Autoblog UAW/Unions http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog UAW/Unions http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/favicon-v5.png Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ Dan Roth, Zach Bowman and Jeff RossThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry. <![CDATA[Fiat pondering swallowing rest of Chrysler, US IPO]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/fiat-pondering-swallowing-rest-of-chrysler-us-ipo/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/fiat-pondering-swallowing-rest-of-chrysler-us-ipo/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/fiat-pondering-swallowing-rest-of-chrysler-us-ipo/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Fiat-Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne with hands on face

At the moment, Fiat is in court with the United Auto Workers, waiting for the justice system to provide some guidance on a fair price for 41.5-percent of Chrysler it doesn't own. Fiat owns 58.5 percent of the company and wishes to buy the remainder, which is owned by the union's VEBA retiree trust, but the Italian company and the UAW are on different sides of the galaxy when it comes to assigning a fair price to that outstanding stake.

Naturally, Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne is considering his options. A new report in the The Wall Street Journal says one of the scenarios being considered now is - depending on the outcome of the court case - to purchase the 41.5-percent stake and then issue an IPO to recoup some of the cost. About two months ago, Marchionne put the odds of an IPO for a wholly combined Fiat/Chrysler at 50 percent. Even with the WSJ report, it's not clear if those odds have changed.

The current company structure leaves a lot of options as to how a potential IPO could be issued, but it's said that Marchionne is against it, preferring "to be one company," under Fiat, indivisible. If Fiat is finally able to purchase all of the Pentastar, it would get access to Chrysler's war chest, pegged at $11.9 billion at the end of Q3 in 2012, and that money can't come soon enough for a brand taking a beating in Europe and delaying product over cash concerns.

Fiat pondering swallowing rest of Chrysler, US IPO originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> chryslerchrysler ipofiatfiat ipoinitial public offeringiposergio marchionneuawunited auto workersveba Wed, 24 Apr 2013 16:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20548386/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20548386/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/24/fiat-pondering-swallowing-rest-of-chrysler-us-ipo/20548386/article-detail.xml 20548386 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/fiat-chrysler-sergio-marchionne-concerned_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/fiat-chrysler-sergio-marchionne-concerned.jpg <![CDATA[VW's Browning says TN workers to decide whether they want union]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/04/vws-browning-says-tn-workers-to-decide-whether-they-want-union/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/04/vws-browning-says-tn-workers-to-decide-whether-they-want-union/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/04/vws-browning-says-tn-workers-to-decide-whether-they-want-union/#comments Filed under: , ,

Jonathan Browning

Jonathan Browning, Volkswagen North America CEO, has said that workers at the company's Chattanooga, Tennessee manufacturing facility will decide if they want union representation. Browning made the comment while speaking to reporters at the New York Auto Show, according to Reuters. Browning also made it clear that the United Auto Workers isn't the only option open to employees at the plant.

"If employees vote in favor of formal representation, then it's important to understand that there are a number of alternatives that may or may not include the UAW," Browning said.

Technically, the company hasn't scheduled a vote on unionization at the Chattanooga factory, but Browning says the company is in the early stages of discussions on the matter. The automaker's board has not discussed the topic in an official capacity.

If the workforce does decide to join the UAW, it would be the first foreign-owned plant to do so. The union has been courting plants owned by foreign automakers for years, but has never managed to sway workers.

VW's Browning says TN workers to decide whether they want union originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Apr 2013 10:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> chattanoogajonathan browninguawunionunited auto workersvw Thu, 04 Apr 2013 10:56:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20527265/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20527265/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/04/vws-browning-says-tn-workers-to-decide-whether-they-want-union/20527265/article-detail.xml 20527265 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/jonathan-browning-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/jonathan-browning-628.jpg <![CDATA[UAW membership up for third straight year]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/01/uaw-membership-up-for-third-straight-year/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/01/uaw-membership-up-for-third-straight-year/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/01/uaw-membership-up-for-third-straight-year/#comments Filed under: ,

UAW President Bob King

The Detroit News reports that the United Auto Workers union has seen membership increase for the third straight year. The organization is now 382,513 members strong, which marks a jump of about 1,800 over 2011. That doesn't include workers who are represented but don't have a contract with the union.

"UAW membership continues on a steady path of recovery, even in the face of concerted attacks on workers and collective bargaining," UAW President Bob King said in a statement.

Even so, the union continues to struggle in its effort to garner the support of workers at manufacturing facilities owned by foreign automakers. The Detroit News reports UAW members were handing out leaflets at the New York Auto Show criticizing Nissan for not allowing the union access to plant workers in Mississippi, and we witnessed the exact same tactic ourselves at the Chicago Auto Show earlier this year. King has said that if workers at those facilities aren't unionized, suppliers and new autoworkers won't see their wages increase.

