Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif 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/<![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/#commentsFiled 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 workersMon, 01 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20523155/article-comments.xml 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[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/#commentsFiled 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 cogmobamaRomneyUAWThu, 01 Nov 2012 16:21:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20368300/article-comments.xml 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[UAW invokes civil rights movement in bid to unionize Nissan plant]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/02/uaw-invokes-civil-rights-movement-in-bid-to-unionize-nissan-plan/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/02/uaw-invokes-civil-rights-movement-in-bid-to-unionize-nissan-plan/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/02/uaw-invokes-civil-rights-movement-in-bid-to-unionize-nissan-plan/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Nissan Canton

The United Auto Workers continues to pursue the unionization of a foreign automaker's plant in the U.S. and has redoubled its efforts on the Nissan facility in Canton, Mississippi. According to Reuters, the union plans to paint the organization effort as "the civil rights battle of the 21st century." Gary Casteel, one of the UAW's highest-ranking officials in the South has been quoted as saying the civil rights experience was fought in Mississippi. Since 70 percent of the Canton workforce is black, the UAW hopes the civil rights card will bring more votes toward unionization.

It's unclear whether the tactic will resonate with workers as the UAW has had little luck getting a foreign-owned plant to organize over the past 30 years. The union has pressed Nissan especially hard by attempting to unionize the company's Smyrna, Tennessee plant twice. Workers voted against the move both times. UAW President Bob King says that his organization needs to incorporate foreign-owned plants if it intends to survive. The UAW has seen membership slide off to a quarter of its numbers in 1979.

The Canton plant employs 3,900 workers and will soon be home to the next-generation Sentra. According to the Reuters report, the average full-time worker there earns $59,600 per year, with five hours of overtime per week. Veteran UAW workers, meanwhile, bring home $69,500 per year.

UAW invokes civil rights movement in bid to unionize Nissan plant originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Aug 2012 10:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bob kingcantoncanton mississippinissansmyrnasmyrna tennesseeuawunionsunited auto workersThu, 02 Aug 2012 10:14:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20291228/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/02/uaw-invokes-civil-rights-movement-in-bid-to-unionize-nissan-plan/20291228/article-detail.xml 20291228 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/nissan-canton_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/nissan-canton.jpg <![CDATA[GM may suggest pension buyouts to UAW]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/14/gm-may-suggest-pension-buyouts-to-uaw/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/14/gm-may-suggest-pension-buyouts-to-uaw/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/14/gm-may-suggest-pension-buyouts-to-uaw/#commentsFiled under: , ,

GM CEO Dan Akerson gestures at podium

General Motors CEO Dan Akerson said the company may offer buyouts to United Autos Workers members before it negotiates a new contract in 2015.

"We can bring it up," Akerson said Tuesday before GM's annual meeting, according to The New York Times. "I'm not saying we're going to do it, but it's something we could look at if the opportunity should arise."

Roughly 42,000 of GM's 118,000 retirees or eligible spouses could opt for a one-time payment instead of a traditional pension. A similar offer was made to white collar retirees who retired between 1997 and 2011. That group has until July 20 to accept or decline it.

GM hopes the offers help reduce its $134 billion pension obligation by about $26 billion, according to The New York Times. That savings could help considerably - the company's current pension obligation is underfunded by $25 billion.

UAW President Bob King did not respond to inquires by The New York Times.

GM may suggest pension buyouts to UAW originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Jun 2012 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bob kingdan akersongeneral motorsgmgm pensionslegacy costspensionsuawunited autos workersThu, 14 Jun 2012 17:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20258555/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/14/gm-may-suggest-pension-buyouts-to-uaw/20258555/article-detail.xml 20258555 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/dan-akerson-in-front-of-gm-podium_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/dan-akerson-in-front-of-gm-podium.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan's Mississippi plant is chief UAW target]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/11/nissans-mississippi-plant-is-chief-uaw-target/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/11/nissans-mississippi-plant-is-chief-uaw-target/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/11/nissans-mississippi-plant-is-chief-uaw-target/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2013 Nissan Altima goes into production in Canton, Miss.

