The UAW Meltdown | The End Of The UAW

We are looking at the end of the UAW, they can no longer strike against the auto companies and that was their only strength.

As the UAW GM Concession talks begin, the future grows bleaker for UAW members. We now know that Ron Gettelfinger cut a deal, he agreed to never strike again to get the auto rescue loans for GM and Chrysler.

If the UAW strikes all the rescue loan must be paid back to the government. Which means any of the money that would be used for retirees and benefits (VEBA) would be at risk. The UAW is locked in for the ride.

If this was a condition set by George Bush or the Treasury, why did Ron Gettelfinger agree and didn't inform the Union members?

If the Government and auto companies are going to dictate what the wages and benefits are going to be, why does the auto worker have to pay a union?

The transplant auto companies are paying more pre hour and they have medical benefits, Why should the UAW worker make less than the southern workers and less benefits?

The Government will be in partial control of the auto companies and the UAW has no bargaining power.

Why would the new age auto worker want to be in the UAW if he or she is only making $14 an hour with no pension???

Good Luck UAW Members!
J.E.
GMCHRYSLERNEWS

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UAW says working to prevent "run" on GM, Chrysler

By David Bailey

DETROIT (Reuters) - United Auto Workers President Ron Gettelfinger on Friday blamed Senate Republicans for the collapse of the auto bailout bill and said the union was ready to do its part to prevent creditors from forcing General Motors Corp or Chrysler LLC into bankruptcy.

"We're going to work tirelessly to make this happen and realize that there's going to have to be restructuring," Gettelfinger told reporters.

Gettelfinger said the key now is to prevent suppliers from stopping shipments to GM or Chrysler or demanding payment in cash up front -- a situation he likened to "a run on the bank."

"We need to satisfy the suppliers that there is going to be a tomorrow," he said.

Without immediate federal help now by the White House through the $700-billion fund for the banking system, GM will not be able to make it out of December, and Chrysler's own dire cash position is similar, he said.

"If we worked for nothing, it wouldn't help them limp into January," Gettelfinger said.

Senate negotiations over a $14 billion package to extend emergency loans to the auto industry broke down late Thursday. That came after the UAW balked at requirements from Senate Republicans that would have forced the union to agree to sweeping concessions on the spot.

"We wondered, quite frankly, if we were just being set up," Gettelfinger said.

The UAW has been a stalwart ally of the Democratic party and worked hard for the election of President-elect Barack Obama.

Gettelfinger said some Republicans, particularly from southern states like Alabama, saw the bailout negotiations as a way to cripple the union while aiding the Japanese, South Korean and German automakers that have located plants and supply operations in their home districts.

"They thought perhaps they could have a twofer here maybe -- pierce the heart of organized labor while representing the foreign brands," he said....More

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