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[PSA and Renault both hit by autoworker strikes]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/01/psa-and-renault-both-hit-by-autoworker-strikes/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/01/psa-and-renault-both-hit-by-autoworker-strikes/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/01/psa-and-renault-both-hit-by-autoworker-strikes/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Peugeot-Citroën (PSA) and Renault were both the targets of autoworker strikes on Thursday, the result of ongoing tensions between labor and management in the wake of planned facility closings in 2014.

3,000 French jobs stand to be lost in less than two years when the PSA's Aulnay plant executes a planned closure of a production line. The line in question currently builds Citroën's C3 subcompact model.

Negotiations are reportedly still underway, with PSA pledging to offer jobs elsewhere to about half of the Aulnay workers that stand to be laid off.

Meanwhile, blood-rival Renualt has faced two work stoppages as well. Workers of at that company walked out in protest of cost-cutting measures that would seek to bring French production costs inline with those of similar operations in Spain. Tough times all around for France's two primary automakers.

PSA and Renault both hit by autoworker strikes originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 01 Dec 2012 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>citroëncitroenpeugeotpsarenaultstrikework stoppageSat, 01 Dec 2012 10:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20391746/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/01/psa-and-renault-both-hit-by-autoworker-strikes/20391746/article-detail.xml 20391746 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/peugeot-citroen-renault-strikes-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/peugeot-citroen-renault-strikes-628.jpg <![CDATA[Chrysler, CAW reach tentative contract agreement]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/27/chrysler-caw-reach-tentative-contract-agreement/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/27/chrysler-caw-reach-tentative-contract-agreement/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/27/chrysler-caw-reach-tentative-contract-agreement/#commentsFiled under:

Canadian Auto Workers boss Ken Lewenza flashes a peace sign

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

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

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadian auto workerscawchryslernegotiationsstrikeunionThu, 27 Sep 2012 16:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20335589/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/27/chrysler-caw-reach-tentative-contract-agreement/20335589/article-detail.xml 20335589 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/caw-boss-ken-lewenza-peace-sign_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/caw-boss-ken-lewenza-peace-sign.jpg <![CDATA[CAW reaches tentative agreement with Ford]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/17/caw-reached-tentative-agreement-with-ford/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/17/caw-reached-tentative-agreement-with-ford/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/17/caw-reached-tentative-agreement-with-ford/#commentsFiled under: ,



After seeming to be at an impasse as late as this morning, the Canadian Autoworkers union and Ford have reached a tentative agreement with just hours to go before the CAW's work stoppage deadline.

The deal that has been agreed upon will run for the next four years and cover around 4,500 Canadian Ford employees. CAW members will see no base wage adjustments under the plan, though hourly employees will receive lump sum payments. Further, the automaker will create an additional 600 jobs in Canada.

The union was unable to secure cost-of-living adjustments for its retired members, however, and there are to be no changes in the overall structure of pension plans.

CAW President, Ken Lewenza said of the tentative plan, "It's a damn good deal in these economic times."

In the meantime, CAW officials continue to negotiate with General Motors and Chrysler. The union hopes to use the Ford deal as a blueprint for agreements with those companies, as well. This might not be a simple thing to do for a number of reasons. The CAW has been characterized as having a stronger relationship with Ford than with the other two companies; both Chrysler and GM have more at stake with this deal, as both employ roughly 8,000 CAW members compared with Ford's 4,500.

CAW reaches tentative agreement with Ford originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Sep 2012 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadian auto workerscawchryslerfordgmnegotiationsstrikeuawunionMon, 17 Sep 2012 18:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20325683/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/17/caw-reached-tentative-agreement-with-ford/20325683/article-detail.xml 20325683 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/candadian-autoworkers-union-628-1347917616_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/candadian-autoworkers-union-628-1347917616.jpg <![CDATA[CAW asked to keep working as deadline looms]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/17/caw-asked-to-keep-working-as-deadline-looms/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/17/caw-asked-to-keep-working-as-deadline-looms/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/17/caw-asked-to-keep-working-as-deadline-looms/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Representatives from the Canadian Auto Workers union and Ford continue to work on new national agreement. The deadline for reaching a deal is tonight at midnight.