Meanwhile, the UAW said it spent around $9.1 million on "political activities and lobbying" in 2012, up from $300,000 in 2011. The jump was thanks largely to the fact that 2012 was a presidential election year.

UAW membership up for third straight year originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bob kingnew york auto shownissanuawuaw membershipunited auto workers Mon, 01 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20523155/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20523155/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/01/uaw-membership-up-for-third-straight-year/20523155/article-detail.xml 20523155 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/bob-king-uaw_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/bob-king-uaw.jpg <![CDATA[Chrysler fires protest organizer at MI assembly plant]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/12/chrysler-fires-protest-organizer-at-mi-assembly-plant/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/12/chrysler-fires-protest-organizer-at-mi-assembly-plant/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/12/chrysler-fires-protest-organizer-at-mi-assembly-plant/#comments Filed under: , , ,



Chrysler has reportedly fired a Warren Stamping Plant worker for what the company is calling a violation of its code of conduct. Alex Wassell (left), a 20-year veteran with the automaker, was suspended without pay after he was quoted in an article in The Detroit News. The 63-year-old welder repairman helped organize a demonstration against a new work schedule and was protesting outside the Michigan plant on February 28 when he was interviewed. Chrysler then fired Wassell when the paper published his comments. Wassell, has since filed a grievance and says that he's looking for an amicable settlement between his union and his former employer.

Meanwhile, multiple civil liberties groups have spoken out against Chrysler's decision to dismiss Wassell. Both the National Lawyer's Guild and the American Civil Liberties Union have released statements on the situation, with the ACLU saying "Employees have a right to air their grievances, even if that means a public demonstration or a comments to the media."

According to The Detroit News, Chrysler spokesperson Jodi Tinson said that Wassell was fired for "engaging in activity constituting or appearing to constitute a conflict with the interest of the company."

Chrysler fires protest organizer at MI assembly plant originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Mar 2013 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> aclualex wasselamerican civil liberties unionamerican lawyers unionchryslerlabor rightsuawunited auto workerswarrenwarren stampingworkers rights Tue, 12 Mar 2013 18:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20499169/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20499169/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/12/chrysler-fires-protest-organizer-at-mi-assembly-plant/20499169/article-detail.xml 20499169 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/alex-wassell-fired-chrysler-worker-1363186433_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/alex-wassell-fired-chrysler-worker-1363186433.jpg <![CDATA[UAW urging Chrysler to sell shares to investors]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/10/uaw-urging-chrysler-to-sell-shares-to-investors/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/10/uaw-urging-chrysler-to-sell-shares-to-investors/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/10/uaw-urging-chrysler-to-sell-shares-to-investors/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Chrysler Headquarters

The United Auto Workers union is pushing Chrysler to sell 16.6 percent of its stock to investors in an attempt to establish the value of the shares. The UAW is currently locked in a lawsuit with Chrysler parent company Fiat over how much the Italian automaker should pay to buy shares from the trust fund. Last year, Fiat told the trust it intended to exercise its right to purchase 3.3 percent of the union's shares at issue. But the union contended the 54,154 shares were worth closer to $381 million instead of the $155 million Fiat offered.

Currently, the UAW owns 41.5 percent of Chrysler while Fiat holds 58.5 percent of the company. Currently, it's unclear whether the UAW could force Chrysler to put the shares on the open market. Doing so would be the first step toward a much-anticipated initial public offering. Chrysler has said it will comply with its shareholders agreement, and Fiat has echoed that tune. According to The Detroit Free Press, the UAW Retiree Medical Benefits Trust has declined to comment on the situation.

UAW urging Chrysler to sell shares to investors originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Jan 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> chryslerchrysler ipochrysler sharesfiatinitial public offeringipouawunited auto workers Thu, 10 Jan 2013 13:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20424931/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20424931/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/10/uaw-urging-chrysler-to-sell-shares-to-investors/20424931/article-detail.xml 20424931 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/chrysler-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/chrysler-628.jpg <![CDATA[Judge says GM workers can sue automaker and UAW]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/05/judge-says-gm-workers-can-sue-automaker-and-uaw/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/05/judge-says-gm-workers-can-sue-automaker-and-uaw/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/05/judge-says-gm-workers-can-sue-automaker-and-uaw/#comments Filed under: , , ,

In a case that dates back to April 30, 2011, General Motors and the United Auto Workers are being sued by 28 employees at GM's Lordstown, Ohio plant that builds the Chevrolet Cruze. The employees say that when they were hired in October, 2006 they were improperly classified as temporary workers. They were let go six months later, in April, 2007, but then rehired six months after that.

When they were rehired, the workers say they were classified as and paid the same wages as permanent employees with seniority. But in June, 2008 the 28 workers say they were forced to accept being reclassified as temporary workers and take a 40-percent pay cut or be terminated. The attorney for the workers says they should have been paid at the higher rate the entire time. Also, the 28 employees say there were another 22 temporary employees hired at the same time as they were and who were able to earn permanent status, pay and benefits. The employees say the change in pay violated the collective bargaining agreement and that the UAW refused to file a grievance for them. The workers are suing for back pay of between $3 and $4 million, as well as permanent positions and benefits.

