United Auto Workers at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles plants voted to overwhelmingly approve a contract with the automaker three weeks after turning back its first proposal, the union reported.
According to a statement posted on the UAW’s website, 77 percent of hourly production, 72 percent of skilled trades and 87 percent of salaried bargaining unit workers approved the contract.
“The recent bargaining process that took place on behalf of our members at FCA is a testament to the UAW’s democratic values and commitment to our members. The resolve of our membership and the dedication of our negotiating team has produced an agreement that affords UAW members a strong wage package and job security while still allowing the company to competitively produce high quality vehicles for our customers,” UAW President Dennis Williams said in a statement.
The second proposal scrapped a health care co-op and brought closer the two-tier wage system. Newer-hired, second-tier workers could see their wages rise to $29 per hour after eight years of employment under the second deal. Veteran, first-tier workers would be paid roughly the same. The first proposal only raised wages for Tier 2 workers up to $25.35 an hour.
“UAW members at FCA have obtained a strong agreement that provides substantial wage gains, fairness in the workplace, and job security. Because of the strength and support from our membership, our bargaining team was able to negotiate a contract which promises a secure future for our members, their families and their communities.” UAW FCA US Vice President Norwood Jewell said in a statement.
The newly approved contract also included a “ratification bonus” for workers ranging from $3,000 to $4,000 for workers.
According to the Detroit News, the contract only faced significant opposition at the automaker’s Toledo, Ohio plant, which produces the Wrangler. Only 55 percent of workers there approved the contract, according to the newspaper.
The UAW may turn its attention now to negotiations with Ford or General Motors, or both. Although the negotiated contracts with those automakers would be significantly different, the ratified deal with FCA workers could provide a framework, including the scrapped health care co-op.
Thanks for keeping us “abreast” of the situation.
Seriously cant you find another model..she is kinda scary in a attractive kinda way…2 more cup sizes and she could be Elvira.
Make that three more cup sizes, and a lot more makeup.
I appreciate the photo continuity. At least now I know what she looks like with her frown turned upside down.
Every time I see her I’m reminded of a certain ZZ Top song.
So apparently all the dissatisfaction over the work schedules got solved with cash.
This was about closing the gap on Tier 2 because without a clear path to Tier 1 as the older generation aged out there would become one tier, a lower one, which would effectively mean an industry-wide pay cut. It just didn’t make sense then and as they go forward this it makes even less sense.
hmmm was she the FCA negotiator? I’d go to work for free.
You would probably be expecting fringe benefits, and you would be disappointed.
Oh, wonderful, I suppose the quality of FCA built vehicles will now increase as well, now that they rank and file are much more content performing their repetitious and arduous duties?
FCA vehicles are pretty well put together now – as designed. There’s nothing the assemblers can do about the design of the pieces that are “supposed” to fit together, or the quality of the materials and components. They’re auto assemblers, not magicians.