Urging solidarity in these high-stakes last hours, CAW leadership has asked its members to stay on the job at all locations. In an update this morning, union leaders claimed that leaving the job site would have "serious negative consequences" for the bargaining committee's ability to get a strong result.

The CAW is currently in negotiations with all three of the Detroit automakers, though Ford has emerged as a top priority for the organization. Ford has reportedly been more willing to consider the union's proposal of a lower rate and longer "grow-in period" for new hires, rather than moving to the two-tier wage system that has been adopted by the United Auto Workers - the two-tier system is still being advanced by General Motors and Chrysler. If a deal is indeed reached with Ford, the CAW will take it to GM and Chrysler to match.

Should an agreement not be reached by 11:59 PM this evening, CAW officials report there could be a work stoppage at "one or even all three of the companies." A strike at all three automakers would affect roughly 20,000 employees.

CAW asked to keep working as deadline looms originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Sep 2012 11:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadian auto workerscawchryslerfordgeneral motorsgmnegotiationsstrikeuawMon, 17 Sep 2012 11:24:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20325138/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/17/caw-asked-to-keep-working-as-deadline-looms/20325138/article-detail.xml 20325138 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/candadian-autoworkers-union-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/candadian-autoworkers-union-628.jpg <![CDATA[Hyundai increases U.S. production to meet demand]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/12/hyundai-increases-u-s-production-to-meet-demand/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/12/hyundai-increases-u-s-production-to-meet-demand/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/12/hyundai-increases-u-s-production-to-meet-demand/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Hyundai Sonata production in Alabama

Hyundai's U.S. dealers are finding popularity to be bittersweet. While sales are at record highs, supplies are tight. Labor strikes at the company's South Korean plants have cut as many as 10,000 U.S.-bound vehicles.

Though union workers reached an agreement with Hyundai last week, the new contract cuts the two 10-hour work shifts to an eight-hour day shift and a nine-hour night shift. That's about a 15 percent reduction in production hours beginning in March. Union officials say productivity will improve and that no loss of output is expected.

Hyundai's largest South Korean plant currently builds 300 cars an hour, totaling 1.5 million cars a year. Automotive News estimates that a 15-percent reduction at that plant alone would be a loss of 234,000 units a year.

To make sure U.S. demand is fully met, Hyundai's Alabama plant has added a third shift that is expected to churn out an extra 20,000 Sonata and Elantra models by the year's end.

"Hyundai has been running flat out," Automotive News quotes Chris Richter, an auto analyst at CLSA Asia-Pacific in Tokyo. "They don't have spare capacity lying around. It's going to put pressure on them to start adding capacity somewhere. Their investors and dealers are going to be screaming for more product."

Hyundai increases U.S. production to meet demand originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Sep 2012 09:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alabamageorgiahyundaikiaproductionsouth koreastrikeunionWed, 12 Sep 2012 09:20:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20319869/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/12/hyundai-increases-u-s-production-to-meet-demand/20319869/article-detail.xml 20319869 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/3341811_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/3341811.jpg <![CDATA[Hyundai comes to terms with Korean union]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/31/hyundai-comes-to-terms-with-korean-union/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/31/hyundai-comes-to-terms-with-korean-union/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/31/hyundai-comes-to-terms-with-korean-union/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Hyundai workers on strike in Ulsan, S. Korea

Following a tumultuous four months, it appears Hyundai and its labor union have buried the hatchet. According to a report by the Associated Press, the Korean automaker and its labor union have struck an accord that will end the company's first strike in four years.

The deal between the two parties, which will be put to a vote of 40,000 unionized workers on September 3, would eliminate night shifts and increase workers' wages.

The strike, which started in July, has resulted in the loss of $1.4 billion in potential output. To compensate for the lost time and the new work hours, Hyundai will invest $264 million in upgrading facilities to maximize output.

The deal is not set in stone yet, as Hyundai workers rejected an earlier deal between union leaders and company management. According to Kwon Oh-il, a labor union official, "In previous years, there were cases when the tentative deal had failed to win majority votes."