GM and the UAW have denied wrongdoing and filed a motion for summary judgment, which would have ended the case. GM hasn't commented, but the UAW claims that the employees didn't exhaust their means of internal resolution and that they filed the case after the end of the statute of limitations had run out. The motion was denied by Judge Benita Pearson, so the case will continue.

Judge says GM workers can sue automaker and UAW originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 05 Jan 2013 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> general motorsgmlawsuitlordstownuawunited auto workers Sat, 05 Jan 2013 15:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20416888/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20416888/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/05/judge-says-gm-workers-can-sue-automaker-and-uaw/20416888/article-detail.xml 20416888 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/gmuawlordstown_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/gmuawlordstown.jpg <![CDATA[Chevy Camaro to be built in US once again]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/19/chevy-camaro-to-be-built-in-us-once-again/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/19/chevy-camaro-to-be-built-in-us-once-again/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/19/chevy-camaro-to-be-built-in-us-once-again/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , ,

Chevrolet Camaro 1LE

General Motors has announced that the next generation of the Chevrolet Camaro will once again be built in the United States, specifically at the Lansing Grand River Assembly Plant in Lansing, MI. The current Camaro has been assembled in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada, since its introduction in 2010.

The automaker cites "lower capital investment and improved production efficiencies" as key reasons for the move - indeed, the Camaro is the only rear-wheel-drive vehicle made in Oshawa; the Buick Regal and Cadillac XTS are currently manufactured there, and the upcoming Chevrolet Impala will join the front-wheel-drive group in 2013. Meanwhile, the Lansing facility currently produces two rear-wheel-drive vehicles - the Cadillac ATS and CTS - which makes the Camaro a natural fit.

The Canadian Auto Workers Union is, as expected, none too pleased by the "callous and poorly thought-out" announcement, "reacting in anger and frustration" according to a statement. CAW National President Ken Lewenza added, "General Motors has once again shown a complete and utter disregard for its workers and also Canadians in general, whose tax dollars kept the company out of bankruptcy."

The CAW says that "GM must replace lost Camaro production on a one-to-one basis." The automaker's own statement says it will "continue to meet the production targets agreed to with the Canadian and Ontario governments during the 2009 restructuring." In any case, production of the current Camaro will continue in Ontario until the next-gen model is ready to go on sale sometime within the next few years.

Feel free to read statements from both General Motors and the CAW below.

Continue reading Chevy Camaro to be built in US once again

Chevy Camaro to be built in US once again originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Dec 2012 14:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> camarocanadacanadian auto workerscawchevroletgeneral motorsgmlansingontariooshawa Wed, 19 Dec 2012 14:17:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20407500/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20407500/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/19/chevy-camaro-to-be-built-in-us-once-again/20407500/article-detail.xml 20407500 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/2013-chevrolet-camaro-1le_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/2013-chevrolet-camaro-1le.jpg <![CDATA[Could Michigan going "Right To Work" status revitalize its auto production?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/could-michigan-going-right-to-work-status-revitalize-its-auto/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/could-michigan-going-right-to-work-status-revitalize-its-auto/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/could-michigan-going-right-to-work-status-revitalize-its-auto/#comments Filed under: , ,



The Midwest has lately been at the center of battles between unions and the politicians contesting them, and the union side hasn't been doing so well. Michigan is the latest rust-belt state to lob a legislative grenade into union ranks, the state governor signing two right-to-work bills that prohibit mandatory union dues in the state's workplaces.

Some context: This isn't like Indiana or Wisconsin, two other nearby states that have recently waged government vs. union battles (unions lost in both states), Michigan is a marquee union haven. It is the birthplace of the United Auto Workers, the richest union in the nation, and has ties to the International Brotherhood of Teamsters that still make front page news. It has the fifth-highest union membership of any state, but it has the greatest number of union members by percentage of the population. And as for that fifth-placed membership placing, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2011 the states ahead of Michigan were New York, Alaska, Hawaii, and Washington.

Reaction from union representatives and supporters has, naturally, been damning. More than 12,000 people from Michigan and surrounding states marched outside the state Capitol, the Teamsters president called the bill "shameful" and "divisive," and 260 teachers - members of another powerful union - called in sick on the say of the vote.

Reaction from outside the unions has been mixed: The hope is that the legislation will give Michigan a better chance to compete for corporate dollars now that the specter of compulsory unionization has been removed. But it doesn't change existing union contracts - the current UAW labor agreement with the Big Three expires in 2015 - and it doesn't stop attempts to unionize. Michigan also has other issues like its tax on manufacturing equipment that make it an expensive place to do business. No one is expecting cash to suddenly be funneled back into Michigan in ways it hasn't been for decades, and it will take a few years to gauge the results. The narrative, rather, seems to be more about the future of unions and the momentum turning even more forcefully against them, as opposed to a sudden revival of Michigan's fortunes because of the legislation.

