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[Report: Bob King elected UAW president, succeeds Ron Gettelfinger]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/17/report-bob-king-elected-uaw-president-succeeds-ron-gettelfinge/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/17/report-bob-king-elected-uaw-president-succeeds-ron-gettelfinge/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/17/report-bob-king-elected-uaw-president-succeeds-ron-gettelfinge/#commentsFiled under: ,



Ron Gettelfinger has been in the United Auto Workers for 44 years, the last eight of those years in the role of president. He's taken his share of lumps from the people he faced across the table and his own constituents, but he's led the UAW through some of the toughest years its faced in a decades, summed up by his quote, "We did what we had to do to get to tomorrow." And now he's out, with his chosen successor, Bob King, voted in by a landslide to replace him.

King's candidacy was challenged by Gary Walkowicz, a bargaining committee member from Ford's Dearborn Truck Plant, and it's the first time someone has run against an endorsed candidate in 18 years. But that's part of Gettelfinger's legacy and a sign of the times - there are still strong and various currents of opinion about which way the UAW needs to go. However, with former lead Ford negotiatior King winning 2,115 votes to Walkowicz's 74 when the ballot counting was stopped, the front is still unified enough.

In addition to crowning King err.. king, General Holiefield, James Settles, Joseph Ashton and Cynthia Estrada were elected vice presidents and Dennis Williams was voted in as secretary-treasurer.

[Source: The Detroit News | Image: Carlos Osorio/Getty]


Report: Bob King elected UAW president, succeeds Ron Gettelfinger originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Jun 2010 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bob kingBobKinggettelfingerrobert kingRobertKingRon GettelfingerRonGettelfingeruawunionsUnited Auto WorkersUnitedAutoWorkersThu, 17 Jun 2010 09:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19519483/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/06/17/report-bob-king-elected-uaw-president-succeeds-ron-gettelfinge/19519483/article-detail.xml 19519483 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/bob-king-new-uaw-pres-630-getty_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/bob-king-new-uaw-pres-630-getty.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Thinning UAW ranks leading to budget cuts, staff reductions]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/16/report-thinning-uaw-ranks-leading-to-budget-cuts-staff-reducti/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/16/report-thinning-uaw-ranks-leading-to-budget-cuts-staff-reducti/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/16/report-thinning-uaw-ranks-leading-to-budget-cuts-staff-reducti/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The UAW ain't what it used to be. The organized labor outfit has seen membership fall off over the past ten years, and as a result, it's cutting staff at both its domestic and international headquarters. Last year's membership figures were pegged at a little more than 355,000 workers - down from over 700,000 in 2000, and a fraction of the 1.5 million members the UAW boasted in the mid '70s. To cope with the resultant dip in cash flow, the union has nixed around 130 positions overseas and slimmed its workforce in the U.S. to 325, according to The Detroit Free Press. The Union also closed a handful of small regional offices to help conserve cash.

The majority of the workers were sent on their way via early retirement incentives, according to Ron Gettelfinger, UAW president. Gettelfinger is the union's outgoing leader, and was instrumental in paving the way for some of the concessions that have allowed for unionized plants to be more competitive with their non-unionized counterparts. Still, The Detroit Free Press notes that a mere seven percent of all American workers are unionized, and that some UAW delegates are pushing for the repeal of those concessions.

[Source: The Detroit Free Press]

Report: Thinning UAW ranks leading to budget cuts, staff reductions originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Jun 2010 08:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GettelfingerRon GettelfingerRonGettelfingerUAWUnionUnited Auto WorkersUnitedAutoWorkersWed, 16 Jun 2010 08:34:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19517447/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/06/16/report-thinning-uaw-ranks-leading-to-budget-cuts-staff-reducti/19517447/article-detail.xml 19517447 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/uaw_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/uaw.jpg <![CDATA[<i>Reuters</i>: UAW pressuring Tesla/Toyota to hire union workers at former NUMMI plant]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/21/reuters-uaw-pressuring-tesla-toyota-to-hire-union-worker/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/21/reuters-uaw-pressuring-tesla-toyota-to-hire-union-worker/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/21/reuters-uaw-pressuring-tesla-toyota-to-hire-union-worker/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Yesterday, Toyota and Tesla announced that the two companies would be collaborating on electric vehicle development. Tesla will be taking over the NUMMI factory in Fremont, California, which was recently closed. Now, the United Auto Workers is urging Toyota to hire union workers to operate the plant, giving jobs back to the people who were rendered unemployed after the NUMMI shutdown.

