From the Detroit News:
A parade of General Motors Co. executives put the hard sell on bankers and financial analysts Tuesday, promising they'll continue to make money, as the company heads toward its initial public stock sale. Analysts left the meeting encouraged that GM has a clear product plan targeting growth in emerging markets, and financial discipline after years of mismanagement. And they were optimistic that the initial public offering, perhaps this fall, will be successful. "This will be a hot deal," said Maryann Keller, an auto analyst and head of Maryann Keller & Associates in Stamford, Conn (as well as frequent GM critic). While GM shed billions in debt and obligations through bankruptcy, the automaker is carrying $42.2 billion in debt and pension obligations. GM CFO Chris Liddell's goal is to boost GM's $30 billion in cash, fully fund its pension obligations, and slash remaining debt. GM's pension plans cover about 650,000 people and are underfunded by $13.6 billion, according to a government report. "Every spare dollar will be put toward that use over the next few years," Liddell said. Among the automaker's other selling points to analysts and potential investors:
o It has slashed the amount of cash incentives on each vehiclesince last year from almost $4,700 to $3,230.
o The U.S. market share of Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac has risen from 15.4 percent in the first quarter of 2009 to 19.2 percent this spring.
o GM's average transaction prices have climbed $3,300 from a year ago, more than double the industry average.
o Through May, sales of GM's four core brands were up 31 percent, a jump of almost 207,000 vehicles from a year earlier, which is nearly double the volume lost by shedding Hummer, Saturn, Saab and Pontiac.
But GM cautioned against counting on steady gains, given increased competition, a fragmenting auto industry and volatility in financial markets and the global economy. "The message we all need to understand is the next 10 years will be tougher than the last 10," Vice Chairman Steve Girsky said. "And the last 10 were pretty tough."
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
State of the Union June 29, 2010
Online at www.uawlocal2250.com
From Chairman Mike Bullock:
July 4th holiday will be observed on July 5th and employees will be paid 8 hours holiday pay. Production schedule for the week will be:
July 6 10.7 hrs
July 7 10.7 hrs;
July 8 10.6 hrs.
July 9 10.5 hrs.
No production is scheduled for July 2nd. July 1st and July 6th are VR blackout days. There will be a ceremony Wednesday, June 30 in the cafeteria at lunchtime to celebrate Independence Day.
UAW President Bob King and AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka issued a joint statement supporting striking Chinese Honda workers.Here are some excerpts:
America's auto workers and observers around the world have watched with admiration as the courageous young auto workers at Honda's Chinese factories have in the past weeks risen up in protest against the low-wage system imposed by Honda and many employers, foreign and domestic, in China.
At a parts plant at Honda Auto Parts Mfg. Co., the first such strike, the line workers elected representatives to negotiate with the employer for wage increases. In the words of those elected representatives, "…. [our] fundamental demands are…salary raises…for the whole workforce including interns; improvements in the wage structure and job promotion mechanism; and last but not least, restructuring the branch trade union at Honda Auto Parts Manufacturing Co. Ltd. Another fundamental demand... [is]…non-retaliation and no dismissal of workers participating in the strike."
We stand in support of China's Honda workers and their reasonable demands. We call on Honda to accede to their demands-- to improve its wages structure and job promotion system at its China facilities by implementing genuine and continuous collective bargaining with representatives of its front-line workers.
From Chairman Mike Bullock:
July 4th holiday will be observed on July 5th and employees will be paid 8 hours holiday pay. Production schedule for the week will be:
July 6 10.7 hrs
July 7 10.7 hrs;
July 8 10.6 hrs.
July 9 10.5 hrs.
No production is scheduled for July 2nd. July 1st and July 6th are VR blackout days. There will be a ceremony Wednesday, June 30 in the cafeteria at lunchtime to celebrate Independence Day.
UAW President Bob King and AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka issued a joint statement supporting striking Chinese Honda workers.Here are some excerpts:
America's auto workers and observers around the world have watched with admiration as the courageous young auto workers at Honda's Chinese factories have in the past weeks risen up in protest against the low-wage system imposed by Honda and many employers, foreign and domestic, in China.
At a parts plant at Honda Auto Parts Mfg. Co., the first such strike, the line workers elected representatives to negotiate with the employer for wage increases. In the words of those elected representatives, "…. [our] fundamental demands are…salary raises…for the whole workforce including interns; improvements in the wage structure and job promotion mechanism; and last but not least, restructuring the branch trade union at Honda Auto Parts Manufacturing Co. Ltd. Another fundamental demand... [is]…non-retaliation and no dismissal of workers participating in the strike."
We stand in support of China's Honda workers and their reasonable demands. We call on Honda to accede to their demands-- to improve its wages structure and job promotion system at its China facilities by implementing genuine and continuous collective bargaining with representatives of its front-line workers.
Monday, June 28, 2010
State of the Union June 28, 2010
Online at www.uawlocal2250.com
From Chairman Mike Bullock:
There will be an informational meeting on "Green Jobs Training" at the Regional Collaboration Center 130 Larkin Williams Industrial Court Fenton, MO 63026 on Tuesday June 29, 2010 at 9:45 am. For more information call John A. Miller at 636-278-1360 ext 293 or the Collaboration Center at 636-305-2030. This training program is for laid off UAW workers.