Historically, automotive plants in the South have been impervious to efforts by organization drives by the United Auto Workers. In 2001, the UAW was rejected two-to-one by Nissan workers at its Smyrna, Tenn. plant. And in 2005 and 2007, the UAW failed to get enough interest at Nissan's plant in Canton, Miss.

But the UAW is reportedly ready to give it a go again in Canton. Union officials say the group has been discussing the possibility with workers there, and reactions are not all positive. UAW President Bob King says Nissan officials have been actively trying to dissuade its Canton employees from cooperating with the union by using scare tactics.

"Fear and intimidation should not be part of the equation when workers are deciding whether they want to be represented by the union," King is quoted saying in the Reuters article. "Workers should be able to hear equally from both sides and make a decision for themselves."

In Nissan's defense, a company spokesman says the accusations of intimidation are not true.

If it is to succeed in Canton, the UAW will need to win over the workers, but to do so, it will likely have to overcome Nissan's apparent objections as well as the anti-union attitudes of politicians. Miss. Gov. Ken Bryant has in the past said "he would step in if the UAW tried to organize a plant in the state," Reuters reports.

Nissan's Canton plant builds five models, including the 2013 Altima, which has just entered production last week.

Nissan's Mississippi plant is chief UAW target originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Jun 2012 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>altimabob kingcanton misscanton mississippimississippinissanorganization driveuawunionunionizingunited auto workersMon, 11 Jun 2012 16:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20255872/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/11/nissans-mississippi-plant-is-chief-uaw-target/20255872/article-detail.xml 20255872 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/2013-nissan-altima-production-starts_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/2013-nissan-altima-production-starts.jpg <![CDATA[UAW membership climbs 1.1% thanks to automakers adding jobs]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/02/uaw-membership-climbs-1-1-thanks-to-automakers-adding-jobs/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/02/uaw-membership-climbs-1-1-thanks-to-automakers-adding-jobs/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/02/uaw-membership-climbs-1-1-thanks-to-automakers-adding-jobs/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

United Auto Workers Logo

The United Auto Workers has seen an increase in membership for the second straight year, according to Bloomberg. Last year, the union saw its ranks grow by 1.1 percent to 380,719 members, thanks in part to increased hiring by domestic automakers. In 2010, the UAW grew by six percent, but today's total is still a fraction of the 1.5 million members the union boasted in 1979. General Motors, Ford and Chrysler are expected to hire around 14,750 union workers by 2015, according to the report. That number is likely far below what the UAW will need to be able to secure significant bargaining leverage.

To that end, the UAW has made it clear that organizing a foreign-owned manufacturing facility is crucial to its survival. UAW president Bob King vowed to unionize one such plant last year but failed to do so. Now the UAW is reportedly handing out authorization cards at the new Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Workers there have reportedly had mixed-reactions to the prospect of unionization.

UAW membership climbs 1.1% thanks to automakers adding jobs originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Apr 2012 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bob kingchryslerfordgeneral motorsgmuawunionunited auto workersvolkswagenMon, 02 Apr 2012 18:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20206649/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/02/uaw-membership-climbs-1-1-thanks-to-automakers-adding-jobs/20206649/article-detail.xml 20206649 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/uaw-logo-large_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/uaw-logo-large.jpg <![CDATA[UAW training 100,000 for protests on behalf of the 99%?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/23/uaw-training-100-000-for-protests-on-behalf-of-the-99/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/23/uaw-training-100-000-for-protests-on-behalf-of-the-99/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/23/uaw-training-100-000-for-protests-on-behalf-of-the-99/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The 99% Spring

According to The Daily Caller, a politically conservative news site (via The Detroit News), the United Auto Workers union is helping to organize a group called The 99% Spring, which describes itself as an offshoot of the Occupy Wall Street movement.

The 99% Spring is a coalition of 43 organizations, but The Daily Caller says the UAW is the "powerhouse" behind the effort that seeks to train 100,000 Americans "for non-violent direct action." While UAW president Bob King has voiced support for the movement, an unknown source told The Detroit News that the UAW is merely a part of the coalition and is not its "mastermind."

