Gettelfinger Out
The Freep reports that UAW president Ron Gettelfinger will not seek re-election when his term expires in 2010. The move is not unexpected as the UAW traditionally does not allow re-elections after candidates reach the age of 65. Gettelfinger will continue to lead the UAW negotiations with the Detroit automakers through the union’s conference in June 2010. “The minute that’s over, I’m done,” says Gettelfinger. And his timing looks to be impeccable (given the situation, natch). Though Gettelfinger oversaw the 2007 labor negotiations which introduced VEBA and two-tier wages, UAW wages will not reach parity with the transplants until 2011 at the soonest. Which means Gettelfinger will not technically be in charge at the exact moment the UAW officially ceases to have any relevance.
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A little of topic but, being from NJ I was surprised about 3-4-weeks ago to read in the local news that the union casino employees at the Tropicana in Atlantic City had voted to authorize a strike. The union is the UAW. Does anyone know how many UAW union members are not really "auto workers". It sounds strange to me that casino employees are UAW members.
Okay, tell me if I have this all straight. When the UAW wins wages/benefits for auto workers over and above their non-unionized counterparts, they're a bunch of greedy bastards. When they agree to wage/benefits parity with transplants, they "cease to have any relevance." Is that about it?
Here in Canada, the CAW represents Hospital, Airlines, Casino, Plane makers ie Dash 8 Aircraft, there official name incorporates a lot of different trades! Canadian Automobile and Aero Space workers or something like that. I am sure they have reached out as they know the Auto workers are in free fall, they need to keep the "dues" coming in to give them Moneys to keep there lavish Headquarters building as well as the lovely Training Grounds and Buildings on the Shores of Georgian Bay(Lake Huron) in Ontario!
There are many, many real differences between GM and Enron, including blatant accounting manipulation at the latter. GM at least has had the good sense to report most of their losses, that would simply be too much to cover up. The UAW does serve its purposes when not busy serving itself, and as already pointed out, functions in many other industries that have futures just as bright as the auto industry.