From Automotive News: Supplier Denso Corp., the world's largest auto supplier and a Toyota affiliate, agreed to give workers at a China plant a pay rise of 800-900 yuan per month. Most workers currently earn 1,100-1,300 yuan per month ($161-$191). At least eight strikes in the past month have forced suppliers to Toyota, Honda Motor Co. and Nissan Motor Co. to raise wages in China, increasing the car makers' costs in the world's largest automobile market. Pressure for higher pay is rising as workers demand a greater share of the benefits of economic development, said Bill Russo, a Beijing-based senior adviser at Booz & Co. The workforce “has not been benefiting or participating in that development through the ability to consume the goods they are producing,” Russo said. “That imbalance has to be corrected.”
From Consumer Affairs: Toyota is dealing with another recall issue, this time with its luxury nameplate Lexus. The Japanese car maker said it is recalling 17,000 Lexus HS 250 hybrid models because U.S. government tests show they could leak fuel in a rear-end crash. Toyota also said it will halt sales of all HS 250 hybrids while it searches for a remedy to the problem. In a recall notice Friday NHTSA said the defect in the Lexus hybrid could result in a fire during a rear-end collision. In the late 1970s the Ford Pinto had a similar problem, which was blamed on 27 deaths.
From Chairman Mike Bullock:
There will be an informational meeting on "Green Jobs Training" at the Regional Collaboration Center 130 Larkin Williams Industrial Court Fenton, MO 63026 on Tuesday June 29, 2010 at 9:45 am. For more information call John A. Miller at 636-278-1360 ext 293 or the Collaboration Center at 636-305-2030. This training program is for laid off UAW workers.
From Automotive News: Supplier Denso Corp., the world's largest auto supplier and a Toyota affiliate, agreed to give workers at a China plant a pay rise of 800-900 yuan per month. Most workers currently earn 1,100-1,300 yuan per month ($161-$191). At least eight strikes in the past month have forced suppliers to Toyota, Honda Motor Co. and Nissan Motor Co. to raise wages in China, increasing the car makers' costs in the world's largest automobile market. Pressure for higher pay is rising as workers demand a greater share of the benefits of economic development, said Bill Russo, a Beijing-based senior adviser at Booz & Co. The workforce “has not been benefiting or participating in that development through the ability to consume the goods they are producing,” Russo said. “That imbalance has to be corrected.”
From Consumer Affairs: Toyota is dealing with another recall issue, this time with its luxury nameplate Lexus. The Japanese car maker said it is recalling 17,000 Lexus HS 250 hybrid models because U.S. government tests show they could leak fuel in a rear-end crash. Toyota also said it will halt sales of all HS 250 hybrids while it searches for a remedy to the problem. In a recall notice Friday NHTSA said the defect in the Lexus hybrid could result in a fire during a rear-end collision. In the late 1970s the Ford Pinto had a similar problem, which was blamed on 27 deaths.
Friday, June 25, 2010
State of the Union June 25, 2010
From Chairman Mike Bullock:
Our schedule is now set through the summer. After the four-day weekend for the July 4th holiday, the next Friday off will be August 6. The next Friday off after that will be September 3, which will create a four-day weekend for Labor Day. In September we will go back to 2 out of 3 Fridays, which would mean working 9/10 and 9/17, off 9/24 and so on.
Back to the changes from the Constitutional Convention: Article 45, Section 2 of the constitution was approved for change by the delegates to the constitution convention.The new language will read "Members in good standing who are on indefinite layoff from the employer may not be a candidate for, or vote in, an election for a non-executive local union office that has grievance handling, contract bargaining or contractual administrative duties unless specifically authorized to do so by Local Union bylaws or applicable collective bargaining agreement.
Our schedule is now set through the summer. After the four-day weekend for the July 4th holiday, the next Friday off will be August 6. The next Friday off after that will be September 3, which will create a four-day weekend for Labor Day. In September we will go back to 2 out of 3 Fridays, which would mean working 9/10 and 9/17, off 9/24 and so on.
Back to the changes from the Constitutional Convention: Article 45, Section 2 of the constitution was approved for change by the delegates to the constitution convention.The new language will read "Members in good standing who are on indefinite layoff from the employer may not be a candidate for, or vote in, an election for a non-executive local union office that has grievance handling, contract bargaining or contractual administrative duties unless specifically authorized to do so by Local Union bylaws or applicable collective bargaining agreement.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
State of the Union June 24, 2010
• From Chairman Mike Bullock: There were several more cost reducing moves that the International Union proposed to the Delegates at the Constitutional Convention and were passed. The Public Review Board was reduced from 7 members to 6 (Article 32, Section 2 of the Constitution). The Public Review Board was created at the constitutional convention in 1957 for "the purpose of insuring a continuation of high moral and ethical standards in the administrative and operative practices of the International Union and its subordinate bodies, and to further strengthen the democratic processes and appeal procedures within the Union as they affect the rights and privileges of individual members of subordinate bodies."
Also, the elective officers of the International Union was reduced from 5 Vice Presidents to 4 (Article 10, Section 1).
• The Tuition Assistance Program for active employees has been reinstated effective August 1, 2010 for class terms beginning on or after August 1, 2010. Program guidelines and eligibility will be communicated to your Local TAP Administrator and then published in the TAP folder located in the online documents section of JAS, which can be found at www.uawgmjas.org/tap
• From Automotive News: General Motors is preparing for an initial public offering that would sell 20 percent of the Treasury's stake in the automaker and reduce the U.S. to a minority owner, said two people familiar with the plan. The aim is to sell a fifth of the government's 304 million shares, said the people, who asked not to be identified revealing private discussions. That would reduce the Treasury Department's stake to less than 50 percent from 61 percent now. Final decisions on which owners will sell how many shares haven't been made and may change, the people said. A registration statement may be filed in August, aiming for a November stock sale, said four people familiar with the plan. The sale will probably raise $10 billion to $15 billion, depending on the company's performance, the strength of the economy and the health of the IPO market, the people said.