Hyundai hopes that this deal will win the vote and workers can get back on task. A partial strike on Wednesday resulted in the loss of 15,000 vehicles in potential output. In spite of this, Hyundai appears able to meet its sales targets this year due to high production volume in the first six months of 2012.

Hyundai comes to terms with Korean union originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Aug 2012 10:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto unionhyundaikiakorean manufacturinglabor conditionslabor relationsstrikeulsanunion strikeworker strikeFri, 31 Aug 2012 10:46:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20313512/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/31/hyundai-comes-to-terms-with-korean-union/20313512/article-detail.xml 20313512 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/hyundai-workers-ulsan-strike_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/hyundai-workers-ulsan-strike.jpg <![CDATA[Ex-GM workers in Colombia sew mouths shut in hunger strike [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/20/ex-gm-workers-in-colombia-sew-mouths-shut-in-hunger-strike-w-vi/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/20/ex-gm-workers-in-colombia-sew-mouths-shut-in-hunger-strike-w-vi/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/20/ex-gm-workers-in-colombia-sew-mouths-shut-in-hunger-strike-w-vi/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

GM Colmotores worker on hunger strike

Seven Colombian men, all former General Motors employees, have sewn their mouths shut as part of a hunger strike that is now in its third week. The demonstrators, stationed outside the U.S. embassy in Bogota, are protesting their termination from the GM Colmotores plant.

As reported by The Toronto Star, the men say that GM fired them after they incurred various debilitating job-related injuries, rather than help them obtain the proper medical treatment. 35-year-old Jorge Parra, speaking on behalf of the group, told reporters (he and the other demonstrators can apparently still mumble through their sewn-shut lips) that the men want compensation for their medical expenses and assistance getting new employment. Parra says that he and his fellow demonstrators are willing to die for their cause.

"I have terrible pains I'm my stomach, my lips are swollen and sore, and I am having problems sleeping... but I will not give up," he said, according to the report.

General Motors responded to the action with a statement saying, "GM Colmotores is respectful of the law and has never put the health or the well-being of its employees at risk."

Full coverage is available at The Toronto Star and a video from the protesters detailing their position is posted below.

Continue reading Ex-GM workers in Colombia sew mouths shut in hunger strike [w/video]

Ex-GM workers in Colombia sew mouths shut in hunger strike [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Aug 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto unionauto workers strikecolmotorescolombiacolumbiageneral motorsgmgm colombiahunger strikelaborlips sewn shutstrikeMon, 20 Aug 2012 09:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20302713/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/20/ex-gm-workers-in-colombia-sew-mouths-shut-in-hunger-strike-w-vi/20302713/article-detail.xml 20302713 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/gm-worker-mouth-sewn-shut_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/gm-worker-mouth-sewn-shut.jpg <![CDATA[Hyundai workers' union resume strike in S. Korea]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/09/hyundai-workers-union-resume-strike-in-s-korea/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/09/hyundai-workers-union-resume-strike-in-s-korea/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/09/hyundai-workers-union-resume-strike-in-s-korea/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Union works at Hyundai resumed walkout on Wednesday after failing to workout a deal with management. About 45,000 unionized workers had been requesting that South Korea's largest automaker increase wages, and they've also been urging to end the nightshifts that workers say are dangerous.

According to the Detroit Free Press, workers at three locations will walk out for several hours on various days between August 8 and 17. Workers at Hyundai-owned Kia plants will walk out as well in a move to put added pressure on management.

Additionally, employees of General Motors in Korea are planning a strike. GM Korea is the third largest automaker in the country.

Hyundai Motor denounced the strike in a statement saying, "it is regrettable that a labor union has decided to go on strike and interrupt negotiations at this critical point. The union walkout is counterproductive and will harm the workers and Hyundai customers, as well as the company."

In the second quarter of this year, Hyundai Motor recorded a profit thanks to strong sales, but back home, Korean sales have taken a downturn as Japanese automakers ramp up production again. This was compounded by previous worker who went on strike in July, which Hyundai said reduced output by 14,080 vehicles worth $239 million.

