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Apr-21-2008American Axle strike impacts two more GM plants(topic overview)
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The protracted American Axle strike has affected as many as 30 GM plants, mostly assembly and engine plants for the automaker's slow-selling pickups and SUVs. But cushioned by high inventories and reduced demand, the strike at American Axle has done little to damage GM's sales. Flores said the automaker views its negotiations with UAW locals as separate from the American Axle strike. "Our position is the dispute at American Axle is a dispute between American Axle and the UAW," he said. "From our perspective, the company bargainers at Lansing, Delta Township, Warren, Grand Rapids and Fairfax continue to discuss the issues with the UAW and our energy is focused on reaching agreements at those locations as soon as we can." [1] "We're going to continue to bargain in good faith at Lansing Delta Township, Warren, Fairfax, Grand Rapids and all our local facilities with a focus on reaching tentative agreements as soon as we can," Flores said. GM already is dealing with production woes from the prolonged strike at supplier American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings Inc. That work stoppage, in its seventh week, has forced GM to halt or slow production at about two dozen factories in the United States and Canada. Most of those plants either build or produce parts for GM's slow-selling full-size trucks and SUVs.[2]
The union, roiled by demands for wage and benefit cuts from a crippled U.S. auto industry, is still managing to snarl the nation's auto manufacturing epicenter with a drumbeat of threats and strikes that continued Thursday with a walkout at a key General Motors Corp. plant near Lansing. In the seven weeks that have passed since the UAW struck parts maker American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings Inc., GM has lost more than 100,000 units of production and been forced to shuffle parts across the country to keep its factory lines flowing.[3] Strikes continued at American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings Inc. and General Motors Corp. plants on Sunday -- and a union leader told American Axle strikers to prepare for a long haul, dampening hopes of progress in ending the nearly eight-week long walkout. Members of United Auto Workers Local 235, which represents American Axle workers in Detroit, were told in a meeting Sunday that negotiators were making progress on small issues, such as safety and skilled trades classifications.[4] United Auto Workers President Ron Gettelfinger says he's optimistic the union can settle several local contracts with General Motors that have resulted in strikes or threats of work stoppages. He isn't as hopeful about a quick settlement to the eight-week strike at parts maker American Axle and Manufacturing Holdings Inc. About 3,600 workers at five American Axle plants have been on strike since February 26th.[5]
An ongoing strike at American Axle and Manufacturing Holdings Inc. is idling 182 hourly workers at GM Powertrain, 1001 Woodside Ave., according to a union official. That's down from the 235 initially laid off in March due to the American Axle strike. Those numbers would climb again if workers at a Warren GM transmission plant decide to walk off their jobs as well, according to Jay Swaton, bargaining chairman for United Auto Workers Local 362 in Bay City.[6]
The automaker is still negotiating local contracts with dozens of locals across the country, more than six months after it inked a landmark national contract with the union. GM already is dealing with production woes from the prolonged strike at American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings Inc. The stoppage, in its seventh week, has forced GM to halt or slow production at about two dozen factories in the United States and Canada. Most of those plants either build or produce parts for GM's slow-selling full-size trucks and SUVs.[7] People close to the matter say the UAW is using the strike at Delta Township to push GM into pressuring one of its suppliers to settle a contentious, two- month contract dispute, The Wall Street Journal reported. Union officials have denied any link between bargaining their local issues and the strike at American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings Inc. (AXL), a major GM supplier.[8] Industry analysts say the union is using the threats of a strike to pull GM into an ongoing labor dispute at parts maker American Axle and Manufacturing Holdings Inc. The UAW has been on strike against American Axle for nearly two months, and more than 30 GM plants have been affected.[9]
At GM's Grand Rapids Metal Center in Wyoming, the UAW issued a five-day strike notice on Friday, but talks are continuing, Flores said. The local disputes at GM come at the same time as the nearly two-month strike at American Axle, where 3,650 workers walked off the job protesting proposals to cut by half $28 hourly wages that stem from the early 1990s, when those plants belonged to GM. This is no coincidence, said Gary Chaison, professor of labor studies at Clark University in Worcester, Mass. "It's a classic end-run where the UAW is putting pressure on General Motors to put pressure on American Axle, not to reach a specific settlement, but to be more amenable in bargaining," Chaison said.[1]
The UAW went on strike there on Thursday, hampering production of GM's popular trio of crossover SUVs. Each strike and threat, the UAW says, is because GM and plant-level locals have failed to settle on local contracts that govern issues such as plant work rules and worker-filed grievances. Tension lingering from last year's historic national labor negotiations between the UAW and Detroit's Big Three automakers, in which the union agreed to major concessions including a two-tier system of pay, is likely a factor in the local bargaining, said Richard Block, a Michigan State University labor expert. "It may very well be the union saying 'We've given up a lot and we're not going to give any more,' " he said. UAW officials at the national level have been silent on the local strikes and many workers say they're confused as to why they they're striking. Even local strikes, depending on which plant they hit, can be damaging if they stop the flow of parts to other plants or put a popular product in short supply.[2] GM has managed to avoid stopping production of the Chevrolet Malibu due to a part shortage, but the sedan may fall victim to a labor dispute after all. Automotive News is reporting that UAW Local 31, which represents the Fairfax plant in Kansas City, Kansas, where the Malibu is built, has given the automaker a five-day strike notice, saying that it will walk out on Tuesday, April 22 if local contract issues such as seniority are not resolved.[10] The UAW is threatening to strike GM's Malibu plant in Kansas City, Kan. -- known as the Fairfax plant -- at a time when the midsize sedans are sitting on dealer lots for an average of only 19 days, far fewer than the industry average of 54 days, according to J.D. Power and Associates. The new threat comes during a UAW strike at GM's Delta Township plant, which makes the Buick Enclave and the GMC Acadia -- both sitting on lots for fewer than 30 days -- and the Saturn Outlook. "They need to resolve this," said Tom Libby, senior director of industry analysis at J.D. Power, or GM risks losing sales. "These are among the most successful products that GM has had in a while." Without a quick resolution, supplies of those vehicles could run out in a few weeks, and vehicles with the most popular option packages could be gone sooner, Libby said. If that happens, GM could lose sales to other automakers' crossover models, such as the Ford Edge and Toyota Highlander, said Libby: "The customer has a lot to choose from." The disputes in Delta Township and Kansas City stem from local contract talks, which typically define issues such as work rules, overtime and seniority.[1]
