Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[New contract between Ford and UAW voted down over weekend]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/02/new-contract-between-ford-and-uaw-voted-down-over-weekend/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/02/new-contract-between-ford-and-uaw-voted-down-over-weekend/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/02/new-contract-between-ford-and-uaw-voted-down-over-weekend/#commentsFiled under: ,



What's good for the goose may be good for the gander, but what works for one country or automaker doesn't necessarily work for another. So while the Canadian Auto Workers union may have approved a new agreement with Ford, below the 49th parallel their compatriots apparently feel otherwise.

Up for ratification over the past week and into the weekend was a proposal that would essentially grant Ford the same measures that unionized auto workers extended to Chrysler and General Motors in the midst of their bankruptcy proceedings. The measures include limitations placed on the unionized workers' rights to strike for increased wages and benefits, as well as a reduction in paid vacation time, a broad wage freeze as well as one on cost-of-living adjustments and increased employee contributions towards insurance and pensions. The agreement would also allow the automaker more flexibility in shifting jobs around, and in exchange the workers expected more jobs to be created - or at least fewer to be lost.

Some union leaders pleaded with their constituents that ratification of the deal was essential to keeping all three of the Detroit automakers on an even keel, thereby maintaining a common ground on which to build negotiations for the future. However as voting drew to a close across the country this weekend, UAW members at three of Ford's largest U.S. plants - the Dearborn Truck Plant, Romeo Engine Plant and UAW Local 862 representing the Louisville Assembly Plant and Kentucky Truck Plant - all voted against the new contract, making its passage now virtually impossible.

[Source: The Detroit News | Image: Scott Olson/Getty]

New contract between Ford and UAW voted down over weekend originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadian auto workersCanadianAutoWorkerscawcontractcontract negotiationsContractNegotiationsfo mo coFoMoCoFordford motor companyFordMotorCompanynegotiationratifyuawunionUnited Auto WorkersUnitedAutoWorkersMon, 02 Nov 2009 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: NUMMI workers demonstrate over plant's potential closing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/24/nummi-workers-demonstrate-over-plants-potential-closing/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/24/nummi-workers-demonstrate-over-plants-potential-closing/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/24/nummi-workers-demonstrate-over-plants-potential-closing/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Toyota has never closed a U.S. assembly plant, but the suddenly struggling Japanese automaker has said that it would shudder the NUMMI factory in California, the only auto plant in the state, by next March. The upcoming closure isn't a big surprise since General Motors was allowed to bow out of its half of the joint venture project with Toyota during bankruptcy, giving Toyota full responsibility for the California plant. And since the Pontiac Vibe is no longer being made at the facility, capacity has dropped to a reported 60%, making the facility unprofitable at a time when Toyota is losing money.

The closure of the plant means, of course, that its 5,300 employees will soon be without a job. To protest the closure of NUMMI, an estimated 1,000 workers turned out to demonstrate in front of the facility last week. The union-organized workers are in a tough position, too, since their UAW contract expired last week. The contract was indefinitely extended, but either party can cancel it with five days notice. And with unemployment at 11% in California, finding a new job will be no easy task.

[Source: The Detroit Bureau | Image: Justin Sullivan/Getty]

REPORT: NUMMI workers demonstrate over plant's potential closing originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Aug 2009 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gmnummi plantNummiPlantprotesttoyotauawunionunited auto workersUnitedAutoWorkersMon, 24 Aug 2009 10:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Only in California: UAW reportedly fighting to save Toyota plant]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/28/only-in-california-uaw-fights-to-save-toyota-plant/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/28/only-in-california-uaw-fights-to-save-toyota-plant/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/28/only-in-california-uaw-fights-to-save-toyota-plant/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc, better known as NUMMI, has been operating in Fremont, California since 1984. The plant started as a joint venture between General Motors and Toyota. The idea was that Toyota could cut out the expense of boating cars all the way across the Pacific and The General could learn about Japanese managerial techniques and lean manufacturing processes. And this is how the world got the gift of the Geo Prizm. Last month, GM pulled out of NUMMI, leaving it all to Toyota. And now Toyota's not so sure it wants the plant.