Josh Bolotsky, a so-called online organizer listed as a contact for The 99% Spring, told The Daily Caller that "an independent tech issue led to some docs, both public and private, appearing briefly on [the UAW's public-facing web site]," adding that activists at the Movement Strategy Center and the New Organizing Institute were "[t]he chief co-coordinators of the overall project."

Full copies of the documentation obtained by The Daily Caller from the UAW website can be seen after the break... so we suggest you draw your own conclusions.

Continue reading UAW training 100,000 for protests on behalf of the 99%?

UAW training 100,000 for protests on behalf of the 99%? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Feb 2012 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>99 springbob kingoccupy wall streetthe 99the 99 percentthe 99 percent springthe 99 springuawunionunited auto workersThu, 23 Feb 2012 14:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20178187/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/23/uaw-training-100-000-for-protests-on-behalf-of-the-99/20178187/article-detail.xml 20178187 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/the-99-percent-spring_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/the-99-percent-spring.jpg <![CDATA[UAW's King urges nationwide protests, going arm-in-arm with Occupy movement]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/13/uaws-king-urges-nationwide-protests-going-arm-in-arm-with-occu/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/13/uaws-king-urges-nationwide-protests-going-arm-in-arm-with-occu/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/13/uaws-king-urges-nationwide-protests-going-arm-in-arm-with-occu/#commentsFiled under: ,

Bob King, UAW president joins protestors

The modern union movement was kick-started 75 years ago at a General Motors factory in Flint, MI. The workers staged a sit-down protest that eventually led to the formation of the first auto union contract. The United Auto Workers and President Bob King (middle) are looking to celebrate that big anniversary by, of course, hitting the streets in protest.

The Detroit News reports that King told a crowd of about 500 union members that the UAW will join with other unions and members of the Occupy Wall Street movement to protest big corporations that pay no taxes "while middle-class Americans are losing their homes." King went on to rally the troops with promises to fight corporate greed and right wing politics.

King and company plan to start their collaborative protesting on April 25 with a demonstration in front of the General Electric stakeholders meeting in Detroit. Of course GE isn't all that thrilled about the negative spotlight. GE spokesman Andrew Williams tells The Detroit News that the conglomerate paid a billion dollars in taxes in 2010.

UAW's King urges nationwide protests, going arm-in-arm with Occupy movement originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Feb 2012 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bob kinggegeneral electricoccupyoccupy wall streetstrikeuawunionMon, 13 Feb 2012 10:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20170172/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/13/uaws-king-urges-nationwide-protests-going-arm-in-arm-with-occu/20170172/article-detail.xml 20170172 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/bob-king-uaw-protesting_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/bob-king-uaw-protesting.jpg <![CDATA[UAW President Bob King pumped about new CAFE standards]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/18/uaw-president-bob-king-pumped-about-new-cafe-standards/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/18/uaw-president-bob-king-pumped-about-new-cafe-standards/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/18/uaw-president-bob-king-pumped-about-new-cafe-standards/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Bob King, United Auto Workers president

Bob King, President of the United Auto Workers, is adding his voice to those who have already chimed in with support for the new Corporate Average Fuel Economy standard of 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025. In what might be a historic break from the union's contentious past, King is throwing in for the new fuel efficiency rules because he thinks it will mean jobs for his members as the auto industry reacts to the mandate.

In the past, such a decree could have meant much wailing and gnashing of teeth from both the automakers and labor unions. Instead, The Detroit News reports King told a meeting of representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency and Nathional Highway Traffic Safety Administration "We are excited about the new green technologies that are being developed in the United states and produced in UAW-represented facilities." King went on to praise the rules as a change that will save people money at the gas pump and reduce pollution.

The proceedings in Detroit weren't all smiles, however. Don Chalmers of the National Automobile Dealers Association expressed worry that the technology to make the fuel efficiency goal possible will tack on between $3,500 to $5,000 to the price of new vehicles, squeezing buyers with low cashflow or difficult credit inordinately. Still, the surprising bout of rainbows and puppy dogs that this latest CAFE requirement has engendered may be a harbinger of a new attitude all-around, as long as dealers can figure out how to put buyers into the newly efficient cars that automakers and labor leaders are so pleased to be creating.

