On June 1st, auto technicians and service advisors represented by the International association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Union, IAM Local 1101, went on strike after their contract with Allison BMW expired.

Allison BMW was recently purchased by the Florida based corporation, Autonation. According to picket captain Larry Rondeau, the new owner demanded that workers accept a contract that would, "bring them into line with the rest of the nation." This would require cuts in hourly wages, no paid sick days, fewer paid holidays and higher health premiums and deductables. The issue of greatest concern is that of the flat rate. The company wants a system where the technician is given a time limit for each task. If the worker completes the job within that time frame they are paid the full amount, However, if they don't, for whatever reason, they must complete the work on their own time. The workers see this as a speed-up that would reduce the quality of their labor and erode their pay.

The striking workers are determined, they have a strike fund and the support of fellow workers in the community. The picket line is on the El Camino Real in Mountain View, Near HWY 237, every day until the contract is settled. Meanwhile the company is using replacement workers, aka, scabs.

Striking workers showed up in force on the morning of July 19th to support negotiations scheduled for 10 am at the Mountain View dealership. At the last minute, Autonation inc., the parent company of Allison BMW, demanded the location of the talks be moved to a Dublin Ca. According to Jim Schwantz, the Area Director of local 1101, of The International Association of Machinists, the union representing the striking workers, Autonation scheduled negotiations for 10 am Saturday, July 19, at the Mountain View dealership. However, at 11 pm the previous evening Autonation notified him that the location must move across the bay; the strike comittee agreed to the last minute changes. Meanwhile, at least eighty strikers, their families and supporters lined the street in front of the dealership.

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