Could Michigan going "Right To Work" status revitalize its auto production? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Dec 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> james hoffalawlegislationmichiganright to workteamstersuawunited auto workers Fri, 14 Dec 2012 17:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20401850/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20401850/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/14/could-michigan-going-right-to-work-status-revitalize-its-auto/20401850/article-detail.xml 20401850 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/right-to-work-protest-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/right-to-work-protest-628.jpg <![CDATA[GM builds prototype handcycles for wounded vets [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/13/gm-builds-prototype-handcycles-for-wounded-vets-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/13/gm-builds-prototype-handcycles-for-wounded-vets-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/13/gm-builds-prototype-handcycles-for-wounded-vets-w-video/#comments Filed under: , ,

Hand cycle built by GM

Chevrolet and students from Michigan Technological University have teamed up to build some prototype hand cycles, designed to allow wounded veterans to compete in racing events.

Three-wheel hand cycles have proven useful for amputee or other seriously injured athletes in the past, as the design allows for them to lean forwards while pedaling with their hands. This new cycle, designed by MTU engineering students, has been built to be stronger, more comfortable and more portable than existing hand cycles. In fact, during the design process, students and their Chevy engineer mentors spent time with wounded vets to better understand their cycling needs. The result was a design that incorporated high-strength steel alloys as well as improved, more comfortable restraints.

General Motors CEO Dan Akerson announced that the automaker plans to build ten of the prototype cycles, all to be used in marathons next year by the Achilles Freedom Team of Wounded Veterans. The project cycle made its debut at the yearly Army-Navy football game this past weekend, on a special vehicle display and during an on-field first-quarter appearance. Read on for the full GM press release, or scroll down to see a short video about the build.

Continue reading GM builds prototype handcycles for wounded vets [w/video]

GM builds prototype handcycles for wounded vets [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Dec 2012 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> achilles freedom team of wounded veteransarmy navy gamechevroletchevydan akersongmhand cyclehandcyclemichigan technological universitymtuwounded veterans Thu, 13 Dec 2012 13:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20398823/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20398823/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/13/gm-builds-prototype-handcycles-for-wounded-vets-w-video/20398823/article-detail.xml 20398823 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/gm-hand-cycle-wounded-vets-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/gm-hand-cycle-wounded-vets-628.jpg <![CDATA[Chrysler workers fired for drinking back on job against automaker's wishes [w/video] [UPDATE]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/10/chrysler-workers-fired-for-drinking-back-on-job-against-automake/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/10/chrysler-workers-fired-for-drinking-back-on-job-against-automake/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/10/chrysler-workers-fired-for-drinking-back-on-job-against-automake/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Chrysler workers drinking on the job

As much as Chrysler would like to "move on," it seems that the story of employees who drink on the job just refuses to die. The latest? According to Fox 2 News in Detroit, the 13 workers who were fired in 2010 after its cameras caught them drinking alcohol and smoking what looks to be marijuana in a park during work hours have been reinstated following arbitration.

Chrysler released the following statement:

"Chrysler Group LLC acknowledges the reinstatement of a number of employees from the Jefferson North assembly plant who were discharged from the company in September 2010 after appearing in a local TV station's story about their off-duty conduct."

While the company does not agree with the ultimate decision of the arbitrator, we respect the grievance procedure process as outlined in the collective bargaining agreement and our relationship with the UAW. Unfortunately, the company was put in a very difficult position because of the way the story was investigated and ultimately revealed to the public. These employees from Jefferson North have been off work for more than two years. The time has come to put this situation behind us and resume our focus on building quality products that will firmly establish Chrysler Group's position in the marketplace."

Clearly, Chrysler isn't pleased with this outcome, and we don't blame them one bit. The automaker declined to comment when Fox asked if the workers received compensation for the two years they were suspended without pay and ultimately fired.

How could an arbitrator possibly side with the fired workers? Much like the automaker itself, we're at a loss for words. A video report from Fox can be seen below.

UPDATE: Chrysler has further responded to this matter by issuing a longer, official statement on its media blog. You can also read the full response below.

