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Peninsula Labor & Workers

Autonation NO-SHOW at the Bargaining Table

by Community Supports Strike at BMW

Sat, Jul 19, 2008 3:01PM

By R. Robertson

Workers and their families asked, "Autonation, Where Are You?" when the giant car dealer backed out of scheduled negotiations at the last minute. Talks were to be held at the Mountain View, CA dealership today, but Autonation tried to move the meeting to an East Bay location, far from an exuberant rally. Community members joined the picket line in support of striking members of IAM Local 1101.

Autonation, has 321 new vehicle franchises in 15 states, one of which is Allison BMW/Mini in Mountain View.

original image (1941x1553)

For details on the strike, now in its seventh week, by members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) visit earlier indybay coverage:
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2008/07/18/18517493.php
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2008/07/13/18515956.php

For more information: http://www.iam.org

§BMW Foreman shares the latest with a Raging Granny

by BMW workers on strike

Sat, Jul 19, 2008 3:01PM

original image (2272x1704)

BMW Foreman is Tim. Foreman for the Mini car dealership (also owned by Autonation and part of the work stoppage) is Julie. The Grannies have been listening to the workers and the foremen to learn what has transpired over the last seven weeks. Here Tim and Granny Gail are seen talking under the giant Rat (check out the nails!) and under the watch of local police.

A Mountain View police spokesperson has accused strikers of vandalizing cars on the lot; strikers say "no way" and police have made no arrests and have nary a suspect to point to.

http://www.iam.org

§Lunch is served...

by BMW workers on strike

Sat, Jul 19, 2008 3:01PM

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...under the BMW logo

http://www.iam.org

§Security is heavy...

by BMW workers on strike

Sat, Jul 19, 2008 3:01PM

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...keeping an eye on demonstrators from the Mini lot next door.
BMW and Mini are now owned by Autonation. Service workers and technicians from both are now on strike

http://www.iam.org

§2 Raging Grannies pose with Rat

by BMW workers on strike

Sat, Jul 19, 2008 3:01PM

original image (1699x2158)

The Grannies brought handouts with cheers including:
Autonation, rich and rude,
We don't like your attitude!

http://www.iam.org

§While a third Granny gets a hot dog

by BMW workers on strike

Sat, Jul 19, 2008 3:01PM

original image (2272x1704)

Granny Sharon is national vice-president of Veterans for Peace and a member of the Raging Grannies

http://www.iam.org

§Families arrive and say...

by BMW workers on strike

Sat, Jul 19, 2008 3:01PM

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...don't shop here! Saturday is a big car purchase day, but sales are down naitonwide. Even so, Autonation posted $4.0 billion dollars in revenue in the first quarter of 2008.

http://www.iam.org

§Families brought pets

by BMW workers on strike

Sat, Jul 19, 2008 3:01PM

original image (1704x2272)

http://www.iam.org

§Strikers

by BMW workers on strike

Sat, Jul 19, 2008 3:01PM

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http://www.iam.org

§Autonation wants to take away...

by BMW workers on strike

Sat, Jul 19, 2008 3:01PM

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What's at stake: 4 holidays, and ALL sick leave.
In addition, Autonation wants to reduce wages and freeze salaries for 3 years and significantly reduce medical coverage.

http://www.iam.org

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