Just as the first batches of 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco sedans leave the Fairfax, Kansas assembly plant, it’s UAW workers will hold a strike authorization vote Thursday after workers rejected a local labor contract last Friday. According to reports, roughly 66% of production workers and 58% of skilled-trades workers voted against the proposed contract. In total, around 3,400 hourly workers are employed in the plant. Aside from the Malibu, Fairfax also produces the Buick LaCrosse.
George Ruiz, president of UAW Local 31, stated that the strike authorization vote is just a routine part of the negotiation process in order to gain more leverage, should the authorization pass. And while Ruiz didn’t get into details, we’re told that it has nothing to do with money, but rather with safety issues.
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I am so sick of the UAW! and I am not afraid to say it.
In 2011, when GM invested $20 million in the Fairfax plant, Joe Ashton, UAW Vice President-GM Department, stated: “The UAW realizes the importance of investments that provide our members with the tools they need to compete. Today’s investment in the Fairfax plant not only upgrades the facility, it provides our members of UAW Local 31 with a chance to succeed in a very competitive segment of today’s U.S. auto industry. I am confident that our members will continue to build high-quality, affordable cars for our customers.”
No safety concerns then, huh? They waited until GM got hooked further and then slapped ’em with a strike authorization. Safety my ass. With UAW it’s ALWAYS about the money, and even more about the power the union bosses and reps covet, along with their no-show, double-dip-pay jobs.
I thought GM and Chrysler had a no-strike clause in their contracts.
There was a time in America’s history when Unions were important, back when factories were run by cruel owners who cared nothing for there employees, now a days a company could get sued if the boss looks at the employee a wrong way, Unions are now unnecessary and are the remnants of a bygone era.
Bottom line shut the factory down move all the equipment to Spring Hill, higher non union workers and call it a day; the UAW needs a good shot across the bow, wake up folks the free lunch is over…
What a shame. These guys still make big bucks in relation to other industries, BUT they still are not satisfied. GM’s hands are tied. If they did try and close the place the current owners (administration) would not let then do it. The administration promotes “freeloaders” so what do you expect