Hyundai workers' union resume strike in S. Korea originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Aug 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hyundaihyundai strikekia strikestrikewalkoutworker strikeThu, 09 Aug 2012 13:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20296380/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/09/hyundai-workers-union-resume-strike-in-s-korea/20296380/article-detail.xml 20296380 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/hyundai-ulsan-assembly-korea_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/hyundai-ulsan-assembly-korea.jpg <![CDATA[Kia misses profit estimates, blames marketing costs, strikes]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/27/kia-misses-profit-estimates-blames-marketing-costs-strikes/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/27/kia-misses-profit-estimates-blames-marketing-costs-strikes/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/27/kia-misses-profit-estimates-blames-marketing-costs-strikes/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Kia Emblem

Bloomberg reports Kia has missed analyst profit estimates for the second quarter after net income slipped to $965 million at current conversion rates. On average, analysts estimated the South Korean automaker would bring in somewhere around $1.1 billion, though Kia did see its revenue increase by 8.4 percent. The automaker said its less-than-estimated profit results came down to increased spending as the company strove to market its new Pride subcompact and K9 luxury sedan (a model that will be known as Quoris in other markets). Kia also saw its operating profit increase by 18 percent, falling just shy of industry estimates. But additional marketing wasn't solely to blame for the missed goals.

The report also indicates recent strikes by workers vying for better pay and reduced hours may have had an impact on the bottom line as well. All told, Kia estimates the company lost production of 5,450 units worth somewhere around $82.5 million during strikes held on July 13 and 20.

The news isn't all dark and stormy, however. Kia sales in China blossomed by around 18 percent, and Europe saw an even bigger increase of around 25 percent thanks largely to the introduction of the Pride. Europe saw its industry-wide sales slacken by 3.2 percent by comparison.

Kia misses profit estimates, blames marketing costs, strikes originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Jul 2012 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kiakia earningskia incomekia k9kia pridekia profitkia profitskia quoriskia strikestrikestrikesFri, 27 Jul 2012 16:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20287701/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/27/kia-misses-profit-estimates-blames-marketing-costs-strikes/20287701/article-detail.xml 20287701 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/kia-emblem-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/kia-emblem-628.jpg <![CDATA[Hyundai under threat of strike in Korea]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/12/hyundai-under-threat-of-strike-in-korea/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/12/hyundai-under-threat-of-strike-in-korea/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/12/hyundai-under-threat-of-strike-in-korea/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Hyundai emblem on grille

Automotive News reports Hyundai is facing a strike in Korea. Workers lead by Moon Yong, the head of the company's labor union, are threatening to take action unless they receive better pay and reduced work hours. Earlier this week, 70-percent of the 45,000-member union voted to give leaders the power to enact walkouts. Hyundai is already well aware of the damage that strikes can do - the company reportedly estimates labor disruptions between 1987 and 2008 cost it sales of around one million units worth approximately $10 billion. It's been four years since unions staged a strike against Hyundai, and analysts attribute much of the automaker's forward momentum to this period of relative calm.

Meanwhile, workers at sister company Kia have voted to pursue a strike as well. That means both companies will see an eight-hour stoppage on Friday, July 12.

Organized labor for both manufacturers want a monthly pay increase of $132. They also want to see 30-percent of total company net income be returned to employees in the form of bonuses. The workers are also pushing for plants to move to two eight-hour shifts in place of the double 12-hour schedule. Wage discussions began in May but recently deteriorated, leading to the strike vote.

Hyundai under threat of strike in Korea originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Jul 2012 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hyundaihyundai strikekiakia strikelabor unionmoon yongstrikeunionThu, 12 Jul 2012 18:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20276881/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/12/hyundai-under-threat-of-strike-in-korea/20276881/article-detail.xml 20276881 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/hyundai-emblem-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/hyundai-emblem-628.jpg <![CDATA[Canadian railroad strike could pinch U.S. car supply]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/28/canadian-railroad-strike-could-pinch-u-s-car-supply/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/28/canadian-railroad-strike-could-pinch-u-s-car-supply/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/28/canadian-railroad-strike-could-pinch-u-s-car-supply/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Canadian Railway strike - locomotives in yard

TheDetroitBureau.com reports 5,000 Canadian Teamster union members moved to strike against the Canadian Pacific Railroad after last-minute negotiations failed to reach a fruitful agreement. As a result Chrysler, General Motors, Ford, Honda and Toyota have all seen their vehicle shipments bottlenecked. The railroad company has closed a full 15,000 miles of track across both Canada and the U.S., and the Canadian government has already threatened take action to put an end to the standoff. Those tracks typically handle a large portion of vehicle commerce, including moving both complete cars and components to and from manufacturing facilities.