Enter the United Auto Workers. NUMMI is unique in that it's the only Toyota manufacturing facility in the U.S. where the workers are unionized. It's also the only auto plant in California with some 4,500 union jobs. This prompted the UAW to send an email to its members, asking them to contact members of Congress so as to keep the plant (and jobs) alive. Quote the email, "We believe that Toyotas sold in the United States should be made in the United States. California is by far Toyota's single biggest market for car sales in the United States." The ironic part is that many Toyotas sold here are made here, but the jobs (typically in Southern states) are certainly not unionized. Much to the UAW's chagrin.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req. | Image: Justin Sullivan/Getty]

Only in California: UAW reportedly fighting to save Toyota plant originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Jul 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>General MotorsGeneralMotorsGMNew United Motor Manufacturing IncNewUnitedMotorManufacturingIncNUMMIToyotaUAWUnited Auto WorkersUnitedAutoWorkersTue, 28 Jul 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GM warns UAW and Treasury deals won't be done in time]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/21/gm-warns-uaw-and-treasury-deals-wont-be-done-in-time/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/21/gm-warns-uaw-and-treasury-deals-wont-be-done-in-time/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/21/gm-warns-uaw-and-treasury-deals-wont-be-done-in-time/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Not that it should come as a major shock to anyone paying attention over the last few weeks, but in a regulatory filing submitted by General Motors on Tuesday, the beleaguered automaker has admitted that it's unlikely to have acceptable deals negotiated with the either the United Auto Workers or Canadian Auto Workers unions before the previously announced deadline of May 27.

Equally as unsurprising are rumors that GM's plan to begin importing 50,000+ cars from China by 2014 is one of the major stumbling blocks in UAW negotiations. Other sticking points surely include how best to slash the desired $1 billion in annual labor costs that the two parties reportedly targeted and how to fund the Voluntary Employees Beneficiary Association (VEBA) health care trust.

Furthermore, the Detroit Free Press is reporting that CAW union leaders are upset at the way they are being treated in negotiations. A flier passed out to Canadian union workers had this to say:
"Because the Canadian and U.S. governments are planning a joint effort to support GM's restructuring, we now face a dangerous attempt to enforce a 'cookie-cutter' approach on our bargaining. This philosophy is absolutely offensive to us as Canadians."
More than ever before, it seems almost a foregone conclusion that GM will file for bankruptcy on June 1st. Hold on tight, this promises to be a wild ride.

[Source: Detroit Free Press | Image: Bill Pugliano/Getty]

GM warns UAW and Treasury deals won't be done in time originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 May 2009 08:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadian auto workersCanadianAutoWorkerscawgeneral motorsgeneral motors bankruptgeneral motors bankruptcyGeneralMotorsGeneralMotorsBankruptGeneralMotorsBankruptcygmgm bankruptgm bankruptcyGmBankruptGmBankruptcyuawunited auto workersUnitedAutoWorkersThu, 21 May 2009 08:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Are GM, UAW close to concessions agreement... or are they at odds over China?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/18/are-gm-uaw-close-to-concessions-agreement-or-are-they-at-odd/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/18/are-gm-uaw-close-to-concessions-agreement-or-are-they-at-odd/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/18/are-gm-uaw-close-to-concessions-agreement-or-are-they-at-odd/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



Depending on who you choose to listen to, General Motors and the United Auto Workers are either close to forging an important concessions deal, or they're still squabbling over GM's plans to sell imported vehicles to U.S. consumers.

GM and the UAW are in talks trying to slash $1 billion in annual labor costs, with reports stating that the plan would give the union a 39% stake in GM to help fund the Voluntary Employees Beneficiary Association (VEBA) health care trust. GM already has around $15 billion invested in the VEBA, but it is still on the hook for some $20 billion. If reached, the new deal would reportedly cut that figure in half.

The agreement, which the Wall Street Journal says could be reached as soon as this week, will still need to be voted on by the UAW's 60,000 GM employees, who themselves also face upwards of 20,000 more job layoffs as well as more wage and benefit cuts.

Conversely, the Associated Press is reporting that the issue remains very much in doubt, with GM and UAW negotiators battling over GM's plans to sell vehicles built overseas - namely those from China - in the U.S. While GM officials reportedly say that the balance of vehicles it makes and sells in the U.S. will not change, UAW officials are rankled that its members face 16 more plant closures and a slate of givebacks. In fact, according to the AP, the UAW is so upset that it has sent an email to its members asking them to voice their displeasure by contacting President Obama.