Continue reading Chrysler workers fired for drinking back on job against automaker's wishes [w/video] [UPDATE]

Chrysler workers fired for drinking back on job against automaker's wishes [w/video] [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Dec 2012 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> chryslerchrysler workers drinkingdrinking on the jobjefferson northuawunionunited auto workersworkers reinstated Mon, 10 Dec 2012 08:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20398189/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20398189/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/10/chrysler-workers-fired-for-drinking-back-on-job-against-automake/20398189/article-detail.xml 20398189 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/chrysler-workers-drinking_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/chrysler-workers-drinking.jpg <![CDATA[UAW trust demands Fiat pay $342M for Chrysler shares]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/13/uaw-trust-demands-fiat-pay-342m-for-chrysler-shares/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/13/uaw-trust-demands-fiat-pay-342m-for-chrysler-shares/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/13/uaw-trust-demands-fiat-pay-342m-for-chrysler-shares/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Bob King, UAW president addressing the faithful

Last month, we brought you the latest news in a rather tenuous ordeal between Fiat and the United Auto Workers over the future of the Italian automaker's stake in Chrysler. The union contended that Fiat failed to make an adequate offer for the 3.3-percent stake that was sought. Fiat offered $139.7 million for the shares in July, which the UAW rejected.

We now have word of the union's counter offer of $342 million - more than double what Fiat proposed. According to Reuters, the entity in question is the UAW's healthcare trust, known as Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association, or VEBA, which currently owns 41.5 percent of the American automaker. Fiat boss Sergio Marchionne has voiced his intent to eventually purchase the trust's full 41.5 percent stake in Chrysler as part of a long-term unification plan.

Following the initial offer from Fiat, the trust refused to sell the 3.3 percent share in July, which resulted in a lawsuit brought by Fiat. As part of this counteroffer, VEBA has brought a counter suit, as well as a statement claiming that the initial Fiat offer was "substantially below market value."

VEBA originated from the 2007 auto bailouts, in which retiree medical benefits were shed off into their own entity to facilitate restructuring of the automakers. Rather than taking cash to fund its restructuring, VEBA took the Chrysler stock, which is the center of this current conundrum. According to a spokesperson for the trust, "sale of the called shares at the price calculated by Fiat would constitute a transaction prohibited by federal law." At this time, neither the automaker, the trust, nor the Securities and Exchange Commission have commented on the proposed transaction.

UAW trust demands Fiat pay $342M for Chrysler shares originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Nov 2012 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bailoutchryslerchrysler stockfiatlawsuitsergio marchionneuawunited auto workersveba Tue, 13 Nov 2012 13:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20378640/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20378640/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/13/uaw-trust-demands-fiat-pay-342m-for-chrysler-shares/20378640/article-detail.xml 20378640 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/uaw-boss-bob-king_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/uaw-boss-bob-king.jpg <![CDATA[What Obama's win could mean for the auto industry over the next 4 years]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/07/what-obamas-win-could-mean-for-the-auto-industry-over-the-next/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/07/what-obamas-win-could-mean-for-the-auto-industry-over-the-next/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/07/what-obamas-win-could-mean-for-the-auto-industry-over-the-next/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,



The 2012 Presidential election is in the books and those in swing states must be looking forward to the absence of countless campaign ads. However, those with their eyes on electric vehicles and reduced emissions from automobiles may be looking forward to what the President's second term in office has in store.

So what of the future of the auto industry? Perhaps the initiative with the most immediate impact is the continued pursuit of the Corporate Average Fuel Economy standard of 54.5 miles per gallon for cars by 2025. Some dealers have voiced displeasure with the added price of making these vehicles more fuel efficient. Additionally, a new challenge is ensuring those standards are actually met and automakers are reporting fuel economy numbers properly - a reality recently experienced by Kia and Hyundai. Still automakers in general approve of having clear standards to which they can refer.

The President's re-election should see the returned attention to electric vehicles as well. This year, Obama proposed an increase in the tax credit for electric vehicles, from $7,500 up to $10,000, in the pursuit of 1 million electric vehicles on the road by 2015.

Another area where regulation will be pushed is in vehicle safety, where the Obama administration will seek to require all new vehicles to have a backup camera by 2014. Other regulations may be pursued in the area of navigation and advanced digital displays, and the safety impact of this rapidly progressing technology. With no reelection to concern him, Obama will likely double down on efforts to see through these initiatives in fuel economy and electric vehicles.

What Obama's win could mean for the auto industry over the next 4 years originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Nov 2012 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> barack obamacafecorporate average fuel economyobama Wed, 07 Nov 2012 10:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20373005/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20373005/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/07/what-obamas-win-could-mean-for-the-auto-industry-over-the-next/20373005/article-detail.xml 20373005 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/obama-victory-speech-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/obama-victory-speech-628.jpg <![CDATA[Chrysler gives employees day off to vote]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/06/chrysler-gives-employees-day-off-to-vote/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/06/chrysler-gives-employees-day-off-to-vote/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/06/chrysler-gives-employees-day-off-to-vote/#comments Filed under: , , ,



SRT president and CEO, Ralph Gilles, is doing his best today to make sure workers at Chrysler are getting to their local polling stations and casting votes. The executive started off the morning by stating on his Twitter feed that, "Chrysler gave its entire work force the day off to Vote Today! Let's go! #America."