UAW Local 31, which represents workers at the Malibu plant in Kansas City, Kan., gave the automaker a letter warning that workers will strike in five days if local contract issues remain unresolved, GM spokesman Dan Flores said Friday.[2] United Auto Workers members at GM Warren's factory are still on the job after a 10 a.m. strike deadline passed. Talks continued through the night and into this morning between GM and the UAW over plant-level contract issues. Both sides agreed to take a break and resume negotiations on Saturday morning, GM spokesman Dan Flores said.[7] As of last week, 300 hourly workers were on the job at the GM Powertrain plant, Swaton said. It's not clear how many of those would be put on temporary layoff if the Warren plant goes on strike, he said. Members of UAW Local 909 at the Warren factory had set an April 18 deadline to leave their jobs over a local contract dispute.[6] The Warren factory, represented by UAW Local 909, employs about 1,000 workers and produces four- and six-speed transmissions. Negotiations resumed this morning at the automaker's Delta Township plant near Lansing, where about 2,300 workers walked off the job Thursday, also citing local contract issues.[7] One report put the tally of laid-off workers at more than 40,000. With GM's Delta Township plant now shuttered by a strike, the automaker faces a potential shortage of some of the vehicles it can least afford to lose -- its trio of crossover SUVs. The factory's 2,300 workers walked off the job after a strike deadline passed with no plant-level contract in place. The labor actions and the fallout from them underscore how much power the union still wields despite its declining membership, which last year dropped to its lowest level since 1941.[3]
Gettlefinger says the strike by Delta Township workers is a symptom of a larger issue, the critical relationship between the company and each individual plant. Ron Gettlefinger, UAW president: "The company has basically, since we got the contract resolved last fall,done very little in regards to these local supplemental agreements and they're very very important so we're hopeful we can get those resolved. It's just unfortunately we find ourselves when we can't move the needle, we have to take these actions to strike." Gettlefinger says he's also optimistic the strike at Alliance Interiors will end soon but he says there's not much progress to report in the 2-month old strike at American Axle.[11] The impact of the American Axle stoppage was dulled because it affected mostly slow-selling large trucks and SUVs made by GM, American Axle's largest customer. In Delta Township, local UAW leaders say they're on strike because there's no agreement on a plant-level contract after months of hard bargaining.[3]
AP said 3,600 UAW members at five American Axle plants have been on strike since Feb. 26 while workers are also on strike at a GM plant near Lansing Delta township.[12] Thursday's strike by workers at GM's Delta Township plant was the latest salvo in a spreading battle between the United Auto Workers union and General Motors and its suppliers. "It's just crazy," one GM official who did not want to be named told AFP. "Everybody was expecting a big blowup during national negotiations last fall and it didn't happen. Now you have this."[13] Lansing Delta Township, MI (AHN)- Striking workers at General Motors Corp.' s various plants in Michigan are yet to resolve disputes with management, reports said Sunday. AP reported that Ron Gettelfinger, president of the United Auto Workers, was optimistic that the union would be able to settle its disputes with GM.[12]
BEIJING (Reuters) - General Motors Corp (GM.N: Quote, Profile, Research ) Chief Executive Rick Wagoner said on Sunday he was confident the automaker could resolve outstanding contract issues with local bargaining units for the United Auto Workers union that have shut down a plant producing popular crossover vehicles. "We've just got to get behind the doors and get these things resolved, which I'm sure we can do," Wagoner told reporters on the sidelines of the Beijing Auto Show.[14] DETROIT -- United Auto Workers local officials and General Motors Corp have continued negotiations beyond a Friday strike deadline at a plant near Detroit that builds transmissions for the automaker's cars and crossover vehicles, a local official said.[15] DETROIT (Reuters) - Negotiators for the United Auto Workers union and General Motors Corp (GM.N: Quote ) have extended talks indefinitely beyond a Friday strike deadline at a plant near Detroit that builds transmissions for the automaker's strong-selling cars and crossovers.[16]
General Motors Corp.' s labor problems show no signs of abating. The automaker avoided, at least temporarily, a strike at its Warren Powertrain plant, but the United Auto Workers threatened to send workers to the picket lines at two other factories, including one that makes the hot-selling Chevrolet Malibu.[2] WARREN, Mich. (AP) — General Motors Corp. dodged one strike at a key factory on Friday, but the United Auto Workers threatened to walk out at the main plant that builds the hot-selling Chevrolet Malibu.[9]
Bay City's General Motors Corp. Powertrain plant is bracing for more hourly worker layoffs should a threatened union strike become a reality at a GM transmission factory in Warren.[6]
DETROIT — General Motors Corp. says the eight-week-old strike at American Axle and Manufacturing Holdings Inc. has forced it to cut production at two more factories. GM spokesman Dan Flores said the company on Monday cut one of three shifts at its Oshawa, Ont., factory that makes the Chevrolet Impala and Buick Lacrosse sedans. It also cut production of four-speed transmissions at a factory in Washtenaw County's Ypsilanti Township.[17] OSHAWA -- The impact of the continuing strike at American Axle and Manufacturing Holdings Inc. in the United States will soon hit another General Motors plant in Oshawa. General Motors of Canada Ltd. confirmed this week that temporary layoff notices have been sent to about 1,000 workers on the third shift at the Oshawa car complex, effective next Monday.[18] GM already has at least partly idled about 30 plants due to a UAW strike at major supplier, American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings Inc (AXL.N: Quote, Profile, Research ). That strike has mainly affected GM's production of large pickups and SUVs that have been selling slowly due to the weak U.S. economy and high fuel prices. Wagoner said GM would detail its production loss because of the American Axle strike when it reports first quarter financial results later this week but he said that the impact had been muted by the slow sales of SUVs in the U.S. market.[14]
We just need to get 'er done." Auto analysts have had plenty to keep them guessing this spring. The two-month strike at American Axle and Manufacturing Holdings is dragging on amid strike warnings over local issues from GM plants this month.[19]