[Sources: The Wall Street Journal; The Associated Press | Image: Spencer Platt/Getty]

Are GM, UAW close to concessions agreement... or are they at odds over China? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 May 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto unionAutoUnionGeneral MotorsGeneralMotorsGMObama administrationObamaAdministrationUAWunionUnited Auto WorkersUnitedAutoWorkersMon, 18 May 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: UAW agrees to ban strikes?(!)]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/29/report-uaw-agrees-to-ban-strikes/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/29/report-uaw-agrees-to-ban-strikes/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/29/report-uaw-agrees-to-ban-strikes/#commentsFiled under: , ,



According to a post on The Detroit Bureau, a key stipulation in the tentative contract reached between the United Auto Workers and Chrysler is that the union's right to strike will be all but eliminated for at least the next few years.

As quoted in the story, Harley Shaiken, a labor relations specialist at UC-Berkeley, notes that the so-called "no strike" portion of the agreement was arrived at "in the context that it will take anywhere from three to five years for this company to recover." According to TDB, the provisos of the bridge loan means that a strike would be viewed as a default on the agreement, including any local strikes.

The same contract apparently calls for binding arbitration (instead of strikes) on financial issues for any contract arrived at in 2011, and the same arrangement will be in effect in 2015 if Chrysler still owes money to the Treasury Department.

The contract goes in front of the UAW's 28,000+ members for a vote today. Click on the link below for more details.

[Source: The Detroit Bureau | Source Image: Bill Pugliano/Getty]

REPORT: UAW agrees to ban strikes?(!) originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Apr 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Auburn HIllsAuburnHillsbailoutbridge loanBridgeLoanChryslercontractHarley ShaikenHarleyShaikenlabor relationsLaborRelationsnegotiationsThe Detroit BureauTheDetroitBureauUAWUnionUnited Auto WorkersUnitedAutoWorkersWed, 29 Apr 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NYT: U.S. reportedly preparing Chrysler for bankruptcy... as early as next week]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/23/nyt-u-s-preparing-chrysler-for-bankruptcy-as-early-as-next/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/23/nyt-u-s-preparing-chrysler-for-bankruptcy-as-early-as-next/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/23/nyt-u-s-preparing-chrysler-for-bankruptcy-as-early-as-next/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



According to a story from The New York Times, the Treasury Department and Chrysler are readying Chapter 11 bankruptcy documents for filing as early as next week.

The report goes on to say that the filing carries with it an "agreement in principle" with the United Auto Workers that would protect members' benefits packages, including pension and retiree health care obligations.

Whither Fiat? Apparently, the Italian automaker is still very much in the picture, although under this arrangement, it would not reach its stake-holding deal until after Chrysler is already in bankruptcy court. The big outstanding question is where this leaves Chrysler's lenders, who are owed nearly $7 billion.

Some industry watchers are apparently wondering aloud if the bankruptcy filling preparation work is merely a ploy to turn the screws on lenders, who have balked at previous proposals designed to reduce Chrysler debt. More details at the link below.

UPDATE: Chrysler's response to the NYT article is posted below the fold.

[The New York Times | Image: Bill Pugliano/Getty]

Continue reading NYT: U.S. reportedly preparing Chrysler for bankruptcy... as early as next week

NYT: U.S. reportedly preparing Chrysler for bankruptcy... as early as next week originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Apr 2009 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingBREAKINGnewsChryslerFiathealth careHealthCarepensionUAWUnited Auto WorkersUnitedAutoWorkersThu, 23 Apr 2009 16:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford announces it has successfully reduced debt by $9.9 billion]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/06/ford-announces-it-has-successfully-reduced-debt-by-9-9-billion/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/06/ford-announces-it-has-successfully-reduced-debt-by-9-9-billion/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/06/ford-announces-it-has-successfully-reduced-debt-by-9-9-billion/#commentsFiled under: ,



The Ford Motor Company has announced that it has completed more of its financial restructuring initiatives, lessening its debt by some $9.9 billion (from a starting place of $25.8 billion at the end of last year). The company says this move will lower its annual interest costs by more than $500 million. Ford and its financing arm, Ford Credit, are using 468 million shares of stock and $2.4 billion in cash to reach that figure.

Other parts of the company's debt restructuring efforts include the tendering of approximately $4.3 billion in Senior Convertible Notes (not due until December 15, 2036) for purchase related to Ford's conversion offer, along with previously announced gains like its revised agreements with the United Auto Workers and a cash tender offer for the company's unsecured, non-convertible debt securities. For the full gorey financial details, you number crunchers can click on the jump to check out Ford's official press releases.