Also, the elective officers of the International Union was reduced from 5 Vice Presidents to 4 (Article 10, Section 1).
• The Tuition Assistance Program for active employees has been reinstated effective August 1, 2010 for class terms beginning on or after August 1, 2010. Program guidelines and eligibility will be communicated to your Local TAP Administrator and then published in the TAP folder located in the online documents section of JAS, which can be found at www.uawgmjas.org/tap
• From Automotive News: General Motors is preparing for an initial public offering that would sell 20 percent of the Treasury's stake in the automaker and reduce the U.S. to a minority owner, said two people familiar with the plan. The aim is to sell a fifth of the government's 304 million shares, said the people, who asked not to be identified revealing private discussions. That would reduce the Treasury Department's stake to less than 50 percent from 61 percent now. Final decisions on which owners will sell how many shares haven't been made and may change, the people said. A registration statement may be filed in August, aiming for a November stock sale, said four people familiar with the plan. The sale will probably raise $10 billion to $15 billion, depending on the company's performance, the strength of the economy and the health of the IPO market, the people said.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
State of the Union June 23, 2010
•From Chairman Mike Bullock: As a follow-up to yesterday’s explanation of the freeze on International UAW staff salaries, today I will give you the number of people that affects:
o In 2006 there were 834 employees on the International staff. Today there are 772: 6 Officers, 11 Executive Board members, 447 Staff, and 308 Office, Maintenance and Outside security employees.
o In the 4 years since the last Constitutional Convention 362 International staff employees have retired.
August 26, 2010 will mark the 75thanniversary of the UAW. In 1936 there was an average of 27,058 members. As early as 1944, there were over 1 million members of the UAW. The high point was in 1969 when there were 1,530,870 members. In 2009 there was an average of 392,166 members.
Under rumor control, there have been no discussions with management about changing the schedule from 10.5 off the K-line. Finally, congratulations to Steve Williams on his election to District 3(trim) committeman.
•Portions of the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) have been reinstated for active members. Course eligibility is limited to degree programs of study and courses taken to maintain/improve skills or knowledge. This was previously defined as Level 3 by the Center for Human Resources Joint Training Department. We will receive further details when a communication from the CHR is sent out.
• From the International Union, UAW: Honda workers in China earn 67 cents an hour, work in deplorable conditions and have zero rights on the job. Their conditions are comparable to what autoworkers endured in the United States – before they organized under the UAW and fought for their rights. Workers at the Honda Lock factory in Zhongshan, China, have had enough. They’re on strike to win $1.34 an hour wages – and some justice. And that’s where you can help. Please sign the National Labor Committee’s letter to Honda’s CEO in Japan. Help these abused workers in China better their lives and win justice.
Help them show that a profitable corporation like Honda must treat its workers fairly. Help them show that they can win, even though the Chinese government actively discourages independent trade unions and censors news about the strike. And help yourselves by taking a stand against the race to the bottom where all workers – in China and here in the United States lose. You can go to www.nlcnet.organd use the link on the right to sign the letter.
o In 2006 there were 834 employees on the International staff. Today there are 772: 6 Officers, 11 Executive Board members, 447 Staff, and 308 Office, Maintenance and Outside security employees.
o In the 4 years since the last Constitutional Convention 362 International staff employees have retired.
August 26, 2010 will mark the 75thanniversary of the UAW. In 1936 there was an average of 27,058 members. As early as 1944, there were over 1 million members of the UAW. The high point was in 1969 when there were 1,530,870 members. In 2009 there was an average of 392,166 members.
Under rumor control, there have been no discussions with management about changing the schedule from 10.5 off the K-line. Finally, congratulations to Steve Williams on his election to District 3(trim) committeman.
•Portions of the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) have been reinstated for active members. Course eligibility is limited to degree programs of study and courses taken to maintain/improve skills or knowledge. This was previously defined as Level 3 by the Center for Human Resources Joint Training Department. We will receive further details when a communication from the CHR is sent out.
• From the International Union, UAW: Honda workers in China earn 67 cents an hour, work in deplorable conditions and have zero rights on the job. Their conditions are comparable to what autoworkers endured in the United States – before they organized under the UAW and fought for their rights. Workers at the Honda Lock factory in Zhongshan, China, have had enough. They’re on strike to win $1.34 an hour wages – and some justice. And that’s where you can help. Please sign the National Labor Committee’s letter to Honda’s CEO in Japan. Help these abused workers in China better their lives and win justice.
Help them show that a profitable corporation like Honda must treat its workers fairly. Help them show that they can win, even though the Chinese government actively discourages independent trade unions and censors news about the strike. And help yourselves by taking a stand against the race to the bottom where all workers – in China and here in the United States lose. You can go to www.nlcnet.organd use the link on the right to sign the letter.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
State of the Union June 22, 2010
•From Chairman Mike Bullock: Here is some clarification on the resolution on international staff salaries: At the 2006 constitutional convention the delegates ( I was an alternate delegate without voting rights) voted and approved a 3% pay increase in March 2007 and quarterly cost of living increases for the international staff; president, vice presidents, secretary treasurer , executive board and representatives. At the time – 2006 – the president, Ron Gettlefinger, made $144,733.47 per year. After the approved raises from the 2006 convention, the president is making $153,248.29 and the rest of the staff salaries also went up proportionally.