The domino effect of the strikes signals the interdependence of the domestic auto industry even as automakers and suppliers work to diversify and reduce that interdependence, Chaison said. "It's a very tightly wound system and a disturbance in one part will soon affect everything else," he said. "It presents a lot of leverage to the union." Analysts have said the spate of strikes and threats is a UAW strategy to draw GM into the American Axle dispute -- a claim denied by local labor leaders who say their issues are real and separate. Labor expert Shaiken said both may be true. "The UAW is well aware that its actions put pressure on GM," he said.[3] In the midst of the American Axle strike, UAW locals at three Michigan factoriesin Flint, Lansing and Warrenissued five-day strike notices the week of April 6, telling GM the union will go out if local contracts aren't agreed to soon.[20] "We're not going to characterize the negotiations," GM spokesman Dan Flores said on Sunday. "But it's encouraging that discussions continue." The cancellation of a major UAW rally last week and Sunday's meeting with American Axle union members were seen by some as signs of progress in those negotiations, but movement has apparently slowed. "We need to keep our members informed so they are prepared for the battle we are facing," said UAW Local 235 President Adrian King.King said he will ask UAW leadership to reschedule Friday's canceled rally.[4] GM corporate spokesman Dan Flores said the negotiations involve the local union contract with UAW Local 31. The national contract with the UAW covers major issues such as wages, benefits, pensions, retirement and health care. Local contracts can cover a wide variety of other issues, but Flores said he is not at liberty to discuss what issues may be points of contention at the Fairfax Assembly Plant. General Motors does not negotiate union contracts in the press, he said.[21] The UAW also launched a strike on April 11 against a GM plant in Warren, Michigan which makes transmissions for a variety of GM passenger cars. The historic national contract the UAW and GM signed last fall specified that both sides still had to work out the details of local contracts, which traditionally have controlled staffing levels and other important issues. Sean McAlinden, vice president of research at the Center For Automotive Research, said GM had been trying to use the local negotiations to reduce staffing and to re-classify more jobs as "non-core," which means GM can fill them with employees making half the standard contract wage of 29 dollars per hour.[13] The UAW has set strike deadline for 10 a.m. today at a Warren transmission plant, citing local contract issues. Another threat, with no solid deadline, looms at a GM stamping plant in Grand Rapids. The combined reach of the disputes dwarfs the impact of last year's labor drama, when the UAW launched broad, but short, walkouts against GM and Chrysler LLC before reaching landmark money-saving labor pacts with Detroit's Big Three.[3]
Earlier Friday, the UAW local representing workers at GM's transmission plant in Warren, Mich., agreed to extend talks past a strike deadline that had been set for 10 a.m. local time Friday.[8] A strike at the plant would have been a second staggering blow to GM in as many days after workers at a GM assembly plant near Lansing, Michigan, walked out on Thursday. That plant produces popular crossover vehicles -- middle-sized SUVs built on car platforms for easier handling and better gas mileage. GM also said on Friday that it had received a 5-day strike notice on Thursday from a UAW local at a plant in Fairfax, Kansas, that produces the Chevrolet Malibu, a four-door sedan crucial to its product lineup.[16] The UAW also is on strike at a GM plant near Lansing that makes hot-selling crossover vehicles, and it has threatened to strike Tuesday at a plant in Kansas City, Kan., that builds the popular new Chevrolet Malibu sedan. Both plants have unresolved local contracts that govern overtime, assembly line speed, staffing and other issues not covered by the national contract signed last year.[22] A General Motors Chevrolet Malibu plant is under threat after workers at the company's Fairfax, Kansas City, Kansas, manufacturing plant gave notice that they will take strike action on 22 April unless local contract issues are resolved, according to.[23]
If the strike had occurred, it could have crippled the automaker's car production. Members of the United Auto Workers Local 909 at the Warren powertrain plant had set a 10 a.m. deadline to leave their jobs in a local contract dispute.[9] United Auto Workers Local 909 (UAW) had planned to walk off the job at 10 a.m. today at the Warren powertrain plant, which makes transmissions for many of GM's cars.[24] UAW Local 909 represents about 1,000 workers at a Warren, Michigan, transmission plant that has been trying to negotiate local rules to go along with the national contract the union reached with GM last Fall.[15] Members of UAW Local 602 walked out of the GM plant in Delta Township that makes the Buick Enclave, Saturn Outlook and GMC Acadia large crossover vehicles. 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.[9] UAW workers at an assembly plant in Delta Township, Mich., that makes the hot-selling large crossover utility vehicles - the Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook - walked off the job after failing to reach a deal on a local contract deal.[8]
Talks between GM and the UAW local representing the Delta Township plant workers resumed Friday.[8] Everyone is fed up. It is time to start dealing with these plants," said Dunn, whose local, which represents workers who make the Pontiac G6 and Malibu, is one of the few to have reached a deal. At his plant, Dunn said the key to getting a local deal ratified was that his team began talks with GM nine months before the September agreement expired, while many other locals waited. That, Dunn said, is working against some of the other UAW locals. "What's going on is GM is asking for more than they did before," Dunn said. "They got a national agreement, now they are trying to get each local to give up more and get more out of them."[1]
UAW Local 909, which represents about 1,000 hourly workers at a transmission plant in Warren, Michigan, near Detroit, said progress had been made and an indefinite extension arranged dependent on the movement of talks, according to a notice circulated to members.[16] The Wyoming plant is one of three in Michigan still hammering out UAW local issues. A new assembly plant in Delta Township was in its second day of a strike Friday, while a Warren transmission plant delayed a planned walkout until sometime this weekend. "We're trying to keep those issues within the shop committee and the management people to negotiate it," Henderson said.[19]
Over 3,600 workers at five American Axle plants in Michigan and New York have been on strike for almost two months. Charging an unfair labor practice, the UAW says the company refused to open its books in a serious manner.[20] About 3,650''United Auto Workers (UAW) have been on strike against American Axle''since Feb. 26, affecting production at five plants in Michigan and New York.[25] Monday, April 21, 2008 : Talks ended Saturday between the United Auto Workers and American Axle without an agreement as the strike by 3,600 workers in Michigan and western New York nears completion of its second month, making it one of the longest auto strikes in decades.[26]
DETROIT -- After 53 days on the picket line, American Axle strikers say they are growing frustrated with slow progress, a lack of information from their union and the company's apparent unrelenting stance. Several said Friday they were disappointed that after a planned Hart Plaza rally was canceled, they've still heard no word on a deal. Organizers of the nixed United Auto Workers union rally said progress was being made in negotiations with American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings Inc., but strikers like Kim Hunter of Southfield say they haven't seen it.[27] Rademacher rejected any notion that the strike is part of a union strategy to get GM into the dispute with parts-maker American Axle & Manufacturing Inc., where workers walked off the job in February.[28] The cut was necessary because of a shortage of parts caused by the strike at American Axle and Manufacturing Holdings Inc., a''recorded message''at the Canadian''Auto Workers Local 222 said.[25] Reports of progress continued Friday as the UAW strike against American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings Inc. facilities in Western New York and Michigan continues for an eighth week.[29]
More than 30 GM plants have been affected. Both sides in the nearly two-month American Axle strike reported progress in contract talks last week, but a company spokeswoman says a deal is not imminent.[6] American Axle, the UAW International and the local's bargaining teams are in ongoing talks. The company has barely moved on its original "proposal" and has thus far rejected outright two contract proposals made by the UAW, saying the concessions offered weren't enough and that, if the union didn't agree to American Axle's demands, it would move its plants.[20]
