You mention the foriegn competitors.

Mercedes which also owns Chrysler = Dailmer Chrysler

Germany, where the union is a lot more powerful than that here in the US. Workers get over 60 DAYS paid vacations and the working hours are less than that in the US.

Lexus/Toyota which often works along with GM.
Japan, again work weeks are often shorter and layoffs are extremely rare.

Cadillac/GM
US, layoffs are frequent, the work week is longer, and the corporations bickers often with the employees (UNION) publicly.

Peace...