UAW President Bob King pumped about new CAFE standards originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Jan 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2025 cafe targetbob kingbob king cafecafecafe 2025corporate average fuel economydon chalmersfuel economympgnational automobile dealers associationuawWed, 18 Jan 2012 15:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20150789/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/18/uaw-president-bob-king-pumped-about-new-cafe-standards/20150789/article-detail.xml 20150789 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/bob-king-uaw-boss-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/bob-king-uaw-boss-628.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan UAW's most likely target?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/15/nissan-uaws-most-likely-target/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/15/nissan-uaws-most-likely-target/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/15/nissan-uaws-most-likely-target/#commentsFiled under: , ,

UAW President Bob King

It appears the UAW has not finished casting about for a transplanted carmaker to target for unionization. Recent months have seen small-arms fire aimed at BMW and Hyundai, now UAW head Bob King has pointed artillery at Nissan, with King "accusing the Japanese automaker of unspecified human rights violations at its factories in Tennessee and Mississippi."

The UAW has attempted to organize Nissan's workforce before, and it didn't work. Supposedly it is devoting more resources to this effort, but other than King's accusations and statements that the UAW is talking to "top leaders at Nissan," it isn't clear how much commitment is involved. With no publicly stated target, is this another act of probing the chances at success or truly an all-out push? Nissan North America said King hasn't spoken to anyone there, and VP David Reuter said that King's "attempts to disparage Nissan are without merit."

Based on insider and outsider commentary, the UAW needs to do something soon to up its membership. With less than 400,000 members, even King feels that "If we don't organize these transnationals, I don't think there's a long-term future for the UAW."

Nissan UAW's most likely target? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Dec 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bob kingnissannissan uawnissan uniontennesseeuawunionizingunited auto workersThu, 15 Dec 2011 09:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20123787/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/15/nissan-uaws-most-likely-target/20123787/article-detail.xml 20123787 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/uaw-bob-king_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/uaw-bob-king.jpg <![CDATA[UAW pickets Hyundai dealerships to support Korean worker]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/04/uaw-picketing-hyundai-dealerships-to-support-korean-workers/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/04/uaw-picketing-hyundai-dealerships-to-support-korean-workers/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/04/uaw-picketing-hyundai-dealerships-to-support-korean-workers/#commentsFiled under: ,

uaw logoThe United Auto Workers protested outside Hyundai dealers in the U.S. last week, though not for the reasons you might think. Automotive News reports that the UAW picketed key U.S. Hyundai dealerships yesterday in response to an incident that took place halfway around the world.

The protest was in support of a Korean union employee who was reportedly fired for reporting sexual harassment at a Hyundai subcontractor. UAW spokeswoman Michele Martin was quick to point out that the union was not picketing Hyundai, and added that the move was not part of the organization's drive to organize transplant automakers.

The Hyundai dealership protest can be looked at as a warm-up for the UAW, which previously stated that it would organize U.S. operations of a foreign automaker in 2011. (That target has since been pushed further into the future.) The union has reportedly been training protesters how to demonstrate at auto dealer showrooms.

UAW pickets Hyundai dealerships to support Korean worker originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 04 Dec 2011 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bob kingdealershiphyundaikoreaprotestsexual harrasmentuawunionSun, 04 Dec 2011 12:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20118119/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/04/uaw-picketing-hyundai-dealerships-to-support-korean-workers/20118119/article-detail.xml 20118119 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/uaw-250-1317135296_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/uaw-250-1317135296.jpg <![CDATA[Marchionne: Two-tier wage structure untenable]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/28/marchionne-two-tier-wage-structure-untenable/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/28/marchionne-two-tier-wage-structure-untenable/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/28/marchionne-two-tier-wage-structure-untenable/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Sergio MarchionneChrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne has said that he hopes to end the automaker's two-tier wage structure in the company's next round of labor talks with the United Auto Workers. According to Automotive News, Marchionne said that the current system creates two classes of workers and that it isn't viable in the long term.

The CEO went on to say that the program is currently undermining efforts to make Chrysler and Fiat work together as a single entity. Ideally, Chrysler would have a single wage set that recognizes the level of worker involvement in generating profits for the company.