According to TDB, Canadian Pacific Railroad serves auto manufacturing facilities across Ontario and the U.S. Midwest, helping to link those plants with sister locations in Mexico. Chrysler says the company is currently investigating alternative shipping methods in the event the strike continues much longer. Honda, meanwhile, has said CR-V shipments have already been impacted by the issue.

Canadian railroad strike could pinch U.S. car supply originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 May 2012 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadian pacificcanadian pacific railroadcanadian pacific railroad strikechryslerfordgeneral motorsgmhondamexicoontariorailroad strikestriketeamstertoyotaMon, 28 May 2012 09:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20245854/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/28/canadian-railroad-strike-could-pinch-u-s-car-supply/20245854/article-detail.xml 20245854 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/canada-rail-strike_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/canada-rail-strike.jpg <![CDATA[Government warning sparks fuel-buying surge in UK]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/29/government-warning-sparks-fuel-buying-surge-in-uk/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/29/government-warning-sparks-fuel-buying-surge-in-uk/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/29/government-warning-sparks-fuel-buying-surge-in-uk/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The UK is currently experiencing a run on fuel after a government minister warned citizens to stock up ahead of a possible strike by British fuel tanker drivers. Despite the fact that a strike is anything but certain, and must also be preceded by a week-long warning period, Britain's Petrol Retailers Association says that gasoline sales are up 81 percent and diesel 43 percent since the comments were made. The average price of fuel there today is £1.40/liter, or $8.49/gallon.

Cabinet Minister Francis Maude had originally commented that Britain's drivers should store fuel, "maybe a little bit in the garage as well in a jerrycan." Late Tuesday, Transportation Minister Mike Penning attempted to walk back that comment a bit, stating that Maude had misunderstood the size of a jerrycan (20 liters). Penning, however, still remarked the he supported the advice to keep fuel tanks topped off in case a strike date is set.

Lines to purchase fuel today are reportedly so long in places that authorities are ordering some stations to close in order to clear the road congestion. Gasoline containers are also reportedly flying off shelves.

The potential strike would involve some 2,000 drivers represented by Unite, the country's largest trade union. The union is negotiating for minimum standards that would cover things like wages, hours and holidays for drivers that deliver fuel to Shell and Esso gas stations, as well as supermarkets.

The UK government is defending the ministers' comments as taking appropriate precautions, but other organizations, like Britain's Automobile Association, are blaming the official advice for panic buying that will lead to fuel shortages ahead of a strike that may not even happen.

Government warning sparks fuel-buying surge in UK originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Mar 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britainenglandfrancis maudefuel runfuel shortagegas stationsmike penningpetrol stationsstrikeukThu, 29 Mar 2012 14:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20204127/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/29/government-warning-sparks-fuel-buying-surge-in-uk/20204127/article-detail.xml 20204127 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/142011198-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/142011198-opt.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[Ford-UAW deal nears approval despite early dissent]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/18/ford-uaw-deal-nears-approval-despite-early-dissent/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/18/ford-uaw-deal-nears-approval-despite-early-dissent/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/18/ford-uaw-deal-nears-approval-despite-early-dissent/#commentsFiled under: ,

United Auto Workers LogoAutomotive News reports that the United Auto Workers is close to ratifying a new labor agreement with Ford. The union says that 63 percent of its members have voted in favor of the four-year deal, and that a total of 15,862 workers had voted for the agreement. The UAW said that 9,375 ballots have been cast against the measure, and voting is set to close today.

