|
 |
Apr-17-2008UAW Local Strikes GM Delta Township, Mich., Plant -GM(topic overview)
CONTENTS:
SOURCES
FIND OUT MORE ON THIS SUBJECT
General Motors Corp.' s popular and profitable crossover SUVs are now threatened by labor unrest with the United Auto Workers. A UAW strike against a small Lansing-based interiors supplier on Wednesday forced GM to cut shifts short at its nearby Delta Township plant, which builds the Buick Enclave, Saturn Outlook and GMC Acadia. [1] A United Auto Workers strike against a small Lansing-based supplier has affected production of General Motors Corp. popular crossover SUVs, the automaker said on Wednesday. A walkout at Alliance Interiors, which produces carpeting for the Buick Enclave, Saturn Outlook and GMC Acadia, created a parts shortage that forced GM to cut its first shift short on Tuesday, GM spokesman Dan Flores said.[2] DETROIT, April 16 (Reuters) - A United Auto Workers strike at Alliance Interiors has disrupted mid-size crossover production at General Motors Corp's (GM.N: Quote, Profile, Research ) Lansing Delta Township assembly plant, a GM spokesman said on Wednesday.[3] D ETROIT - A General Motors Corp. plant near Lansing that makes the company's hot-selling crossovers was partially shut down today due to a strike at a supplier, calling into question a planned strike later this week by the GM workers. A GM spokesman said workers at the Delta Township plant only worked half a shift this morning and a second shift was likely to end early this evening because of a strike at nearby Alliance Interiors.[4]
Production at the plant already had been disrupted on Wednesday by a UAW strike by around 90 workers at local automotive parts supplier Alliance Interiors. GM had resumed production on its first shift at Delta Township on Thursday, but eventually would have run out of parts again during the day, Flores said.[5] Poggiali stressed that Alliance Interiors' workers remain open to negotiations. "We are ready to hold talks any time, any place," he said, "and sit down to work out a deal that is fair and equitable to our members." The strike led to a parts shortage, which forced GM to stop production on its first shift at the assembly plant at 10 a.m. (1400 GMT) on Wednesday, GM spokesman Dan Flores said. GM plans partial production on its second shift at the plant on Wednesday, he said. GM workers have been told to report as regularly scheduled for the second shift and for the first shift on Thursday, he said.[3]
A parts shortage from that stoppage forced GM on Wednesday to cut shifts short at the plant. Another GM local in Warren has threatened to strike GM by 10 a.m. Friday if there's no plant level contract by then. The Lansing strike is taking place in a town where the UAW and community have a long history of working with well with GM. The automaker opted to build the Delta plant, its first new factory in years, after a massive local campaign by local community leaders. As part of the deal, the union agreed to adopt flexible, money-saving work rules GM is pushing at all its plants. Several workers interviewed as they walked off the job at GM said they were told by local union leaders that a strike was called because dozens of local contract issues are unresolved after months of negotiations. Many said that while they support the union's decision to strike, they question the timing.[6] "We should be able to have an agreement.'' Local plants negotiate their own operating agreements separate from the national contract, which was settled last year. The local contract deals with issues such as overtime and work rules. Flores said the company was disappointed workers left their jobs. "We remain focused on reaching an agreement as soon as possible,'' he said. Auto analysts have speculated that the UAW is using the strike and strike threats at other plants to try to draw GM into its talks with American Axle.[7]
Doug Rademacher, president of UAW Local 602, which represents workers at the Lansing plant, said talks have broken off and that he didn't know when they will resume. He dismissed speculation that the strike is part of a UAW strategy to draw GM into the lengthy labor dispute with partsmaker American Axle & Manufacturing Inc. The UAW walked off the job at American Axle plans Feb. 26.[6] Workers at the Delta Township plant near Lansing, which makes GM's fastest-selling new crossover vehicles, could strike as early as Thursday, while workers at the Warren transmission plant could strike Friday. Local unions in Arlington, Texas; Parma, Ohio; and Flint also had threatened strikes but since have withdrawn those threats. Industry analysts have speculated that the UAW is using the strike threats to try to draw GM into its talks with American Axle.[8] A strike that started Tuesday at an auto supplier in Delta Township cut production at the GM Lansing Delta Township plant by about half Wednesday. Today, hourly workers at the assembly plant that makes the Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook crossover vehicles might walk off their jobs, too.[9] The factory, which employs about 3,400 hourly workers, makes the Buick Enclave, Saturn Outlook and GMC Acadia crossover vehicles that are selling well for GM. UAW Local 602 official Harold Brown handed out "UAW On Strike'' signs from the trunk of his car as workers left the plant. He reminded them to go to the union hall to leave telephone numbers and sign up for picket duty.[10] According to GM's website, some 3,300 hourly workers were employed at the Delta Township plant at the end of April 2007. It produces the popular Buick Enclave, Saturn Outlook and GMC Acadia crossover vehicles, which are built on a car platform to provide easier handling and better mileage than the larger SUVs.[5] The strike could cripple production at the plant and have serious implications for the Detroit automaker. The Delta Township facility makes the Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook crossover vehicles that GM says are among its best-selling models.[11] The Alliance plant, with fewer than 100 workers, makes parts for the Lansing Delta Township facility that makes the fast-selling Buick Enclave, Saturn Outlook and GMC Acadia crossover vehicles.[12]
Though hourly workers went on strike at Alliance Interiors in Delta Township on Tuesday, managers there are continuing to build carpets used in the crossovers the Lansing Delta Township plant builds. That production has allowed the GM plant, which has 2,300 hourly workers, to work at about half its normal pace.[9] GM said workers at the Delta Township plant near Lansing, Mich., which makes the company'''s crossovers, is partially shut down due to a strike at nearby supplier Alliance Interiors.[13]