On Tuesday June 15, the constitution committee submitted a resolution to the delegates for their vote that would eliminate a 3% raise in march 2011 and quarterly cost of living raises for the entire international staff. Additionally the initial salary for newly appointed international representatives shall be 70% of the current rate ($105,076.96) and will be increased in annual increments so that no later than achieving 6 years seniority he/she will be at full salary.
This resolution in effect froze the salaries of the international staff and reduced the salary of newly appointed international representatives for 6 years. Not all delegates from Local 2250 voted for this resolution. Dan Howell and I did.
•From Automotive News: A strike at a Japanese car parts supplier in southern China forced Toyota Motor Corp. to suspend production at a Chinese auto assembly plant today, the latest in a string of labor-related disruptions at foreign-owned manufacturers across the country. The work stoppage will continue for the rest of the week, said a worker at the Denso plant being struck, who added employees are asking that wages rise from between 1,100 and 1,300 yuan ($161-191) per month to between 1,800 and 1,900 yuan. "We make an okay living here, but we think our pay should be linked to the company's performance," said the employee, who declined to give his name out of fear of retribution. "This company makes lots of money and should share the profits."
On Tuesday June 15, the constitution committee submitted a resolution to the delegates for their vote that would eliminate a 3% raise in march 2011 and quarterly cost of living raises for the entire international staff. Additionally the initial salary for newly appointed international representatives shall be 70% of the current rate ($105,076.96) and will be increased in annual increments so that no later than achieving 6 years seniority he/she will be at full salary.
This resolution in effect froze the salaries of the international staff and reduced the salary of newly appointed international representatives for 6 years. Not all delegates from Local 2250 voted for this resolution. Dan Howell and I did.
•From Automotive News: A strike at a Japanese car parts supplier in southern China forced Toyota Motor Corp. to suspend production at a Chinese auto assembly plant today, the latest in a string of labor-related disruptions at foreign-owned manufacturers across the country. The work stoppage will continue for the rest of the week, said a worker at the Denso plant being struck, who added employees are asking that wages rise from between 1,100 and 1,300 yuan ($161-191) per month to between 1,800 and 1,900 yuan. "We make an okay living here, but we think our pay should be linked to the company's performance," said the employee, who declined to give his name out of fear of retribution. "This company makes lots of money and should share the profits."
Monday, June 21, 2010
State of the Union June 21, 2010
•The election for Shop District 3 Committeeperson (trim) will be Tuesday, June 22. Polls are open from 4:30 am to 7 pm. The candidates are Murry Randall, Steve Williams and Leslea McCord.
•The J.D. Power 2009 Initial Quality Survey (IQS) results were released late last week. For the first time ever, combined domestic quality was better than import brands.GM had 10 top-3 models and 4 class winners: Avalanche, Sierra, Tahoe and Escalade. Lansing Grand River received the bronze award and was the only US plant in the top three. Unfortunately, there is no J.D. Power tracking for the G-Van and therefore no plant score for Wentzville. The Toyota brand plunged from #6 to #21.
•From the AP: A strike at one of Toyota's China-based parts suppliers ended today, allowing production to resume at its nearby auto plant Monday after a one-day stop, the Japanese automaker said. The strike is among several that have plagued Toyota and Japanese rival Honda Motor Co. in China, which has been shaken by unrest among migrant workers who are becoming increasingly vocal in their demands for a piece of China's growing prosperity. Workers at a plastic parts factory of Toyota Motor Corp. affiliate Toyoda Gosei Co. in the northeastern city of Tianjin went on strike Thursday, forcing the plant's production line to shut down in the afternoon. The Kyodo news agency, citing officials in China, reported that workers at Toyoda Gosei agreed to an earlier management proposal for a 20 percent wage raise from the previous year, although they had sought a bigger pay increase. The walkout followed a one-day strike by workers at another Toyoda Gosei unit and Toyota supplier, Tianjin Star Light Rubber and Plastic Co., which ended Wednesday after thecompany agreed to review the pay for its 800 workers.
•The J.D. Power 2009 Initial Quality Survey (IQS) results were released late last week. For the first time ever, combined domestic quality was better than import brands.GM had 10 top-3 models and 4 class winners: Avalanche, Sierra, Tahoe and Escalade. Lansing Grand River received the bronze award and was the only US plant in the top three. Unfortunately, there is no J.D. Power tracking for the G-Van and therefore no plant score for Wentzville. The Toyota brand plunged from #6 to #21.
•From the AP: A strike at one of Toyota's China-based parts suppliers ended today, allowing production to resume at its nearby auto plant Monday after a one-day stop, the Japanese automaker said. The strike is among several that have plagued Toyota and Japanese rival Honda Motor Co. in China, which has been shaken by unrest among migrant workers who are becoming increasingly vocal in their demands for a piece of China's growing prosperity. Workers at a plastic parts factory of Toyota Motor Corp. affiliate Toyoda Gosei Co. in the northeastern city of Tianjin went on strike Thursday, forcing the plant's production line to shut down in the afternoon. The Kyodo news agency, citing officials in China, reported that workers at Toyoda Gosei agreed to an earlier management proposal for a 20 percent wage raise from the previous year, although they had sought a bigger pay increase. The walkout followed a one-day strike by workers at another Toyoda Gosei unit and Toyota supplier, Tianjin Star Light Rubber and Plastic Co., which ended Wednesday after thecompany agreed to review the pay for its 800 workers.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
State of the Union June 17, 2010
· Bob King was elected President of the UAW yesterday by a vote of 2115 to 74.5 over Ford Committeeman Gary Walkowicz. Region 5 Director Jim Wells was re-elected yesterday as well and had this to say: “It is a great honor to represent the membership of our great union, especially the members of Region 5. I'm excited and energized to be a part of Bob King's Mobilization for Justice Team. I want to thank you for making Region 5 No. 1 in UAW V-CAP contributions for many, many years. We are continuing the fight for NUMMI workers against Toyota.”
