The United Auto Workers union met in Detroit this week for its Special Convention, where the organized labor group hammered out several issues before contract negotiations started later this year with General Motors, Ford, and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. The UAW has picked its bargaining teams for both General Motors and FCA with UAW President Gary Jones leading both, according to The Detroit News.
For GM, UAW Vice President and director of the GM Department Terry Dittes will join Jones in representing the union when it enters talks with the Detroit automaker. The other members of the 2019 GM National Negotiating Team are:
- Alan Chambliss, Local 2250
- Anthony Cheathams, Local 651
- Chuck Herr, Local 774
- Early Fuller, Local 160
- Ed Smith, Local 659
- Jeff King, Local 14
- Kenneth Fountain, Local 1869
- Matt Collins, Local 292
- Michael McClain, Local 2209
- Mike Branch, Local 686
- Mike Plater, Local 22
- Ted Krumm, Local 652
The UAW’s Special Convention comes as the union prepares to negotiate with General Motors over the proposed idling of four factories in the United States—Warren Transmission, Baltimore Operations, Lordstown Assembly, and Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly. While Detroit-Hamtramck isn’t included in a lawsuit the UAW filed against GM for allegedly violating the 2015 contract, GM plans to end production at the plant at the end of January 2020. GM maintains it did nothing wrong in its announcement to idle four U.S. factories.
Earlier this week, the UAW also voted to raise its weekly strike pay from $200 to $250, with the amount increasing in January 2020 to $275—just as Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly is scheduled to close. While Jones said the increase in pay isn’t an indication the union will strike, he did say he wanted union members to know the UAW will support if a strike does occur.
However, the UAW is also facing internal issues as federal investigators probe allegations of corruption where the union used member dues to pay for lavish trips to Florida and California.
Comments
That see what he can do to make good deal for GM because Toyota will invest America more and add jobs with plants in America.
Hope the fact that there is someone from Local 22 on the board will bode well for Detroit-Hamtramck.
Vance Pearson spotted at negotiations in Detroit.Articles of the U.A.W. Constitution show a process for removal. The articles are 8.4, 30 and 31. I am local 2164 and under the Constitution 15 locals have to vote on the removal. I have begun some talks to our president and will need others to so. This will require emergency union meetings. We can’t afford to wait and be sold down the river. Anyone interested in picking up the torch at their perspective locals should get me their name and contact information. I am only one person trying to make a difference, and would appreciate any help.