UAW president Ron Gettelfinger has issued the following statement:
"Our union's hope is that this venture will give first hiring preference to former NUMMI employees who are already trained and highly skilled."
As you'll recall, NUMMI was closed at the beginning of April after the Toyota/General Motors joint venture fizzled, a development that left roughly 4,500 union workers unemployed. Thus, it only makes sense that the UAW would be fighting to reinstate these workers' jobs now that Tesla plans to build its Model S sedan at this facility.

[Source: Reuters | Image: Justin Sullivan/Getty]

Reuters: UAW pressuring Tesla/Toyota to hire union workers at former NUMMI plant originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 May 2010 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>numminummi plantNummiPlantreutersRon GettelfingerRonGettelfingerTeslatesla model stesla motorsTeslaModelSTeslaMotorstoyotatoyota teslaToyotaTeslauawUnited Auto WorkersUnitedAutoWorkersFri, 21 May 2010 15:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19486974/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/05/21/reuters-uaw-pressuring-tesla-toyota-to-hire-union-worker/19486974/article-detail.xml 19486974 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/nummi-narrow-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/nummi-narrow-630.jpg <![CDATA[Report: UAW considering selling famed Black Lake compound]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/18/report-uaw-considering-selling-famed-black-lake-compound/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/18/report-uaw-considering-selling-famed-black-lake-compound/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/18/report-uaw-considering-selling-famed-black-lake-compound/#commentsFiled under: ,



The United Auto Workers is many things to many people. To some, it's the reason why all of our manufacturing hasn't been shipped over to China. To others, UAW added costs are the reason why American cars can't compete with imports. Whatever your opinion, the facts are that the UAW is not nearly as strong as it once was. Back in 1979 the UAW claimed 1.5 million members on its rosters. In 2008 that number shrank to just 431,000 souls.

Obviously, something's got to give. And the UAW did give a little, agreeing to partially fund its Voluntary Employees' Beneficiary Associations (VEBAs) with GM and Chrysler shares (as opposed to cash) when both automakers went bankrupt in 2009. Even more obviously, that's just not enough.

Meet the UAW's Black Lake compound. It sits on just over 1,000 acres in Onaway, Michigan. The main lodge was built back in the 1930s by a Detroit advertising executive. Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball spent their honeymoon there. Notorious ex-boxer, Union buster and Henry Ford's right hand man, Harry Bennett was once late to a bargaining session because he was vacationing at the Black Lake. Bennett even showed photos to the UAW folks. UAW leader Walter Reuther replied, "after the revolution we will own that place."

And in 1967, that's exactly what happened. Purchased by the UAW to be a family education center, Black Lake was even given a world-class golf course in 2000 (ranked #34 in the world by Golf Digest). Trouble is, since 2005 Black Lake has lost $23 million. Obviously, with the state of not just the UAW but American auto making in general, this sort of extravagance won't stand. Says current UAW President Ron Gettlefinger, "We regret that current financial conditions require us to explore the possible sale of the property." The real stumbling block is Michigan's severely depressed real estate market, which might make selling Black Lake a less than profitable endeavor.

