Got this from a Chrysler worker who'd taken a spin through today's UAW agreement with the automaker:
The thing that stands out to me is that we did not see a cut in pay or benefits. That is huge and considering what is going on around with job losses (and pending job losses). I consider myself very lucky. Our only losses are a couple holidays, forced vacation time used during layoffs, Christmas bonuses, performance bonuses like "profit sharing."
Another minor loss is overtime pay is now after we work 40 hours. It was set up where we were paid time-and-a-half for any time we work over 8 hours in a day and on Saturdays. The way it is set up now is if you miss a Tuesday and you work Saturday, Saturday will be at your normal hourly rate until you complete 40 hours.
It was also made clear to us that there could (and likely will) be more changes down the line but as for now this is something we should agree to vote for. The UAW leadership that was at our meeting said that "we are already a bankrupt company and they will start to liquidate us on May 1 if this doesn't go through."
As far as most everyone else at the meeting was concerned, it was the declassification of jobs that stood out. There were a lot of questions that the leadership did not know the answers to. It was basically, This is what the Gov't wants and we are going to give it to them or no lifeline.
"Declassification of jobs," the worker adds, means that Chrysler is doing away with the full list of strictly limited titles -- everything from pipefitter to carpenter. Now, workers will fall into two categories, either electrical or mechanical technicians:
I'm sure you've heard stories about someone doing something simple like emptying a garbage-can in their office and a union janitor goes and files a grievance. Now, when something breaks down a Pipefitter will no longer have to wait around for a Millwright because it is ALL part of their job.
categories: Letters
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