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Detroit automakers worry about UAW money struggles
WSBTV ^
| 2-22-14
| TOM KRISHER
Posted on 02/22/2014 5:08:58 PM PST by smokingfrog
DETROIT The United Auto Workers' membership and dues are down sharply from just six years ago. In another sign of weakness, the union suffered a stunning defeat this month when it tried to organize a Tennessee factory run by labor-friendly Volkswagen. The rejection, by a close vote, was a major setback in the union's effort to expand in the South, where non-union, foreign companies such as VW, Nissan and Hyundai are rapidly growing.
But instead of relief, Detroit's three automakers Ford, Chrysler and General Motors are increasingly anxious about the 78-year old union's future.
For them, it's a "devil you know" situation. They worry that the 382,000-member UAW could be absorbed by a more hostile union. Such a merger could disrupt a decade of labor-management peace that has helped America's auto industry survive the financial crisis and emerge much stronger, according to a person with knowledge of executive discussions.
Another union might not be as willing to keep labor costs competitive with overseas automakers, says the person, who asked not to be identified because the discussions are confidential.
Despite talk of a union merger, Gary Chaison, a labor relations professor at Clark University in Worcester, Mass., says he doesn't see the UAW giving up its identity and history by combining with another organization.
"It's something that the employers always fear," he says.
Spokesmen for Ford, GM and Chrysler declined comment, and a top UAW official says the automakers' worries are unfounded.
Even as it struggles, the UAW remains the wealthiest union in the nation, with assets of more than $1 billion at the end of 2012. Officials point to a revived U.S. auto industry and more hiring at UAW-represented factories, moves that have stabilized membership dues that have been falling since 2006.
(Excerpt) Read more at wsbtv.com ...
TOPICS: News/Current Events; Politics/Elections; US: Michigan
KEYWORDS: chrysler; ford; generalmotors; liberalagenda; michigan; uaw; union; unions; unionthugs; usefulidiots
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To: smokingfrog
Spokesmen for Ford, GM and Chrysler declined comment,...Because the story is make believe.
2
posted on
02/22/2014 5:12:07 PM PST
by
Navy Patriot
(Join the Democrats, it's not Fascism when WE do it, and the Constitution and law mean what WE say.)
To: Springman; cyclotic; netmilsmom; RatsDawg; PGalt; FreedomHammer; queenkathy; madison10; ...
3
posted on
02/22/2014 5:14:37 PM PST
by
cripplecreek
(REMEMBER THE RIVER RAISIN!)
To: Navy Patriot
Because the story is make believe. Yep, nailed it.
4
posted on
02/22/2014 5:16:29 PM PST
by
Fzob
(Jesus + anything = nothing, Jesus + nothing = everything)
To: smokingfrog
But instead of relief, Detroit's three automakers Ford, Chrysler and General Motors Um, Chrysler is now one of Italy's auto makers.
5
posted on
02/22/2014 5:17:44 PM PST
by
TwelveOfTwenty
(See my home page for some of my answers to the left's talking points.)
To: smokingfrog
Why should it be a problem for automakers? If the people come to work regularly and do an honest day's work at an agreed wage then all is OK.If the workers’ union goes belly up they can blame union hung leadership and/or themselves.
6
posted on
02/22/2014 5:18:38 PM PST
by
Gay State Conservative
(Stalin Blamed The Kulaks,Obama Blames The Tea Party)
To: FReepers
Click The Pic To Donate
Support FR, Donate Monthly If You Can
7
posted on
02/22/2014 5:20:01 PM PST
by
DJ MacWoW
(The Fed Gov is not one ring to rule them all)
To: smokingfrog
That’s what they get for playing with leftist snakes.
8
posted on
02/22/2014 5:21:38 PM PST
by
Olog-hai
To: smokingfrog
Ahh, perhaps the Tennessee vote was a way to get new money in too support the old promises they’d made/ a kind of pyramid scheme. Tennessee ought to feel lucky they escaped by the skin of their teeth.
9
posted on
02/22/2014 5:25:50 PM PST
by
bboop
(does not suffer fools gladly)
To: DJ MacWoW
Take him to . . .
10
posted on
02/22/2014 5:27:23 PM PST
by
Olog-hai
To: Olog-hai
11
posted on
02/22/2014 5:35:29 PM PST
by
Chode
(Stand UP and Be Counted, or line up and be numbered - *DTOM* -vvv- NO Pity for the LAZY - 86-44)
To: smokingfrog
Union dues for government employees will be going up.
12
posted on
02/22/2014 6:13:54 PM PST
by
blueunicorn6
("A crack shot and a good dancer")
To: smokingfrog
Officials point to a revived U.S. auto industry...BS!
13
posted on
02/22/2014 6:30:41 PM PST
by
DakotaGator
(Weep for the lost Republic! And keep your powder dry!!)
To: smokingfrog
DETROIT The United Auto Workers' membership and dues are down sharply from just six years ago. In another sign of weakness, the union suffered a stunning defeat this month when it tried to organize a Tennessee factory run by labor-friendly Volkswagen
As always...Follow the Money!
14
posted on
02/22/2014 6:33:38 PM PST
by
Don Corleone
("Oil the gun..eat the cannoli. Take it to the Mattress.")
To: Navy Patriot
Yeah. I called BS about 1/3 the way through the story. Agree with your assessment. Fairytale.
15
posted on
02/22/2014 6:35:28 PM PST
by
rockinqsranch
(Dems, Libs, Socialists, call 'em what you will. They ALL have fairies livin' in their trees.)
To: smokingfrog
Livin' large at Solidarity House ...
16
posted on
02/22/2014 7:10:43 PM PST
by
shove_it
(long ago Orwell and Rand warned us of ObamaÂ’s America)
To: smokingfrog
“Ford, Chrysler and General Motors are increasingly anxious about the 78-year old union’s future”
This known as Stockholm Syndrome.
17
posted on
02/22/2014 7:11:38 PM PST
by
wetgundog
(" Extremism in the Defense of Liberty is no Vice")
To: wetgundog
Yes, or Abused Spouse Syndrome...
18
posted on
02/22/2014 8:02:00 PM PST
by
vicdoc
To: smokingfrog
Detroit automakers worry about UAW money struggles...geez - most of the "Stimulus" money Obama got in 2009 went to replenish their health and pension funds (and to build hidden slush funds to finance 'rats in upcoming elections) - what kinds of money struggles could they be having????.....
To: smokingfrog
Employees of UAW who tried to form a union were fired by their union bosses in 1969. Here they are picketing Solidarity House in 1969. Unions are anti-union employers ...
20
posted on
02/22/2014 9:56:50 PM PST
by
shove_it
(long ago Orwell and Rand warned us of ObamaÂ’s America)
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