UAW sellout of American Axle strike imminent

Automotive News wrote: The two sides are making progress on three fronts: Wages, health care and legacy costs, and job classifications. American Axle is insisting on a wage cut from $28 an hour to as low as $11.50, the elimination of pensions, steep cuts in health-care benefits and a massive consolidation of job classifications that would lead to substantial job reductions.

As usual, the UAW refused to make any comment on the content of the negotiations. However, in an op-ed piece published in the Detroit News earlier this month, UAW President Ron Gettelfinger said contract proposals submitted by the union would impose real sacrifices on our members.

On Wednesday the UAW abruptly cancelled a strike support rally set for April 18 in Detroit, citing progress in the talks. The calling off of the rally came as a surprise and slap in the face to American Axle workers, who were attempting to mobilize wide participation. Fear of a large turnout, not only of American Axle workers but other rank-and-file autoworkers, was undoubtedly a major factor in the decision by Solidarity House to scuttle the event. Since the walkout began in late February the UAW has done everything it can to isolate and demoralize the strikers.