GM has 3,345 hourly workers at the Delta Township plant. If the workers are laid off due to the Alliance Interiors strike, GM would have to pay them, but they would be paid by the UAW if they went on strike. Workers get $200 a week from the UAW if they are on strike, but they get around 80 percent of their pay if they are laid off.[14] A GM spokesman said workers at the Delta Township plant only worked half a shift Wednesday morning and a second shift was likely to end early Wednesday evening because of a strike at nearby Alliance Interiors.[14] The walkout by members of United Auto Workers Local 602 comes a day after a plant supplier, Alliance Interiors, was hit by a strike. That walkout slowed production at the Delta Township facility.[11] In addition to GM strike, production could be halted by a UAW strike at a small supplier that produces carpeting for the crossover SUVs built at the plant. About 90 workers at Lansing-based Alliance Interiors went on strike Tuesday because they have no labor contract and have been trying to secure one for almost a year.[6] Alliance Interiors opened in 2006 to supply carpets, acoustic insulation and other products to GM. A message seeking comment was left Wednesday with the company's personnel manager. Workers at the GM plant were set to go on a strike of their own tomorrow morning over local labor issues. It was not clear if that strike would happen, since the GM workers might now be temporarily laid off and won't be able to walk off their jobs. Workers have been told to report for their regular shift Thursday morning.[4]
Workers represented by UAW Local 602 at GM's Delta Township, Mich., assembly plant had issued a strike threat to GM in a dispute over local contract issues such as job classifications.[15] Workers at the Delta Township p lant produce the companies hot-selling crossover vehicles. It's time for the local union to renew it's contract with GM. The two sides have yet to come to terms and a Thursday morning strike deadline is fast approaching. That means thousands of workers could walk off the job. Tiny Sherwood, UAW Local 652: "Once you have one of these things shut people down, then it could literally affect thousands of people by the time you get all said and done."[16]
The strike is the first against GM over a local contract agreement since a lengthy walkout in Flint back in 1998, said GM spokesman Dan Flores. UAW Local 602 official Harold Brown handed out "UAW On Strike'' signs from the trunk of his car as workers left the plant. He reminded them to go to the union hall to leave telephone numbers and sign up for picket duty.[7] If no agreements have been reached in five days, the union could send another letter giving a five-day notice before a strike. UAW Local 730 Chairman Steve Rop wouldn't comment Tuesday, but in a notice on the local's website, he said the union and GM still were bargaining about local grievances as well as tool and die operations at the plant. The UAW agreed on a national contract with GM last fall, but local unions also negotiate their own agreements on issues such as overtime and plant operations.[8]
Neither GM nor the UAW would specify reasons for the strike, but UAW Local 602, which staffs the Lansing Delta Township plant, has yet to sign a local contract agreement with GM. Local agreements cover work rules in specific plants.[17] UAW locals representing the Delta Township plant, along with a second GM factory in Warren, have been threatening to strike GM over local contract issues.[1]
There will be no strike by UAW Local 598 workers," read the message. Two other locals, in Warren and Lansing, last week issued five-day strike notices against GM. Another local in Grand Rapids has warned GM that it may issue a five-day notice. The locals say they're pushing for a resolution to plant-level contract negotiations that have been under way since last fall. Monday, GM said 25 of its plants are affected by a parts shortage created by the strike at American Axle & Manufacturing Inc., down from 30 previously.[18] UAW Local 730 represents more than 1,000 workers, although some have been temporarily laid off because of a seven-week strike at supplier American Axle and Manufacturing Holdings Inc. that has affected 29 GM factories and a plant in Indiana that makes GM's Hummer under contract.[8]
DETROIT (Reuters) - A United Auto Workers local unit went on strike on Thursday at a General Motors Corp plant that builds fast-selling crossover vehicles, adding to disruptions caused by the union's walkout at American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings Inc, a major supplier to the automaker.[5] DELTA TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) - Hundreds of workers streamed out of a General Motors Corp. assembly plant that makes crossover vehicles on Thursday, threatening the automaker's ability to build one of its most popular products. United Auto Workers members at the plant in Delta Township walked off their jobs just after a 10 a.m. deadline passed.[19] LANSING -- United Auto Workers walked off the job at General Motors Corp.' s Delta Township plant when a 10 a.m. deadline passed with no deal on a local contract.[6] DELTA TOWNSHIP, Mich. -- Workers at a key General Motors Corp. (GM) assembly plant near Lansing have walked off their jobs in a local contract dispute.[20]
Delta Township, MI (WWJ) -- Workers at a General Motors plant near Lansing went on strike Thursday morning. WWJ's Jeff Gilbert reported cars were streaming out of the plant at 10:10 a.m. Local UAW leaders told Gilbert they were on strike.[7] United Auto Workers (UAW) hourly workers went on strike during the evening shift on 15 April at an interior carpets manufacturing plant in Lansing, Michigan, forcing General Motors to halt production of its popular Saturn Outlook, Buick Enclave and G.[21] Production of General Motors' trio of hot-selling crossovers--the Saturn Outlook, Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia--skidded to a halt on Thursday morning when UAW hourly workers struck a GM plant near Lansing, Michigan.[17]
The 3,400 hourly workers at the plant make the Buick Enclave, Saturn Outlook and GMC Acadia crossover vehicles which are selling well for GM.[7] GM's Delta Township plant produces the hot-selling line of large crossover utility vehicles - the Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook.[22]
