Prime Focus of IUE-CWA Talks with GM is New Production

As IUE-CWA opened negotiations with General Motors on Oct. 8 on behalf of 2,300 members employed at the Moraine, Ohio, plant, Industrial Division President Jim Clark set the stage by stating in his opening remarks:  "The biggest question is what is the future of the Moraine plant. That question is in the hearts and minds of every person, whether they are dues payers or salaried," Clark said.

He and IUE-CWA Automotive Conference Board Chairman Willie Thorpe have indicated that bringing in new production is a major concern as some current lines of SUV's made at the plant are due to be phased out in future years.  The plant makes the Chevy TrailBlazer and Trailblazer SS, GMC Envoy and Envoy Denali, Saab 9-7X and the Isuzu Ascender.

Clarke acknowledged that health care issues were a major aspect of recent GM talks with UAW, and said, "We will have to deal with it here."  But he also noted that the solution to rising health costs "does not lie on the negotiation table.  We will not allow this national problem to be laid at the feet of workers. We need to fix the health care crisis legislatively and politically.  I ask that you continue to work with us."

Clarke pointed out  that Local 84798 members at Moraine have worked with GM to contain costs over the years.  "We don't want this to become a situation of 'what have you done for me lately' where you forget what has been done all these years," he told GM negotiators.

"Our plan is to leave negotiations with a commitment of what we will be producing for years out, what will replace what we have today. Make no mistake about it. We expect to have a clear vision and hope we can get it without major disruption.  Our members' future needs to be clear."

IUE-CWA's current four-year pact for the Moraine plant expires on Oct. 15. The parties have extended to allow more time for bargaining, with a provision for 72 hours notice to revoke.