Automakers' Jobs Bank Program Pays Laid-Off Workers to Do Nothing

If Congress goes ahead with an auto industry bailout, American taxpayers may have to pay for thousands of laid off auto workers to literally do nothing all year.

Thousands of laid-off auto workers get paid $31 an hour to sit around and do nothing all year under a controversial program that could continue even if American taxpayers bail out the American auto industry.

The program, called "Jobs Banks," has been around for 24 years. Some of the employees at jobs banks choose to do community service, but others do crossword puzzles and watch TV all day -- or just stare at a wall. If you're a laid-off auto worker, it's what comes with your pink slip, thanks to a deal struck in 1984 between the United Auto Workers and the Big Three carmakers.

The program is likely to continue if Congress approves a $25 billion bailout of the industry. But if the automakers go bankrupt, some analysts say, they may be able to eliminate the program, which would abruptly eliminate benefits to the workers in it.

With the union in the democrats pocket I don't see much hope for the auto makers.

Still wonder why Toyota doesn't have such a problem? People need to take a look at GM in Europe and see why they are making huge profits there.