The union has been seeking bigger monetary agreements from GM and as well for the first time in about 10 years. Stevens noted that GMs operating circumstances are different than Fiat Chrysler but he is confident that a deal can be reached with the UAW. Under the policy, which is unique to the company’s Chattanooga facility, the local union meets regularly with plant managers regarding matters of concern to employees such as shift scheduling. “The resolve of our membership and the dedication of our negotiating team has produced an agreement that affords UAW members a strong wage package and job security while still allowing the company to competitively produce high quality vehicles for our customers”, said UAW President Dennis Williams in a statement announcing the ratification.
Advertisement
The United Auto Workers union has given official notice to General Motors Co.
The contract for the workers at General Motors has been extended once already.
“These are the same UAW characteristics we witnessed firsthand while trying to negotiate a responsible solution when GM and Chrysler had their backs up against the wall during the 2008 auto crisis”, Corker said in an email Friday.
GM said Saturday it is working with the UAW and remains committed to reaching “an agreement that is good for employees and the business”.
Another controversial area was a proposed healthcare cooperative created to keep costs down in the long term.
Union members voted this month to approve a four-year contract with Fiat Chrysler that includes pay raises and phases out a two-tier wage system. Ford Motor Co. will be next once GM talks conclude.
“I don’t think there will be a strike; I don’t think anyone wants one”, Schwartz said to the Detroit Free Press.
GM employs about 53,000 UAW members. A new election for union representation, which is being requested by maintenance workers at the plant, would give Local 42 exclusive bargaining rights for those workers.
Contact Alisa Priddle: 313-222-5394 or [email protected].
The current contract expired at 11:59pm yesterday.
In several concessionary contracts with the UAW since 2007, GM has lowered its average labor costs to about US$55 per hour from about US$75 per hour.
October 2: UAW decides to return to the bargaining table with FCA instead of moving on to GM or Ford. Top-tier workers will get a $4,000 bonus if the agreement is ratified; lower-tier workers will get $3,000.
Advertisement
Shawn Morgan, a Fiat Chrysler spokesman, declined to comment about the costs of its UAW contract.