Gettelfinger says he is optimistic the UAW can settle several local contracts with General Motors that have resulted in strikes or threats of work stoppages. He isn't as hopeful when it comes to an eight-week strike at parts maker American Axle, saying company management, in his words, "isn't negotiating much."[30] The UAW went on strike there on Thursday, hampering production of GM's popular trio of crossover SUVs. Each strike and threat, the UAW says, is because GM and plant-level locals have failed to settle on local contracts that govern issues such as plant work rules and worker-filed grievances.[7] The union and GM settled a master contract last year after a short nationwide strike, but have not completed agreements at the local level that cover work rules for the plants.[16]
The strike threats by local GM unions are less troubling. "I view this almost as more fine-tuning," said Wall, noting the landmark national GM contract inked last fall. That contract initiated the first two-tiered pay scale for GM factory workers and changed insurance and pension plans for lower-wage employees.[19] Plant worker Damion Morris said the union decided to postpone the walkout for another 24 hours. If Local 909 sets another strike deadline, it will give GM a 12-hour notice, he said.[9] The notice came as GM dodged a threatened strike at a vitally important transmission plant in Warren. A strike deadline passed yesterday morning with union workers remaining on the job as both sides agreed to keep bargaining.[31]
GM spokesman Dan Flores today said negotiations continued through the weekend, but there was no contract resolution. Workers at the Warren plant remained on their jobs this morning and more bargaining is anticipated, he said.[6]
In the Lansing area, another 2,300 hourly workers spent a second day on the picket line after the UAW and GM resumed plant-level contract negotiations at the automaker's critical Delta Township factory.[2] Doug Rademacher, president of UAW Local 602, which represents the Delta plant, said the UAW has been working under a contract put in place in 1999 when GM built the factory.[3] Mike Dunn, chairman of UAW Local 5960 in Lake Orion, points out that UAW members at most GM plants have been working since September without a local contract.[1]
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.[8] American Axle, formed from parts plants sold by GM in 1994, wants to cut the labor costs to $20 to $30 an hour, which would be similar to competitors and to what will be paid to some new hires under agreements reached between the UAW and the in-house axle-making operations at Ford Motor Co. and Chrysler LLC.[32] Strike notices have been suspended at several other GM plants while negotiations continue. Consistent with its policy, the UAW shed no light in regard to the content of outstanding issues at either American Axle or GM. In the case of American Axle the UAW appears to be holding out for some kind of quid pro quo to secure its own financial interests in exchange for concessions.[26] Production at about 30 GM plants has been affected by the American Axle strike.[25] The parts supplier makes axles, stabilizer bars, drive shafts and other components. GM makes up 80 percent of its business. The American Axle strike has hampered production at about 30 GM factories in the U.S and Canada, mainly those that make components for and assemble pickup trucks and large sport utility vehicles. Gettelfinger said in his speech that American Axle Chairman and CEO Richard Dauch made $258 million from 1997 through 2007 but wants workers to work for nothing. "They use the word competitive until they wear it out, but are they competitive with their own salaries?" he asked.[32] Stew Low, GM's director of communications, said the company is reducing car output because of a shortage of parts from American Axle, where a strike by 3,600 workers has closed five U.S. operations since late February.[18]
GM spokesman Dan Flores on Saturday would say only that the company hopes to end the disputes soon. American Axle has said its U.S. hourly labor cost of about $73 per worker, including fringe benefits, is three times the rate at its domestic competitors and too high for it to win new business.[32]
Twenty-six hundred UAW members walked out last week at an assembly plant near Lansing, Michigan, in a move apparently aimed at pressuring GM to help finance buyout and early retirement packages for American Axle workers.[26] Low said it is unclear whether GM could cancel the layoff at the car plant if American Axle and the United Auto Workers reach a settlement during the next few days.[18] Steve Campbell, vice president of United Auto Workers Local 4199, which represents hourly workers at the American Axle & Manufacturing plant, said 60 workers were being called back Friday.[33]
About 3,600 workers at five American Axle plants have been on strike since Feb. 26. "I would hope we could resolve Axle, but we cannot negotiate an agreement with ourselves," he said before a speech to Livingston County Democrats. "It seems like it's all give on our side."[22] Wyoming, Mich.: A five-day letter dated Friday was delivered to General Motors Corp. If an agreement isn't reached by 9 a.m. next Friday, a strike may be called. This metal stamping plant near Grand Rapids employs about 1,225 hourly workers, GM's Web site says.[1] Local union members could strike as soon as Friday at General Motors Corp.' s Wyoming stamping plant.[19] Union employees at the General Motors Fairfax Assembly Plant issued a letter warning the company that they will strike on Tuesday unless progress is made toward getting a new contract.[21]
The union warned GM last week it would issue an official strike threat if progress wasn't made there in plant-level bargaining for a new contract.[7] In Grand Rapids, the union issued a similar warning to GM Friday, saying it is prepared to go on strike April 25 if an agreement is not reached in plant-level bargaining for a new contract.[2]
In Warren, the UAW and GM agreed to continue negotiating after a strike deadline passed Friday with no deal on plant-level contract issues. The UAW and GM will resume negotiations this morning, Flores said.[2] UAW Local 31 issued GM a five-day strike warning on Thursday, company spokesman Dan Flores said.[8] GM spokesman Dan Flores said talks were continuing with UAW Local 31, which represents workers at the facility.[16] GM spokesman Dan Flores said the management at GM's Delta Township assembly plant is continuing to talk with the UAW representatives. "I can confirm we are (still) talking with the UAW. I just can't comment on the issues," he said.[13] At the Delta Township plant in Lansing, GM spokesman Dan Flores said bargaining resumed Friday morning and talks are continuing.[1]
Earlier in the week, the UAW approved a strike against Alliance Interiors, a small supplier that feeds parts to the Delta Township plant, forcing GM to curtail production of the Buick Enclave, Saturn Outlook and GMC Acadia.[13] The company provides carpeting for GM crossovers made at the Delta plant and that work stoppage threatened to hamper production had the UAW not launched a strike against the plant.[3]
The UAW warned of the potential for another strike at a General Motors Corp. factory next week, threatening the automaker's fast-selling Chevrolet Malibu, as a Lansing work stoppage continues to freeze production of three popular vehicles.[1] Production of General Motors Corp.' s popular crossover sports utility vehicles ground to a stop yesterday after workers at one of the automaker's Michigan factories went on strike, reports AFP.[13]
Production of the vehicles was first stopped on Wednesday after workers at interior supplier Alliance Interiors went on strike, with a second strike hitting the Lansing, Michigan plant itself on Thursday.[34] A strike at Alliance Interiors, a Michigan plant that makes carpets for GM vehicles, is no closer to being resolved, according to the Lansing State Journal.[12]