GM's crossover vehicles are produced at the Delta Township factory. Global Insight Analyst Aaron Bragman says while GM's been able to weather the closing of truck plants because of the American Axle strike, that is into its seventh week, it would be really hurt if the Lansing Delta Townshp plant has to close.[23] A strike at supplier American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings Inc. (AXL) has forced GM to idle all or parts of about 30 plants, mainly affecting pickup truck and SUV production. While GM has an ample inventory of pickups and SUVs, its inventory on the products made at Delta Township is tighter.[15] General Motors Corp. will cancel one shift of production at its Oshawa, Ont., car plant beginning Monday, but restore another shift for two weeks at the neighbouring truck plant as the impact from a strike at a major parts maker ripples through the auto maker's North American operations. The seven-week strike at American Axle and Manufacturing Holdings Inc. has caused GM to shut most of its large pickup truck plants for several weeks - including the Oshawa truck plant. It's also affecting other parts makers already battered by the slump in U.S. sales, soaring commodity prices and permanent plant shutdowns by the Detroit Three auto makers in the past two years.[24] A second General Motors Corp. plant that builds passenger cars will soon be affected by the strike at American Axle & Manufacturing Inc. GM will idle a third shift starting April 21 at its Oshawa, Ont. car plant, where the automaker builds one of its staple vehicles, the Chevrolet Impala full-size sedan, GM Spokesman Stew Low said.[25]
In the grand scheme of things, given the economy and the auto industry, having the jobs in the first place is most important," said Scott Watkins, a consultant at East Lansing-based Anderson Economic Group. "The good news is that those temporary jobs are there at any amount." Detroit's automakers usually hire temps to take the place of vacationing factory workers. GM said it hires a few thousand workers across the country; Ford placed its number in the hundreds. The tally of summer hires this year will depend on the carmakers' production schedules and, at GM, could be affected by the strike at parts maker American Axle & Manufacturing Inc. A parts shortage created by the stoppage has forced GM to idle or cut shifts at about two dozen factories.[26] GM's production already is stymied by the UAW strike at parts maker American Axle & Manufacturing Holding Inc. About two dozen plants have been idled or partially shut down by that stoppage, though none that produce vehicles as critical as the crossovers.[2] Messages seeking comment were left with the UAW and UAW Local 602 President Doug Rademacher. Analysts have speculated that the UAW is trying to pull GM into its ongoing negotiations with American Axle and Manufacturing Holdings Inc. (nyse: AXL - news - people ), which is a major supplier to GM. The UAW has been on strike against American Axle for nearly two months, and more than 30 GM plants have been affected by that strike.[14]
The strike warning had come with most of the 2,900 hourly and 265 salaried workers at Flint Truck already idled by the American Axle strike. GM and the UAW reached a national labor agreement last fall, but local unions negotiate their own operating agreements with management.[27] Analysts have said the UAW strikes are a bid to pull GM, American Axle's biggest customer, into that labor dispute. Local union leaders have said there are real issues behind their strike threats.[1]
Industry analysts have speculated that the strike is an effort by the union to get GM involved in a two-month walkout at parts supplier American Axle and Manufacturing Holdings Inc. Flores would not comment when asked about a possible American Axle connection and said he did not know the specific issues involved in the Delta Township walkout.[10] If that plant is idled, it will also affect workers at other suppliers that send parts to the assembly plant. Those companies include Ryder Logistics, Android Industries and Plastech, all located in Delta Township. GM's Lansing Delta Township plant is also facing its own strike deadline.[12] Sherwood said the strike at Alliance will have a domino effect on the area's auto industry. A lack of parts made at Alliance will halt operations at the Delta Township assembly plant, he said. "I'm assuming right now that they (GM Lansing Delta Township) are being shut down," Sherwood said.[12] GM's Lansing Delta Township plant could be affected by a strike by members of the UAW at Lansing-based supplier Alliance Interiors.[28] Alliance Interiors makes carpeting for the cars at GM's Delta Township plant. GM tells us this strike is already effecting production at that plant.[29]
GM workers on the morning shift Wednesday produced vehicles for about four hours until parts ran out. The Delta Township plant received enough parts from Alliance later in the day to resume production in the afternoon, though workers were expected to work only part of their shifts. GM workers were told to return to their jobs today.[9] GM officials today cut production in half. It's anything but business as usual at GM's Delta Township plant. GM officials say workers are only making cars for the first four hours of their shift. The rest of the time they're maintaining the plant and attending training seminars.[30]
"The company isn't willing to go to the table and negotiate a fair and equitable contract," said UAW Regional 1-C Leader Art Luna. That strike forced a shutdown at both Alliance, the Delta Township Plant, though most plant workers continued to work on other projects.[31] Local workers with Alliance Interiors went on strike at 9:00 last night. Since then, a lot of them have been walking the picket line. The workers are negotiating their first contract with Alliance Interiors but the UAW says those negotiations aren't going well. The union says since they haven't had any communication with Alliance they don't really know what the company is thinking. Dean Poggiali, President of UAW Local 724: "Right now, we're not privy of what their side is thinking about.[32] Workers at Alliance Interiors in Lansing, who are represented by United Auto Workers Local 724, went on strike after failing to reach an agreement on a first contract.[23] More than 60 workers at Alliance Interiors went on strike after going a year without a contract. They left the bargaining table because no agreement was reached. They headed straight to the picket lines. Duane Zuckschwerdt, UAW negotiator: "The UAW always hates to resort to this.[33]