[Source: The Detroit News | Image: Black Lake Golf Club]

Report: UAW considering selling famed Black Lake compound originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Jan 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Black LakeBlack Lake Compoundblack lake golfblack lake golf clubblack lake golfingBlackLakeBlackLakeCompoundBlackLakeGolfBlackLakeGolfClubBlackLakeGolfingHarry BennettHarryBennettRon GettelfingerRonGettelfingerUAWUAW black lakeUawBlackLakeUnited Auto WorkersUnitedAutoWorkersWalter ReutherWalterReutherMon, 18 Jan 2010 18:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19319060/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/01/18/report-uaw-considering-selling-famed-black-lake-compound/19319060/article-detail.xml 19319060 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/black-lake-golf-club-header-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/black-lake-golf-club-header-630.jpg <![CDATA[REPORT: Next UAW president to be Ford lead negotiator King]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/report-next-uaw-president-to-be-ford-lead-negotiator-king/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/report-next-uaw-president-to-be-ford-lead-negotiator-king/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/report-next-uaw-president-to-be-ford-lead-negotiator-king/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Ron Gettelfinger, the United Auto Workers' (UAW) president during the recent tumult, is moving on from his post, and has thrown his support behind Bob King. King is currently a vice president in the union and manages the relationship with Ford.

While the outlook is positive for King's nomination, he's going to have some reconciliation to do. In the last go-round with Ford, King asked his membership to agree to concessions that took strikes off the table, which the UAW's rank and file promptly denied. Despite the contention, King has been thought of as Ron Gettelfinger's replacement for some time, and the union hopes King will be a tougher customer in the throes of negotiation.

[Source: Wall Street Journal - Sub. Req.]

REPORT: Next UAW president to be Ford lead negotiator King originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bob kingbob king uawBobKingBobKingUawRon GettelfingerRon GettlefingerRonGettelfingerRonGettlefingeruawUAW contractuaw forduaw presidentuaw president gettelfingerUawContractUawFordUawPresidentUawPresidentGettelfingerMon, 14 Dec 2009 08:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19277169/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/12/14/report-next-uaw-president-to-be-ford-lead-negotiator-king/19277169/article-detail.xml 19277169 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/bob_king_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/bob_king.jpg <![CDATA[UAW will eventually sell Chrysler stock to keep VEBA going]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/06/uaw-will-eventually-sell-chrysler-stock-to-keep-veba-going/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/06/uaw-will-eventually-sell-chrysler-stock-to-keep-veba-going/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/06/uaw-will-eventually-sell-chrysler-stock-to-keep-veba-going/#commentsFiled under:

Big surprise, the United Auto Workers union does not intend to be majority owner of the New New Chrysler for very long. Outgoing UAW president Ron Gettelfinger confirmed in a press conference yesterday that the union's Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association (VEBA) will likely sell part or all of its 55% stake in the newly formed automaker once its stock appreciates, that is, if its stock appreciates.

And why would the UAW want to keep its shares? Despite owning a majority of the company, the UAW's shares are nonvoting and they may only get one seat on the company's board, if that. The sole purpose of the VEBA is to fund retiree healthcare, not run an automaker, so ditching its shares at some point to replenish the fund's coffers sounds like the right thing to do. The funny thing is that before the VEBA was even set up, both General Motors and Ford wanted to fund their contributions partly with company stock instead of cash. Looks like they may get their wish if Chrysler's situation is anything to go by.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

UAW will eventually sell Chrysler stock to keep VEBA going originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 May 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ChryslerRon GettelfingerRonGettelfingerUAWVEBAWed, 06 May 2009 08:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1536869/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2009/05/06/uaw-will-eventually-sell-chrysler-stock-to-keep-veba-going/1536869/article-detail.xml 1536869 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/05/85260697_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/05/85260697_opt.jpg <![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 http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1399661/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/12/12/uaw-points-blame-for-bailout-failure-back-at-senate-republicans/1399661/article-detail.xml 1399661 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/12/84011782_opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/12/84011782_opt.jpg <![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 http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1387440/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/12/01/uaw-considers-dropping-job-bank-for-idled-workers/1387440/article-detail.xml 1387440 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/06/a013-gettelfinger_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/06/a013-gettelfinger.jpg <![CDATA[UAW head says that unions aren't to blame for Detroit's problems]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/16/uaw-head-says-that-unions-arent-to-blame-for-detroits-problems/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/16/uaw-head-says-that-unions-arent-to-blame-for-detroits-problems/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/16/uaw-head-says-that-unions-arent-to-blame-for-detroits-problems/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ron Gettelfinger's basically saying "it's not our fault" when discussing the state of Detroit's automakers. Rather than admit that the UAW's plum labor agreements and contentious negotiations have contributed to the current gloomy situation, the United Auto Workers head man says that the economic downturn is to blame for everything, and that Congress should approve loans to the auto industry, saying "We cannot afford to...see this industry collapse." You've got to love that black and white logic. The current state of the economy, and in turn the automakers' pain, are both closely related, and separate issues at the same time.

