UAW Workers React To Possible Concessions
UAW Workers React To Possible Concessions Save Email Print
Posted: 5:50 PM Dec 3, 2008
Last Updated: 10:19 PM Dec 3, 2008
Reporter: John Tramontana
Email Address: john.tramontana@wilx.com
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"Times are tough."

 
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Perhaps it's a cliche, or maybe an understatement as the big three struggle to survive. But UAW members are ready to give up whatever they need to to save the company.

"For job security. For our jobs."

"I think it's probably necessary" said Kathy Lischkge. "Everybody's got to do their part. We've got to keep this company going."

Many of the UAW members we spoke to today say they're prepared to do whatever's necessary to keep General Motors going strong. But there were a handful of others who said the union has already given up too much, especially in the last round of contract talks.

"The last contract we gave up a lot and that has not been mentioned," said rick Alleman.

"We've given them plenty of concessions in the last agreement if people really knew what we gave up," said Joe Cantin.

Just one year after the UAW agreed to slash pay and give up other benefits, the cutting may be far from over. The union may now delay payments to a health care trust and even eliminate the jobs bank.

"We're going to have to be creative and create ways to help gm out in tough times. We've got to sell cars," said Darren McDonald. "There are a lot of jobs at risk and it impacts the community."

All workers seem to agree that concessions are still better than not having a job. If even one of the big three were to go under, millions of jobs would be lost.

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Posted by: mmz Location: DeWitt on Dec 4, 2008 at 07:10 PM
Dee- I am one of the greedy unskilled UAW workers you so callously spoke of (by the way I make $14.51 an hour per our concessions, so you could hardly say overpaid). I am also an AMERICAN!!! How can we be so mean and jealous of our own people making a good living? Instead of people saying we make to much, how about saying others don't make enough? The big businesses want us to make peanuts for wages and then expect us to buy homes, take vacations, buy new vehicles? Come on people wake up!!! If you don't build a strong middle class then you won't make big profits. I also run a small business and know that in order to make money you have to spend money. I'm not saying that Unions are all good but they have made it possible for people to make a good living wage. Remember these greedy people eat at your restaurants and shop in your stores. I have never seen anybody turn down Union money when they have something to sell.

Posted by: pks Location: jackson on Dec 4, 2008 at 03:54 PM
A couple of weeks ago Gettlefinger and the UAW was saying "no more concessions!". Now, they say they will 'do what ever it takes'. Sounds like too little too late. I guess the UAW figures it is better to be reactive than to be proactive. We'll see how that turns out for you UAW. Bottom line is the UAW has to go -if they do not, the the big 3 will eventually. Simple as that. Bad for the economy? Of course.

Posted by: Kim Location: Lansing on Dec 4, 2008 at 10:11 AM
Anonymous . . no she's (Dee) just telling it like it is .. you just need to deal! They (Big 3) have put the screws to people long enough and now it has come back to bite them in the butt! KARMA People aren't taking it anymore. I still say no bailout and if they do get one I hope all citizens go and buy foreign. I for one and the rest of my family will be. There's more than 1 way to skin a cat!

Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 4, 2008 at 08:30 AM
Dee-You sound like anothe jealous person. I can't belive how jealous and mean people are. Have a Merry Christmas!!

Posted by: Bill Location: lansing on Dec 4, 2008 at 08:14 AM
There was A time for unions, but now it is time for them to go. We have a union and all they are good for is to keep the trouble makers from getting fired and making the good workers look bad. This country in this day and age would be better off without the unions as they suck up money from their so called union brothers to have union mettings in vegas and golf outings in the carolina's. You get what you deserve.

Posted by: Dee Location: CT on Dec 3, 2008 at 10:00 PM
UAW workers are out of touch with reality thinking they made concessions. The only way to save the big 3 is with a bankruptcy judge knocking out the union contracts and their outrageous benefits and wages. No tax dollars for overpaid, greedy, unskilled UAW workers. Their greed destroyed the big 3 and caused jobs to go overseas.

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