News	News category

American Axle, UAW reach tentative deal

17.05.2008 11:15 Shopping - Source: toledoblade.com

DETROIT — A bitter 80-day United Auto Workers strike against an auto parts maker that has crippled dozens of General Motors Corp. factories could come to an end soon with a tentative contract agreement reached last night.

Renee Rogers, spokesman for American Axle and Manufacturing Holdings Inc., confirmed last night that both sides had agreed on a deal, but said she could not provide details.

UAW President Ron Gettelfinger said in a statement last night that the American Axle bargaining committee voted to recommend the agreement to members.

The union said details of the deal would be presented to members in Detroit tomorrow.

It was unclear when votes would take place or when the workers could return to their jobs. About 3,600 UAW members at five factories have been on strike since Feb. 26 over the company’s demand for reduced wages.

“This has been an extremely difficult struggle for our members and their families,” UAW Vice President Jimmy Settles said in a statement. “By standing strong during this strike, UAW members gave our bargaining committee the strength to face the challenges at the negotiating table.”

The work stoppage affected more than 30 GM plants and decreased production by 230,000 vehicles through April. GM also said the strike cost the company $800 million in the first quarter.

Workers on the picket lines in Detroit have hoped for a settlement since GM’s surprise announcement May 8 that it would throw in $200 million to help end the walkout. The offer was contingent on a quick resolution of the dispute, but the deal didn’t come for more than a week.

On May 1, workers said they were told by a union official that both sides were negotiating a settlement that included the closure of American Axle’s Detroit and Tonawanda, N.Y., forge operations. At that time, the deal included wage cuts for production workers to $17 an hour from about $28. Workers also were told that skilled trades employees such as electricians would see their wages cut to $25.50 an hour from roughly $32.

American Axle makes axles, drive shafts, and stabilizer bars mainly for large GM sport utility vehicles and pickups.

Add comment

Last added news

Zoom's classic entrepreneur: some wins, a loss 29.08.2008 22:01 Hugh Boyle, a Scot transplated to Ottawa in 1998 where he began Zoom Airlines, has had successes and failures in the air travel business.

Mac and cheese study reveals Canada's social inequality 29.08.2008 22:00 Simple meals like Kraft Dinner can be unsatisfying for Canadians who live in a state of food insecurity, found a new study released by the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research.

Machinist union rejects Boeing contract 29.08.2008 20:05 SEATTLE — The machinists union has rejected Boeing's final contract proposal and has called for a strike.

Passengers of collapsed discount airline Zoom seek new flights 29.08.2008 18:00 Thousands of travellers were trying to book other flights Friday after the sudden collapse of Ottawa-based Zoom Airlines left them with useless tickets.

Sask. rate panel OKs $21 monthly natural gas hike, suggests break for poor 29.08.2008 14:01 Saskatchewan's rate review agency has said yes to a natural gas price hike request that will result in a $21-a-month increase for a typical homeowner - one of the biggest jumps of its kind ever for the province.

Area's hopes for high yields shrivel 29.08.2008 11:00 "How can you predict the weather?" asked Williams County farmer Howard Parrish, frustration sounding in his voice.

U.S. loans for car makers a top priority, UAW says 29.08.2008 11:00 WASHINGTON — Congressional approval for low-interest U.S.

MBT cuts dividend by half to 9 cents 29.08.2008 11:00 MONROE - In a sign of its financial struggles, MBT Financial Corp. has chopped its quarterly dividend in half to 9 cents a share, payable Oct. 15 to holders of record Sept. 25.

Burlington Coat Factory opens first Toledo store 29.08.2008 11:00 Burlington Coat Factory has opened its first Toledo store at 5243 Airport Hwy., in the former Best Buy and Pharm stores.

Zoom suspends operations, strands passengers 28.08.2008 22:02 Zoom Airlines Inc. sought court protection from creditors in Canada and the United States and suspended all operations Thursday, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded at airports.

All news | News archive | RSS feed

News

News category

American Axle, UAW reach tentative deal

Add comment

Last added news