GM UAW Striker: "None of Us Know Why We're Here"

Robert Farago
by Robert Farago

What's up with Sharon Terlep? This time out, the non-scourge of Detroit tackles the question rattling around her hometown: why is the United Auto Workers (UAW) striking GM, of all people? Terlep sees a devious disconnect, as outlined by the article's subhead: " Union pushing GM for rich Axle deal, some say; leaders cite other issues." Translation: the UAW is lying to its GM members (Heaven forfend!) to get them to carry out a disguised (i.e. illegal) sympathy strike for their brother and sisters over at American Axle. For this theory, Terleps cites "several sources familiar with negotiations." Evidence: when the Malibu factory didn't run out of axles, the UAW threatened a walkout over… something else. "The union's top leaders at the national level have been mum on the issue of local strikes. But local leaders, those in charge of carrying out a strike order and managing day-to-day life on the factory floors, have outlined issues they say are behind the local disputes. Word is coming though one-on-one chats at local union halls, in online newsletters and through interviews with the media." And none of them are saying it's a camouflaged sympathy strike. Perhaps a little more investigation (and a lot less speculation) would sort this out. Just sayin'…

Robert Farago
Robert Farago

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  • Joeaverage Joeaverage on Apr 28, 2008

    What a crock of shit! Admit you guys, GM is starting to use particle board and press board in it's cheaper cars, right? Fess up now...

  • Ryan Knuckles Ryan Knuckles on Apr 28, 2008

    50merc Solidarity.. Wouldn't that be not working as a team?

  • Mikey Mikey on Apr 28, 2008

    Look a little closer busbodger particle board,press board?No way thats first grade plywood and white pine bumpers. This is GMs simulated work envirnment not KIAs Anyway as a CAW member and a former UAW member I can understand the thinking on the shop floor. The rank and file are the ones taking all the hits GM has thousands on lay off right now.Some, not all are recieving reduced pay.Here in Canada benifits are starting to run out.35 years in and the worst I have ever seen it. GM hasn't turned a profit since 2004. In Canada our pension plan is underfunded.In Oshawa we are running at about 30% of our capacity. Rick and his sidekicks get a 15% increase and the white collars are untouched. Yeah! It might be safe to say the blue collars are a little upset.

  • Orian Orian on Apr 28, 2008

    Mikey, I don't blame you guys for being upset about an increase in salary for GM's management while the company is sinking at all. I do wonder about some of the UAW's mentality of sending plants out on strike with them having no idea as to why - it seems to be a recipe for increasing GM's and the UAW's descent into the abyss.

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