Boosting sales numbers for the last decade by financing anyone who filled out some nominal paperwork was probably not such a hot idea, but it kept the lines running, putting off layoffs even though it meant overproducing. An automaker propping up its sales to avoid strife with its labor union? Why, that sounds like it's at least partially the UAW's doing; and now those chickens have come home to roost as easy credit has dried up. Bad management and uncompetitive products from domestic automakers is pretty much the story of the last 35 years, and that's something the auto industry in the United States is certainly responsible for. Only now, when they're on the brink of massive failure, are American cars truly competitive with the import competition that's been dogging them for 25-plus years. It's certainly true that current economic forces unrelated to the automotive business have a large role to play in this ongoing saga, but if a bailout plan is passed, will it really help?

Consumer confidence is at record lows, and at a time when people aren't buying household widgets, is it really conceivable that they could be enticed into a big-ticket automotive purchase from a carmaker that may or may not soon file for bankruptcy? All the dire predictions about how the auto industry cannot be allowed to fail amount to so much hot air; even if we pump federal dollars into the industry, if nobody's buying, it could still fail. If that happens, there will be much wailing and gnashing of teeth, but it's not an impossibility. If one of the Detroit automakers goes down, then what? The UAW will have to find some other industry to choke, that's for sure.

[Source: Breitbart.com]

UAW head says that unions aren't to blame for Detroit's problems originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 16 Nov 2008 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto industry bailoutAutoIndustryBailoutcongress bailoutCongressBailoutgettelfingergettelfinger bailoutGettelfingerBailoutron gettelfingerRonGettelfingeruawuaw bailoutuaw gettelfingerUawBailoutUawGettelfingerSun, 16 Nov 2008 14:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1373300/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/11/16/uaw-head-says-that-unions-arent-to-blame-for-detroits-problems/1373300/article-detail.xml 1373300 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/06/a013-gettelfinger_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/06/a013-gettelfinger.jpg <![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 http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1342021/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/10/15/surprise-uaw-would-be-against-merger/1342021/article-detail.xml 1342021 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/uaw_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/uaw.jpg <![CDATA[UAW pres expects 15,000 workers to take GM buyout]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/14/uaw-pres-expects-15-000-workers-to-take-gm-buyout/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/14/uaw-pres-expects-15-000-workers-to-take-gm-buyout/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/14/uaw-pres-expects-15-000-workers-to-take-gm-buyout/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Once you have cut everyone, who is left to cut? That's the problem facing GM, according to UAW President Ron Gettelfinger. The General has already harvested the low hanging fruit with previous buyouts, but they're embarking on another round to try and further reduce labor costs. We've already covered the specifics of GM's latest buyout offer that attempts to sweeten the enticement to leave so that cheaper labor can be brought in. The new offer was made to 74,000 employees, and Gettelfinger estimates that about 15,000 will accept the offer. Uncertainty over what the US economy is likely to do in coming months is playing a role in the decision for the roughly 46,000 GM employees eligible for retirement. Money is no longer pouring out of the housing market, and people who thought they'd cash out for a retirement in tropical climes are rethinking their plans while we all wait on tenterhooks to see what our brush with recession will look like.

In 2006, GM was able to entice 34,000 workers to leave, but since then the world economy has been stricken by a raft of bad loans made by brokers without scruples, so sitting tight and waiting out the storm might look like a smarter option. Sitting tight for just a little longer might look wise considering the accolades for GMs cars as of late. It really appears like the turnaround has gained some traction. Then again, if you're staring down retirement, putting a fat lump of cash in a tax free 401k might look awfully attractive, too.