·From Automotive News: General Motors will fund a major restructuring of Opel and Vauxhall without state aid after the automaker decided to withdraw applications for government loan guarantees from European governments. GM plans a 3.3 billion euro ($4 billion) reorganization to cut its European capacity by 20 percent and workforce by a fifth, and rejuvenate the bulk of Opel's model lineup through the end of 2014. Last week, the German government refused GM's request for 1.1 billion euros in loan guarantees from the country's state rescue fund for companies hit by the economic recession. The UK and Spain had earlier indicated they would be willing to provide state aid sought by GM from European countries with Opel factories. GM's European operations have lost $1.3 billion since the automaker exited bankruptcy last year. It was the only GM region to lose money in the first quarter.
· As strikes continue to pop up at various Chinese manufacturers (Toyota was the latest victim), the official communitst paper , the People’s Daily, is even weighing in on the side of workers, saying “Migrant workers should be cared for, protected and respected, especially the younger generation….Raising workers' income levels and adjusting the gap between rich and poor is not just an emergency response to protect stability."
·From Automotive News: General Motors will fund a major restructuring of Opel and Vauxhall without state aid after the automaker decided to withdraw applications for government loan guarantees from European governments. GM plans a 3.3 billion euro ($4 billion) reorganization to cut its European capacity by 20 percent and workforce by a fifth, and rejuvenate the bulk of Opel's model lineup through the end of 2014. Last week, the German government refused GM's request for 1.1 billion euros in loan guarantees from the country's state rescue fund for companies hit by the economic recession. The UK and Spain had earlier indicated they would be willing to provide state aid sought by GM from European countries with Opel factories. GM's European operations have lost $1.3 billion since the automaker exited bankruptcy last year. It was the only GM region to lose money in the first quarter.
· As strikes continue to pop up at various Chinese manufacturers (Toyota was the latest victim), the official communitst paper , the People’s Daily, is even weighing in on the side of workers, saying “Migrant workers should be cared for, protected and respected, especially the younger generation….Raising workers' income levels and adjusting the gap between rich and poor is not just an emergency response to protect stability."
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
State of the Union June 16, 2010
Union Meeting is Wednesday, June 16 at 3 pm and 15 minutes after the longest first shift line time.
From Chairman Mike Bullock: We have been informed by UAW VP Cal Rapson’s Administrative Assistant that the Tuition Assistance Plan (TAP) will be reinstated. More details to come next week.
Reminder: Friday, June 18 is the last day to enroll in or change your optional life insurance. You can do this online at gmbenefits.com.
From the Detroit Free Press: UAW President Ron Gettelfinger, whose style as president has been to downplay his own role and give credit to his staff and members, lashed out against corporations and anti-union forces during his final speech as president today. Gettelfinger said the UAW and other unions can and must continue to work together to pass the Employee Free Choice Act, which would make it easier for workers to form a union. “Most employers have vigorously opposed unions with every means at their disposal,” Gettelfinger said during the union’s 35th Constitutional Convention in Detroit. “These pro-employer, anti-union forces continually attack unions and workers that want to form a union.” Gettelfinger said anti-union efforts reached a high-point last year as the domestic automakers needed federal loans to stay afloat. Still, Gettelfinger said the UAW and other unions will continue to work to reform labor law and organize workers around the world. “In the end, we will prevail,” Gettelfinger said. Gettelfinger also singled out Republican legislators for opposing aid to the domestic auto industry in 2008 and 2009. “Let’s be clear, the contempt for the UAW was so deep that some of them were willing to let the industry collapse in the hopes that they could destroy us,” Gettelfinger said. “Even the former president recognized the insanity of what they were willing to do.” Gettelfinger also praised President Barack Obama, who came to Detroit on Labor Day in 2008 as a U.S. Senator to show support for the UAW. Once elected, Gettelfinger said, “Obama addressed the auto crisis and took the necessary steps to prevent the collapse of the industry.”
From Chairman Mike Bullock: We have been informed by UAW VP Cal Rapson’s Administrative Assistant that the Tuition Assistance Plan (TAP) will be reinstated. More details to come next week.
Reminder: Friday, June 18 is the last day to enroll in or change your optional life insurance. You can do this online at gmbenefits.com.
From the Detroit Free Press: UAW President Ron Gettelfinger, whose style as president has been to downplay his own role and give credit to his staff and members, lashed out against corporations and anti-union forces during his final speech as president today. Gettelfinger said the UAW and other unions can and must continue to work together to pass the Employee Free Choice Act, which would make it easier for workers to form a union. “Most employers have vigorously opposed unions with every means at their disposal,” Gettelfinger said during the union’s 35th Constitutional Convention in Detroit. “These pro-employer, anti-union forces continually attack unions and workers that want to form a union.” Gettelfinger said anti-union efforts reached a high-point last year as the domestic automakers needed federal loans to stay afloat. Still, Gettelfinger said the UAW and other unions will continue to work to reform labor law and organize workers around the world. “In the end, we will prevail,” Gettelfinger said. Gettelfinger also singled out Republican legislators for opposing aid to the domestic auto industry in 2008 and 2009. “Let’s be clear, the contempt for the UAW was so deep that some of them were willing to let the industry collapse in the hopes that they could destroy us,” Gettelfinger said. “Even the former president recognized the insanity of what they were willing to do.” Gettelfinger also praised President Barack Obama, who came to Detroit on Labor Day in 2008 as a U.S. Senator to show support for the UAW. Once elected, Gettelfinger said, “Obama addressed the auto crisis and took the necessary steps to prevent the collapse of the industry.”