Workers at Alliance Interiors in Delta Township went on strike Tuesday night after months of trying to negotiate a first contract.[12] The impact of a strike at the Alliance Interior plant is already being felt at the Delta Township plant.[30] The strike at Alliance is already having a major impact on production at General Motor's Delta Township plant.[16] The walkout could lead to work stoppages at the General Motors Corp. Lansing Delta Township assembly plant and other area part suppliers if GM runs out of its supply of Alliance products.[12] A General Motors Corp. plant near Lansing that makes the company's hot-selling crossovers was partially shut down Wednesday due to a strike at a supplier, calling into question a planned strike later this week by the GM workers.[14] DETROIT — Union leaders for a General Motors Corp. (NYSE:GM) plant near Grand Rapids have sent a letter threatening to have workers strike if talks over local issues aren't resolved soon, the automaker said Tuesday.[8] Three days into their strike, union workers at General Dynamics had not crossed picket lines, and neither side had arranged to return to the negotiating table. Officials for the United Auto Workers Local 2850 said they are "willing and ready" to meet with the management, but company officials were mum on Monday about a timetable for further negotiations. Some 350 members of the union walked off the job after a contract proposal fell short of their expectations on wage increases, insurance coverage and pensions. They manned several picketing posts on Monday, strolling in front of the plant's entrances beneath an intermittent drizzle, as security guards in raincoats trained cameras on them.[34] The uncertainty of Lordstown operations has delayed labor contract talks. LORDSTOWN ''' A union official said he expects the General Motors''' Lordstown plant to have enough parts to continue running all of this week. Ben Strickland, shop chairman for United Auto Workers Local 1112, added that he expects the plant will continue running beyond that as well.[35]
Workers there could walk out as early as 10 a.m. Thursday if progress isn't made toward a new local agreement. GM workers received a new national contract in October, but management and labor at the assembly plant haven't yet agreed on a local contract that would cover issues such as safety and working conditions.[12] "Since we've been out here, we haven't really had a local agreement," the 32-year GM quality control worker said. Local plants negotiate their own operating agreements separate from the national contract, which was settled last year. The local contract deals with issues such as overtime and work rules. Flores said GM was disappointed that workers left their jobs. "We remain focused on reaching an agreement as soon as possible," he said.[19] The UAW and GM signed a new labor contract last year that covered wages, benefits and investments in U.S. plants. GM still has to work out local deals on issues such as work rules and seniority at individual plants.[22]
Members of UAW Local 602 who work at GM's Lansing Delta Township plant near Lansing, Michigan, walked off the job shortly after 10 a.m. ET after the automaker and local union leaders failed to agree on work rules and other issues.[5] "We are disappointed that UAW Local 602 has taken strike action at the Lansing Delta Township plant," GM spokesman Dan Flores said.[5]
Members of other UAW locals in the Lansing area were picketing in solidarity with Alliance workers as the strike began, said Chris (Tiny) Sherwood, president of UAW Local 652, which represents workers at the GM Lansing Grand River assembly plant that makes three Cadillac models.[12] About 90 UAW workers went on strike at Alliance in Lansing, Michigan on Tuesday night, UAW Local 724 President Dean Poggiali said. The UAW has been negotiating a contract with Alliance since May 2007, he said. "That process has been unsuccessful, so we decided that it is time now to walk out," Poggiali said.[3]
It's a strike with major implication for General Motors. Sixty-five UAW Local 724 employees of alliance interiors walked out Tuesday night as they struggle to reach an agreement with management.[31] Talks aimed at a new local operating agreement at Flint Truck Assembly Plant restarted Monday without the pressure of a strike looming. UAW Local 598 pulled back from its threatened Thursday strike after working out most local issues at the General Motors plant, Shop Chairman Mark Hawkins said.[27]
The strike has closed all or part of 29 GM plants plus Hummer sport utility vehicle production done by AM General under an agreement with GM.[13] The American Axle strike has hindered production at 29 GM plants. Most of the plants that have been affected are those that make pick-up trucks and sport-utility vehicles and component plants that supply the assembly plants.[35] The UAW has been on strike against American Axle for nearly two months, and more than 30 GM plants have been affected by that strike.[10] GM had already been forced to at least partly idle about 30 North American plants because of parts shortages due to the UAW's more than seven-week strike at American Axle.[5]
"Clearly, particularly in North America, I would characterize the supply base as generally distressed," Keith Wandell, president of automotive interiors giant Johnson Controls Inc., told investors and analysts during a conference call yesterday. Such Canadian parts makers as Magna International Inc., Martinrea International Inc. and others have been affected by the GM shutdowns and the slump in the U.S. market. The companies have shut some of their operations in Ontario and elsewhere until GM resumes production at several plants that receive parts from American Axle.[24]
The plant produces the Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook, products that have sold well for GM. Production at the plant was slowed Wednesday due to a strike at a supplier of interior components.[15] The Delta plant is critical for GM because it builds the automaker's popular crossovers, the GMC Acadia, Saturn Outlook and Buick Enclave.[6] The Delta plant builds the automaker's popular crossovers, the GMC Acadia, Saturn Outlook and Buick Enclave. Copyright 2008 by WNEM.COM. The Associated Press contributed to this report. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.[36]
The UAW on Thursday struck the GM plant that makes the Buick Enclave, shown, and its crossover cousins, the GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook.[17] The factory near Lansing makes the Buick Enclave, Saturn Outlook and GMC Acadia crossover vehicles that are selling well for GM.[19]
The embattled automaker has cut jobs and production recently, but GM's crossover vehicles - built at the Delta Plant - have been the bright spot.[37] The Impala is a key vehicle for GM, which sold nearly 72,000 of the sedans through March of this year. It's GM's best-selling auto behind the Chevrolet Silverado pickup, and was the nation's seventh most-purchased vehicle in March. Oshawa car is the second sedan plant to be affected by the strike, which began Feb. 26 after 3,650 union members at five plants in Michigan and New York walked off the job after their previous contracts expired.[25] The first quarter "was a terrible quarter for the auto industry by any measure," Mr. Tyerman said in a note to clients. "The combination of the strike and weak consumer demand pushed auto production to the lowest level in our historical database," he wrote. He's now forecasting share profit of $6.40 (U.S.) this year for Magna, down from an earlier forecast of $6.76. The strike has led to a production cutback of 100,000 vehicles at GM's plants, Citigroup Global Markets Inc. analyst Itay Michaeli said in a report this week. Mr. Michaeli cut his profit forecast to $6.85 a share from a previous level of $7.02.[24] Cutting one link in the supply chain almost immediately causes a shutdown at a vehicle assembly plant, which then cascades through the sector. Magna, for example, has shut parts of a plant in St. Thomas, Ont., that assembles frames for GM's large pickups and SUVs. The parts maker has also laid off some workers at a plant in Syracuse, N.Y., that puts together four-wheel-drive components for those same vehicles. Analysts who follow Magna have reduced their forecasts for first-quarter profit because of the strike. Martinrea has laid off most of the workers at its frame-making plant in Kitchener, Ont. David Tyerman, who covers Magna and other parts makers for Scotia Capital, cut his profit forecasts yesterday for Magna, Martinrea, Linamar Corp., Wescast Industries Inc. and Exco Technologies Ltd.[24]
