Detroit automakers worry about UAW money struggles

WSBTV ^ | 2-22-14 | TOM KRISHER

[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.

[Navy Patriot]

Spokesmen for Ford, GM and Chrysler declined comment,...

Because the story is make believe.

[cripplecreek]

Maybe the unions should stop trying to manipulate politics with member money.



Michigan legislative action thread

[Fzob]

Because the story is make believe.

Yep, nailed it.

[TwelveOfTwenty]

But instead of relief, Detroit's three automakers — Ford, Chrysler and General Motors

Um, Chrysler is now one of Italy's auto makers.

[Gay State Conservative]

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.

[DJ MacWoW]

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[Olog-hai]

That’s what they get for playing with leftist snakes.

[bboop]

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.

[Olog-hai]

“Take him to . . .”

[Chode]

Take Him To...

[blueunicorn6]

Union dues for government employees will be going up.

[DakotaGator]

Officials point to a revived U.S. auto industry...

BS!

[Don Corleone]

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!

[rockinqsranch]

Yeah. I called BS about 1/3 the way through the story. Agree with your assessment. Fairytale.

[shove_it]

Livin' large at Solidarity House ...

[wetgundog]

“Ford, Chrysler and General Motors — are increasingly anxious about the 78-year old union’s future”

This known as Stockholm Syndrome.

[vicdoc]

Yes, or Abused Spouse Syndrome...

[Intolerant in NJ]

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????.....

[shove_it]

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 ...