Monday, June 14, 2010
State of the Union June 14, 2010
• Union Meeting is Wednesday, June 16 at 3 pm and 15 minutes after the longest first shift line time.
• From the USA Today: Toyota paid a record fine recently for dragging its feet on disclosing a safety defect blamed for potentially fatal unintended acceleration. Now, documents have come to light in a California lawsuit that point to possible delays involving an earlier safety issue, one that could result in loss of steering control. Records of Toyota warranty repairs and customer complaints that are part of the lawsuit show that the car company was dealing with cracking and breaking steering relay rods in the U.S. for at least 11 years before it recalled 330,000 pickups and SUVs in Japanto replace the rods — and 12 years before its 2005 recall of nearly a million similar trucks in the U.S. for the problem.
• How far have pickup sales fallen? The Detroit News reports: Pickup sales peaked at 2.5 million in 2004, when the housing boom was in full swing and home builders couldn't get enough of them. Neither could families, who took advantage of cheap gas and easy credit by buying fully appointed trucks with leather interiors and spacious cabs. Four years later, the economy was teetering, and gas topped $4 a gallon. Pickup sales plunged. They fell further when the financial crisis stuck, credit markets froze and construction work dried up. In 2009, automakers sold 1.1 million trucks, the lowest level in 18 years. This year, pickup sales have been gaining momentum. Through May, Americans bought 11 percent more than they did in the first five months of last year and the sales pace has been accelerating.
• From the USA Today: Toyota paid a record fine recently for dragging its feet on disclosing a safety defect blamed for potentially fatal unintended acceleration. Now, documents have come to light in a California lawsuit that point to possible delays involving an earlier safety issue, one that could result in loss of steering control. Records of Toyota warranty repairs and customer complaints that are part of the lawsuit show that the car company was dealing with cracking and breaking steering relay rods in the U.S. for at least 11 years before it recalled 330,000 pickups and SUVs in Japanto replace the rods — and 12 years before its 2005 recall of nearly a million similar trucks in the U.S. for the problem.
• How far have pickup sales fallen? The Detroit News reports: Pickup sales peaked at 2.5 million in 2004, when the housing boom was in full swing and home builders couldn't get enough of them. Neither could families, who took advantage of cheap gas and easy credit by buying fully appointed trucks with leather interiors and spacious cabs. Four years later, the economy was teetering, and gas topped $4 a gallon. Pickup sales plunged. They fell further when the financial crisis stuck, credit markets froze and construction work dried up. In 2009, automakers sold 1.1 million trucks, the lowest level in 18 years. This year, pickup sales have been gaining momentum. Through May, Americans bought 11 percent more than they did in the first five months of last year and the sales pace has been accelerating.
Friday, June 11, 2010
State of the Union June 11, 2010
•Correction: The seniority date to hold the plant is 2-9-2000 with last four of 5000. Sorry for the error.
•The UAW Constitutional Convention begins Monday, June 14 and runs through Thursday, June 17.
•Speculation is increasing that Chinese leaders, by allowing strikes to occur, are admitting that wages need to rise and they might be particularly open to strikes at Japanese manufacturers such as Honda. But Zhou Xiaozheng, a well-known sociologist and professor at Renmin University in China, puts a damper on higher expectations for the fledgling labor movement. "It's hardly possible for labor unions to be effective, and for the (Communist) party it is absolutely taboo," Zhou said. "No group can represent our people, except the Communist Party."
•From the Chicago Tribune:The Cubs got the go-ahead from the City Council today to install an illuminated Toyota sign that will loom over the left field bleachers at Wrigley Field. With the council's approval, the team can get to work on putting up the 360-square-foot sign, which will be affixed to beams that stand about 50 feet above the back of the bleachers at the historic ballpark.
•The UAW Constitutional Convention begins Monday, June 14 and runs through Thursday, June 17.
•Speculation is increasing that Chinese leaders, by allowing strikes to occur, are admitting that wages need to rise and they might be particularly open to strikes at Japanese manufacturers such as Honda. But Zhou Xiaozheng, a well-known sociologist and professor at Renmin University in China, puts a damper on higher expectations for the fledgling labor movement. "It's hardly possible for labor unions to be effective, and for the (Communist) party it is absolutely taboo," Zhou said. "No group can represent our people, except the Communist Party."
•From the Chicago Tribune:The Cubs got the go-ahead from the City Council today to install an illuminated Toyota sign that will loom over the left field bleachers at Wrigley Field. With the council's approval, the team can get to work on putting up the 360-square-foot sign, which will be affixed to beams that stand about 50 feet above the back of the bleachers at the historic ballpark.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
State of the Union June 10, 2010
• From Chairman Mike Bullock: There will be 14 members recalled Monday, June 14. The new seniority date to hold the plant is 2-2-2000 with last four social security number of 5000. That will leave 185 members still laid off.
•There will be a Women’s Committee meeting today after first shift at the Union Hall.
