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[Bob Lutz, UAW rep commend Chrysler for not bowing to NHTSA recall pressure [w/poll]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/10/bob-lutz-uaw-rep-commend-chrysler-for-not-bowing-to-nhtsa-recal/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/10/bob-lutz-uaw-rep-commend-chrysler-for-not-bowing-to-nhtsa-recal/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/10/bob-lutz-uaw-rep-commend-chrysler-for-not-bowing-to-nhtsa-recal/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Auto exec Bob Lutz interviewed by reporters

Bob Lutz, the well-known executive with a range of automakers including both General Motors and Chrysler, says he supports Chrysler for not caving under federal pressure to issue a recall on 2.7 million Jeep vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is arguing that the plastic fuel tanks positioned behind the axles of certain 1993-2004 Grand Cherokee models and 2002-2007 Liberty models may become punctured in a collision and potentially catch fire, so it has called upon Chrysler to recall the vehicles. 15 deaths and 46 injuries have been attributed to the issue. For its part, Chrysler has maintained that its models "met and exceeded" all safety applicable mandates when they were manufactured, and furthermore, they argue that the government agency's own data proves that the vehicles are no more dangerous than similar SUVs produced by other automakers at the time. As a result, it is taking the unusual step of refusing to recall the vehicles.

According to The Detroit News, Lutz says Chrysler is right to push back when the government is out of line. Lutz also said that he wished he could have done the same when NHTSA urged Chrysler to issue a recall on certain minivans back when he was with the automaker 25 years ago.

Meanwhile, United Auto Workers Vice President General Holiefield also defended Chrysler by saying, "Our legendary Jeeps are crafted with pride by our dedicated UAW American workforce who work tirelessly to ensure the utmost quality of each Jeep that is produced for customers."

Who do you think is in the right, Chrysler or NHTSA? Vote in our poll below, then have your say in Comments.

View Poll

Bob Lutz, UAW rep commend Chrysler for not bowing to NHTSA recall pressure [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Jun 2013 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bob lutzchryslerjeep grand cherokeejeep libertyjeep recallnational highway traffic safety administrationnhtsauawunited auto workersMon, 10 Jun 2013 15:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20605515/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/10/bob-lutz-uaw-rep-commend-chrysler-for-not-bowing-to-nhtsa-recal/20605515/article-detail.xml 20605515 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/bob-lutz-interview_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/bob-lutz-interview.jpg <![CDATA[Treasury poised to sell off 30 million more GM shares]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/06/treasury-poised-to-sell-off-30m-more-gm-shares/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/06/treasury-poised-to-sell-off-30m-more-gm-shares/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/06/treasury-poised-to-sell-off-30m-more-gm-shares/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

GM stock debuts on NYSE - CEO Dan Akerson rings the bell

The next step in the US Treasury's efforts to eliminate its financial interests in General Motors will involve the sale of 30 million shares of the automaker's stock. The government's move to divest itself of GM is all part of a larger plan to sell the remaining 300 million shares of stock it received in compensation for the 2009 bailout of the then-failing automaker. The US Treasury plans to sell off all remaining stock - around 18-percent of GM - by early next year, yet this 30 million share sell-off, which may happen today, is a much smaller divestment than the 200-million shares it sold back to GM in December for $5.5 billion. The United Auto Workers, whose retiree medical trust also owns a large chunk of The General, will also sell off 20 million shares in this latest offering.

According to The New York Times, the sale is timed in tandem with GM's return to Standard & Poor's 500-stock index, a mental milestone of sorts that many investors believe will help improve the company's under-performing stock. GM is taking the spot on the S&P 500 formerly occupied by H.J. Heinz, the Pittsburg-based food conglomerate that has gone private thanks to investment by Berkshire Hathaway and investment firm 3G Capital.

At the time of this writing, GM stock is trading at $34.04 a share, a little above its initial public offering price of $33 back in November 2010.

Treasury poised to sell off 30 million more GM shares originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Jun 2013 10:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>department of the treasurygmgm bankruptcygm stockstandard and poorstreasury departmentuawus treasuryvebaThu, 06 Jun 2013 10:13:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20601738/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/06/treasury-poised-to-sell-off-30m-more-gm-shares/20601738/article-detail.xml 20601738 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/gm-lists-on-nyse_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/gm-lists-on-nyse.jpg <![CDATA[Fiat seeking $10B in financing to buy Chrysler]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/30/fiat-seeking-10b-in-financing-to-buy-chrysler/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/30/fiat-seeking-10b-in-financing-to-buy-chrysler/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/30/fiat-seeking-10b-in-financing-to-buy-chrysler/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne with hands clasped over mouth

As Fiat looks to become the full owner of Chrysler, all it has standing in its way is the retiree trust of the United Auto Workers, which currently holds the remaining 41.5 percent of the company as the result of the Pentastar's bankruptcy deal. The Detroit News is reporting that that Fiat is currently talking to numerous banks in an attempt to raise around $10 billion to fund the purchase of Chrysler's remaining stake with enough left over to refinance the debt of both companies. We've known that Fiat has been working to obtain the capital to buy out Chrysler for some time now, but this is the first time we've seen Fiat tip its hand about how much cash it thinks it will need to close the deal.

