Many of General Motors Co.’s skilled trades workers want to reopen their part of the contract, but are concerned United Auto Workers leaders will ratify a tentative agreement with the automaker despite the group’s rejection of the deal.
After 59.5 percent of GM’s estimated 8,500 skilled trades workers voted against the pact, UAW leadership has been investigating the reasons behind the opposition to determine their next move. Expected outcomes include either ratification or returning to the bargaining table to focus specifically on skilled trades issues. A strike against the automaker is unlikely.
Several workers and local union leaders have told The Detroit News that skilled trades workers are concerned over re-classifications of skilled trades that could require them to do multiple jobs; that they may lose seniority or shift preferences; that work may be outsourced; and that no buyout incentives were offered to skilled trades workers. Others believe not enough apprentices are promised, despite the fact that more than half of the 8,500 workers are eligible to retire.
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