TPW 9/17

[rpepka]

Yes it does, I also heard that the Canadian Government is set to legislate a back to work mandate. But we don't want the workers MAD when there making our cars either!

[rpepka]

CAW offers wage, pension changes for new hires
8:02pm IST

* Union offers longer "earn-in," lower starting wage

* May relax 30-and-out provision for new hire pensions

* Workers could strike all three automakers

TORONTO, Sept 13 (Reuters) - The Canadian Auto Workers union has offered the Detroit 3 automakers concessions on wages and pensions for new hires, a senior union official said on Thursday, as pressure builds to reach a deal ahead of a deadline early next week.

CAW National Secretary-Treasurer Peter Kennedy said the union has proposed a lower starting wage for new hires, and a longer "earn-in," the time it takes to reach the top of the pay scale. But workers would still eventually reach the same pay as existing employees.

"The important thing is that over time they would grow into the prevailing rate, so that we wouldn't have a permanent two-tier system," said Kennedy.

On Monday, a union source close to the talks said it might be possible to extend the earn-in from the current six years to as long as 10 years. Kennedy said he did not want to talk specifics.

The CAW has threatened to strike against Fiat SpA's Chrysler , Ford Motor Co and General Motors Corp simultaneously if it does not reach a contract agreement with at least one company by its strike deadline at 11:59 p.m. Eastern on Sept. 17 (0359 GMT, Sept. 18).

Kennedy said the union has also presented a new pension plan for new hires. New workers would contribute to their pensions - current employees do not - but would still be entitled to a defined benefit, not a defined contribution pension.

Also on pensions, Kennedy said the union could relax the "30-and-out" provision for new hires. Instead of being allowed to retire after 30 years under any circumstances, they would be able to retire after 30 years only if they were above a particular age.

© Thomson Reuters 2011. All rights reserved.

[Fyx]

Getting a little more hopeful that we won't see a strike. I jsut don't want disgruntled employees building my car! lol.

[rpepka]

Could not agree with you more!

[EVoLGRiMM]

I'm a 9/17er too! For a ZL1

[dpslugger12]

Im in also! ZL1 BLACK, sunroof, m6

[Fyx]

Updated first post. Lots of ZL1's! Wow...

[ZL1texas]

9/17 TPW order QNZQTP"Let us have our steeds"

[rpepka]

It is the week of the month that they do build ZL1's

[rpepka]

chicagotribune.com
As a strike looms, CAW offers concessions to Detroit three

Allison Martell and Nicole Mordant

Reuters

2:28 PM CDT, September 13, 2012
Advertisement


TORONTO/VANCOUVER (Reuters) - Four days before its strike deadline, the Canadian Auto Workers union has offered the three Detroit automakers concessions on wages and pensions for new hires, yielding ground that should not upset existing workers.

CAW National Secretary-Treasurer Peter Kennedy said the union has proposed a lower starting wage for new hires, and a longer "earn-in," the time it takes to reach the top of the pay scale.

The union has also presented a new pension proposal for new hires at Chrysler, Ford Motor Co and General Motors Co. New workers would contribute to their pensions - current employees do not - but would still be entitled to a defined-benefit, not a defined-contribution pension.

Also on pensions, Kennedy said the union could relax the "30-and-out" provision for new hires. Instead of being allowed to retire after 30 years with full pension under any circumstances, they would be able to retire after 30 years only if they were above a set age.

Tony Faria, a University of Windsor professor and auto industry expert, said he was not surprised that the CAW had chosen to make concessions on new-employee pay and benefits.

"I thought that was an area where the CAW certainly could do something, as with the new hire they are not taking anything away from the existing worker, who has to vote on ratifying the contract."

Faria said he was glad the CAW had put the concessions on the table. If it hadn't "there was no hope for this contract being settled," he said.

Earlier on Thursday, CAW President Ken Lewenza said in an interview that the talks with the Detroit Three were "terrible". But he added that "the world could change in four days".