[Source: Ford Motor Company | Image: Spencer Platt/Getty]

Continue reading Ford announces it has successfully reduced debt by $9.9 billion

Ford announces it has successfully reduced debt by $9.9 billion originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Apr 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>debt restructuringDebtRestructuringFord CreditFord Motor companyFord Motor CreditFordCreditFordMotorCompanyFordMotorCreditrestructuringsenior convertible notesSeniorConvertibleNotesUAWUnited Auto WorkersUnitedAutoWorkersMon, 06 Apr 2009 10:29:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: UAW backs Chrysler-Fiat partnership]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/20/uaw-backs-chrysler-fiat-partnership/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/20/uaw-backs-chrysler-fiat-partnership/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/20/uaw-backs-chrysler-fiat-partnership/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



According to The Detroit News, the United Auto Workers is giving its blessings to a potential Chrysler-Fiat tie-up. Chrysler honcho Bob Nardelli earlier pegged the possible union as a $10 billion bonanza for Chrysler, since the Pentastar would save money on developing a range of platforms, engines, and cars. The UAW's interest is, of course, the job savings: the partnership has been said to be worth 5,000 jobs that might otherwise be lost.

But with current timelines, the question is where Chrysler and the UAW will be by the time such a partnership gets to the next stage. Fiat expects to complete its due diligence of Chrysler by the end of this month. But by that time, Chrysler will need to have secured concessions from the UAW and bondholders in order to get additional money from the U.S. government. Whether it will get the concessions from both parties - and what the government will do when it comes time to write a check - are all things that remain to be seen.

[Source: The Detroit News]

REPORT: UAW backs Chrysler-Fiat partnership originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Mar 2009 12:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ron Gettelfinger, UAW President in front of podiumDespite 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]

REPORT: UAW Chief Ron Gettelfinger confirms retirement in 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Mar 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BREAKINGbreaking newsBreakingNewsgettelfingerretirementUAWunionUnited Auto WorkersUnitedAutoWorkersThu, 19 Mar 2009 11:29:00 EST<![CDATA[GM offers buyouts to every one of its hourly workers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/04/gm-offers-buyouts-to-every-one-of-its-hourly-workers/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/04/gm-offers-buyouts-to-every-one-of-its-hourly-workers/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/04/gm-offers-buyouts-to-every-one-of-its-hourly-workers/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Yesterday, General Motors announced plans for another round of buyouts. Initial reports said the automaker would offer workers 50 years of age and older $20,000 cash and another $25,000 voucher towards the purchase of a GM vehicle. However, the Associated Press is now reporting that GM will offer every one of its hourly workers the opportunity to expand their career options. A UAW official confirms to the AP that the offer will be a one-time cash payout as well as a car-purchase voucher, but would not discuss specific amounts.

The same official said the buyout details should be announced by GM on Friday and employees would have until March 23 to stay with the company or begin looking at ways to make that $20k last until retirement. Takers of the buyouts would have until April 1 to clear out their lockers.

[Source: AP]

GM offers buyouts to every one of its hourly workers originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Feb 2009 07:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buyoutsgeneral motorsgeneral motors layoffsGeneralMotorsGeneralMotorsLayoffsUAWunionunionsUnited Auto WorkersUnitedAutoWorkersWed, 04 Feb 2009 07:28:00 EST<![CDATA[UAW points blame for bailout failure back at Senate Republicans]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/12/uaw-points-blame-for-bailout-failure-back-at-senate-republicans/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/12/uaw-points-blame-for-bailout-failure-back-at-senate-republicans/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/12/uaw-points-blame-for-bailout-failure-back-at-senate-republicans/#commentsFiled under: ,

Earlier this morning, United Auto Workers president Ron Gettelfinger held a press conference in which he pointed the finger of blame back at Senate Republicans, particularly ones from Southern states in which many foreign-owned auto assembly plants are located, for the failed attempt last night to pass the Auto Rescue/Bailout Bill in the Senate. As we mentioned earlier, negotiations fell apart over the issue of wage parity, or what Senator Bob Corkey (R-Tenn.) called "competitive wages".

Gettelfinger claims the UAW was willing to make its wages and benefits competitive with those earned by non-union workers at transplant factories, but felt it must be done over time through the attrition of older, higher-paid workers and the hiring of new workers at a lower wage with less benefits. Despite this concession by the UAW, Senate Republicans demanded that wages and benefits be made competitive by what it calls an "arbitrary date", likely March 31, 2009.

