your empathy for factory workers aside, how do you know that most of them probably deserve it? does anyone know how much we're talking about?

if it's $100 extra, probably no big deal. if it's $10,000 then they almost certainly DIDN'T work for it, and almost certainly DON'T deserve it, so i think there's much judgment here without facts.

 

^^^ I agree with much of your statement. First, we don't know exactly how much each worker got....so some cases may be apples, and others oranges. Second, I stated previously (perhaps you did not see it) that the amount involved would be a factor...I did not advocate keeping an excessive amount, although I agree that what is considered an "excessive" amount is probably debatable. Third, where I do disagree a little (and disagree with Steve) is that, depending on the amount, IMO Honda is paying too much attention to getting their excess-payment money back, and not enough to the hard work that the assembly-line workers do for it, and what getting it back is going to cost in public opinion.

I also am done with this line of discussion. I'm currently getting another retro-write-up ready to post (I think you will like it) , and IMO that takes priority.

 

as i've mentioned, it would be easiest for honda to just let it go but deduct the overages from any future bonuses for those involved. (and i believe honda has offered that option).
that way they keep what they've got now, but it gets resolved down the road.
of course that only works if the total amount isn't significant.

 

To let it go. That would be wrong. They have to acknowledge the error

 

by let it go i didn't say do nothing, i said don't claw back the money now, do it on future bonuses.

 

The article says the error only effected employees at the Marysville plant. It also says Honda operates 12 plants in the U.S. How do you think all the hard working employees at the 11 other plants would feel about this if they get nothing? Talk about a morale problem. This whole thing will get resolved soon per the choices laid out by Honda.

 

Makes sense now. Honda did give the workers some options

 

I think it's possible. Historically and at this particular plant, Japanese transplant carmakers kept the UAW away by paying up to the unionized industry standard and treating the workers with respect. But it also means that when something, anything, happens that leaves the workers dissatisfied, they do not have the recourse of their union to defend them. In theory at least, that can eventually lead to resentment.

 

When you keep something that is not rightfully yours, it is stealing. Whether it's $1 or $100,000. When money is inadvertently placed into your bank account, and you refuse to give it back, it is stealing. Whether you think it should be stealing or not, it is, in fact, in the eyes of the law, stealing.

 

If Honda takes it to court, then a jury will decide if it is stealing or not. And I wouldn't bet the rent money on it.

 

Whether a prosecutor would waste time and energy bringing the case, and whether a jury would be sympathetic does not change the law, which is clear.

 

there will be no reason to take it to court. you want to make this out as "big bad car maker screws hard working workers" but honda holds all the cards / control. workers can't just 'keep' the money because honda can withhold the amount from future earnings or bonuses. it's really not complicated.

we've probably discussed it more here than honda and the workers.

 

Those workers are paid for their work according to their employment agreements. Just because people work hard doesn't mean that a financial error like this should be ignored.

Exactly. Its a payroll error.

 

I agree. If workers allowed to keep accidental overpayment, then everyone who did not get the overpayment (who likely worked just as hard) would be disgruntled and want to be "overpaid" as well. It is a mistake that can and should be corrected. Seems to me Honda is being more than fair by giving several options to the workers for repayment.

 

Honda would never take them to court. These workers would just be laid off. It is very easy to let a worker go if you are Honda