In addition to Delta Township, workers at metal fabricating plant near Grand Rapids and a transmission plant in Warren, Mich., also have threatened to strike. Local unions in Arlington, Texas; Parma, Ohio; and Flint also had threatened strikes but since have withdrawn those threats.[10] Officials from Local 602, the union representing workers at the Delta Township plant, aren't talking tonight.[16]
"Since we've been out here, we haven't really had a local agreement," the 32-year GM quality control worker said of the Delta Township plant.[10] Rademacher said workers at the Delta plant have been working under a contract put in place in 1999 when GM built the factory. The contract, he said, was intended to give GM flexibility to get the factory running, but was never supposed to be a long-term labor agreement. The UAW planned to get a plant-level contract in place for Delta after last fall's national negotiations, he said. This workforce deserves respect," he said.[6] For months, GM and Local 602 leaders have been trying to reach an agreement on contract details for the plant to go along with the national agreement reached between the automaker and the UAW last September.[5]
GM spokesman Dan Flores says negotiations continue at all of the plants as the auto maker is looking to reach local agreements with the UAW locals.[22] Salaried and hourly employees are generally allowed one referral each. "It's a way that GM and the UAW can work together to allow people to go on vacation but meet the production needs of the business," GM spokesman Dan Flores said. Traditionally, under UAW agreements with the automakers, those fill-in workers have earned 70 percent of the average assembly line hourly wage, which amounted to about $18.30.[26] "We're continuing to monitor the situation," GM Spokesman Dan Flores said Wednesday. About 90 workers at Lansing-based Alliance Interiors walked off the job Tuesday night because they have no contract.[1]
SAGINAW, Mich. -- Workers at a General Motors plant outside Lansing have walked off their jobs in a local contract dispute.[36] A Flint United Auto Workers local threatening to strike General Motors Corp. has lifted the threat, according to a notice posted on the union's Web site.[18] Workers hired by General Motors Corp. and Ford Motor Co. for temporary summer help will now make about $14 an hour -- not $18 -- as part of the automakers' new labor deals with the United Auto Workers.[26]
Hourly workers are represented by United Auto Workers Local 724. The workers had been trying to secure their first labor contract with the company.[12] Company spokesman Dan Flores said United Auto Workers Local 730, which represents the GM stamping plant in Wyoming, sent the letter Friday.[8] GM spokesman Dan Flores said discussions with local United Auto Workers leaders are continuing.[14]
"We are disappointed that UAW Local 602 has taken strike action," GM spokesman Dan Flores said.[6] A UAW local at a GM transmission plant in Warren, Mich., has a strike deadline set for Friday morning.[15]
The Chevrolet Impala leads with 71,750 sales. UAW Local 1112 said in a flier to its 2,400 members that workers will be informed immediately in case of a parts disruption. Another 1,000 union members work at the Metal Center stamping and fabricating plant next to the assembly plant.[13] Dean Poggiali, president of UAW Local 724, which represents workers at the plant, said the union has been bargaining since May 2007 to put a labor deal in place.[1]
"We've been bargaining since May 2007 and haven't come to any kind of agreement," said Dean Poggiali, president of UAW Local 724, which represents about 80 to 90 workers at the plant.[2] Workers at nearby Bridgewater Interiors make seats for the plant. Tiny Sherwood, President of UAW Local 652: "If Delta shuts down, they shut down, because they haven't got no place to ship their seats." It's a matter of supply and demand.[30] Ryder provides trucking service from Alliance Interiors to the Delta plant. Today workers there learned their shifts have been cut in half. Dawn Smith, UAW Bargaining Chair, Ryder: "It's going to impact their paycheck, definite ly. And, yeah, they have a lot of questions right now and concerns, you know, what's going to happen, how long is this going to last.[30]
The UAW's strike deadline for the Delta Township plant expires at 10 a.m. Thursday. The UAW is trying to forge its first-ever collective bargaining agreement with Alliance.[2] Alliance Interiors opened for business shortly before the Delta Township plant went into operation in late 2006.[12]
Because of a parts shortage production at GM's Lansing Delta Township plant has been curtailed, according to GM officials.[23] Union officials tell us the Delta plant only had enough supplies to work for four hours on Wednesday and then had to slow production until other parts were shipped in. A GM spokeswoman tells us the second shift reported on schedule and they expect the same for the first shift on Thursday.[31] The plant produces carpeting for GM's trio of large crossovers. The walkout created a parts shortage that forced GM to cut its first shift short on Wednesday, Flores said.[1]
The plant also builds the Buick Lacrosse sedan. Most of the two dozen GM factories affected by a parts shortage created by the strike, now entering its seventh week, produce slow-selling large trucks and SUVs or parts for those vehicles.[25] United Auto Workers members streamed from the plant that makes hot-selling crossover vehicles just after a deadline passed at 10 a.m. Thursday. As they were leaving, some workers said they were on strike.[20] Key crossover vehicles affected by UAW strike at Lansing supplier, and possibly nearby plant.[1]
The company issued a statement on Saturday announcing that the UAW workers were on strike, and that the plant will remain open for business.[34] UAW leaders said workers are ready to strike if progress isn't made on a local agreement between the union and the Detroit carmaker.[9] "I don't want to be on strike," said worker Duane McClung. "And it's really not quite clear why we're striking." Worker Dean Betcher said he believes the union did it's best to resolve issues with GM. But, he said, he would have preferred the UAW waited to see if workers were laid off instead. "I'd prefer that to a strike," he said.[6]