The first order of business is a legal dispute over the value of the UAW's stake in Chrysler, which the report indicates could cost Fiat around $3.5 billion. The acquisition of remaining shares could happen by this summer, but it sounds like CEO Sergio Marchionne (above) might not be ready for a full merger until next year.

Fiat seeking $10B in financing to buy Chrysler originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 May 2013 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerchrysler fiatfiatfiat chryslerfiat chrysler mergerfiat seeks 10bfiatseeks10bsergio marchionneuawunited auto workersThu, 30 May 2013 11:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20589067/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/30/fiat-seeking-10b-in-financing-to-buy-chrysler/20589067/article-detail.xml 20589067 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/sergio-marchionne-fiat-pondering_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/sergio-marchionne-fiat-pondering.jpg <![CDATA[Fiat pondering swallowing rest of Chrysler, US IPO]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/fiat-pondering-swallowing-rest-of-chrysler-us-ipo/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/fiat-pondering-swallowing-rest-of-chrysler-us-ipo/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/24/fiat-pondering-swallowing-rest-of-chrysler-us-ipo/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Fiat-Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne with hands on face

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

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

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

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

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

Jonathan Browning

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

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

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chattanoogajonathan browninguawunionunited auto workersvwThu, 04 Apr 2013 10:56:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20527265/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/04/vws-browning-says-tn-workers-to-decide-whether-they-want-union/20527265/article-detail.xml 20527265 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/jonathan-browning-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/jonathan-browning-628.jpg <![CDATA[UAW membership up for third straight year]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/01/uaw-membership-up-for-third-straight-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/01/uaw-membership-up-for-third-straight-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/01/uaw-membership-up-for-third-straight-year/#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[Chrysler fires protest organizer at MI assembly plant]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/12/chrysler-fires-protest-organizer-at-mi-assembly-plant/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/12/chrysler-fires-protest-organizer-at-mi-assembly-plant/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/12/chrysler-fires-protest-organizer-at-mi-assembly-plant/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



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

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aclualex wasselamerican civil liberties unionamerican lawyers unionchryslerlabor rightsuawunited auto workerswarrenwarren stampingworkers rightsTue, 12 Mar 2013 18:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20499169/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/12/chrysler-fires-protest-organizer-at-mi-assembly-plant/20499169/article-detail.xml 20499169 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/alex-wassell-fired-chrysler-worker-1363186433_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/alex-wassell-fired-chrysler-worker-1363186433.jpg <![CDATA[Chrysler's internal documents question Ram quality as workers protest]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/01/chryslers-internal-documents-question-ram-quality-as-workers-pr/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/01/chryslers-internal-documents-question-ram-quality-as-workers-pr/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/01/chryslers-internal-documents-question-ram-quality-as-workers-pr/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2013 Ram 1500 - front three-quarter view

Chrysler is reportedly having a hard time ramping up production of its 2013 Ram 1500. According to The Detroit News, only 16 of the 58 trucks built at the Warren Truck Assembly Plant during the model's first hour passed final inspection. While quality eventually improved over the course of the day, just over half of the units built on Thursday were approved for shipment. Even with workers ordered to stay late to fix their mistakes, some 1,078 units remained outside the facility with defects. The problem, according to workers at the plant, is morale.

According to the report, Chrysler recently changed the shift schedule at the plant and workers are unhappy with the new situation. The new plan has workers split into three shifts, each covering four 10-hour days. With the shifts staggered, some workers now have to work nights and on Saturdays. Some employees are so upset that they've taken to protesting, though the move isn't sanctioned by the United Auto Workers.

Meanwhile, Chrysler admits there were internal issues with the launch, but that the company was able to contain them. A spokesperson has said "plant quality indicators are getting progressively better."

Chrysler's internal documents question Ram quality as workers protest originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Mar 2013 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>15002013 ram 1500dodge ramramram 1500ram 1500 productionuawunited auto workerswarren truck assembly plantwarren truck plantFri, 01 Mar 2013 10:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20484765/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/01/chryslers-internal-documents-question-ram-quality-as-workers-pr/20484765/article-detail.xml 20484765 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/ram-1500-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/ram-1500-628.jpg <![CDATA[UAW urging Chrysler to sell shares to investors]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/10/uaw-urging-chrysler-to-sell-shares-to-investors/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/10/uaw-urging-chrysler-to-sell-shares-to-investors/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/10/uaw-urging-chrysler-to-sell-shares-to-investors/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Chrysler Headquarters

