Despite UAW wage-cut offers, no agreement yet in American Axle strike Anger simmers over strike rally cancellation

Talks are set to continue this week, but management spokesperson Renee Rogers called speculation about a settlement premature. Earlier reports by the UAW had indicated an agreement was close with the auto parts maker. Questioned by reporters before a speech Saturday at a Democratic Party fundraising dinner, UAW President Ron Gettelfinger restated the readiness of the union bureaucracy to surrender substantial concessions while indicating a certain frustration. I would hope we could resolve Axle, but we cannot negotiate an agreement with ourselves, it seems like its all give on our side.

Meanwhile, negotiations continued over the weekend between the UAW and General Motors to resolve a series of local contract disputes. Twenty-six hundred UAW members walked out last week at an assembly plant near Lansing, Michigan, in a move apparently aimed at pressuring GM to help finance buyout and early retirement packages for American Axle workers. American Axle was set up in 1994 with factories spun off by GM.

Strike notices have been suspended at several other GM plants while negotiations continue. Consistent with its policy, the UAW shed no light in regard to the content of outstanding issues at either American Axle or GM. In the case of American Axle the UAW appears to be holding out for some kind of quid pro quo to secure its own financial interests in exchange for concessions. This may include guarantees that the company will retain a minimum number of UAW dues-paying jobs at factories in the US.

Read More