•From Automotive News: Honda Motor Co. said today it would resume building cars in China on Friday after a supplier of exhaust systems contained a labor dispute, but workers at another parts maker remained on strike. Workers at a lock supplier for Honda in southern China's Pearl River Delta plan to extend their strike into a third day on Friday. Among the demands were calls for an annual wage hike of not less than 15 percent, improved allowances and benefits, the right to organize independent labor unions and a pledge from management to not fire anyone joining the industrial action.
•From Wards Auto: Labor unrest that began among foreign firms in South China's affluent Pearl Delta area is showing signs of spreading to poorer interior areas, broadening a movement by workers demanding wages to catch up with the nation's growing wealth. Following recent high-profile disputes at Honda Motor and iPhone maker Foxconn International, strikes were reported at a Taiwanese-owned sports goods supplier in Jiangxi province, and at Japanese sewing machine maker Brother Industries in Xian -- both some distance from China's wealthier regions near Hong Kong and Shanghai. "All it takes now is a single spark and news will spread all over China, which could lead to similar industrial action in other factories," said Paul Tang, chief economist at Bank of East Asia in Hong Kong.
•There will be a Women’s Committee meeting today after first shift at the Union Hall.
•From Automotive News: Honda Motor Co. said today it would resume building cars in China on Friday after a supplier of exhaust systems contained a labor dispute, but workers at another parts maker remained on strike. Workers at a lock supplier for Honda in southern China's Pearl River Delta plan to extend their strike into a third day on Friday. Among the demands were calls for an annual wage hike of not less than 15 percent, improved allowances and benefits, the right to organize independent labor unions and a pledge from management to not fire anyone joining the industrial action.
•From Wards Auto: Labor unrest that began among foreign firms in South China's affluent Pearl Delta area is showing signs of spreading to poorer interior areas, broadening a movement by workers demanding wages to catch up with the nation's growing wealth. Following recent high-profile disputes at Honda Motor and iPhone maker Foxconn International, strikes were reported at a Taiwanese-owned sports goods supplier in Jiangxi province, and at Japanese sewing machine maker Brother Industries in Xian -- both some distance from China's wealthier regions near Hong Kong and Shanghai. "All it takes now is a single spark and news will spread all over China, which could lead to similar industrial action in other factories," said Paul Tang, chief economist at Bank of East Asia in Hong Kong.
Friday, June 4, 2010
State of the Union June 4, 2010
•From Chairman Mike Bullock: Earlier this week, the UAW Quality Network “People Make Quality Happen” awards were presented and the Wentzville team was selected as one of just three “Best of the Best” presenters with their work on brake failures. This is a great achievement and another positive indicator for the plant. Congratulations and thanks to chassis problem solver Joe Walch, whose hard work helped make this happen.
•From the New York Times: Automakers have had a mixed history with natural gas in the United States, but General Motors Co. is betting that a new line of fleet vans can bring the technology back. The new vans will be available for the 2011 model year. Pricing hasn't yet been released. "We're listening to our fleet customers and dealers about offering options that help them achieve their business objectives," said Brian Small, general manager of GM's fleet and commercial operations, in a release. "The industry commitment to expand the CNG and LPG infrastructure in key fleet markets was an enabler to allowing us to introduce these options now." Details about emissions and range aren't available yet. Customers had requested CNG and LPG engines, McGarry said. GM had explored electrifying the vans, but decided against it. "You'd have a significant number of batteries, so you'd be carrying a lot of weight around, which would cut down on capacity," McGarry said. "A lot of these companies have looked at those options. They know someday there will be electric vans that will be commercially viable. But this is a next step, and one of multiple pathways."
•From a Fortune article about the Chinese operations of electronics maker Foxconn: Obviously Foxconn's labor problems -- indeed all of China's -- are too big for even (Apple CEO) Steve Jobs to solve. But there is a relatively simple solution, one that has served both workers and employers (although not Apple) for three hundred years: allow the employees to negotiate their own wages and working conditions. There is a union at Foxconn, but its leaders are not democratically elected by the workers and they are clearly not doing their job. (If you are interested in showing solidarity with Foxconn’s workers and complain to companies like Apple and Dell, go to www.labourstart.organd click on the related link in the menu ActNOW! to send a message)
•From the New York Times: Automakers have had a mixed history with natural gas in the United States, but General Motors Co. is betting that a new line of fleet vans can bring the technology back. The new vans will be available for the 2011 model year. Pricing hasn't yet been released. "We're listening to our fleet customers and dealers about offering options that help them achieve their business objectives," said Brian Small, general manager of GM's fleet and commercial operations, in a release. "The industry commitment to expand the CNG and LPG infrastructure in key fleet markets was an enabler to allowing us to introduce these options now." Details about emissions and range aren't available yet. Customers had requested CNG and LPG engines, McGarry said. GM had explored electrifying the vans, but decided against it. "You'd have a significant number of batteries, so you'd be carrying a lot of weight around, which would cut down on capacity," McGarry said. "A lot of these companies have looked at those options. They know someday there will be electric vans that will be commercially viable. But this is a next step, and one of multiple pathways."
•From a Fortune article about the Chinese operations of electronics maker Foxconn: Obviously Foxconn's labor problems -- indeed all of China's -- are too big for even (Apple CEO) Steve Jobs to solve. But there is a relatively simple solution, one that has served both workers and employers (although not Apple) for three hundred years: allow the employees to negotiate their own wages and working conditions. There is a union at Foxconn, but its leaders are not democratically elected by the workers and they are clearly not doing their job. (If you are interested in showing solidarity with Foxconn’s workers and complain to companies like Apple and Dell, go to www.labourstart.organd click on the related link in the menu ActNOW! to send a message)
Thursday, June 3, 2010
State of the Union June 2, 2010
•From Automotive News: Ford Motor Company’s Fusion and Mercury Milan cars are under investigation by U.S. regulators because floor mats may trap the accelerator pedals, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said. About 249,300 cars from the 2010 model year may be affected, NHTSA said today on its Web site. The agency said it received three complaints about accelerator pedals being trapped by unsecured all-weather floor mats. No crashes or injuries have been reported.
