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Concessions over, UAW says
DETROIT, (UPI) -- United Auto Worker representatives, kicking off their constitutional convention in Detroit Monday, said they had done their part to salvage the auto industry.
"We did what we needed to do to preserve the auto industry and save jobs," said outgoing union President Ron Gettlefinger, who presided over an era in which two of Michigan's Big Three automakers emerged from bankruptcies as vastly trimmed down companies.
Some convention proposals reflect the mood of union workers who say they have made enough concessions, The Detroit News reported.
One proposal from Local 961 would prevent union negotiators from giving up the right to strike – "ever."
Another proposal would allow union members to vote on whether to reopen contract negotiations.
With all three companies -- Ford, General Motors and Chrysler -- reporting profits in the first quarter, Gary Walkowicz is running for the union presidency as someone "who can speak for all those workers who want to put a stop to concessions," he said.
UAW Vice President Bob King has leadership support and is expected to win the post, the News said.
DETROIT, (UPI) -- United Auto Worker representatives, kicking off their constitutional convention in Detroit Monday, said they had done their part to salvage the auto industry.
"We did what we needed to do to preserve the auto industry and save jobs," said outgoing union President Ron Gettlefinger, who presided over an era in which two of Michigan's Big Three automakers emerged from bankruptcies as vastly trimmed down companies.
Some convention proposals reflect the mood of union workers who say they have made enough concessions, The Detroit News reported.
One proposal from Local 961 would prevent union negotiators from giving up the right to strike – "ever."
Another proposal would allow union members to vote on whether to reopen contract negotiations.
With all three companies -- Ford, General Motors and Chrysler -- reporting profits in the first quarter, Gary Walkowicz is running for the union presidency as someone "who can speak for all those workers who want to put a stop to concessions," he said.
UAW Vice President Bob King has leadership support and is expected to win the post, the News said.