UAW Local 598 workers gathered once again at The Whiting Auditorium in Flint. This time it was to get the scoop on a tentative agreement reached with General Motors regarding the future of GM’s Flint Truck and Bus facility.
“They’ve done what they can,” said union member Kathy Rumbel referring to her union’s leadership. “We’re backed up against the wall. I think they have done a good job. We realize we have to make concessions, but they (GM) are asking for an awful lot,” she added.
Union members did not vote on the deal at this meeting. They did get information on the agreement highlights. We do know what GM’s wish list entailed as the talks progressed. GM wanted a reduction of Skilled Trade workers from 350 to about 150. GM also wanted outside contractors to take over some of the work load.
They would work weekends for straight time. On material flow, GM wanted outside companies to provide material supply. Then there is the 4/10 work schedule; working four days a week for ten hours each day. Friday could be used if that day is needed.
“Just got to do what we have got to do to keep the plant going. Hopefully we don’t loose too much in the process,” said union member Joe George.
While many feel the glory days of Flint Truck and Bus may be behind them, perhaps there are just as many that say GM will get through the tough times, even as a leaner, more trim automotive company.
“We just have to suffer through it. Hopefully we will regain some of the things we’ve lost,” Rumbel said. Workers will receive hard copies of the tentative agreement early next week and will vote on it on Thursday.
