Posts tagged contract negotiations
UAW workers could begin striking this week. Here’s what we know about negotiations.
September 12, 2023 //
Writers Guild Suggests Studios Should Split From Streamers in Latest Update on AMPTP Standoff
September 11, 2023 // In its latest strike-era update to members, the Writers Guild of America is suggesting that studio member companies of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers break off from the organization and negotiate individual deals with the union. As negotiations appear to be remaining at a standstill, the WGA’s negotiating committee told members in a Friday update that behind-the-scenes conversations with individual legacy studio executives amid the strike have shown a “desire and willingness to negotiate an agreement that adequately addresses writers’ issues.”
Anti-labor group calls out SEIU for pattern of workplace misconduct: report
September 1, 2023 // The group rolled out a media campaign the same day, purchasing a TV commercial and a billboard in Times Square that read “Who’s America’s Worst Boss?” The sign featured pictures of SEIU President Mary Kay Henry alongside comedian and TV host Ellen DeGeneres and pop star Lizzo — both of whom have had workplace complaints lodged against them. Several male leaders at the union have received promotions in recent years despite being accused of harassment, according to the group’s report.
UAW workers overwhelmingly vote to authorize strikes at GM, Ford, Stellantis
August 25, 2023 // "The Big Three is our strike target. And whether or not there's a strike — it's up to Ford, General Motors and Stellantis, because they know what our priorities are. We've been clear," Fain has said. Those priorities are far richer than during prior contract negotiations between the two sides. The union's demands include a 46% wage increase, restoration of traditional pensions, cost-of-living increases, reducing the workweek to 32 hours from 40 and increasing retiree benefits. The UAW said 98% of hourly workers and 99% of salaried workers at Ford voted in favor of the strike authorization. GM passed by 96%, while the action was approved at Stellantis by 95%. Voter turnout and how many votes still needed to be counted was not immediately available.
Are salaried workers required to cross a picket line during a labor strike? What happens.
August 23, 2023 // "If (nonunion workers) refuse to follow the direction they’ve been given by management, they could potentially lose their job if the company wanted to take such drastic measures," Kaminski said. "They could be fired for refusing to accept an assignment." ◾ Sympathy strikers can be permanently replaced, Kaminski said. Depending on their rank in an organization, some will retain the right to be put on a preferred recall list for a limited period of time. Many people consider being fired and being permanently replaced as the same, though technically different, Kaminski said.
The UAW vs. The Big Three: Why the union’s wish list isn’t ‘going to happen’
August 15, 2023 // The UAW's wish list would amount to $25 billion-$30 billion per automaker over the life of the contract. "That adds $35 to $40 per hour to active labor cost — an increase of roughly 60%," the source said. The impact being that automakers would return to the "bankruptcy era" and more than double the labor costs for GM, Ford, and Stellantis versus non-union automakers like Tesla (TSLA).
Powell’s Union Workers Say They Will Strike Sept. 4
August 15, 2023 // In a statement, Powell’s defended its offer as fair. “Powell’s proposal includes immediate wage increases for every employee in the bargaining unit and annual wage increases every year of the contract, making our wages competitive with the majority of retail wages in Portland,” the company said in an email. “In addition, we proposed reduced health care monthly premiums for the majority of employees, eliminating deductibles for the majority of doctors’ visits, and an enhanced 401(k) retirement plan match.” The company expressed optimism that it would reach a deal at the bargaining table. The union says that in a recent strike vote, 92% of workers voted to walk off the job. They last struck Powell’s in 2003 but now plan to hold a one-day “unfair labor practices strike” Sept. 4 before negotiations resume Sept. 4 and 6.
Potential rail union strike could shut down Metro-North this fall
July 11, 2023 // The union said trains cannot function without inspectors, which means a potential strike could disrupt the commute of many Metro-North Railroad riders. In a recent tweet, the TWU of America said the vote to approve a strike upon release from mediation was nearly unanimous. The tweet also said, “Make no mistake, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority is on a strike trajectory at the nation's second largest commuter rail system."
UAW Skipping Ceremonial Handshake to Start Contract Talks
July 11, 2023 // “The members come first,” UAW President Shawn Fain said Monday in a statement. “I’ll shake hands with the CEOs when they come to the table with a deal that reflects the needs of the workers who make this industry run. When the 150,000 autoworkers at Ford, GM, and Stellantis receive the respect they are due for their sacrifice in generating the historic profits of the past decade, then we can proceed with a handshake.” Talks with Stellantis begin Thursday, followed by Ford on Friday and General Motors on July 18, according to the union. Change is in the wind The move to skip the handshake is completely inline with Fain’s militant approach, which is reminiscent of past tough talking UAW leaders like Stephen Yokich, Owen Bieber, Doug Fraser. However, recent union presidents have been less firebrand and more businessman.