[Source: Detroit News]

UAW pres expects 15,000 workers to take GM buyout originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Feb 2008 19:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buyoutgeneralgeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgettelfingergmmotorsron gettelfingerRonGettelfingeruawThu, 14 Feb 2008 19:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/1115477/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2008/02/14/uaw-pres-expects-15-000-workers-to-take-gm-buyout/1115477/article-detail.xml 1115477 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/06/a013-gettelfinger_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/06/a013-gettelfinger.jpg <![CDATA[UAW Chief Ron Gettelfinger named Person of the Year]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/02/uaw-chief-ron-gettelfinger-named-person-of-the-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/02/uaw-chief-ron-gettelfinger-named-person-of-the-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/02/uaw-chief-ron-gettelfinger-named-person-of-the-year/#commentsFiled under:



Rick Wagoner may be Motor Trend's most powerful person of the year, but Ron Gettelfinger deserves significant props for what he achieved over the course of the last 365 days. Automotive News has named the president of the UAW its Person of the Year, which is a fitting choice considering that Gettelfinger somehow managed to broker a compromise between domestic automakers and his union workers that satisfied both parties.

On one side of the equation, you had armchair analysts claiming that the UAW would force the domestic automakers into bankruptcy with its high legacy costs that add thousands of dollars to the bottom line of each vehicle sold. On the other, there are thousands of currently employed and retired union workers who don't want to pay an arm and a leg to get their arms and legs fixed. It wasn't easy, as strikes against both General Motors and Chrysler were required to get the deals done. But as 2007 came to a close, new four-year contracts with each of the Big 3 were in the books that would see most of the financial responsibility for retiree health care transferred from the automakers to the union itself, with significant concessions granted that will also reduce labor costs in the short term. The automakers got what they wanted, and in turn the union will keep many of its workers employed who would have otherwise been lost to plant closings and outsourcing. Good job, Ron.

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

UAW Chief Ron Gettelfinger named Person of the Year originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Jan 2008 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Two years ago, the UAW gave some health care concessions to struggling GM and Ford in an effort to help the Detroit giants save billions of dollars and stay afloat. At the time, Chrysler was relatively well-off and so the union rejected a similar package for them. UAW President Ron Gettelfinger says that it's time to make up for that omission. Since 2005, the Chrysler Group went from a profit of $1.8 billion, to a loss of $618 million last year, and on to a $1.98 billion loss so far this year. Gettelfinger said a review of Chrysler's finances shows there's a problem that needs to be addressed, so talks are ongoing.

More after the jump.

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

Continue reading UAW head says Chrysler needs concessions from union

UAW head says Chrysler needs concessions from union originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Jun 2007 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CerberusChrysler GroupChryslerGroupDaimlerChryslerhealthcare costsHealthcareCostsRon GettelfingerRonGettelfingerUAWTue, 19 Jun 2007 13:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/920638/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2007/06/19/uaw-head-says-chrysler-needs-concessions-from-union/920638/article-detail.xml 920638 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/06/a013-gettelfinger_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/06/a013-gettelfinger.jpg <![CDATA[April showers could bring May sale of Chrysler]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/21/april-showers-could-bring-may-sale-of-chrysler/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/21/april-showers-could-bring-may-sale-of-chrysler/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/21/april-showers-could-bring-may-sale-of-chrysler/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Last week we told you that DaimlerChrysler's Rüdiger Grube was heading to New York to visit with potential suitors for the Chrysler Group. And it appears he was a man on a mission. It seems that a close source has told news outlets that a sale could be wrapped up by as early as May. Although talks are ongoing and nothing is definite, it looks like at least one of the bidders has met the company's expectations in principle. Those bidders included Blackstone Group, Centerbridge Capital Partners LP and Cerberus Capital Management LP, as well as Canadian auto-parts supplier Magna International Inc. and private-equity firm Ripplewood Holdings Inc. After initial meetings, the final three appeared to be Cerberus, Blackstone and Magna.

Deals like this don't happen overnight, however, so even if a bidder has been chosen, it will take some time to dot the i's and cross the t's. And one slightly sticky point may remain. Workers' reps on the Chrysler supervisory board have reportedly been okay with a sale "as long as the buyer agrees to protect as many jobs as possible." That's a bit different than what UAW head, Ron Gettelfinger, said a couple of days ago. His words were a bit less supportive. Something closer to sale or no sale, UAW jobs were the most important thing. He also suggested he had the support of the supervisory board, of which he is a member. Equity partnership possibilities are also a potential stumbling block still. Since Kirk Kerkorian first brought that issue into the spotlight, other bidders have incorporated it into their proposals.