It seems like a minor issue to stall such an important piece of legislation, which may lend credence to Gettelfinger's suspicion that the UAW was "set up" as a scapegoat by Senate Republicans who have it out for organized labor.
[Source: The Detroit Free Press, MSNBC, Photo by Bill Pugliano/Getty]

Continue reading UAW points blame for bailout failure back at Senate Republicans

UAW points blame for bailout failure back at Senate Republicans originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Dec 2008 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Gettelfingerron gettelfingerron gettlefingerRonGettelfingerRonGettlefingerUAWunited auto workersUnitedAutoWorkerswage parityWageParityFri, 12 Dec 2008 12:31:00 EST<![CDATA[UAW considers dropping "job bank" for idled workers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/01/uaw-considers-dropping-job-bank-for-idled-workers/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/01/uaw-considers-dropping-job-bank-for-idled-workers/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/01/uaw-considers-dropping-job-bank-for-idled-workers/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

As you read this, there are about 3,000 unionized workers -- down from about 15,000 two years ago -- employed by the Detroit 3 getting paid, despite the fact that they aren't working. While it's nice for America's automakers to have access to a talent-pool of available workers, it's also a major financial drain on an industry that's already reeling from a distinct lack of profits. And with new cutbacks and layoffs being announced almost daily, these "job banks" are increasingly tough to justify, even for the UAW. It's always been a bit of a competitive disadvantage, at least on paper, as non-UAW competitors like Honda, Toyota, Nissan and Hyundai do not keep such job banks. To ease Detroit's transition from bloated, money-losing corporations to lean "right-sized" competitors, UAW Prez. Ron Gettelfinger has brought up the job banks and their possible elimination. Will this be a part of the overall plan to become competitive that the Detroit 3 bring to Congress? We'll find out soon enough.

[Source: Wall Street Journal]

UAW considers dropping "job bank" for idled workers originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Dec 2008 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>job bankjob banksJobBankJobBanksron gettelfingerRonGettelfingeruawunited auto workersUnitedAutoWorkersMon, 01 Dec 2008 15:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Surprise: UAW would be against merger]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/15/surprise-uaw-would-be-against-merger/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/15/surprise-uaw-would-be-against-merger/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/15/surprise-uaw-would-be-against-merger/#commentsFiled under: , ,

In an announcement that should be anything but shocking to anyone who even remotely follows the auto industry, United Auto Workers head Ron Gettelfinger says he and the UAW would be against any merger between automakers that would reduce either company's workforce. Considering that the Union's main job as of late has been safeguarding the jobs of its members, we would expect nothing less than an all-out war between Gettelfinger and the automakers involved, if such a merger were to take place, as much of the potential money savings would undoubtedly be in duplicate workforce reductions. In any case, Gettelfinger says that the UAW has not officially been contacted by either party regarding anything of the sort, lending further credence to the notion that any talks that are currently taking place are very much in the early stages.

[Source: The Detroit Free Press]

Surprise: UAW would be against merger originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Oct 2008 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslermergerron gettelfingerRonGettelfingeruawunionunited auto workersUnitedAutoWorkersWed, 15 Oct 2008 09:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford needs 4,200 more workers to go]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/11/ford-needs-4-200-more-workers-to-go/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/11/ford-needs-4-200-more-workers-to-go/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/11/ford-needs-4-200-more-workers-to-go/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Ford is stuck between a rock (the United Auto Workers union) and a hard place (having too many unionized hourly workers). In order to get some of those workers out the door, the Blue Oval is forced to offer them heavy incentives just to leave. There are ten such incentive packages currently offered at various Ford manufacturing plants. According to reports, the magic number of workers from which the automaker would like to divorce itself is 4,200. It's as simple as having more people than jobs, which is a concern outside of Ford as well and one reason many workers are hesitant to let go of the job they already have. To make this transition easier for current employees, Ford has set up a website that offers tips and alternative job postings for its workers to pursue. Yeah, it's gotten that bad.

