which has sent thousands of people over the past few years to get their production up and going. The only problem is Nissan employees are treated far differently than their contracted counterparts even though they do the same job. http://trentondierkes.tumblr.com/
In Nissan’s case, even though the out-sourced employees work for Nissan, they are offered rates and benefits according to Yates regulation. They even have to follow different rules and procedures. The Nissan employees get to wear their logoed shirts, which Yates workers don't receive. There is also a huge gap in the pay; Yates pays between $10 and $18 an hour. That is almost half of what Nissan employees get paid. Plus, the gap in benefits is incredible. Nissan workers can lease cars, get long term disability and job security. The jobs of the contracted employees are not protected.
What’s more alarming is that these hiring explosions by companies such as Nissan throughout the years are lowering the unemployment rate, but at what cost? This is just one example of success in the global economy — the return of American manufacturing after decades of decline, and the future of work for people who were left jobless by globalization. For the US to stay competitive with the world, employees here in the states must take jobs at a deep discount. https://twitter.com/trentondierkes
Trenton Dierkes is thankful for his job and the benefits he receives at his job. He knows many others who are worried and fearful of what the future job market holds.
About: Trenton Dierkes is a factory worker at a glass plant who sees changes in the current work market. For more details: https://vimeo.com/trentondierkes