Some analysts have said a depressed U.S. auto market that has cut into demand for vehicles, along with automakers' ability to draw on non-U.S. plants, has mitigated the impact of the strikes. Others point to GM's fledgling turnaround and its dependence of a few key products. "If the whole spigot is shut off, they're going to feel an impact on sales soon, within weeks," analyst Tom Libby of J.D. Power's Power Information Network, said of the Delta Township strike.[3] Negotiators for the UAW and GM on Friday extended talks indefinitely beyond a strike deadline at a plant near Detroit that builds transmissions for the automaker's strong-selling cars and crossovers.[14] Hitting GM where it hurts has some industry observers saying that the UAW is trying to pressure GM to get involved in contract talks at auto supplier American Axle & Manufacturing Inc. after a nearly two-month walkout at the key GM supplier has failed to jolt the automaker. Whether that is the case -- such an effort might not be legal -- is up for dispute.[1] Starting wage in 2005 was about $10 an hour, and the average hourly wage was about $16. The UAW has been considering a new contract offer from American Axle since Saturday, and both sides are reporting progress in contract talks. Rogers said it's premature to talk about a tentative agreement, "but we hope one can be reached in a timely manner." The Associated Press contributed to this report.[33]
About 3,650 UAW members at five American Axle facilities in New York and Michigan -- including 510 at Tonawanda and Cheektowaga locations -- are on strike.[29] "I'm ecstatic. It's amazing to have members from different locals and different countriesGermany, Brazil, Colorado, Japan and Australia," Bill Alford Jr., vice president of Local 235, told Workers World at the union hall. "I had workers from Brazil telling me that they are going to picket American Axle there. It's just wonderful to see folks up and down the street. They basically came in, took control of the street and let everyone know they were here. They had their own chants and their own songs to support my brothers and sisters on strike."[20] The union has also threatened to strike Tuesday at a plant in Kansas City. American Axle manufactures axles, stabilizer bars, drive shafts and other components for GM, which accounts for 80 percent of its business, AP said.[12] Industry analysts speculate that the union is using the threats of a strike to pull GM into an ongoing labor dispute at American Axle.[6]
GM is already suffering from the loss of pickup and truck- based sports utility vehicle production because of a nearly two- month long strike at a key supplier, former subsidiary American Axle and Manufacturing Holding Inc.[13] The most notable is the seven week strike at American Axle, which has ground production of GM's trucks and SUVs to a halt and threatened production of the popular Chevrolet Malibu and Pontiac G6.[34] The strike at American Axle has affected production at 30 GM factories in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.[17]
The American Axle strike and subsequent shortage of parts has triggered the shutdown of numerous GM assembly operations across North America, including the Oshawa truck plant.[18] The strike at American Axle has forced GM to idle all or parts of about 30 plants.[8]
Output at the truck plant will resume Monday for three weeks because GM is directing parts from an American Axle factory in Mexico to three GM truck operations instead of plants that assemble sport utility vehicles.[18] Negotiations were continuing through the weekend at the GM plants but recessed Saturday until next week at American Axle.[22] Many leaving Sunday's meeting said more strikers than normal plan to congregate at American Axle's headquarters Thursday, the day of the company's annual meeting. American Axle spokeswoman Renee Rogers said she thinks some progress has been made. GM, which is American Axle's largest customer, has not gotten involved with those negotiations but is now battling labor problems of its own.[4]
Three buses and car caravans from a Labor Notes conference in Dearborn, Mich., had traveled to the site of the world headquarters of American Axle in Hamtramck. Another group of 50 people from UAW Local 211 also came in solidarity. Led by strikers, the supporting unionists fanned out in groups to various picket lines where they were greeted with hearty handshakes and cheers.[20]
Alford said workers from UAW locals at Delphi, Dana Corp., General Motors, Ford and Chrysler in the U.S. and Canada, plus other unions and community organizations, have been walking the picket lines, donating provisions and funds and participating in outreach on a daily basis.[20] HAMBURG TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) — The president of the United Auto Workers says he is optimistic that the union can settle several contracts disputes at General Motors Corp. factories.[32] Lansing, Mich. -- Workers have walked out at the General Motors Corp. plant near Lansing, Mich., after contract talks broke down, officials said.[28]
WARREN, Mich. -- Workers at a vital General Motors plant are not going to strike after all -- at least not Friday or over the weekend.[35] Although talks were put on hold until 10 a.m. Saturday, the ongoing dialogue means that workers at the Warren, Michigan, transmission plant, which builds six-speed automatic transmissions for front-drive cars, will not go on strike, at least for now.[34] Members of United Auto Workers 909 in Warren were set to walk off the job Friday morning, but the strike was averted while talks continue.[35] If that effort fails, the company is on notice that United Auto Workers International Local 730 could go on strike as soon as 9 a.m. Friday, union local leaders wrote in a Friday memo.[19] "Your bargaining committee, along with the regional and international union, are pleased to report that progress has been made in the last several hours of negotiations," Local 909 officers said in a letter distributed to workers on Friday. "As a result of this development UAW-GM Vice President Cal Rapson has authorized an extension of the five-day strike letter. "The time for this extension is dependent upon the movement of the talks.[9] A local union official in Warren said the UAW has extended the strike deadline for as long as talks continue to progress.[2]
No matter the cause, the labor disputes are sending the wrong message to companies considering investing in Michigan, said Cole of the Center for Automotive Research. "We have to diffuse both the national -- as well as the international -- negative perception of the northern U.S. as a place to do manufacturing," he said. John Carroll, executive director of the Detroit Regional Economic Partnership, said concerns about union issues are always on the minds of corporations he meets with when recruiting businesses to Michigan. "We talk to them about the fact that we have great productivity here, and there are many cases where unions and management get along," Carroll said. "But these instances where unions are conflicting with management -- that sends a bad message to the rest of the world," Carroll said. It's unfortunate, Carroll said, because the atmosphere improved following agreements reached between the UAW and Detroit automakers last fall. Those deals, Carroll said, "sent a message that manufacturing in Michigan is going to be competitive with the rest of the country and the rest of the world in terms of labor costs."[1] Tension lingering from last year's historic labor negotiations, in which the UAW agreed to major concessions including a two-tier system of pay, is likely a factor in the local bargaining, said Richard Block, a Michigan State University labor expert. "It may very well be the union saying 'We've given up a lot and we're not going to give any more,' " he said.[7]