Under the starting wage concession, new workers would still reach the same pay level as existing employees eventually. The CAW has refused to consider a permanent two-tier wage system, arguing that employees doing the same work should eventually be paid the same amount.

"The important thing is that over time they would grow into the prevailing rate, so that we wouldn't have a permanent two-tier system," Kennedy said.

On Monday, a union source close to the talks said it might be possible to extend the earn-in from the current six years to as long as 10 years. Kennedy said he did not want to talk specifics.

The CAW has threatened an unprecedented simultaneous strike at all three automakers if it does not reach a contract agreement with at least one company by the union's strike deadline of 11:59 p.m. eastern time on September 17 (0359 GMT, September 18).

"We continue to have an open and constructive dialogue with our CAW partners," GM spokeswoman Faye Roberts said in an email.

"We are optimistic that we can continue to work together to overcome challenges, find creative solutions and improve our competitive position."

A Chrysler spokeswoman declined to comment on the developments, and Ford did not respond to a request for comment.

The automakers want the CAW to accept the same type of deals they reached in the United States last year with the United Auto Workers, Lewenza said last week.

The UAW contracts had no wage increases and preserved a two-tier system. They also included signing bonuses and profit-sharing. The latter has not been offered to the CAW, Lewenza said.

With talks heading down to the wire, Kennedy said senior officials from Chrysler and Ford would join the negotiations on Thursday. He said GM already has a senior U.S. official at the table.

"It's a sign that folks are taking this seriously," Kennedy said. "There's a lot of experience around all of the bargaining tables and if we can get behind the concepts we can get this done."

(Additional reporting by Euan Rocha in Toronto; Editing by Frank McGurty; and Peter Galloway)

Copyright © 2012, Reuters

[dpslugger12]

How long till we can expected getting our camaro from the dealer?

[Fyx]

Originally Posted by dpslugger12

How long till we can expected getting our camaro from the dealer?

Depends on the strike right now. If no strike, depending on your location and a little luck, anywhere between 10 days and 3 weeks. 2 weeks being the average from what I've seen.

[rpepka]

It really appears to me that they want competitive labor costs with the US or they want to move the factory's south.

[rpepka]

CAW striving for tentative agreement before deadline despite little progress

By Melissa Burden
The Detroit News
1 Comments

The Canadian Auto Workers said Friday its priority is to reach a tentative agreement with the Detroit Three automakers before 11:59 p.m. Monday, when contracts with the auto companies expire, though the union notes there has been little progress made.

The CAW has threatened a strike against all three automakers if it fails to reach agreements with Chrysler Group LLC, Ford Motor Co. and General Motors Co. by the deadline.

"If we are unable to reach fair agreements before the deadline, it is still our intention to stop work as required at any company without a deal," according to Friday's update from the CAW distributed to all members.

Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne told reporters Friday after a United Way of Southeast Michigan event that he hopes the automakers and the CAW can both "come to the stark realization" of the changing automotive industry during the labor negotiating process.

The union said CAW and the companies remain "very far apart on a number of fundamental issues." A number of senior executives from the companies are now in Toronto to take part in discussions, the CAW said.

"Despite what would normally be an encouraging sign, we have had little progress," according to the update. "Each of the three companies remains steadfast in their determination to force deep concessions on both existing and future workers. The CAW is equally determined to resist these demands and negotiate a fair settlement that reflects the best interest of our members."

Earlier this week, the CAW proposed lower introductory wages for new employees, who would start at less than the current $24 an hour, CAW secretary-treasurer Peter Kennedy told The Detroit News. The Globe and Mail newspaper also said the CAW had proposed an extension of its lower-tier wage scale from six years to 10 years.

Negotiations will continue around the clock this weekend and the CAW said it is without an agreement on all major issues.

"Our committees are frustrated, but remain intent on finding a solution," the CAW said.

From The Detroit News: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/2...#ixzz26S8VWsZC