•The 2010 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain received the highest possible rollover protection rating of "Good" in the first Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rollover tests of midsize SUVs and crossovers, one of four tests leading to both vehicles receiving the Institute's Top Safety Pick award. The 2010 Equinox and Terrain also have received the highest possible five-star front- and side-impact ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The five vehicles that were the worst performers were the Honda Pilot and Crosstour, the Mitsubishi Endeavor, Nissan Murano and Mazda CX-7.
•More Chinese labor problems: Bloomberg reports that Foxconn, a contract manufacturer for Apple, Dell, HP and others, has had a rash of worker suicides in the last year, and 5 in May alone. It seems workers toiling 12 hours a day – with 10-minute bathroom breaks every two hours and a ban on speaking with coworkers while working – for around $130 a month are despondent with their situation. After work they get to adjourn to their dormitories, where 8-10 people occupy one room. The most common suicide method is jumping from the dorms, so Foxconn is hanging netting up around the buildings as a solution.
•The 2010 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain received the highest possible rollover protection rating of "Good" in the first Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rollover tests of midsize SUVs and crossovers, one of four tests leading to both vehicles receiving the Institute's Top Safety Pick award. The 2010 Equinox and Terrain also have received the highest possible five-star front- and side-impact ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The five vehicles that were the worst performers were the Honda Pilot and Crosstour, the Mitsubishi Endeavor, Nissan Murano and Mazda CX-7.
•More Chinese labor problems: Bloomberg reports that Foxconn, a contract manufacturer for Apple, Dell, HP and others, has had a rash of worker suicides in the last year, and 5 in May alone. It seems workers toiling 12 hours a day – with 10-minute bathroom breaks every two hours and a ban on speaking with coworkers while working – for around $130 a month are despondent with their situation. After work they get to adjourn to their dormitories, where 8-10 people occupy one room. The most common suicide method is jumping from the dorms, so Foxconn is hanging netting up around the buildings as a solution.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
State of the Union June 1, 2010
• From Chairman Mike Bullock: Management has agreed to start granting "excused" or "E-days" (excused days off in advance without pay). To get an E-day, you must have all your vacation time – both VP and VR – scheduled. Then management will look a week ahead and consider granting E-days based on availability and business needs.
•From Automotive News: Honda Motor Co. will raise workers' monthly wages after a parts factory strike shut down almost all Chinese production. The workers will receive a 24 percent pay increase to 1,910 yuan ($280 dollars) per month, Honda said in a faxed statement today. Most workers have accepted the offer, while talks continue with those who are unsatisfied, the automaker said.
•From the Wall Street Journal: Ford Motor Co. is preparing to phase out its 71-year old Mercury brand, adding to the list of storied Detroit nameplates that reached the end of the road in recent years as the industry has become more competitive. Ford Chief Executive Alan Mulally and his top lieutenants have won the backing of key members of the Ford family and are expected to seek approval from the car maker's board to kill Mercury after years of dwindling sales, a person familiar with the matter said Thursday.(Update: Ford CEO Alan Mulally told WJR's Paul W. Smith that he had "nothing to add" to the discussion swirling about the automaker's Mercury brand. "We continue to review all of our brands and all of our nameplates," Mulally told Smith this morning before changing the subject.)
•From the Detroit News: Detroit's Big Three have slashed warranty claims more than 40 percent in recent years -- further evidence that the automakers, long plagued by repair problems and consumer perceptions that their products are inferior, are narrowing the quality gap with foreign competitors. Warranty claims have fallen 45 percent at GM from 2007 levels, while Ford reduced warranty repair rates an average of more than 40 percent in each global business region from 2007 through last year, according to initial quality reports.
•From Automotive News: Honda Motor Co. will raise workers' monthly wages after a parts factory strike shut down almost all Chinese production. The workers will receive a 24 percent pay increase to 1,910 yuan ($280 dollars) per month, Honda said in a faxed statement today. Most workers have accepted the offer, while talks continue with those who are unsatisfied, the automaker said.
•From the Wall Street Journal: Ford Motor Co. is preparing to phase out its 71-year old Mercury brand, adding to the list of storied Detroit nameplates that reached the end of the road in recent years as the industry has become more competitive. Ford Chief Executive Alan Mulally and his top lieutenants have won the backing of key members of the Ford family and are expected to seek approval from the car maker's board to kill Mercury after years of dwindling sales, a person familiar with the matter said Thursday.(Update: Ford CEO Alan Mulally told WJR's Paul W. Smith that he had "nothing to add" to the discussion swirling about the automaker's Mercury brand. "We continue to review all of our brands and all of our nameplates," Mulally told Smith this morning before changing the subject.)
•From the Detroit News: Detroit's Big Three have slashed warranty claims more than 40 percent in recent years -- further evidence that the automakers, long plagued by repair problems and consumer perceptions that their products are inferior, are narrowing the quality gap with foreign competitors. Warranty claims have fallen 45 percent at GM from 2007 levels, while Ford reduced warranty repair rates an average of more than 40 percent in each global business region from 2007 through last year, according to initial quality reports.
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