Ford is optimistic that the deal will be ratified, despite the fact that the company's Chicago assembly plant rejected the measure. If enough members follow suit, Ford could face a strike. While the UAW voted to ban strikes in negotiations with General Motors and Chrysler, the union held onto its biggest bargaining chip with Ford.

Still, UAW Local 600 voted for the measure. As the largest Ford local union, the Local 600 is viewed as a bellwether for negotiations with the automaker. With voting close to closing up, it appears as if both Ford and the UAW have managed to narrowly avoid a strike, which Ford hadn't faced since 1976.

Ford-UAW deal nears approval despite early dissent originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Oct 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fordford labor agreementford strikelabor agreementstrikeuawunionunited auto workersTue, 18 Oct 2011 13:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20084270/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/18/ford-uaw-deal-nears-approval-despite-early-dissent/20084270/article-detail.xml 20084270 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/uaw-250_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/uaw-250.jpg <![CDATA[UAW seems headed for a catastrophic confrontation]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/14/uaw-seems-headed-for-a-catastrophic-confrontation/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/14/uaw-seems-headed-for-a-catastrophic-confrontation/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/14/uaw-seems-headed-for-a-catastrophic-confrontation/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The Future Of The Union Hangs In The Balance

UAW President Bob King

Autoworkers are damned and determined to win back concessions.
The noises you might here if you drop in at Solidarity House - the headquarters of the UAW - this week are the sounds of union leaders scrambling to prevent what could be a catastrophic confrontation that is beginning to look increasingly inevitable.

In the weeks leading up to the mid-summer launch of contract talks with Detroit's Big Three, United Auto Workers Union President Bob King stressed that he was pushing for "creative problem solving." The best way to read that statement was that he was looking for a way to keep the automakers competitive in return for more jobs - while also seeking a way to sell new contracts to workers who were damned and determined to win back the concessions they'd made in recent years.

Paul EisensteinPaul A. Eisenstein is Publisher of TheDetroitBureau.com, and a 30-year veteran of the automotive beat. His editorials bring his unique perspective and deep understanding of the auto world to Autoblog readers on a regular basis.

Continue reading UAW seems headed for a catastrophic confrontation

UAW seems headed for a catastrophic confrontation originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Oct 2011 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerfordford strikegeneral motorspaul eisensteinstriketentative contractthe detroit bureauuawuaw contractunited auto workersFri, 14 Oct 2011 18:40:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20082061/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/14/uaw-seems-headed-for-a-catastrophic-confrontation/20082061/article-detail.xml 20082061 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/bob-king-uaw-pres-arms-up_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/bob-king-uaw-pres-arms-up.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota AU workers threatened for unwillingness to strike]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/16/toyota-au-workers-threatened-for-unwillingness-to-strike/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/16/toyota-au-workers-threatened-for-unwillingness-to-strike/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/16/toyota-au-workers-threatened-for-unwillingness-to-strike/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The 2011 labor negotiations between the United Auto Workers and the Detroit Three have been a relatively quiet affair so far, but the story is a bit different on the other side of the globe. Toyota and the Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union aren't seeing eye to eye, which has lead to a strike at facilities in Melbourne and Sydney. Well, most of the union's rank and file are striking.

Australia's The Age reports that 400 of the 3,300 workers have crossed the picket line and returned to work building Camry and Aurion models, and union members are less than thrilled. In fact, striking workers have been less than subtle in threatening those 400 workers, issuing letters calling the line-crossers "f--- scabs," and adding "we know where you live."

The threats have not been well-received by union management, with national secretary Dave Smith issuing a statement saying that there was no place for threats and intimidation at work. Still, the line-crossing workers have to feel less than safe after receiving threats like "payback is a bitch three-fold" and "we know what car you drive."

Workers are striking for a 12 percent raise over three years. Toyota has offered an 11 percent raise over 39 months split into four installments. You can check out Toyota's official response to the strike in a statement available after the jump.