Gilles later did his best to clarify the day off for Chrysler workers, tweeting that the United Auto Workers has negotiated having voting day off for its employees for the last 15 years - not only at Chrysler, but for General Motors and Ford employees, too. The voting day holiday was then "logically extended to salaried workers," said Gilles.

While Gilles statements seem politically neutral on the surface, recent flare-ups between he and Donald Trump, as well as some finger-pointing on the part of Chrysler/Fiat boss Sergio Marchionne towards Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, add a bit of heat to the matter. What's more, as UAW members have historically backed Democratic candidates, the move to encourage Chrysler workers to get to the polls could logically be construed as a tacit endorsement of President Barack Obama's bid to hold on to the White House.

In fact, the call to action by Gilles is probably unneeded as far as UAW members are concerned. Reports today indicate that the organization has gone so far as to bus its members (in Michigan at least) to polling places, to make the voting process that much easier.

Chrysler gives employees day off to vote originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Nov 2012 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> chryslerpresidential electionralph gillessrttweettwitteruawunited auto workers Tue, 06 Nov 2012 15:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20372308/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20372308/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/06/chrysler-gives-employees-day-off-to-vote/20372308/article-detail.xml 20372308 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/ralph-gilles-tweet-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/ralph-gilles-tweet-628.jpg <![CDATA[UAW calls for investigation into Romney ethics violations over possible profits from auto bailouts]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/uaw-calls-for-investigation-into-romney-ethics-violations-over-p/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/uaw-calls-for-investigation-into-romney-ethics-violations-over-p/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/uaw-calls-for-investigation-into-romney-ethics-violations-over-p/#comments Filed under:



The United Autos Workers, which has endorsed President Barack Obama, announced Thursday that its members want the US Office of Government Ethics to investigate Gov. Mitt Romney for violations.

The UAW leadership held a press conference in Toledo, Ohio, Thursday, alleging that Romney profited from the 2009 automotive bailout of General Motors and Chrysler Group through an investment in a company that itself was invested in Delphi Automotive. The irony, of course, is that Romney opposed a government bailout of the auto industry.

"The American people have a right to know about Governor Romney's potential conflicts of interest, such as the profits his family made from the auto rescue," said UAW President Bob King in a press release. "It's time for Governor Romney to disclose or divest."

The UAW based its claim that the Romney family profited on an article published in The Nation magazine. That article claimed Romney's family made more than $15 million through the auto bailouts based on investments in a company invested in Delphi.

However, after carefully examining the article, as well as another article in The Huffington Post, it remains unclear exactly how that money was made. Furthermore, the original article noted that Romney's disclosures were not illegal, meaning, in fact, that they were legal.

No matter for the UAW.

"While Romney was opposing the rescue of one of the nation's most important manufacturing sectors, he was building his fortunes with his Delphi investor group, making his fortunes off the misfortunes of others," King added.

Personnel at the Office of Government Ethics could not be reached for immediate comment.

UAW calls for investigation into Romney ethics violations over possible profits from auto bailouts originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Nov 2012 16:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bob kingchryslerchrysler group llcdelphidelphi automotiveethicsethics violationgeneral motors cogmobamaRomneyUAW Thu, 01 Nov 2012 16:21:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20368300/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20368300/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/01/uaw-calls-for-investigation-into-romney-ethics-violations-over-p/20368300/article-detail.xml 20368300 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/romney628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/romney628.jpg <![CDATA[Marchionne gunning to unify Chrysler and Fiat by 2015]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/marchionne-gunning-to-unify-chrysler-and-fiat-by-2015/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/marchionne-gunning-to-unify-chrysler-and-fiat-by-2015/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/marchionne-gunning-to-unify-chrysler-and-fiat-by-2015/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



Sergio Marchionne, CEO of both Chrysler and Fiat, has stated that the planned unification of both companies will have to wait a little longer as the Italian automaker grapples with the European financial crisis. Marchionne has previously stated that the goal was to achieve unification as early as 2014, but that has temporarily been put on the back burner while Fiat aims to strengthen its finances.

In a Reuters report, Marchionne said, "The objective has always been to try and bring unification by 2014 or 2015... I'd still like to see that done." Marchionne went on to say that Fiat would not have the capital to make that move as early as 2014, unless "something extraordinary happens and we find liquidity through other means." According to the report, Marchionne's top priority is fixing its European situation.

This is all in relation to Fiat's plan to purchase the remaining 41.5 percent stake in Chrysler currently held by the United Auto Workers healthcare trust. The trust was created as a move to unburden Chrysler from retired workers' healthcare costs.

Fiat tried to purchase 3.3 percent of the American automaker this July for $139.7 million. The healthcare trust claimed that figure was not enough and refused to sell the portion, resulting in a lawsuit brought by Fiat against the healthcare trust. No update was given on the lawsuit, though Fiat stated that it plans on making another 3.3 percent purchase in January.

