UAW and Chrysler switch it up at pair of engine plants
UAW local 372 in Trenton, MI voted to approve a tentative agreement with Chrysler that would change the way things are run at the Trenton engine plant (shown). Significant changes reported by The Car Connection include new work rules, big reductions in job classifications and changes to how work time is counted that will lead to fewer overtime hours. The whole point of the new agreement is to make the plant more attractive to Chrysler, which could send new projects into the plant if a good business case is present. A similar agreement was also approved at Chrysler's Kenosha, WI plant and may be voted on at the Mack II engine plant in Detroit.
While some union members are decrying the destruction of organized labor from within, we've already reported on a few success stories at Chrysler's Toledo Jeep operations where local unions have broken ranks with the national body in order to lower costs, boost production and ultimately preserve their jobs.
[Source: The Car Connection]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Leo 2:15PM (5/08/2006)
Sure, as long as the union renders itself irrelevant and quickly does what the manufacturer asks them, it works well.
Then you've got to ask yourself, "what am I paying all those dues for?." And the UAW will have a heck of a time giving you a straight answer for that. Unionization is like cigarette smoking... the best way to go is not to get started.
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Greg 4:06PM (5/08/2006)
Leo,
The function of a good union is to represent its workers collective opinion to management, bargain for fair wages, and call management's attention to unsafe conditions.
The fact that the automakers have given some ridiculous concessions in the last several decades doesn't mean unions are obsolete. What we're seeing is financial realities forcing the unions to back off the concessions they previously won from weak management.
If it doesn't take 6 skilled tradesmen to screw in a lightbulb anymore in Trenton, it doesn't mean the union is irrelevant...
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Finished.Law.School 5:07PM (5/08/2006)
Oh my, what's this? A union, much less the UAW, doing something smart? This must be an anomaly...
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John Smith 8:07PM (5/08/2006)
That's not going to save them. The UAW is going DOWN.
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Den in IN 10:04AM (5/09/2006)
No, its not the UAW, its the local guys seeing the writing on the wall and making a good decision. Its an almost capitalist approach to keeping their jobs. Well done guys.
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Gerald Peitrowski 7:45PM (5/12/2006)
Why don't auto workers just work for nothing that way their jobs will be really safe. DA! Look the Germans can't get away with Union Busting in Germany but their sure jumping on the Band Wagon here.
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