General Motors and Zachow's Tavern

GM spent a mind boggling $5.6 billion last year on health care for its active and retired employees (total 1.1 million). This works out to be around $1,500 for every vehicle produced by GM. The folks at GM are trying to reduce this expense by promoting health awareness. Noble idea, but I think it is ridiculous to think that a tavern, called Zachow's Tavern, close to the premises is somehow a big problem. I fount it amusing that GM actually tried to buy this tavern to close it. Jim Zachow, owner of the bar, says he's in no hurry to sell, citing "good old family values". However, he said he'd be willing to sell to GM for the right price. A GM executive said the company has made offers but the Zachow wanted too much money.

Zachow's Tavern has an interesting sign in the corner that reads: "Finish your beer. There are sober kids in India." I thought it was amusing that "India talk" is now mainstream in America. Any way, getting back to the story about Zachow's Tavern, Mr. Zachow says that the workers don't get drunk when they hit his bar during breaks. He says they only have less than a half-hour for their breaks and it’s great that they can get two or three beers down. Well, now you know why GM's cars are not of the highest quality.