The Alliance walkout is yet another example of how labor union tension has turned into actions that are impacting the world's largest automaker, said Harley Shaiken, a labor professor at the University of California, Berkeley. "The Axle strike, on its own, is affecting GM with each passing day," he said. "Despite high inventory of pickups they risk losing that special order to Toyota, and they may not get that customer back for a long time."[1] Poggiali said UAW President Ron Gettelfinger and regional leadership made the call to walk off the line at Alliance Tuesday evening. He said he didn't know if that decision had anything to do with the American Axle strike. "It is clear that (workers) in the entire supplier network (are) under fire," he said. "But there are different issues between this small supplier and the situation in Detroit."[2] Operations of the plant have been threatened for weeks because it uses a brake spindle produced by American Axle, whose plants have been shut down by a UAW strike since Feb. 26.[35]
Although the American Axle strike has led to layoffs in Oshawa, two busloads of retirees from Canadian Auto Workers local 222 will travel to a picket line in Tonawanda, N.Y., tomorrow, local 222 president Chris Buckley said yesterday.[24] The United Auto Workers union called off a rally in support of striking workers at American Axle. The rally was scheduled to be held this Friday in downtown Detroit.[23] The union called off a planned rally in support of striking workers at American Axle, saying it was making progress in talks with the auto supplier.[28]
A striking worker and officials with the union and American Axle confirmed Wednesday that the rally was cancelled.[23]
The complex'''s 3,400 hourly workers have continued to produce the small cars on a day-to-day basis under the threat of a disruption in brake parts in case of a shortage of a steel spindle made by strike-bound American Axle.[13]
Local workers are determined to have their voices heard as they continue to picket. It's now been more than 24 hours on strike for hourly workers at Alliance Interiors.[29] Brian Langdon, worker on strike: "I'm terrified, I've got house payment, car payment bills just like everybody here." Alliance Interiors worker Brian Langdon says he's making $200 a week on strike. It's a scary financial toll, but eventually the workers say they hope all this pays off in the future.[29]
If the plant were idled by the Alliance strike, workers would receive layoff pay. Now, they'll get much less in strike compensation.[6] Nearly 30 plants and 40,000 GM workers have been idled because of the strike.[23] The strike deadline for workers at the Delta plant is 10 a.m. Thursday morning.[16] Tim Berry, 50, of Holt, one of the 2-year-old plant's 3,400 hourly workers, said the strike was justified.[19] The paper reported that while hourly workers were on strike today, salaried employees reported to work.[17]
Summer help will not be eligible for full-time jobs. GM worker Troy Miller, who has seen summer help come and go during a decade at the automaker's service parts operation in Columbus, Ohio, said the workers are at a disadvantage because they're not represented by the UAW. They often work longer hours and with less breaks than full-timers, he said. "I don't think it's fair they make less," he said. "They work 'em hard."[26] At GM, the second tier of workers comprises new hires assigned to jobs that aren't considered a core part of building cars.[26]
GM's Detroit-Hamtramck plant, which builds the Buick Lucerne and Cadillac DTS sedans, was idled March 31. Another important car factory, in Lordstown, Ohio, could go down in a matter of days or weeks, according to local UAW officials. That factory builds the Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac G5 small cars. [25] The UAW is threatening a strike at the plant if a local contract isn't reached by 10 a.m. today.[1] The strike is the first against GM over a local contract agreement since a lengthy walkout in Flint back in 1998, said GM spokesman Dan Flores.[10] A GM spokesman says the company is optimistic it can reach an agreement with Local 602. It's a situation that has many local autoworkers waiting and wondering.[16]
"GM is excited about it. It gives the union a little more clout than if they were producing an unpopular vehicle." Neither side will say what's holding up an agreement, but Revitte expects more labor disputes like this one for the big three. "It's probably going to be a livelier year in labor relations because of unsettled nature of the auto industry," Revitte said.[37] Strickland said that negotiations on a local labor contract in Lordstown have been put on hold while company and union officials work on keeping the plant operating.[35] While a national labor contract was settled last year, most local negotiations have not been completed. The national contract covers pay and benefits, while local contracts cover plant-specific issues, such as work rules.[35]
Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station. Just a note I am a GM worker and my Benifits suck!!!!!! I pay almost everything out of pocket so before you say we have great health care ask someone who works for them. UAW workers already make twice as much as anybody else and have better benefits than anyone else, what more do they want Mondays and Fridays off every week. The whole labor movement in this country is corrupt and needs to be scrapped and start from scratch, because those in charge only get what is good for them and go throught the motions as far as helping workers.[37] Not only would GM take a major hit but so would workers at a number of local suppliers. Sherwood: "Ryder would be really, striped for work, they wouldn't have any, of course Bridgewater seats, would be shut down.[16]
The local representing another plant in Grand Rapids has warned GM that it may issue a five-day strike warning required before a walkout.[1] The most recent negotiation session was last week. Earlier this month, locals at five other GM plants threatened to file strike notices over talks that had bogged down.[35] The action brings to three the number of GM plants that face a strike threat.[8]
Southfield (WWJ) -- One of General Motors most important plants could be threatened by a new strike at a Lansing-based auto supplier.[23] Production is scheduled to begin in next year's fourth quarter. General Motors Corp. may cut production of large sport-utility vehicles and pickups by 23 percent this year amid a supplier strike and dwindling demand, analysts said.[18] LORDSTOWN ''' Production at the General Motors Corp. Lordstown Complex is expected to continue today, avoiding thus far any serious effect from a supplier strike, a spokesman said Wednesday.[13]