As Automotive News reminds us, domestic manufacturers won the right to pay entry-level workers a lower wage in 2007. UAW President Bob King has already made waves about doing away with the two-tier pay system, and Marchionne says that his views are consistent with those of the union leader. King said that the union originally left a one-tier system to help save domestic automakers, but now that Ford, General Motors and Chrysler are beginning to look healthy once again, workers want equal pay.

Marchionne: Two-tier wage structure untenable originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Oct 2011 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bob kingchrysler wagesmarchionnesergio marchionnetwo-tier wagesuawunited auto workerswagesFri, 28 Oct 2011 18:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20093157/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/28/marchionne-two-tier-wage-structure-untenable/20093157/article-detail.xml 20093157 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/sergio-marchionne-250_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/sergio-marchionne-250.jpg <![CDATA[UAW ratifies new four-year Chrysler labor contract]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/26/uaw-ratifies-new-four-year-chrysler-labor-contract/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/26/uaw-ratifies-new-four-year-chrysler-labor-contract/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/26/uaw-ratifies-new-four-year-chrysler-labor-contract/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Toledo Jeep assembly plant

Chrysler and the United Auto Workers have officially agreed to a new four-year labor contract as the rank and file have voted in favor of the new agreement. A total of 54.8 percent of all Chrysler UAW workers gave the agreement a 'yes' vote.

The agreement helps keep wages in check for Chrysler, while providing some guarantees to blue collar workers. The pact calls for up to 2,100 additional jobs, which comes on top of the 2,500 jobs already added since 2009. Those workers will also receive improved profit sharing when the black ink begins to flow. The contract promises a more transparent bonus system calculated directly from profit performance. Chrysler also promises to increase investment in U.S. facilities by an additional $1.3 billion, bringing the total investment in plants to $4.5 billion since Team Pentastar's 2009 bankruptcy.

Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne was understandably happy to have the negotiations behind him, and he praised workers and the UAW. Marchionne added that the pain of bankruptcy won't be forgotten, adding that the contract "rewards [workers] for the current and potential future success of the Company while ensuring Chrysler Group will be able to remain competitive."

After very little fanfare and few bumps in the road, all members of the Detroit Three now have fresh UAW contracts in place. It's hard to believe that there were no strikes, few threats and minimal theatrics, and you'll hear no complaints from us. We'd rather talk about cars than contracts any day of the week. Hit the jump to read over the Chrysler press release.

Continue reading UAW ratifies new four-year Chrysler labor contract

UAW ratifies new four-year Chrysler labor contract originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Oct 2011 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bob kingchryslerchrysler contractchrysler uawcontractsergio marchionneuawunionunited auto workersWed, 26 Oct 2011 18:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20091436/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/26/uaw-ratifies-new-four-year-chrysler-labor-contract/20091436/article-detail.xml 20091436 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/jeep-assembly_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/jeep-assembly.jpg <![CDATA[Details of UAW/GM deal reveal minimum wage raise, 6.4K jobs created or retained [w/poll]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/20/details-of-uaw-gm-deal-reveal-minimum-wage-raise-6-4k-jobs-crea/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/20/details-of-uaw-gm-deal-reveal-minimum-wage-raise-6-4k-jobs-crea/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/20/details-of-uaw-gm-deal-reveal-minimum-wage-raise-6-4k-jobs-crea/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Dan Akerson and Bob King

Details about the tentative deal struck between General Motors and the United Auto Workers union last Friday are being released, and it would appear the union didn't do too bad for itself. Under the new agreement, General Motors has reportedly agreed to retain or create 6,400 union jobs as part of a $2.5 billion investment in future products and the plants that build them. Those product and plant investments include the following:
  • Reopening GM's Spring Hill, TN plant to build two new mid-sized vehicles
  • A new compact vehicle to be built at a plant to be determined
  • A new transmission program at the company's Warren, MI powertrain plant
  • A new engine program at the company's Romulus, MI powertrain plant
  • A new casting operation at a plant in Saginaw, MI
  • An additional production shift at the company's Wentzville, MO assembly plant
Automotive News reports that most of the above investments were originally slated for GM's Mexico operations but will now remain in the U.S. and contribute to the retention or creation of those 6,400 jobs.

