Indianapolis GM Workers Resist Company, Union Pressure to Cut Pay

[Hannah Bell]

What part of “NO” doesn’t Justin Norman understand? The CEO of JD Norman Industries, which makes metal components, placed a full-page ad in the Indianapolis Star two days after GM workers booed his buddies off the stage. They wanted no part of Norman’s offer to buy the Indianapolis Metal Fab plant GM has slated to close. But Norman is desperate to buy the plant—if workers will cut their wages in half.

Norman called for a meeting in a local stadium last Sunday—but only 50-60 workers and their family members showed up, out of a workforce of 630. He offered lump-sum payments of $25,000-$35,000 over a two-year period for those willing to work at $15.50 per hour (with almost all contract rules over working conditions eliminated, replaced by “management rights”). But a six-year-old company with little expertise in the auto industry doesn’t offer much security.

The members of United Auto Workers Local 23 had already voted 384-22 not to reopen their contract, back in May. They knew that its successor clause means that any company buying a closed plant has to honor the GM-UAW contract... Norman needs a yes vote in order to buy the plant and void the successor clause. Not only does he need workers’ skill in operating the plant, he doesn't want to run the plant non-union because the contract prohibits GM from outsourcing the work to a non-union business. He needs a union contract—no matter how substandard—in order to sell his stampings to GM. It’s not just the physical plant Norman needs, but the business and its workers.

Clark (Local's negotiating team) also filed internal UAW charges against regional officials, for negotiating concessions after members had voted not to, but the UAW International told him the charge was “premature” because the situation remains unresolved. Clark has heard nothing from UAW President Bob King.

Supporters in other plants are now seeking UAW members’ signatures for a solidarity letter to Local 23. “Is JD Norman saying he and his managers will take a 50% cut in pay if they buy the plant?” they ask. “If you stand strong, it will help everyone.”

http://www.factoryrat.com/factoryrat/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=12897

Dianne Feeley is a retired auto worker in Detroit. For more information, see Factoryrats Unite!, Soldiers of Solidarity, Warriors of Labor, Autoworker Caravan. UAW members who want to sign the solidarity letter can call 313-215-7672 or email [e-mail].

[madrchsod]

1. the anti union folks unrec again....

[Hannah Bell]

2. kr