Sept. 17, 2010 online at www.uawlocal2250.com
Some dumbbells have been removed from the fitness center. We ask that they be returned, no questions asked. Many people use the center and all of the equipment there, so please be considerate of your fellow workers. Thank you.
There is a new movement to organize unemployed workers that’s being called “UCubed”. You can go to www.unionofunemployed.com to learn more about this new organization.
Toyota is seeking to have a United States judge to throw out the majority of the 300+ lawsuits that have been filed against them on grounds that the cases are based on anecdotal and circumstantial information, according to Bloomberg. Among the litigated issues are the company's claims of quality, safety and reliability. Toyota’s spin meisters/lawyers responded by saying that claims to the quality and safety of its vehicles were opinions and the company can’t be held liable for misrepresentation.(Best headline of article covering this story: “Toyota Asks For Sudden Deceleration of Lawsuits” from thetruthaboutcars.com.
GM CEO Dan Akerson gave a wide ranging interview to the media earlier this week. Here is what he had to say about UAW President Bob King’s demand that worker concessions made during bankruptcy be restored, according to Forbes: “Everyone in the company had to give a bit…What’s past is past. I’m looking out the front windshield. We’re going to work with the UAW to be competitive. We are not going to preclude anything.”
From Forbes:
On how his management style will differ from Whitacre’s: “Ed did a great job righting the ship. I have to get the ship under way now, which is a longer term task.”
On why he accepted the job as GM’s fourth CEO in 18 months: “There’s a sense of service to the nation; the manufacturing base of this country’s at stake. Also, I can’t imagine a more interesting job.”
On future management changes: “I like the team that’s on the field.”
On saving Opel, GM’s European unit: “Opel is an important element of the mosaic we call GM. It’s still losing money, but Europe is a very important region of the world. We are willing to invest and be patient.”
On repaying $50 billion in taxpayer bailout money: “It’s not realistic to think that will happen in one fell swoop. At the same time, I don’t think any investment group has infinite patience.”
On his involvement in future product designs: “I’m like everybody. I have an opinion, but (design vice president) Ed Welburn is a pro. I will yield to Ed Welburn’s creativity. The cars I’ve seen coming out in 2012, 2013 and 2014 are really great.”
On his own GM vehicle breaking down 20-plus years ago: “It was a tense situation.”
On his view of GM vehicles today: “I think the Cadillac SRX is one of the finest cars on the road today, and the CTS is the best sedan I have ever driven.”
On GM’s market position: “We’re strong in North America, Europe and the BRIC countries. Our position ought to be the envy of the global auto industry…. The U.S. population is going to go from 300 million to 400 million. That’s good for General Motors.”
On overhauling Onstar: “It used to be the automotive version of ‘I’ve fallen and I can’t get up.’ I don’t want that.”
On repairing GM’s reputation with consumers: “You have to win it back on the road every day.”
On the debate over tax cuts and economic policy: “What’s good for America is good for General Motors. I’ve got other things to worry about.”
On GM’s marketing and advertising: “I’d like to see more humor in our ads. We can’t take ourselves too seriously.”
On promoting the GM badge: “I’m not embarrassed by the name General Motors. But GM is not a brand. The brands (Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC) are the heritage, legacy and future of the company.”
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