Of course, in order to keep and create jobs, others must retire, and so the new accord between GM and the UAW will offer a $10,000 buyout to eligible employees who retire over the next two years and a whopping $65,000 buyout for skilled trades workers who retire between November 1 and March 31, 2012. GM has also agreed to make adjustments to the controversial two-tier wage structure established by the last agreement, raising the minimum wage for entry-level workers from $14/hour to $15.78/hour, as well as improving their health insurance and offering tuition assistance.

Current workers would also appear to make out well, with a record signing bonus of $5,000 if the contract gets ratified, as well lump sum payments of $1,000 in 2012, 2013 and 2014 in lieu of cost-of-living adjustments. Workers will also get a minimum profit-sharing payment in early 2012 of $3,500 based on GM's profits through June 2011, as well as an annual award of $250 if the company meets certain quality goals. All-in, current workers stand to pocket an extra $12K during the course of this new contract. How do you think this new deal rates? Take the poll and tell us why in Comments.

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Details of UAW/GM deal reveal minimum wage raise, 6.4K jobs created or retained [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Sep 2011 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 contract negotiationsbob kingdan akersongeneral motorsgmgm contractuawunion contractunited auto workers unionTue, 20 Sep 2011 17:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20047911/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/20/details-of-uaw-gm-deal-reveal-minimum-wage-raise-6-4k-jobs-crea/20047911/article-detail.xml 20047911 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/gm-uaw-contract-agreement_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/gm-uaw-contract-agreement.jpg <![CDATA[UAW seeking record $10,000 signing bonuses for each member]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/10/uaw-seeking-record-10-000-signing-bonuses-for-each-member/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/10/uaw-seeking-record-10-000-signing-bonuses-for-each-member/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/10/uaw-seeking-record-10-000-signing-bonuses-for-each-member/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



There was a time when union contract negotiations centered around increased hourly wages and top benefits. Bloomberg reports that the United Auto Workers may be willing to forgo raises in favor of lump-sum payments tied to hitting profitability and productivity targets.

To help sell such a deal to the UAW rank and file, Bloomberg reports that the union could seek signing bonuses of $8,000 to $10,000 per member. On the high end, that's over three times the $3,000 Ford, General Motors and Chrysler union employees received in 2007 when they ratified their current contracts.

Signing bonuses of $10,000 per union worker would cost GM $470 million, Ford $410 million and Chrysler $250 million. Bloomberg reports that, on the automakers side of the negotiating table, "there may be resistance to such a large payout." A UAW spokesperson went on the record to say that talk of the union asking for the larger signing bonuses is "inaccurate and it creates false expectations."

The current UAW contract with the Detroit automakers expires September 14.

UAW seeking record $10,000 signing bonuses for each member originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 10 Sep 2011 10:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>10000 bonusbob kingchryslerfordgmuawunionSat, 10 Sep 2011 10:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20039268/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/10/uaw-seeking-record-10-000-signing-bonuses-for-each-member/20039268/article-detail.xml 20039268 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/bobkinguawhandthing_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/bobkinguawhandthing.jpg <![CDATA[UAW "leans toward" striking Ford if deal isn't reached]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/06/uaw-leans-toward-striking-ford-if-deal-isnt-reached/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/06/uaw-leans-toward-striking-ford-if-deal-isnt-reached/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/06/uaw-leans-toward-striking-ford-if-deal-isnt-reached/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The United Auto Workers are currently negotiating new labor contracts with The Detroit Three. Due to bankruptcy restrictions, UAW members working at General Motors and Chrysler and can't go on strike. Ford, on the other hand, didn't get a no-strike clause since it didn't go through the bankruptcy process. That means the UAW can walk off Blue Oval production lines if it chooses to do so, and it is already threatening to do just that if it doesn't get the agreement it wants when the current contract expires on September 14.

The Detroit News report on the matter is reminiscent of sports press reportage on the former NFL and current NBA lockouts: haves and have-nots, short memories, separate legal actions, and phrases like "they don't believe Ford's claims of poverty."

