The UAW is not going to roll over and play dead. The Union Leadership understands the economic situation the three domestic manufactures are in. The Union also understands that it is in their best interest to get an agreement with the domestics that keeps them financially sound. However, the reality is the biggest cost difference between them and the imports is in the legacy cost. i.e. the number of retires they have and the medical benefits they have agreed to cover. The Union is not going to let the companies disregard their obligations to those who gave years of service to them. The medical cost issue is one of national importance and won’t be settled here. However, this country, not just the auto industry will not be able compete on the world stage as long as we refuse to address the medical crises in this country.
As far as the contract is concerned, we all expect to see changes come. I would guess that the Jobs Bank will change but probably still exist in some form. I would not be surprised to see current UAW members with a co-pay on more of their medical coverage. You might even see some of the drugs taken of the covered list completely (Viagra??) I believe the UAW skilled trades are in for a rough time. I don’t expect to see wholesale concessions from the Union
ED