DELTA TOWNSHIP -- Labor disputes are putting production of some of General Motors Corp.' s best-selling vehicles in jeopardy.[9]
Labor troubles at a carpet supplier on Wednesday, April 16, forced GM to halt production at the plant.[17] The strike is the second production disruption at the Lansing plant in as many days.[17]
A shutdown at the Delta Township Plant could have a big impact on productivity at Lansing's Grand River plant. Sherwood: "We're even discussing the feasability of not crossing their picket line, out at Delta, because we got our fabricating plant out there that builds fab parts not only for delta but also for Grand River."[16] The Delta Township plant has about 2,300 workers, according to a plant spokesperson.[11]
A union official representing workers at the plant couldn't be reached for comment late Tuesday evening.[12] If the plant is shuttered by a parts shortage first, workers likely would be laid off instead.[1]
Alliance's General Manager refused to comment, but Luna tells us replacement workers would only worsen the situation. "They know what they're doing. They build a good, quality part. No word yet on how many replacement workers would be hired or how quickly they could continue production. As for negotiations, Luna says they're not asking for much.[31] In an effort to continue production, sources tell News 10, Alliance has brought in replacement workers. "It appears that's what they're trying to do," Luna said.[31]
A lot of the workers are still out there walking the picket line. The workers say they're fighting for their first contract with Alliance, and until they get one they'll be there.[29]
UAW officials have not specified the local contract issues in dispute. In addition to the overarching UAW contract reached last fall with Detroit's Big Three automakers, most UAW locals are still negotiating plant-level deals. [6] The last time the UAW local went on strike was in 1991, and it lasted for six weeks.[34]
GM has only a 40-day inventory of the Buick Enclave, compared with an inventory of more than 150 days on some large trucks and SUVs when the American Axle strike began, according to Wards AutoInfoBank.[38] The state unemployment rate remained at 7.2 percent in March for the second month in a row, due in part to the American Axle strike.[28]
Rally for striking American Axle workers is canceled A Friday rally at Hart Plaza in support of striking American Axle workers has been canceled, according to the office of UAW Vice President James Settles, the organizer.[1] The canceled rally may signal progress after eight consecutive days of talks between the UAW and American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings Inc. "Canceling the rally certainly is a possible indicator of movement at table," said Harley Shaiken, labor professor at University of California, Berkeley. Earlier this month UAW President Ron Gettelfinger said such a rally was needed to "demonstrate support for keeping manufacturing jobs here in the United States."[1] Negotiations between American Axle and the UAW were ongoing and some progress was reported in Wednesday talks.[7]
Progress is reported in the American Axle talks. GM shakes up its sales operations.[28]
Further declines in sales and production of the highly profitable vehicles may damage GM's North American turnaround as it seeks to recover from a $39 billion loss in 2007. GM is profitable outside its home turf.[18] The strike has mainly affected production of GM's trucks and sport utility vehicles, which were selling slowly anyway.[14]
We settled most of our issues. There's no sense going out on strike," he said. The UAW had warned GM earlier this month that there could be a strike here and at a handful of other facilities across the county.[27] Even amid the tension and questions, workers began to rally a show of support for the UAW. Some drivers honked at leaving workers and shouted encouragement. Other began to hand out "UAW on Strike" picket signs.[6] Morning, day and night, workers are walking the picket lines. While it's only been a day on strike, the workers say they're ready for an agreement.[29] Mike Jones, worker on strike: "I want a little more money to pay our bills and buy cars and support our families." Until the workers get what they want, they say they'll be there.[29]
Some 175 employees, who are salaried according to Blevins, continue to work at General Dynamics, a defense subcontracting firm. Employees inside the plant on Monday said they had no comment about the strike.[34] General Motors Corp. on Monday announced plans to build a $200 million plant in Brazil -- a project that will take 19 months from start to finish.[18] There's another threat looming for the automaker and it could bring another strike as soon as tomorrow. It's one of General Motor's premier factories.[16] Crossovers have been the hottest selling vehicles for General Motors recently.[23]
I have worked there and seen it with my own eyes. I hope the company stands firm and gives them nothing. They don't earn what they get now. I have family who has worked at General Dynamics their whole lives. With the cost of gas, groceries, etc. NO ONE can afford to "go backwards" with their wages or benefits. I wonder how "management" would feel if they had to loose what they have. I feel that after multiple layoffs, and back-tracking on numerous occasions, this company should weigh out what they are offering to it's tenured employees. The new contract offered would cut their pay rates, double insurance and medication costs and literally set them back a number of years. [34] First of all, I was a production supervisor there for over ten years up to just a couple of years ago, and I stay in contact with several supervisor friends who still work there. I would swear to this in court, and it would NOT be perjury: Facts are in next message. The employees are not idiots&they; refuse to go backwards &LOSE; money through the contract-I DON'T BLAME THEM! For each insurance premium raise the salaried employees see, they also recieve a BONUS to cover that expense-so they don't lose money. They ought to have to pay what the General Dynamics salary employees have to pay for insurance deductibles and co-payments. They would then be happy with what they are paying. Most of them rarely work more than an hour out of the eight they are there a day anyway.[34]