A couple of days ago, it was reported that preliminary voting was heavily in favor of a strike, and that wasn't a fluke: strike authorization is running at 97 percent - well above usual. But some UAW workers feel that the plants that are doing well, like the Dearborn Truck plant making the F-150 pickup, is a case of "The fat-cat plants want more," while plants that want more work are content for now to let Ford get healthier before asking for more.

A strike authorization from Bob King and company does not necessarily mean that there will be a strike if an amicable conclusion can't be reached, but it does give the UAW more ammunition than it has with GM and Chrysler.

UAW "leans toward" striking Ford if deal isn't reached originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Sep 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bob kingcollective bargainingford motor companylabor agreementlabor contractno-strikestrikeuawunionunited auto workersTue, 06 Sep 2011 11:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20034348/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/06/uaw-leans-toward-striking-ford-if-deal-isnt-reached/20034348/article-detail.xml 20034348 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/uaw-bob-king-at-detroit-economic-club_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/uaw-bob-king-at-detroit-economic-club.jpg <![CDATA[Despite positive negotations with Ford, UAW will vote on strike authorization]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/26/despite-positive-negotations-with-ford-uaw-will-vote-on-strike/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/26/despite-positive-negotations-with-ford-uaw-will-vote-on-strike/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/26/despite-positive-negotations-with-ford-uaw-will-vote-on-strike/#commentsFiled under: , ,

United Auto Workers LogoFord and the United Auto Workers are apparently getting along so well in current contract negotiations that the union reportedly contemplated skipping a scheduled vote for strike authorization altogether. As you may have guessed, that authorization is required before the UAW can order its members to strike - one of the more effective bartering chips in the organization's arsenal. But Gary Walkowitz, a union committeeman at the Ford Rouge plant, is urging workers to use the threat of strike to help the UAW gain back concessions that the union made during the tough economic period of just a few years ago.

UAW President Bob King has already alluded to the fact that his organization may have to settle for profit-sharing agreements instead of wage increases during this round of talks. Walkowitz, meanwhile, says that he'll wait to read exactly how the new agreement is phrased before deciding whether or not a strike is prudent.

Despite how well negotiations are progressing, union workers at Ford have agreed to vote on the strike authorization. Conversely, workers at Chrysler and General Motors have both taken the possibility of a strike off the table.

Despite positive negotations with Ford, UAW will vote on strike authorization originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Aug 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bob kingfordstrikeuawunionunited auto workersFri, 26 Aug 2011 16:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20027651/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/26/despite-positive-negotations-with-ford-uaw-will-vote-on-strike/20027651/article-detail.xml 20027651 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/uaw-250_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/uaw-250.jpg <![CDATA[UAW workers want end to two-tier wage structure]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/15/uaw-workers-want-end-to-two-tier-wage-structure/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/15/uaw-workers-want-end-to-two-tier-wage-structure/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/15/uaw-workers-want-end-to-two-tier-wage-structure/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Ford Focus assembly

Back in 2007-08, U.S. automakers and the United Auto Workers union signed landmark labor contracts that included many concessions on behalf of workers to keep the companies they work for competitive. Among them was an agreement to a two-tier wage structure that allowed automakers to start hiring replacements for retirees at a lower starting wage of $14-16/hour.

As one might expect, the people who got these lower paying jobs aren't too happy about the disparity in pay anymore. They've begun to organize with the hope of repealing the two-tier wage structure in negotiations leading up to the current four-year contracts' expiration on September 14. About 50 people showed up to a rally held at a church in Detroit over the weekend to express their opposition.

These opponents claim the pay disparity causes rifts on the factory floor, effectively turning union members against each other at a time when solidarity is most important. According to The Detroit News, they also argue that the two-tier structure erodes the middle class and could lead to pay cuts for the first-tier workers who start at $28/hour.

UAW President Bob King has reportedly said that the union would like the starting wage of second-tier workers increased in the next contract, but has not committed the organization to calling for its outright repeal. The other interesting wrinkle is that union workers for both General Motors and Chrysler gave up their right to strike by accepting government-funded bailouts. Only union workers for Ford may choose to exercise that right next month if things don't go their way at the bargaining table.

