PACT IT IN - AUTOLINE THIS WEEK 1547

EV Channels Review

This episode of Autoline This Week delves into the intricacies of the new UAW contract with Chrysler, Ford, and General Motors. The panel largely agrees that while not groundbreaking, the contract solidifies the framework established in 2007 and 2009, representing a stabilizing force for the industry. Key takeaways include the shift towards more generous profit-sharing instead of solely demanding wage increases, concessions on pensions for the union, and commitments to jobs. A significant point of discussion was the UAW leadership's internal negotiations with its rank-and-file, who had to accept major changes made during the crisis years now that companies are profitable. The contract aims to keep the Detroit Three competitive with transplants by managing labor costs, though the increasing use of temporary workers by transplants is noted as a potential risk. The episode also explores the growing role of social media in union communications and the UAW's long-term strategy to organize suppliers and potentially insource more work, though challenges remain in bridging the gap with non-unionized transplant operations.