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UAW launches first strike against GM since 1970

 
3 1,329 views Sep 24, 2007
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UAW launches first strike against GM since 1970

UAW launches first strike against GM since 1970

After a negotiation deadline passed this morning, UAW workers went on the first nationwide strike to occur during contract negotiations since 1976 - and the first strike against GM since 1970. Negotiations have been ongoing since September 14th, but the union and GM have been unable to reach an accord on they key issues of domestic auto production and health benefits.

Union members are striking reluctantly, having hoped a deal would be reached that would benefit both sides. But once the deadline passed without an agreement, streams of workers poured into the local Detroit UAW hall to gather picket signs and begin the strike.

An hour-by-hour ad-hoc contract had covered the time between September 14th and the deadline today, but GM's desire to cut labor costs and unload its retiree obligations could not meet a satisfactory middle with the UAW's needs for it's laborers.

A press conference is happening now, where the UAW is expected to officially announce the strike and give more details on the issues.



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Comments (3)

  1. By Gus Posted: 9/24/2007 12:38pm PDT

    Unions, the death knell of the American auto industry.
     
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  2. By HECTOR Posted: 9/24/2007 5:22pm PDT

    Gus again has it right. The UAW is one - though certainly not the only one - reason why American cars are at the level they are these days (whether their reputation is deserved or not is another argument).

    I hope GM will say *OK, let's see who's the last man standing* and stand tough. They have enough cars in the lots to last them awhile anyway...
     
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  3. By Gus Posted: 9/24/2007 7:26pm PDT

    True, the problem is compounded by the public seeing the news about the strikes, and in their minds imagining, at best, that the company they bought the car from may not exist in the future, and, at worst, disgruntled employees putting their cars together with less enthusiasm than say, a Japanese or a German worker.
     
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