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>general motorsgmlawsuitlordstownuawunited auto workersSat, 05 Jan 2013 15:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20416888/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/05/judge-says-gm-workers-can-sue-automaker-and-uaw/20416888/article-detail.xml 20416888 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/gmuawlordstown_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/gmuawlordstown.jpg <![CDATA[Could Michigan going "Right To Work" status revitalize its auto production?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/could-michigan-going-right-to-work-status-revitalize-its-auto/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/could-michigan-going-right-to-work-status-revitalize-its-auto/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/14/could-michigan-going-right-to-work-status-revitalize-its-auto/#commentsFiled under: , ,



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

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

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>james hoffalawlegislationmichiganright to workteamstersuawunited auto workersFri, 14 Dec 2012 17:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20401850/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/14/could-michigan-going-right-to-work-status-revitalize-its-auto/20401850/article-detail.xml 20401850 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/right-to-work-protest-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/right-to-work-protest-628.jpg <![CDATA[Chrysler workers fired for drinking back on job against automaker's wishes [w/video] [UPDATE]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/10/chrysler-workers-fired-for-drinking-back-on-job-against-automake/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/10/chrysler-workers-fired-for-drinking-back-on-job-against-automake/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/10/chrysler-workers-fired-for-drinking-back-on-job-against-automake/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Chrysler workers drinking on the job

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

Chrysler released the following statement:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bob King, UAW president addressing the faithful

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

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

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bailoutchryslerchrysler stockfiatlawsuitsergio marchionneuawunited auto workersvebaTue, 13 Nov 2012 13:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20378640/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/13/uaw-trust-demands-fiat-pay-342m-for-chrysler-shares/20378640/article-detail.xml 20378640 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/uaw-boss-bob-king_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/uaw-boss-bob-king.jpg <![CDATA[Chrysler gives employees day off to vote]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/06/chrysler-gives-employees-day-off-to-vote/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/06/chrysler-gives-employees-day-off-to-vote/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/06/chrysler-gives-employees-day-off-to-vote/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



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

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

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerpresidential electionralph gillessrttweettwitteruawunited auto workersTue, 06 Nov 2012 15:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20372308/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/06/chrysler-gives-employees-day-off-to-vote/20372308/article-detail.xml 20372308 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/ralph-gilles-tweet-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/ralph-gilles-tweet-628.jpg <![CDATA[UAW calls for investigation into Romney ethics violations over possible profits from auto bailouts]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/uaw-calls-for-investigation-into-romney-ethics-violations-over-p/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/uaw-calls-for-investigation-into-romney-ethics-violations-over-p/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/uaw-calls-for-investigation-into-romney-ethics-violations-over-p/#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[Marchionne gunning to unify Chrysler and Fiat by 2015]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/marchionne-gunning-to-unify-chrysler-and-fiat-by-2015/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/marchionne-gunning-to-unify-chrysler-and-fiat-by-2015/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/marchionne-gunning-to-unify-chrysler-and-fiat-by-2015/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



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

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

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslereuropeeuropean dept crisisfiatmarchionnesergio marchionneuawThu, 01 Nov 2012 11:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20366443/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/01/marchionne-gunning-to-unify-chrysler-and-fiat-by-2015/20366443/article-detail.xml 20366443 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/1435956781343670335430_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/1435956781343670335430.jpg <![CDATA[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[Canadian Auto Workers vote to merge with rival, form 'super union']]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/23/canadian-auto-workers-vote-to-merge-with-rival-form-super-unio/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/23/canadian-auto-workers-vote-to-merge-with-rival-form-super-unio/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/23/canadian-auto-workers-vote-to-merge-with-rival-form-super-unio/#commentsFiled under: ,

CAW president Ken Lewenza gestures with arms open

How would you respond to the headline "No More Auto Workers Union"? Our northern neighbors will likely be bidding goodbye to their Canadian Auto Workers Union, as the membership has agreed to merge with the country's Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union.

The Vancouver Sun is reporting that a unanimous vote of delegates at the CAW's convention has approved the merger. If finalized, the new organization will have more than 300,000 members, most of them working in manufacturing, communications and transportation. The CEP still has to vote on the proposal in October, but its president seems bullish on the merger, describing it as a "bigger and better union," according to the report.

CAW president Ken Lewenza (pictured above) agreed, saying, "This union will pose a serious challenge to the unrepresentative, unfair economic and political systems workers now find themselves caught in."

A new name for the combined organization has not yet been determined.

Canadian Auto Workers vote to merge with rival, form 'super union' originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Aug 2012 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadian auto workerscawcepcommunications energy and paperworkers unionken lewenzauawunionunionizingunionsunited auto workers unionThu, 23 Aug 2012 17:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20307560/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/23/canadian-auto-workers-vote-to-merge-with-rival-form-super-unio/20307560/article-detail.xml 20307560 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/canadaautonegotiations.3631686d62a34caca6ef535cbc29453a-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/canadaautonegotiations.3631686d62a34caca6ef535cbc29453a-opt.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.

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