REPORT: UAW Chief Ron Gettelfinger confirms retirement in 2010
Despite rumors to the contrary, United Auto Workers President Ron Gettelfinger is getting off the merry-go-round in 2010. The embattled union head honcho had been rumored to be considering seeking a third four-year term, but Gettelfinger himself has since gone on record saying that such notions are "totally untrue and totally unfounded." Instead, he will retire at age 65 next year in accordance with UAW policies.There is no word yet on who will replace Gettelfinger next year, and if the current economic and auto industry malaise continues, whoever succeeds him will assuredly be stepping into a very difficult position. In the meantime, Gettelfinger will continue to work with the Detroit 3 and other union officials to try and protect worker benefits and compensation packages.
[Sources: DowJones via CNNMoney.com; Detroit News | Image: Bill Pugliano/Getty]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Avinash machado 11:36AM (3/19/2009)
Perhaps it is time for the entire UAW itself to retire and not just the chief.
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ronEbear 11:36AM (3/19/2009)
I bet he wishes he`d been able to retire last/this year.
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GMan 11:49AM (3/19/2009)
Yeah. Keep "protecting" the wages and benefits of your workers. Until all 3 companies go under. Then blame the big 3 and the government for everything.
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elprogramer 11:49AM (3/19/2009)
Here's to you Ron, from one of the boys you represent:
I don't think there has been another leader since Ruther himself who has done more for the Union. You will be missed.
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Aprime 11:56AM (3/19/2009)
Hahahaha.
lighting55 4:34PM (6/17/2009)
Ron should of retired long ago. JUST LOOK AT HIS LEADERSHIP! UAW DECLINE, AMERICAN JOB LOSSES. You cant blame the economy. UAW International hasn't laid off or lost any jobs! Wait I forgot ( LIFETIME APPOINTMENTS) THANKS FOR THE REPRESENTATION! LOST UAW JOB (PLANT CLOSING) NAVISTAR INDIANAPOLIS INDIANA
jharlan 11:50AM (3/19/2009)
This is going to be a very tough time for unions, because their main effect in manufacturing is raising labor costs. We have to accept this as fact. In our increasingly globalized economy anything raising the cost in labor results in driving manufacturing to other countries with the lowest labor costs. Failure to move these manufacturing jobs offshore results in a comparative disadvantage resulting in decreased market share. How long will union members nostalgically pay union dues to an organization driving jobs offshore? Apparently until the jobs are gone.
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ddrhero 11:51AM (3/19/2009)
Don't let the door hit you on the way out!
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Tim 12:02PM (3/19/2009)
"Mission Accomplished"
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That One Person 5:17PM (3/19/2009)
Nice.
Funny thing is, I know quite a few UAW members and they hate this guy.
harlanx6 12:13PM (3/19/2009)
This is going to be a very tough time for unions. Since their main effect is to drive manufacturing costs up in this increasingly globalized economy, this results in a comparative disadvantage with their competitors, which results in ever decreasing market share. To survive manufacturing jobs have to be moved to countries with lower labor costs and less regulation. How long will union members pay dues to an organization driving their jobs offshore? Apparently until their jobs are gone.
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TyWright 1:08PM (3/19/2009)
GUARANTEE the next guy will have a mustache too.
Hey I know, maybe now's a time to get rid of the UAW altogether??!
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rndmnme 1:20PM (3/19/2009)
I think I speak for Christians and Atheists alike when I say:
THANK GOD!
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Mark 1:44PM (3/19/2009)
Ron got stuck representing the UAW at the absolute worst time in its history. I don't envy the guy one bit. Tough job.
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That One Person 5:16PM (3/19/2009)
You do have a point but he probably could of done more.
stas peterson 2:33PM (3/19/2009)
Perhaps this wil give him the freedom, flexibility and courage to do what is necesary to save the companies and his union while he remains in office for the last year.
Changing debt for equity contributions to VEBA, moving up the pay comparability to the transplalnts from late 2010 to late 2009, and changing Union plant rules, across the board, to increase flexibility equal to what has been done in some plants, would certainly help, the companies and Union survive.
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epwolfram 4:56PM (3/19/2009)
My personal opinion is that the two biggest threats to our economic future are labor unions and frivalous lawsuits. Both make it real hard for anyone to justify investing in a new business, especially in industry.
Think about it. If you had a million dollars in cash, would you start a manufacturing company in this climate?
It's not just about the pay to the workers, it's about the culture of mediocrity they create in shops. Workers should strive to be better and to embrace new technologies. Ones that don't cut it should be able to be easily fired.
I think that American workers should be paid well, but they should also strive to be the best in the world. What we have is a situation where we want to be paid more and produce less. It can't work that way.
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BigWill 7:30PM (3/19/2009)
He's not exactly retiring. L. Ron Middelfinger will quietly trek into the Porkies. There in a secret ceremony, he will ascend and meet VEBA, overlord of the UAW. The only thing left will be his moustache, which will be collected by the Tribe of Stewards and transported to Valhalla aka Solidarity House on East Jefferson in Detroit. There, the faithful will be allowed to pet the sacred 'stache and catch the faint wafting of beer, wurst, and Obama' ass.
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xmdfmk7x 3:34PM (3/20/2009)
Couldn't come soon enough! That guy is a first-class idiot.
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John Mills 8:41AM (4/23/2009)
.. Ron Gettelfinger’s betrayed auto retirees
http://michaelwestfall.tripod.com/id125.html
.. RON GETTELFINGERS DESTRUCTION OF UAW PRESIDENT WALTER REUTHERS UNION
http://michaelwestfall.tripod.com/id121.html
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