UAW Local 909 cited progress in talks with GM, and agreed to resume negotiations Saturday.[8] The Warren factory, represented by UAW Local 909, employs about 1,000 workers and produces four- and six-speed transmissions for some of GM's most important products, including the Malibu, the crossovers and the recently redesigned Saturn Vue.[2] The deal, Rademacher said, was intended to give GM flexibility to get the factory running, but was never supposed to be long-term. Contract talks broke off Thursday; Rademacher said he didn't know when they would resume. A third walkout launched Tuesday against Alliance Interiors, a small Lansing supplier, came because newly organized workers there have no labor deal after nearly a year.[3] Should talks stall, or become unsatisfactory, then Vice President Cal Rapson will invoke a 12-hour notice," the letter said. "Should this notice be authorized the clock will begin ticking." Workers at a crossover vehicle factory near Lansing walked off their jobs on Thursday.[9]
Back in late February 3,600 workers at five American Axle plants walked off the job.[36] About 80 percent of American Axle's products are sold to GM. American Axle also produces parts for Toyota, which are being made inside the plant in Detroit by management scabs.[20]
Although a strike would not completely stop production of the Malibu, which is also built at the Orion Township plant outside Detroit, it would add to GM's labor woes and significantly impact already-slim inventories of the popular sedan.[10] Weekend bargaining also didn't resolve labor disputes at four GM plants that are either on strike or threatening to strike as early as Tuesday.[4]
GM has received a number of strike warnings at individual plants as it works to reach local agreements on plant-specific issues.[8] The factory makes the Buick Enclave, Saturn Outlook and GMC Acadia large crossover vehicles. 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.[6]
National contract: These contracts are negotiated by top-level UAW officers and company executives who hash out major issues such as wages, health care, pensions and other benefits. Local contracts: These contracts are typically negotiated by local UAW leaders, with assistance from national leaders, and the local plant management.[1] About 3,600 UAW members went on strike Feb. 26 at five plants in Michigan and New York in a dispute over wage and benefit cuts the company is seeking.[33] General Motors managed to avert another strike at one of its plants after an all-night bargaining session with the UAW, reports Automotive News.[34] General Motors has cut one shift at its Oshawa, Ont., car plant because of a continuing strike at a U.S. parts supplier.[25]
The company also has Colfor plants in Malvern and Salem. They manufacture drive-train parts, mostly for General Motors and Chrysler.[33]
Flores said the Fairfax plant has a reputation as a go-to plant for General Motors, one that builds quality products and has a strong partnership between union and business management.[21] General Motors (NYSE: GM) and union officials are trying to iron out a new four-year deal.[21] UAW leader Ron Gettlefinger appeared at a dinner for the Livingston County democrats Saturday. He tells 6 new he's optimistic the union will reach a settlement with General Motors.[11]
Negotiations continued over the weekend between the UAW and General Motors to resolve a series of local contract disputes.[26] WYOMING -- Negotiations to hammer out local contract terms resume Monday for 1,679 General Motors Corp. employees here.[19]
About 3,600 workers in Michigan and New York walked off the job Feb. 26 when a contract deadline passed. Negotiations continued Thursday, with both sides reporting progress, but no deal is imminent, Axle spokeswoman Renee Rogers said. [3] Local officials remain in Detroit where the negotiations are being held. The first report of progress came April 17 when Automotive News reported that a tentative contract agreement could be reached by this weekend.[29]
The UAW rejected a mediation request by the company on April 13. The rank and file continue to fight, refusing to accept any concessionary contract similar to those implemented at Delphi, Dana Corp. and the Big Three. Such agreements would drive the workers into poverty with buy-outs, buy-downs and a two-tier wage structure. Those on the picket lines are clear that they are fighting for all workers.[20] The war is very connected to the struggle here, too." Quynh Nguyen, a student at the University of Minnesota and a member of Socialist Alternative and Education for Social Change, said, "I think it's important to support the workersthis strike is crucial," as she hoisted a UAW placard while walking the picket line. Todd Ferguson, a chief steward in Communications, Energy and Paper Workers Local 591G in Toronto, Canada, was excited to walk his first UAW picket line in Detroit.[20] LANSING -- Only a few thousand of the United Auto Workers' nearly 480,000 members will be on strike and walking the picket line today.[3] The United Auto Workers says it could strike the Kansas plant that makes the hot-selling Chevrolet Malibu.[31] The UAW is also hinting that a strike could be inevitable at the Kansas plant that makes the hot-selling Chevrolet Malibu.[35]
At GM's Warren transmission plant, a five-day strike letter expired Friday morning, but the UAW opted not to go on strike.[1] "I don't care if you're in Tokyo, Stuttgart, Munich or Seoul, the littlest thing that happens in labor -- a UAW strike threat at a plant in Lansing or a picket line here or there -- is absolutely killing the upper Midwest," said David Cole, chairman of the Center for Automotive Research.[1] Management and labor are still trying to resolve contract dispute at an assembly plant, which makes crossover vehicles also at Lansing Delta Township, the newspaper reported.[12] United Auto Workers have not said what contract issues are on the table at the Delta Township facility, The Detroit Press reported.[28] Jeff Manning, president of United Auto Workers Local 31, said the previous contract expired in September.[21]
The president of the United Auto Workers union is weighing in on the labor disputes rocking the Lansing area.[11] The United Auto Workers union called the walkout on Feb. 26 when negotiations broke down over wages and benefits issues.[29] The United Auto Workers union did postpone a rally scheduled for April 18 in Detroit saying negotiations with the auto-parts supplier continue.[29]
"Today I am convinced that workers can't carry out a struggle just in one plant or in one country. These companies have been globalizing, and they've been putting their plants all over the world. If there's a strike, they say we can put this plant in another country. That's why I believe we have to create unions based on the industries and firms," said Martnez. He added: "I wish them victory and hope they're successful and that they'll carry on and fight as hard as they can because that's the only way to defend the benefits and wages that we have. [20] Manning said the main point of contention is that the union wants seniority to continue playing a role in bidding for transfer jobs at the plant. He said that other issues remain but that he's not at liberty to discuss them now. "At this point, I am hopeful that we can get this done without going on strike," Manning said.[21]
The Oshawa truck plant, which employs more than 2,000 workers on two shifts, has been already been idle for seven weeks due to the U.S. strike.[18] If the plant were idled by the Alliance strike, workers would have received layoff pay. Now, they'll get much less in strike compensation.[3]
The last major labor action at the plant was nearly 38 years ago, when workers walked picket lines along 36th Street SW for more than two months. Local 730 President Barb Henderson said she could not detail the sticking points holding up a new deal.[19] Benedicto Martnez, one of three national officers of the Authentic Labor Front (Frente Autntico del Trabajo or FAT), an independent labor federation in Mexico representing labor unions, worker-owned cooperatives, and farm worker and community organizations, joined the picket line in solidarity and to learn about the conditions of workers in the U.S. FAT was a founding member of Mexico's new, independent labor federation, the National Union of Workers or UNT. Martnez's comments were translated by Dan LaBotz of the Teamsters.[20]
