Negotiations Update
Monday, April 28, 2008
Greetings Brothers and Sisters,
As you all know, we did not strike at 9:30 a.m. Friday, April 25, 2008. Your Shop Committee, with the advice and assistance of UAW Region 1D Rep Dan Baldwin and UAW International Rep Mark Kelly, met with management throughout the night on April 24, 2008 and well into Friday morning. As we approached the wee hours of Friday morning with a strike deadline looming, management reversed its position on several key issues. At that point, we felt that negotiations were beginning to turn in the right direction. We continued making progress throughout the morning.
As the 9:30 a.m. hour approached, we felt the progress had been sufficient enough that we called off any strike action for now. We informed management that the clock had stopped, and as long as we were progressing on the issues, it would remain stopped. If progress on our issues stops, we will restart the clock with twelve hours left. We informed management that if the clock restarts, there will be no more extensions. Their choices at that point, are satisfactory settlement or strike. Negotiations were recessed with everyone committed to return the next morning.
Both parties were back on the job Saturday morning. Meetings were held Saturday and Sunday and both sides had further research to conduct. Management also needed to review their financial responsibilities on the remaining issues. Brothers Baldwin and Kelly left after our Saturday meeting to go back and update their leadership on the status of negotiations here. They will also be receiving updates on the status of the other plants in crisis negotiations. They will return to assist us early in the week.
We will remain at the table and on the job as long as we are making progress. We all need to understand that continuing progress will be slower than it has been over the past two weeks, now that the remaining issues have been properly defined and refined. We will remain at the table until all of our issues are addressed, all of our questions are answered, and everyone clearly understands what they have agreed to. That clear understanding applies to management, as well as us.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank the membership for its continued support and patience. We know these are trying times and understand there is some anxiety within the membership. It is your support and collective strength that keeps us strong and united at the table as we bargain to a successful conclusion, in spite of the nay-sayers and anonymous critics.
We will keep you informed the best we can as the process continues. We understand that no one wants a strike and it is our goal to come to resolution on our issues without one, but we will not hesitate to use that tool if absolutely necessary. We are also committed to getting our remaining issues addressed and that everyone, Union and management, completely understand what they have agreed to so there is no confusion afterwards.
In solidarity,
LOCAL 730, UAW
Steve Rop, Chairman Barb Henderson, President Louie Schreuder
Nancy Fopma Mike Carlson Russ Bolthouse
Doug Lail Duane Sprague Marty Green