Marchionne gunning to unify Chrysler and Fiat by 2015 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Nov 2012 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> chryslereuropeeuropean dept crisisfiatmarchionnesergio marchionneuaw Thu, 01 Nov 2012 11:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20366443/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20366443/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/01/marchionne-gunning-to-unify-chrysler-and-fiat-by-2015/20366443/article-detail.xml 20366443 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/1435956781343670335430_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/1435956781343670335430.jpg <![CDATA[Tear gas fired at PSA job protesters outside of Paris Motor Show]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/09/tear-gas-fired-at-psa-job-protesters-outside-of-paris-motor-show/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/09/tear-gas-fired-at-psa-job-protesters-outside-of-paris-motor-show/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/09/tear-gas-fired-at-psa-job-protesters-outside-of-paris-motor-show/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Paris Motor Show Protests

Police in Paris fired tear gas at demonstrators outside of the Paris Motor Show today. Around 1,000 protesters showed up in an attempt to break through police lines and gain access to the show in a demonstration against further austerity measures. The group included workers from a PSA Peugeot Citroën plant that's scheduled for closure, and some demonstrators threw eggs and flour at police. The group also reportedly included workers from other manufacturers that have announced job cuts.

The standoff is part of nationwide demonstrations as France continues to struggle with an unemployment rate parked at over 10 percent. Lawmakers in the country are currently deciding on whether or not to back a European Union agreement that will see France agree to balance its finances in an attempt to slow the continent's debt crisis. Such austerity measures are unpopular in France, and were the leading issue driving former President Nicolas Sarkozy from office. Socialist President Francois Hollande earned the office after campaigning on a platform that promised to tackle the French deficit without stifling growth or imposing austerity measures.

The CGT labor union has responded to the EU agreement by organizing this week's demonstrations.

Tear gas fired at PSA job protesters outside of Paris Motor Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Oct 2012 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> cgtcgt labor unioncitroëndemonstrationseuropean unionfranceparis motor showpeugeotprotestprotestersprotestspsatear gasteargas Tue, 09 Oct 2012 15:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20345474/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20345474/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/09/tear-gas-fired-at-psa-job-protesters-outside-of-paris-motor-show/20345474/article-detail.xml 20345474 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/franceparisautoshowprotest.6831bfd75bb6446082c5dd73a566cb6f-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/franceparisautoshowprotest.6831bfd75bb6446082c5dd73a566cb6f-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Venturi America is still awesome, still not coming to the U.S. [w/videos]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/28/venturi-america-video-paris-2012/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/28/venturi-america-video-paris-2012/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/28/venturi-america-video-paris-2012/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , ,

Venturi America - live on 2012 Paris Motor Show floor

It's been two years since we first met the Venturi America on this very Paris Motor Show floor, and we're still in love with the idea of an electric car that is as capable on the street as it is on the trail. Venturi Automobiles says it is only making 100 of these door-less electric enduro cars, but despite its name, none of them are to be sold in the U.S.

Venturi calls the America a "high-riding sports car," and on paper, we're willing to agree on both counts based on the car's looks and its specs. The styling of the America is what we might imagine a collaboration between Smart and Jeep, with the two-passenger car looking every bit the part of a modern street-legal dune buggy, right down to its ample ground clearance and open cockpit design. In terms of its performance, the Venturi-developed electric powertrain is said to produce 300 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, which is pretty great for a 3,100-pound car. There are also three driver-selectable modes (Cruising, Sport and Super Sport), so the car's dynamic settings allow the driver to choose between maximum driving range and maximum performance. Powered by a 53 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery, the America has a driving a range of around 186 miles (presumably in Cruising mode) with a top speed of 124 miles per hour.

Since we're likely never to see a Venture in America on our shores, you'll want to check out our image gallery and videos of the live reveal and an advertisement featurette below. If nothing else, the latter will give you the chance to brush up on your French.

Continue reading Venturi America is still awesome, still not coming to the U.S. [w/videos]

Venturi America is still awesome, still not coming to the U.S. [w/videos] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Sep 2012 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2012 venturi americaamericaamerica evelectric dune buggyparisparis 2012paris motor showventurivideo Fri, 28 Sep 2012 14:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20336132/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20336132/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/28/venturi-america-video-paris-2012/20336132/article-detail.xml 20336132 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/venturi-america-paris_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/venturi-america-paris.jpg <![CDATA[Chrysler, CAW reach tentative contract agreement]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/27/chrysler-caw-reach-tentative-contract-agreement/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/27/chrysler-caw-reach-tentative-contract-agreement/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/27/chrysler-caw-reach-tentative-contract-agreement/#comments Filed under:

Canadian Auto Workers boss Ken Lewenza flashes a peace sign

The Canadian Auto Workers union and Chrysler have reportedly come to a tentative agreement, ending a long-running series of contract negotiations. Chrysler was the last of the Detroit automakers to continue negotiating with the CAW, as General Motors and Ford had both recently come to terms with the union.

While the agreed upon terms between the CAW and Chrysler are similar to those with the other automakers, this isn't a carbon-copy deal.

According to Automotive News, Chrysler has offered a $3,000 bonus to union members upon ratification of the deal, with $2,000 inflation bonuses coming due in the second, third and fourth years of the agreement. Significantly, however, Chrysler has made no promises to add more Canadian jobs over the term of the contract, a concession that both Ford and GM did make.

After what CAW president Ken Lewenza (pictured) calls "a tug of war," the contract needs only now be ratified to take effect. Ratification votes for the 8,000 Canadian Chrysler workers/CAW members will take place sometime in the next several days.

Chrysler, CAW reach tentative contract agreement originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Sep 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> canadian auto workerscawchryslernegotiationsstrikeunion Thu, 27 Sep 2012 16:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20335589/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20335589/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/27/chrysler-caw-reach-tentative-contract-agreement/20335589/article-detail.xml 20335589 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/caw-boss-ken-lewenza-peace-sign_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/caw-boss-ken-lewenza-peace-sign.jpg <![CDATA[CAW and Ford ratify agreement, Chrysler still pending]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/24/caw-and-ford-ratify-agreement-chrysler-still-pending/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/24/caw-and-ford-ratify-agreement-chrysler-still-pending/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/24/caw-and-ford-ratify-agreement-chrysler-still-pending/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Canadian Auto Workers union boss Ken Lewenza - headshot with gesture

According to the Detroit Free Press, Ford's Canadian employees have ratified their union contract, making Chrysler the only automaker to not have worked out an agreement with its Canadian workforce. Employees from Ford of Canada voted 82 percent in favor of a new national contract following a weekend's worth of voting.

There are 21,000 Canadian Auto Workers union members, 4,500 of which are from Ford. While General Motors workers are set to ratify a new contract on Wednesday, Chrysler has made no such progress with its staffers.

CAW President Ken Lewenza (shown above) says that a Chrysler deal could come soon, "If they meet pattern, we could wrap up tomorrow," suggesting that Chrysler could follow the lead of Ford and GM's deals. However, the Fiat-owned automaker has reportedly made stronger demands for concessions than that of GM or Ford.

According to the report, the agreement with Ford includes the addition of 635 jobs over the life of the contract, to be filled mostly with previously laid-off employees. 583 workers were laid off from the Windsor plant, while another 280 were released from St. Thomas.

Plans to keep producing engines such as the Windsor-built 5.4-liter V8 engine and the 6.8-liter V8 have helped bolster the deal. Meanwhile, Ford is set to announce that its EcoBoost engine will be built in China because the nation's government has rules requiring domestic production.

CAW and Ford ratify agreement, Chrysler still pending originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Sep 2012 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> canadacanadian auto workerscawfordford of canadaken lawenzawindsor canada Mon, 24 Sep 2012 15:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20331540/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20331540/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/24/caw-and-ford-ratify-agreement-chrysler-still-pending/20331540/article-detail.xml 20331540 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/ken-lewenza-caw-boss_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/ken-lewenza-caw-boss.jpg <![CDATA[GM, CAW reach tentative agreement]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/21/gm-caw-reach-tentative-agreement/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/21/gm-caw-reach-tentative-agreement/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/21/gm-caw-reach-tentative-agreement/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Canadian Auto Workers

Automotive News reports General Motors and the Canadian Auto Workers have reached a tentative labor agreement that will see the automaker invest $692.8 million into Canadian facilities over the life of the four year-deal. The two groups closed a 30-hour negotiating session that touched on everything from wages and benefits, to plant closings and new model manufacturing. The agreement covers around 8,200 workers currently, and GM has agreed to add or maintain 1,750 positions over the next four years. That means the automaker will postpone the consolidation of the company's Oshawa plant, where the current Chevrolet Impala is assembled. The manufacturer had planned to completely shutter the line, impacting around 2,000 workers.

GM will continue with plans to assemble the next-generation Impala at its Hamtramck facility, but will now also build the 2014 model on one shift in Oshawa. The move will employ around 750 Canadian workers, though that number may grow if the production is moved to two shifts later in 2014.

Even so, the CAW isn't entirely happy with the proposed settlement. The union was not able to secure the production of another vehicle. Union leaders say that's largely due to the fact that GM is in market share decline in Canada.

As you may recall, the CAW recently reached a similar tentative agreement with Ford.

GM, CAW reach tentative agreement originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Sep 2012 13:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2014 chevrolet impalacanadian auto workerscawchevrolet impalageneral motorsgmimpala Fri, 21 Sep 2012 13:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20329897/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20329897/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/21/gm-caw-reach-tentative-agreement/20329897/article-detail.xml 20329897 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/candadian-autoworkers-union-628-1347917616-1348236681_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/candadian-autoworkers-union-628-1347917616-1348236681.jpg -1 2