Many of the workers are torn. As striking workers in Delta Township chanted about union strength and solidarity and waved picket signs at honking cars, they also questioned the wisdom of the UAW's strategy.[3]
Gettelfinger also told reporters that the UAW does not want to hurt GM's sales, but that the union is amazed the local contracts have gone unresolved for so long.[32] GM still is negotiating local contracts with dozens of locals across the country, more than six months after it signed a landmark national contract with the union.[2]
The union has not commented publicly on the walkout but there has been speculation it could be trying to pressure GM into helping resolve the American Axle dispute.[13] The strike hasn't hurt GM much because pickup trucks and SUVs have not been selling in an uncertain economy with high gasoline prices. American Axle spokeswoman Renee Rogers had little to say about the layoffs, but, "Depending on our customer's requirements, we adjust our work force," she said.[33] Ron Gettelfinger wasn't as hopeful Saturday when it came to an eight-week strike at parts maker American Axle and Manufacturing Holdings Inc.[22] Lisa Akra, of Plymouth Township is a machinist on on strike at American Axle Thursday, April 17, 2008. She is picketing along Lumpkin in Hamtramck outside of the manufacturing company. She says she is, "Extremely frustrated."[1]
The company laid off about 120 in the middle of March, then laid off more until the number was just more than 300 after work stoppages at other American Axle plants cut the need for products.[33] American Axle wants to cut the workers' pay in half, eliminate pensions and gut benefitsdespite the fact that the company made $37 million in profits last year.[20] The workers here at American Axle are keeping some energy in our movement and revitalizing the class struggle. We feel it's very important to be out here to show them support," said Dante Strobino, an organizer with United Electrical workers Local 150 and a member of the youth organization Fight ImperialismStand Together (FIST).[20]
Progress is being made," Barb Henderson, president of UAW Local 730, which represents workers in Grand Rapids, wrote to members in a letter.[2] Warren: Represented by UAW Local 909, members worked past a 10 a.m. strike deadline Friday.[1] Kansas City, Kan.: On Thursday, UAW Local 31 issued a five-day notice to strike.[1]
Those factories have been operating without local contracts for several months, which UAW officials cite as the reason for the strikes.[1] Despite the contract reached last fall with the Big Three automakers, most UAW locals are still negotiating on the local level, the newspaper said. Doug Rademacher, president of UAW Local 602, told the newspaper talks have broken off and he didn't know when they would restart.[28] In the U.S., the UAW said it postponed a labour rally set for the end of the week because progress was being made in the contract talks in Detroit.[18]
The plant builds about 3100 Malibus a week. A similar notice was issued by the UAW local at a stamping plant in Grand Rapids, Michigan. [10] The dispute involved two Flint factories and was sparked when the UAW thought one of the plants wasn't going to get a $200 million investment expected from GM. Within two weeks, the two factories virtually shut down the automaker.[2]
The plant in Fairfax, Kan., produces the Chevrolet Malibu and Saturn Aura sedans. The redesigned Malibu has been a strong seller for GM in an otherwise weak sales U.S. sales environment and any crimp in its production would hurt the auto maker.[8] The Chevrolet Malibu, one of GM's most critical vehicles, is threatened by a strike at the Kansas City, Kan., factory where it is built.[4] WARREN, Mich. (AP) - General Motors Corp. has dodged one strike at a key factory, but a new potential walkout looms.[37]
The Delta Township strike has halted production of the company's popular crossover vehicles.[4] The strike has hampered production at about 30 GM factories in the U.S and Canada. Most of them make components for, and assemble, pickup trucks and large sport utility vehicles.[5]
The Malibu and crossovers are some of the automaker's hottest-selling vehicles. Cutting production of these vehicles -- for which dealers already are clamoring -- could be a direct hit on GM's sales.[1]
The strike would hurt GM financially because the Malibu is selling well even as U.S. auto sales slump.[9] If talks bog down again, the union said it would give GM a 12-hour strike notice.[8] Art Gonzales, a 42-year GM employee, wore a T-shirt that said on the back, "United we bargain, divided we strike." His thoughts on the walkout: "I don't know why we're out here." Many said that while they supported the union's decision, they questioned the timing.[3]
A total of about 48,000 GM employees have been affected by the strike, representing half of the automaker's manufacturing workforce in North America.[38]
The Flint strike against GM in 1998 stemmed from a conflict at the local level.[2] Local 235, which represents over 1,900 Black, white, Arab and Latin@ workers, is now also operating an "adopt-a-worker" program where workers not on strike pledge a one-time or ongoing monetary contribution for a sister or brother on strike.[20] In all, fewer than 6,000 workers are on strike in a national auto industry that employs nearly 1 million hourly and salaried auto workers.[3] While on layoff, GM employees, who are members of the Canadian Auto Workers, receive about 65 per cent of gross pay through a combination of federal employment insurance and company supplementary unemployment benefits.[18] Workers at the Wyoming plant are eager to see the contract resolved. As a May 22 deadline looms for decisions on buyouts and early retirements, employees still on the fence want to see how the work rules turn out before finalizing their plan. "It's important to our members, so they can know what kind of decision they want to come up with. Should they go out because the contract is 'this way,' or stay because it's 'that way?' " Henderson said.[19] Our workforce is not flexible and not cross trained like the Japanese and is way too expensive. I think that is little too much to pay $90-100K for a plant worker and that is without taking into consideration the benefits they receive. Now, the foreign automaker are starting to use more American parts for their cars, our guys are using less.[10] The metal stamping plant employs about 1,400 hourly workers, according to GM's Web site.[2] According to GM's website, as of April 2007 the Fairfax plant employed more than 1,800 hourly workers.[16]
More than 37,000 GM hourly workers have been affected, and the slowdown also has caused thousands more layoffs at other auto parts companies.[33] The Grand Rapids factory employs about 1,400 hourly workers, according to GM's Web site.[7]
The Warren factory makes four- and six-speed transmissions for nearly all of GM's cars.[9] The Warren plant makes four and six speed transmissions for nearly all GM cars and trucks.[35]
The Delta Township plant builds GM's popular trio of crossover SUVs, the Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave.[7]
Analyst Wall is hoping the Wyoming plant ducks a strike. "It doesn't behoove them to do a protracted work stoppage," he said. "It's counterproductive."[19] A Grand Rapids metal stamping plant that issued a strike threat last week could exercise that option on Friday.[4] Five-day strike notices typically are five business days, meaning the plant could go on strike as early as Thursday.[9]
Local 31 in Fairfax, Kan., has given the automaker a letter warning it will strike in five days, if local issues go unresolved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.[35] The local had set 0000 AEST strike deadline, but has agreed to an an extension while talks continue, the official said.[15]
In an online newsletter to members earlier this month, plant Shop Chairman Steve Rop said negotiators from the International UAW were planning to join the talks on April 14.[7]