[Source: The Detroit Free Press]

Ford needs 4,200 more workers to go originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Sep 2008 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fordford buyoutford jobsFordBuyoutFordJobsuawunited auto workersUnitedAutoWorkersThu, 11 Sep 2008 18:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Buy a brick from a fallen Flint assembly plant]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/20/buy-a-brick-from-a-fallen-flint-assembly-plant/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/20/buy-a-brick-from-a-fallen-flint-assembly-plant/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/20/buy-a-brick-from-a-fallen-flint-assembly-plant/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Our first thought was "Boy, retirement plans sure ain't what they used to be." Reality, of course, is more banal, it's just UAW Local 651 going all nostalgic while demolition of the Flint East plant continues. The plant's last occupant was Delphi, but the plant has a history nearly as long as the automotive industry itself. With that much provenance, Local 651 is most likely right in assuming that some former workers might want to have a brick from the plant to put on their mantle. Michiganders looking for a memento will need to sign up on next Tuesday so the union can get a bead on how many people are interested. We'd like to sign up for the return of industry and good blue collar jobs, nevermind the old bricks.

[Source: Detroit Free Press, Photo: Getty/Jim Pugliano]

Buy a brick from a fallen Flint assembly plant originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Jun 2008 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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General Motors announced today that approximately 19,000 hourly employees have opted to leave the automaker's ranks in exchange for a buyout offer and retirement incentives. The offer was extended to 74,000 UAW workers in an attempt to swap out highly paid long-termers with lower-paid new employees as the General realigns its financial situation. Workers have had months to make the decision, but GM is giving them another week to rethink their choice. Employees that have made the final decision will leave no later than July 1, 2008. The effect of nearly 19,000 hourly employees taking buyouts apparently wasn't enough to right the S.S. General Motors as the massive automaker just announced that a new restructuring plan with more buyouts and layoffs is on its way.

[Source: GM]

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Nearly 19,000 hourly workers take buyout from GM originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 May 2008 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The United Auto Workers (UAW) are gearing up to strike against General Motors if progress isn't made on local negotiations affecting three factories in the U.S. The workers at the Arlington, Texas; Parma, Ohio; and Delta Township, Michigan plants are required to give the General a five day notice before the stoppage occurs, and they've told GM's negotiators that if progress isn't made in five days on the local contracts, they'll be laying down their tools. The dispute is primarily over which factory workers will be forced into a lower wage rate. If the work stoppage occurs, it will further compound issues GM is already facing with the American Axle strike, which has forced the automaker to slow or stop production at 30 factories across the U.S and Canada.

[Source: Detroit News]

UAW threatening GM strike over unresolved issues originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Apr 2008 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It turns out that the three-day inventory of parts that was stockpiled by OEM supplier American Axle is not nearly enough to weather a strike by the United Auto Workers union. The strike began early Wednesday, and though it's only Friday, General Motors is preparing to shut down its second, third and fourth assembly plant on account of parts shortages from American Axle. GM shut down its Pontiac, MI truck plant yesterday, which will be followed by the Fort Wayne, Flint and Oshawa plants, which build the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra, at midnight tonight. That's a lot of truck plants off-line, but there's one more in Silao, Mexico that builds the Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon XL and Cadillac Escalade and ESV that will remain running for now.

Unlike the strikes levied by the UAW against GM and Chrysler during contract negotiation talks last year, the current strike against American Axle is no token bargaining tool that will end before the paint on the picket signs is dry. Despite that, it does give GM an opportunity to lower its inventory of unsold trucks and SUVs, so for the time being the giant automaker isn't panicking. The strike has the potential to wane on, however, considering that the UAW is deeply committed to fighting against a proposed cut that would trim American Axle's hourly labor costs from $70 to between $20 and $30. The supplier wants to recoup its $3 billion investment in its plants, but the workers are fighting to ensure that it's not at their expense.

[Source: Automotive News, Photo by Bill Pugliano/Getty]

American Axle strike causes GM to idle four truck plants originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Feb 2008 15:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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In a move that may threaten production at General Motors, the United Auto Workers union went on strike against American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings Inc. earlier today. The UAW work stoppage, the third called by the union within the past six months, centered around wages, benefits, and concerns that the company may be moving production to Mexico.

American Axle is the sole axle supplier to GM for light trucks such as the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon. The company supplies axles, shafts, and related components to other automakers, as well. As the four-year contract with the UAW neared the end of its term and the strike loomed, American Axle did stockpile its inventory. It is unclear, however, just how much supply is on hand. It may not need to last long, as analysts expect a negotiated settlement to end the strike within several days. This is good news for everyone, especially the workers who are walking the picket lines outside in the freezing snow.

[Source: Automotive News, subs. req'd, Photo by Bill Pugliano/Getty]

UAW strikes again! Targets American Axle after talks end originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Feb 2008 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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