UAW : Carmakers Posturing on Labor Costs

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.baynews9.com/content/9/2007/6/22/263468.html?title=UAW+:+Carmakers+Posturing+on+Labor+Costs++++

By TOM KRISHER
DETROIT (AP) -- Claims by the three major domestic automakers that they must cut average wage-and-benefit costs by $30 per hour to compete with Asian rivals are merely pre-negotiation posturing, two top United Auto Workers officials told members Friday.

In an Internet chat with union members, UAW President Ron Gettelfinger and Vice President Cal Rapson said they have heard reports of the $30-per-hour figure, but said they will not negotiate in the press.

The men were responding to a question about how to make sure General Motors Corp., Ford Motor Co. and DaimlerChrysler AG's Chrysler Group survive without giving major concessions.

But in answering a question from a GM retiree's spouse about problems with a mail-order pharmacy she is required to use, the leaders said the mail operation has saved millions of dollars in health care costs.

"We realize there have been problems with changing to the mail order prescription plan," Rapson and Gettelfinger wrote. "It is vital that we reduce costs wherever we can to ensure we have health care coverage in the future."

No mention was made during the hourlong chat of a potential agreement with GM and struggling auto parts maker Delphi Corp.

FULL story at link.