Infected workers, parts shortages slow auto factory restarts
For some automakers, full production has been delayed, or its been herky-herky, with production lines stopping and starting due to infected workers or parts shortages from Mexico and elsewhere. General Motors had to delay adding shifts at truck plants because the Mexican government wouldn't allow full parts factory restarts until June 1. Honda and Toyota each reported brief production pauses to disinfect equipment when a small number of workers became infected. GM and Fiat Chrysler said they have not shut down production lines due to infected workers. Cox Automotive predicts that May pickup truck sales will be down 18% from a year ago.
UAW issues statement in response to lawsuit filed by employee
DETROIT โ On Monday United Auto Workers spokesman, Brian Rothenberg, issued a statement in response to a lawsuit filed by an employee of the union. Read the full statement here:"The UAW is currently reviewing a lawsuit filed by a UAW employee concerning dues paid to Local X. While we cannot comment on ongoing litigation, the following defines Local X. The vast majority of the International Unionโs staff are members of a UAW local union. The plaintiffโs legal claims concerning Local X lack merit."
UAW goes on strike against GM
DETROIT - The United Auto Workers union went out on strike against General Motors Sunday night, the first work stoppage in the US auto industry in 12 years. The union's 46,000 hourly workers walked out at 31 GM factories and 21 other facilities, spread across nine states, mostly in the center of the country. It's the largest strike by any union against any business since the last strike at GM in 2007. The strike started at 11:59 pm Sunday night. The union said that GM was putting profits ahead of employees who helped to turn the company around when it went through bankruptcy and federal bailout a decade ago.
UAW members protest at Labor Day parade in Downtown Detroit
DETROIT - A Labor Day tradition promoting solidarity drew protests from UAW workers amid a wave of scandals. Thousands of union workers gathered Monday in Downtown Detroit, as they've done for decades to celebrate organized labor. The scene angered Brian Keller, a UAW member who led a protest in the parade. "We feel we have a right to speak out against the corruption in our union," Keller said. This Labor Day -- it's a time to celebrate, time for all of us to recognize the hard work everybody's doing -- UAW members.