Local economist professor John Revitte says there is a large ripple effect because in recent years companies like GM have switched to a technique called just in time production.[30] Chrysler LLC, struggling to pare back production to meet declining demand for its cars and trucks, doesn't plan to hire temps this summer, Chrysler spokesman Ed Saenz said Wednesday. It will be the automaker's third straight year of hiring few to no summer temps. The pay cut is one more sign that Detroit's automakers aren't the haven of high wages they once were. "It'd be nice to have those jobs be higher paying.[26] Those workers will earn about $14 an hour instead of $18; Chrysler won't hire any fill-ins. Taking a part-time summer job with one of Detroit's Big Three automakers has long meant good, quick money for thousands of workers.[26]
United Auto Workers members walked off the job just after a deadline passed at 10 a.m.[10] Which isn't good news for the American auto worker, or the American economy.[37]
Workers hired by GM and Ford for temporary summer help will now make about $14 an hour not $18 The Detroit News reports.[28]
The complex on several occasions has been believed to be in danger of being idled by lack of the part. Each alarm has proved premature ''' good news for GM because the Cobalt is its second-best selling car with 48,024 sales through the first three months of the year.[13] BERLIN -- German automaker Volkswagen AG said Monday it sold 7 percent more vehicles in the first quarter than it had a year earlier to hit a new high, despite the dampening effect on exports of the strong euro. Sales for the January-to-March period increased to 1.572 million vehicles -- its best quarterly sales figure ever, Volkswagen said.[18]
The vehicles have been a bright spot for GM in a brutal U.S. auto market, generating healthy sales and strong revenues. [2]
The spindle goes into brake components that flow through Delphi Corp. and then Automodular, a supplier with a factory near the GM plant in Lordstown.[13] "Every other supplier to the Delta plant that is organized has an agreement," Poggiali said.[1] Until the UAW can come to an agreement with management at Alliance, it will hardly be business as usual for local suppliers. Smith: "Our trucks are not going to Alliance, they're not going to cross that picket line."[30] GM and dozens of union locals across the country have been haggling since last fall over plant-level agreements.[1] Management and union leaders have been trying to reach agreement on local issues including safety and working conditions.[7]
Local 1112 had said the Lordstown plant could be shut down because of a parts shortage two weeks ago. [35] A state House committee has approved an energy bill that "paves the way to building a power plant in Bay County," says State Rep. Jeff Mayes. Consumers Energy wants to see changes in Michigan law before it commits to building a $2.3 billion coal-fired plant at its Karn-Weadock generating complex in Hampton Township. Under current law, Consumers argues that its industrial and business customer base is too uncertain to move forward with the giant project. Critics say Consumers and DTE Energy want changes giving them a monopoly on energy production.[19] Which Revitte said is good news for the UAW. "This plant is making a popular car," he said.[37]
GM isn'''t talking about where it buys parts from. Strickland said he has asked UAW officials in Detroit to try to determine the source of parts needed in Lordstown.[35] GM spokesman Dan Flores said talks between the two sides broke off for the time being.[15] Spokesman Tom Mock said the complex built Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac G5 small cars on the eight-hour day shift Wednesday, adding production schedules are subject to change at any time.[13]
First shift workers were on the job for only four hours. The second shift is expected to be shortened as well.[23] If a deal isn't reached, workers could walk off the job at any time after 10 a.m.[16]
"There will be a ripple effect throughout the Lansing economy if there's a strike," Revitte said. Which means more people than just those in the auto industry will be affected. "It starts affecting dealers," Revitte said. [37] Messages seeking comment were left with the UAW and UAW Local 602 President Doug Rademacher.[38] GM's three new crossovers have been bright spots in an otherwise dismal 2008.[17]
SOURCES
1. Walkout threatens GM SUVs
2. GM cuts shift at Lansing area plant
3. UPDATE 1-Interiors supplier strike curbs GM production | Markets | Markets News | Reuters
4. GM plant halts production due to strike at supplier - BostonHerald.com
5. UAW strikes at GM crossover plant in Michigan | U.S. | Reuters
6. Workers walk off job at Lansing GM assembly plant
7. WWJ Newsradio 950 - GM Workers On Strike
8. The Canadian Press: UAW warns of possible strike vs. GM plant near Grand Rapids Mich.
9. Supplier strike slows GM crossover production | Freep.com | Detroit Free Press
10. TheStar.com | Business | GM workers walk off job at assembly plant
11. WZZM13 - Lansing Delta Township workers strike
12. Workers strike Alliance plant near Lansing | Freep.com | Detroit Free Press
13. GM-Lordstown production continues | Tribune Chronicle
14. GM plant halts production due to strike at supplier - Forbes.com
15. UAW Local Strikes GM Delta Township, Mich., Plant -GM
16. WLNS TV 6 Lansing Jackson Michigan News and Weather - WLNS.COM | Possible GM Strike
17. UAW strikes GM crossover plant - AutoWeek Magazine
18. Auto briefs
19. Workers at a Lansing-area GM crossover factory go on strike - NewsFlash - mlive.com
20. Michigan GM Workers Walk Off Job
21. Automotive World - US: GM Delta Township plant affected by carpet supplier strike
22. UAW Suspends Strike Deadline At GM Plant In Flint, Michigan
23. WWJ Newsradio 950 - Key GM Plant Threatened By Supplier Strike
24. reportonbusiness.com: Supplier strike hobbles sector in Canada
25. General Motors Corp. to cut shift at Oshawa sedan plant
26. GM, Ford to cut pay for summer temps
27. Talks go on at Flint Truck; strike plan off- mlive.com
28. WWJ Newsradio 950 - Daily Dash - April 17, 2008
29. WLNS TV 6 Lansing Jackson Michigan News and Weather - WLNS.COM | Update: Local Worker Strike
30. WLNS TV 6 Lansing Jackson Michigan News and Weather - WLNS.COM | Impact of Alliance Interior Strike
31. Alliance Halts GM Production
32. WLNS TV 6 Lansing Jackson Michigan News and Weather - WLNS.COM | Local Workers on Strike
33. WLNS TV 6 Lansing Jackson Michigan News and Weather - WLNS.COM | Local Workers on Strike
34. No Meeting Scheduled for UAW, Management - News - TriCities.com
35. Official says local GM plant has enough parts - Vindy.com News - Local & Regional News - Youngstown, Warren, Columbiana, Ohio
36. Workers Walk Off Job At GM's Lansing Plant - News Story - WNEM Saginaw
37. GM Strike Could Affect More Than Employees
38. GM plant halts production of hot-selling crossovers due to Alliance Interiors strike - International Herald Tribune
GENERATE A MULTI-SOURCE SUMMARY ON THIS SUBJECT:
Please WAIT 10-20 sec for the new window to open...
You might want to EDIT the default search query below:
Get more info on UAW Local Strikes GM Delta Township, Mich., Plant -GM by using the iResearch Reporter tool from Power Text Solutions.
 |
|  |
|
