Honda to UAW: Drop Dead

Looks like the threats from the United Auto Workers to wage a silly war against non-union automakers did not impress Honda. From Mickey Kaus:

Buried lede in a Bloomberg story on the UAW's plan to confront any "anti-union" company with "a global campaign" to brand them a "human-rights violator"

Honda Motor Co. said today it is not talking to the UAW.

“Honda has had no dialogue with the UAW and has no interest in a discussion with them,” Ed Miller, a Honda spokesman, said in an e-mailed statement. “The issue of union representation is ultimately one for our associates to decide and, for more than three decades, Honda associates have spoken loudly and clearly by choosing to reject UAW outreach efforts.”

This seems like a smart move by Honda—don't show any weakness that gives the UAW hope and maybe the union's organizers will move on to Toyota. The alternative of seeking a "let's talk" middle ground would be a good way for Honda to lose. In any case, unions are now so unpopular that "let's talk" isn't even a good way to guarantee MSM respectability anymore ...

P.S.: Corporatism-watchers will now pay close attention to whether, after stiffing Obama's union allies, Honda is treated fairly by his administration's regulators ...

American autoworkers who build Japanese cars know their lives won't get better if the UAW represents them. The Japanese take good care of their workers and they build good products. Because they'd like to continue to build good products they'll stay as far away from the UAW as possible.