At GM Powertrain in Bay City, Local 362 approved a new local operating agreement in 2007. Swaton said Local 362 members who are temporarily laid off are receiving unemployment benefits, as well as benefits from GM that together make up 95 percent of their wages.[6] CEO Richard Dauch himself made $10.2 million last year, while the workers make on average about $45,000 to $50,000 before taxes. The online Living Wage Calculator estimates that a family of four living in Dearborn, Mich., needs a gross income of $48,249 to cover basic expensesand this estimate was for July 2007, before the recent steep rise in energy and food prices. The company has run ads to recruit scabs and is reportedly training them at various sites in Michigan, New York and elsewhere. It recalled 400 laid-off workers in late March in an attempt to make them lose their unemployment benefits and to encourage them to scab, but they reported for work and then walked right out to the picket line.[20]
Striking in sympathy with workers at another company could be illegal. It could violate contract clauses that typically keep workers from striking except for specific reasons. Chaison said the tip-off in this situation is the vehicles that have been targeted.[1]
As Strobino spoke to this Workers World reporter on April 12, the chants from an impromptu rally at UAW Local 235 rang out for blocks.[20] A UAW rally to build support for the striking workers will take place April 18 at Hart Plaza in Detroit.[20]
The UAW will give GM a 12-hour warning before a walkout, said Jim Marcum, Local 909 financial secretary. "Progress has been made," he said. [2] American Axle has said in the past that Dauch took risks to start the company at some former GM facilities.[32] If American Axle, an extremely profitable company, can get away with massive concessions, that would open the door for an even bigger bosses' onslaught in the auto industry as well as in other sectors.[20] The American Axle walkout is over the company's push to slash wages and benefits.[3] "What we've got going on at American Axle is a fundamental sea change for that company," said analyst Mike Wall, of CSM Worldwide, based in Grand Rapids.[19]
"We should have kept the rally going and not tried to save face for Dick Dauch," she said, referring to American Axle's chairman and CEO. "We had people coming in from all over." Hunter and others said they've heard rumors of a deal calling for a $10 per hour cut to their $28 per hour wages.[27] Gettelfinger told reporters before speaking to a Detroit-area Democratic Party dinner that American Axle isn't negotiating much.[22]
Questioned by reporters before a speech Saturday at a Democratic Party fundraising dinner, UAW President Ron Gettelfinger restated the readiness of the union bureaucracy to surrender substantial concessions while indicating a certain frustration. I would hope we could resolve Axle, but we cannot negotiate an agreement with ourselves, it seems like its all give on our side. [26] UAW President Ron Gettelfinger says the company didn't do much negotiating with the union over the weekend. He says he's not sure when they'll actually reach an agreement.[36]
"We will be meeting daily and receiving assistance from the International Union to get the best local agreement we can procure for the membership," Rop wrote in the newsletter.[7]
"We're going to stay focused on the negotiations. and on reaching a new agreement," Flores said.[16] Earlier reports by the UAW had indicated an agreement was close with the auto parts maker.[26] MINERVA Auto parts maker Colfor began calling workers back Friday after laying off more than 300.[33]
"The strike remains a very powerful tool, particularly in the auto industry, which tends to be so integrated," said labor expert Harley Shaiken of the University of California-Berkeley. "They have been rarely used in recent years, but they can be very effective when they're deployed."[3] "We thought that the auto industry had been settled, but in fact it has not been settled at the local level," said Gary Chaison, a labor specialist at Clark University in Worcester, Mass.[3]
At the time it was hailed as a reward for local labor leaders' willingness to bend to the company's changing needs.[3]
The 54-day walkout became the priciest dispute in GM history, costing the company more than $2 billion. [2] The parts supplier makes axles, drive shafts, stabilizer bars and other components mainly for GM pickups and sport utility vehicles.[17] GM also said Monday that it cut production at its''plant in Ypsilanti Township, Mich.[25] If the strike had occurred, it could have crippled the automaker's car production.[6] Some auto and economic experts say the strikes are scaring investment away from the state, further damaging Michigan's already weak economy.[1]
I wouldn't be suprised if the UAW had Chinese or Russian money pumped into them. Yeah, I'm usually not a fan of de-unionizing-not that I like them but that I generally distrust corporations when they push for it. I think we all see the bad effects the UAW has on American automakers though. maybe they shouldn't die completely but they definitely need to do more to help their employers stay competitive. Otherwise, look forward to more jobs going overseas or to Canada/Mexico under NAFTA. They basically shoot themselves in the foot indirectly by their own greed, ingenious. [10] The factory makes four- and six-speed transmissions for nearly all of GM's cars.[6]
SOURCES
1. Malibu among models threatened as disputes hit GM where it hurts | Freep.com | Detroit Free Press
2. Union threatens more GM strikes
3. Strikes still powerful for weakened UAW
4. Axle strike: 8 weeks, no end in sight
5. UAW Gettelfinger
6. Ripples of auto labor unrest hit Bay City's GM Powertrain - Bay City Times - MLive.com
7. Warren strike averted; new walkout threatened at two other plants
8. UPDATE:GM Avoids Strike At One Plant, Gets Warning At Another
9. The Associated Press: UAW threatens strike at Chevrolet Malibu plant
10. UAW puts Chevrolet Malibu on notice | Automotive News Blog - Wide Open Throttle
11. WLNS TV 6 Lansing Jackson Michigan News and Weather - WLNS.COM | UAW President Speaking Out
12. UAW, GM Yet To Reach Deal To End Strike | April 21, 2008 | AHN
13. GM hit by strike at SUV plant
14. GM CEO says UAW local issues can be resolved in talks | Reuters
15. Business Spectator - GM, UAW talk past strike deadline
16. GM, UAW extend talks at plant, new warning in Kansas | Business | Reuters
17. The Canadian Press: GM cuts shift at Oshawa sedan plant because of American Axle strike
18. More layoffs at GM beginning Monday
19. GM, UAW local work on contract -
20. American Axle strike: Unionists from all over join picket lines
21. Union warns GM Fairfax plant of possible strike - Kansas City Business Journal:
22. UAW chief unhappy with pace of American Axle talks - NewsFlash - mlive.com
23. Automotive World - US: Strike notice threatens Chevrolet Malibu production in Kansas
24. GM Averts Strike At Key Transmission Plant, Shares Up
25. U.S. strike forces shift cut at Ontario GM plant
26. Despite UAW wage-cut offers, no agreement yet in American Axle strike Anger simmers over strike rally cancellation : Indybay
27. Axle strikers say progress is too slow
28. Workers walk out of Lansing GM plant - The Money Times
29. Axle strike: Talks on, UAW rally off - Business First of Buffalo:
30. WHMI 93.5 FM Radio Station for Livingston County Michigan with News, Traffic, and Weather Service for Howell and Brighton
31. WZZM13 - UAW threatens strike at Chevrolet Malibu plant in Kansas
32. The Associated Press: UAW chief unhappy with pace of American Axle talks
33. CantonRep.com | The Canton Repository | Canton, Stark County & Northeast Ohio News, Community Events & Classifieds
34. GM averts strike at transmission plant. for now | Automotive News Blog - Wide Open Throttle
35. GM Plant Averts Strike As Talks Continue - News Story - WNEM Saginaw
36. Local News: UAW strike continues | striking, american, looks - wwmt.com
37. WLNS TV 6 Lansing Jackson Michigan News and Weather - WLNS.COM | UAW threatens strike at Chevrolet Malibu plant in Kansas
38. American Axle strike impacts two more GM plants - MarketWatch
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