But billionaire Kerkorian's $4.5 billion bid is apparently still getting snubbed as well. Gettelfinger, who said he has met the bidders, said the UAW would reject any bid from so-called "strip-and-flip" investors. That seemed a thinly veiled slap at interested leveraged-buyout firms. The primary concern for the union is preserving jobs, which also explains why GM didn't ever have a real chance, according to sources. Of course, with a $1.5 billion loss last year, Chrysler still plans to cut 13,000 jobs in hopes of returning to profitability by 2008.

[Source: Automotive News, sub req]

April showers could bring May sale of Chrysler originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 21 Apr 2007 07:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Call it a case of "He said, he said." A Toyota spokesman says the Japanese automaker doesn't see an interest in unionizing among workers at its production facility in Kentucky, while UAW spokespeople say workers are showing more interest than ever in forming a union. So which is it? Could be a bit of both. UAW membership has been dropping nationwide, but the organization still has an undeniably powerful place in the industry. With more foreign automakers building plants in the States, particularly in the South, the UAW has failed to gain a foothold in these facilities.

The Detroit News is quoting Toyota spokesman Rick Hesterberg as saying the carmaker sees no evidence of increased UAW interest among its Georgetown, Kentucky plant workforce. But the News also offers statements by UAW president Ron Gettelfinger and the union's head of organizing efforts, Terry Thurman, that contradict Toyota's position. They say there is "increased activity" ever since workers found out about a proposal to lower some workers' wages to cut costs. They admit that Toyota workers' wages are close to UAW rates, but say the difference is in how volatile wages can be at a non-union plant.

Though the UAW's power has been waning, the slow resurrection of profits at General Motors will give it more bargaining power at the table this year. If a union ever were established at a Japanese-owned production facility in the U.S., that precedent would also create the opportunity for a resurgence in the UAW's popularity among hourly auto workers.

[Source: The Detroit News]

UAW says union fever rising at Toyota's Kentucky plant originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Mar 2007 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GeorgetownRick HesterbergRickHesterbergRon GettelfingerRonGettelfingerTerry ThurmanTerryThurmanUAWunionsWed, 14 Mar 2007 15:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/852219/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2007/03/14/uaw-says-union-fever-rising-at-toyotas-kentucky-plant/852219/article-detail.xml 852219 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/03/georgetown_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/03/georgetown.jpg <![CDATA[UAW blinks first: Reconsidering health concessions for Chrysler]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/18/uaw-blinks-first-reconsidering-health-concessions-for-chrysler/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/18/uaw-blinks-first-reconsidering-health-concessions-for-chrysler/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/18/uaw-blinks-first-reconsidering-health-concessions-for-chrysler/#commentsFiled under: ,

Chrysler no doubt felt a little burned by the United Auto Workers Union after being told it would receive no concessions for health care like the ones offered to both General Motors and Ford. At the time, the UAW cited the Chrysler Group's better financial health as the reason for the snubbing, but apparently the automaker's $1.5 billion loss last quarter and its expected loss of $1.2 billion for the year is enough to convince UAW president Ron Gettelfinger (shown at right with then Chrysler Group CEO Dieter Zetsche in 2003) that Chrysler's not doing as well as he first thought. Therefore, the UAW is conducting an independent financial study of DaimlerChrysler, just like it did for GM and Ford, to assess the company's actual fiscal standing before a decision to offer concessions is made. Since DCX is an German-American hybrid, however, they're finding it more difficult to gain access to the financial info they need. DCX, however, should be as forthcoming with that data as possible if it hopes to convince the UAW that health concessions would be in both their interests.