Continue reading Toyota AU workers threatened for unwillingness to strike

Toyota AU workers threatened for unwillingness to strike originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Sep 2011 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aurionaustralian manufacturing workers unioncamrydave smithpicketscab workersstriketoyotatoyota autoyota australiatoyota strikeunionworker threatsFri, 16 Sep 2011 10:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20044212/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/16/toyota-au-workers-threatened-for-unwillingness-to-strike/20044212/article-detail.xml 20044212 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/toyota-sign-from-below_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/toyota-sign-from-below.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[Kia avoids costly strike in Korea]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/06/kia-avoids-costly-strike-in-korea/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/06/kia-avoids-costly-strike-in-korea/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/06/kia-avoids-costly-strike-in-korea/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Kia Emblem

Kia has navigated around a potential strike by organized labor in Korea. According to Automotive News, the manufacturer joined GM Korea and Ssangyong Motor Company in reaching agreements with the companies' workers for better pay, pending a "yea" vote by employees. Kia workers successfully negotiated a 5.2 percent wage increase as well as bonus pay worth over $6,600 at current conversion rates. In addition, each worker will be granted 80 shares in the company. GM Korea, meanwhile agreed to give its employees a 4.7 percent wage increase as well as record-level bonuses. That move comes on the heels of the automaker's first annual profit since 2007

Kia has a vested interest in keeping its plants operational due to unusually low inventory levels. With Japanese automakers struggling to regain their footing following the disruption to industry caused by the Tōhoku earthquake and resulting tsunami, both Hyundai and Kia are determined to make ground on their rivals. Losing production capacity could have significantly hampered those efforts, costing the automakers untold sums.

Kia avoids costly strike in Korea originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 06 Aug 2011 16:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gm koreakiakia strikekoreastrikeunionSat, 06 Aug 2011 16:06:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20010833/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/08/06/kia-avoids-costly-strike-in-korea/20010833/article-detail.xml 20010833 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/kia-emblem-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/08/kia-emblem-630.jpg <![CDATA[Police break up Hyundai supplier protest, arrest 500]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/25/police-break-up-hyundai-supplier-protest-arrest-500/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/25/police-break-up-hyundai-supplier-protest-arrest-500/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/25/police-break-up-hyundai-supplier-protest-arrest-500/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2011 Hyundai Elantra
2011 Hyundai Elantra - Click above for high-res image gallery

Labor strife can wreak havoc on manufacturing, even when the workers on strike are miles away from the facility. Hyundai knows this all too well, as Automotive News reports that workers at supplier Yoosung Enterprise Co. occupied the production lines at a Hyundai assembly plant after failing to reach a deal on wages and shift systems. In fact, the sit-in became contentious enough that the police were called in to remove the workers; an action that led to the arrest of 500 disgruntled laborers.

Hyundai claims the engine plant will soon be restarted, but the larger issue is likely whether a deal can be struck. Yoosung supplies 70 percent of all the piston rings used in Hyundai vehicles, and a prolonged strike could result in some supply chain issues, even in the States. While production at the Hyundai plant in Alabama has 60 days of parts in stock, the automaker still imports the 1.8-liter engine used in the Elantra. A spokesperson from Hyundai reportedly told Automotive News that he didn't know if the engine used parts from Yoosung and he also wasn't sure how many engines were in stock.

According to the Chosun Ilbo and Ward's Auto, the disgruntled supplier could also cause disruptions well beyond the house of Hyundai - Yoosung is one of about a dozen companies that hold a 70 percent share of this particular auto parts market. Other companies that could face parts shortages include Kia and General Motors.

While we're not likely to feel the pinch of any piston ring shortages any time soon, this issue could get ugly if a resolution isn't reached. Hyundai currently only has a 25-day supply of these vehicles, so any issue lasting more than a few weeks could result in decreased stock levels.

Police break up Hyundai supplier protest, arrest 500 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 May 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>500 arrestedelantrahyundaikialabor demonstrationlabor problemspiston ringssit-instrikesuppliersupplier strikeyoosungWed, 25 May 2011 10:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19949281/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/25/police-break-up-hyundai-supplier-protest-arrest-500/19949281/article-detail.xml 19949281 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/lead1-2011-hyundai-elantra-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/lead1-2011-hyundai-elantra-fd.jpg -1 2