UAW workers want end to two-tier wage structure originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Aug 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bob kingchryslercontract negotiationsfordgeneral motorsgmtwo-tier wagesuawunited auto workersMon, 15 Aug 2011 16:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20017965/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/15/uaw-workers-want-end-to-two-tier-wage-structure/20017965/article-detail.xml 20017965 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/fordfocusshortage.df73379014b245a6994f16c20112165-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/fordfocusshortage.df73379014b245a6994f16c20112165-opt.jpg <![CDATA[UAW in "confidential discussions" with "a lot" of foreign automakers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/21/uaw-in-confidential-discussions-with-a-lot-of-foreign-automa/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/21/uaw-in-confidential-discussions-with-a-lot-of-foreign-automa/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/21/uaw-in-confidential-discussions-with-a-lot-of-foreign-automa/#commentsFiled under: ,

UAW president Bob King

The United Auto Workers is continuing to push toward unionization at manufacturing facilities owned by foreign automakers. According to Reuters, UAW President Bob King has said that a number of foreign companies have agreed to confidential discussions with the union and that "some progress" has arisen from the talks. No one from the organization has outright said which companies are speaking with the UAW or which, if any, are growing warmer to the notion of an organized workforce. Even so, UAW secretary-treasurer Dennis Williams has indicated that there may be a unionized foreign-owned plant by the end of this year.

As Reuters points out, the UAW hasn't exactly had the best track record when it comes to convincing workers in foreign-owned plants to join their cause. Despite the organization's best efforts, plants owned by Toyota, Honda, Nissan, BMW, Hyundai, Kia and Mercedes-Benz have all remained union-free. Now the UAW is doubling its efforts on Volkswagen with the company's new plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Attracting a new plant would likely help the union's flagging membership rates. Since 2000, the UAW has seen its roster plummet by 44 percent.

UAW in "confidential discussions" with "a lot" of foreign automakers originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Jul 2011 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autoworkers unionbob kingforeign automaker uniontransplant unionuawunionunited auto workersThu, 21 Jul 2011 11:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19996153/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/21/uaw-in-confidential-discussions-with-a-lot-of-foreign-automa/19996153/article-detail.xml 19996153 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/bob-king_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/bob-king.jpg <![CDATA[UAW's King upset with Chrysler plan to buy non-union transporters]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/18/uaws-king-upset-with-chrysler-plan-to-buy-non-union-transporter/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/18/uaws-king-upset-with-chrysler-plan-to-buy-non-union-transporter/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/18/uaws-king-upset-with-chrysler-plan-to-buy-non-union-transporter/#commentsFiled under: ,

Bob King, UAW president

Chrysler has had its fair share of troubles with transport companies of late, but a reported plan to switch to non-union delivery could make for even more labor headaches down the road. Bloomberg reports that United Auto Workers boss Bob King will stand behind the Teamsters in the event Chrysler attempts to eliminate one of the country's longest-standing unions from its car delivery business. King spoke to the International Brotherhood of Teamsters at their Las Vegas convention last month, telling the crowd that Chrysler was planning to buy $5 million worth of transport trucks to give to a non-union company. King then went on to assure the Teamsters that the UAW was behind them, adding "We're going to fight together to make that 100 percent union, 100 percent Teamster."

While automakers rarely (if ever) look for union troubles, this potential rift could have especially bad timing. Chrysler and other domestic automakers enter talks with the UAW on a new labor contract later this month. The new contracts will be the first since General Motors and Chrysler exited bankruptcy and the UAW is expected to try to win back some concessions made over the past few years.

UAW's King upset with Chrysler plan to buy non-union transporters originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Jul 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bob kingcar carriercar transporterchryslerteamsterstransporteruawunion negotiationsunited auto workersMon, 18 Jul 2011 13:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19993071/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/18/uaws-king-upset-with-chrysler-plan-to-buy-non-union-transporter/19993071/article-detail.xml 19993071 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/bob-king-uaw-headshot-1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/bob-king-uaw-headshot-1.jpg -1 2