[Source: The Detroit News]

UAW blinks first: Reconsidering health concessions for Chrysler originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Dec 2006 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The UAW on Wednesday jumped on rumors that it had reopened talks with Chrysler. According to a piece in The Detroit News, UAW spokesman Roger Kerson said there was no meeting over one of the biggest sticking points, health care, as was rumored elsewhere. Although the UAW has reached health care agreements with GM and Ford this year, they broke off talks with Chrysler over this issue in September, likely because Chrysler wasn't in as dire of straights as Ford and GM. Chrysler spokesman Mike Aberlich said they are still communicating with the UAW on this issue but stated "we're not in negotiations."

Just prior to halting talks, Chrysler was set to announce a $600 million third quarter loss. Chrysler has since refigured the loss at $1.5 billion. The automaker has about 50,000 active UAW employees and spends about $2.3 billion on health care for them and another 100,000 hourly retirees. That cost rose about 10% from last year's $2.1 billion. Although Chrysler claims it could save about $340 million a year by renegotiating along the same lines as GM and Ford did, the issue is still officially off the table.

UAW President Ron Gettelfinger, who also sits on DaimlerChrysler's supervisory board, upheld his decision in an interview with The Detroit News this week. "People say, 'Well, Chrysler has projected a loss,' " Gettelfinger said. "But this is one quarter, and we're going to work our way through the situation there no different than we did at Ford and General Motors." Even after 12 straight profitable quarters, DaimlerChrysler CEO Dieter Zetsche has criticized the union for its hard-line stance on this issue. "It's a very strange position that we should lose $10 billion before we can have the same as Ford and GM," he said.

[Source: The Detroit News]

UAW denies health care talks with Chrysler originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Oct 2006 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Dieter ZetscheDieterZetscheFordGeneral MotorsGeneralMotorshealth careHealthCareMike AberlichMikeAberlichRoger KersonRogerKersonRon GettelfingerRonGettelfingerThe Detroit NewsTheDetroitNewsUAWunionThu, 12 Oct 2006 16:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/683597/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2006/10/12/uaw-denies-health-care-talks-with-chrysler/683597/article-detail.xml 683597 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/10/uaw_logo_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/10/uaw_logo.jpg <![CDATA[Unions against GM-Renault Alliance]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/07/unions-against-gm-renault-alliance/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/07/unions-against-gm-renault-alliance/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/07/unions-against-gm-renault-alliance/#commentsFiled under: , ,

If there is anything the Rick Wagoner has learned during his time at GM, it's that you never piss off the unions. That morsel of knowledge might be something that Carlos Ghosn has to consider now that the United Auto Workers (UAW) has come out in opposition of a possible merger of General Motors and Renault/Nissan.

Ron Gettelfinger, president of the UAW, has joined hands with his compatriot in Canada, as well as union leaders in France and Germany all weary of the alliance. The Japanese Auto Works (JAW) has remained mute so far, but is very interested in the outcome of such a merger.

Ghosn has had his share of dealings with unions in the past and has dealt with them in a manner contrary to his perceived slash-and-burn persona. During the '90s Mr. Ghosn was confronted with a possible strike of workers in the JAW that subsequently led to 21k in buyouts, improved salaries and long-term stability for all the workers at Nissan's various operations. This and other deals over the past decade have solidified Ghosn's position towards unions, seeing them as an integral part of the business and not a force to do battle with.

Where this new development leaves the proposed GM/Renault/Nissan coalition remains to be seen, but another layer of complexity is inevitable with so much at stake.

[Source: The Car Connection]

Unions against GM-Renault Alliance originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Aug 2006 10:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nobody saw this one coming... Ron Gettelfinger, ran unopposed and was reelected as the president of the United Auto Workers (UAW) at its 34th Constitutional Convention in Las Vegas. Alongside him on the slate were five vice presidents, three of which are expected to be named as liaisons to Ford, Chrysler and General Motors, as well as a secretary-treasurer.

Despite this being a surprise to precisely nobody, it's interesting that Gettelfinger ran completely unopposed, particularly given the strife between his organization and OEMs and their suppliers, as well as the fact that the union has lost enough of its membership to be credited with the lowest numbers since 1942.

[Source: The New York Times]

 

UAW president Ron Gettelfinger reelected originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Jun 2006 11:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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