Friday, October 09, 2015

Fiat Chrysler Workers Wait for Word on What's in the New United Auto Workers' Tentative Agreement
Heather Catallo
11:22 PM, Oct 8, 2015

http://www.wxyz.com/money/auto-news/fiat-chrysler-workers-wait-for-word-on-whats-in-the-new-united-auto-workers-tentative-agreement?google_editors_picks=true

DETROIT (WXYZ) - Will the Fiat Chrysler workers go for the newest contract proposal – or will they end up striking?

That’s the question tonight – hours before UAW leaders are set to meet for a preliminary vote on the deal.

No one from the UAW is supposed to be releasing information yet, but some details are emerging about this new proposed tentative agreement – including higher pay for Tier Two workers.

We have learned, many of the Fiat Chrysler workers are very skeptical tonight and they are definitely ready to strike if they need to.

"Just remember it’s not over till the fat lady sings," says Don Mills. "We don’t know nothing about the contract, we don’t know nothing about details."

Fiat Chrysler workers are relieved to be on the job – instead of on the picket line.

The United Auto Workers Union posted online tonight that many media reports have incomplete information about the deal, but here are some details being reported.

Under the proposed agreement, Tier Two workers would get a raise - up to $29 an hour over the next 8 years - bringing the newer hires closer in salary to the veteran workers.

That’s been a major sticking point for the union members, who want everyone to have access to the same salary and benefits.

"There’s a whole lot of us going to vote no again, if we don’t get rid of 2 tier and restore the basic union principal of equal pay for equal work, equal benefits, equal pension," says Martha Grevatt. "We want parity now, and that is worth striking for."

Some workers even expressing frustration with the UAW, saying they’re not given enough time to read the fine print.

"I’m not signing a blank check until you tell me exactly what’s going on.  I don’t like the if statements, of not knowing when I’ll get my raise, I don’t like not knowing when I’ll get my medical, I’ve got to pay more than what they said I do, I have a problem with that," says Paul Thayer. "I’m not signing a blank check for anybody."

Tomorrow at 11:00 am, the UAW Chrysler Council will meet in Warren to hear the details of the proposed tentative agreement.

If they adopt it, the details will be sent to the various Locals and then it will be up to the membership to ratify the deal.

No comments: