Unions in the News | UAW votes to authorize strike at three automakers

  UAW votes overwhelmingly to authorize strike at Detroit Three automakers

"The United Auto Workers (UAW) union on Friday said members voted overwhelmingly in favor of authorizing a strike at the Detroit Three automakers if agreement is not reached before the current four-year contract expires on Sept. 14.

The authorization was approved by 97% of voting members at General Motors (GM.N), Ford Motor (F.N) and Stellantis (STLAM.MI), said UAW President Shawn Fain, who leads the union that represents about 150,000 workers.

Fain reiterated that the union did not plan to extend the deadline to get a new labor contract. "The deadline is Sept. 14. ...set of demands, including wage hikes of 46%, an end to the tiered wage system that pays new hires less than veterans, reinstating cost-of-living adjustments and restoring defined-benefit pension plans for new hires that the automakers ended in 2007"

Reference: www.reuters.com
 

How do postal union contract settlements compare to other skilled/non-skilled labor contracts

  How do postal union contract settlements compare to other skilled/non-skilled labor contracts

Even with GM not doing so well and having to shutter 3 plants, the UAW ratified a deal that shows the company really does appreciate their workforce. Yes, even during difficult times, GM and the UAW know how to motivate a strong group of craft employees. Even though skilled labor will reap higher pay, the unskilled craft employees garner the same benefits by ratifying the new four (4) year contract. And the union did not toss aside those at shuttered plants where the union said it negotiated assistance packages for workers at Lordstown, Warren and Baltimore transmission plants, including $75,000 payments for eligible production workers and $85,000 for skilled workers who retire. There are also buyout options for those not eligible to retire. Additionally, employees will garner an $11K signing bonus, $60K for early retirement at non-closing plants. Also, as important, no change in the existing health plan provided and no additional cost to members. All of this is addition to a $12,000 cap on profit sharing being eliminated. All profits earned by GM in North America will generate payments to members. The contract also provides two 3% raises and two 4% bonuses. And for all the naysayers that think that unions are bad for business, GM shares were up about 1% during after-market trading following reports of the ratification. The stock closed at $36.74, up 2.57%. The union contract ratification is a win-win-win for GM, UAW (union), and investors. Additionally, the customer wins with continued quality manufacturing by a well motivated, well paid workforce. Now it's your turn U.S. Postal Service. We have listened to the Postmaster General compliment the great job employees do so how about putting your money where your bread is buttered ...the workers.

Reference: NPMHU 317  

A look back at the last GM/UAW 2015 Contract Summary for hourly workers

  A look back at the last GM/UAW Contract Summary for hourly workers

As the UAW continues to strike for a fair share of GM's huge profits for present and future hourly workers and postal unions strive for a decent wage and benefits, it's a good time to see what the past UAW contract garnered for its members in their last contract (2015). Some of the contract wins included an $8,000 signing bonus, 3% wage increase the first year, 4% lump sum in the second year, 3% wage increase in the third year, and a 4% lump sum in the last year. Additionally, performance bonuses, quality bonuses, $500 retiree gift cards, $60,000 bonus for up to 4,000 taking a retirement. A legal Services Plan. Enhanced relocation benefits and more to include profit sharing. And of course they have pensions and great health benefits as well. Read it here: https://uaw.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/64171_UAW-GM-Hourly-Highlights-Revp-11-final.pdf

Reference: uaw.org  

Union Busting (Opinion)

 
OPINION: UAW busting, Southern style
"...Senate Republicans from some Southern states went to work trying to do just that, on the foreign car companies' behalf. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Sen. Bob Corker ( R-Tenn.) and Sen. Richard C. Shelby (R-Ala.) -- representatives from states that subsidize companies such as Honda, Volkswagen, Toyota and Nissan..."
Reference: www.latimes.com

 

Destruction of the American Working Class and the American union?

 
Reluctance to Help Detroit Reeks of Class Bias
"... Implicit in the criticism of UAW compensation packages is that union-represented automobile workers are being paid above their social class. Greedy, bad people. They are supposed to be satisfied with wages that cover only the basics -- food, acceptable clothing and housing. They are not supposed to receive pay that allows them to aspire to or dream of more...."
Reference: www.washingtonpost.com