Quote Of The Day: Bring It! Edition
Last week, UAW boss Bob King revealed that his campaign to organize transplant auto factories had already begun with talks between his organizers and the factory operators. And though King suggested that his campaign would include the labeling of uncooperative automakers as human rights abusers, he refused to say which automakers he was speaking with, telling Reuters
We are in some preliminary discussions which we agreed to keep confidential so we will do that
But apparently not all the transplants are playing ball… both in terms of the discussions themselves as well as King’s commitment to confidentiality. Unfazed by King’s threats, Honda tells Bloomberg [via Kausfiles]
Honda has had no dialogue with the UAW and has no interest in a discussion with them. The issue of union representation is ultimately one for our associates to decide and, for more than three decades, Honda associates have spoken loudly and clearly by choosing to reject UAW outreach efforts.
Your move, UAW.
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I'm not too acquainted with US labor relations. I have followed the UAW topics here only occasionally. Probably, someone here could give me some useful hints/links to better understand the issues involved. Do I understand it right, that the UAW policy is to establish closed shops, and only closed shops? Why would they insist to do so? Can't it be left to the worker at site to decide whether he wants to support a union or not? Are there any legal driving forces to do so? Any hints appreciated.
BTW, anybody ever see the books for a collective bargaining agreement? These are very complex contracts Ford, 4-volumes, some parts dating back to 1949: 1. Agreements, ca. 400 pages 2. Benefit Plans & Agreements (Retirement & Insurance), ca. 400 pages 3. Benefit Plans & Agreements (Sup. Unemployment, Guaranteed Income Stream, Profit Sharing, Tax-Efficient Savings, UAW-Ford Legal Services Plans and Agreements), ca. 225 pages 4. Letters of Understanding, ca. 650 pages Even for a major 1-tier supplier: 1. Agreement, Letters & Sub-Plans, ca. 400 pages 2. Insurance and Pension Plans, ca. 375 pages
@Robert.Walker: Thanks, I will try to follow your hints, but obviously this will need some time. Of course, the question was serious. But there are other models besides "closed shops". So, in the meantime I will remain wondering why the UAW can't change its business model to something like the German IG Metall, where nobody is forced to become a union member, even if he profits from agreements between companies and unions. It's up to the IG Metall to get members supporting them, on a voluntary basis.
Regarding expatriation of wealth and race to the bottom... Given that the U.S. is of declining relevance as an exporter, sometimes I think that I would rather be paying more for US-made products and keeping my cash in the U.S./western economy than using it to build-up the chinese as a threat.