Detroit auto show protestors picket against two-tiered wage system

[marmar]

from the Detroit Free Press:




About 25 automotive workers and community supporters picketed in front of Cobo Center today as auto companies prepare for the 2011 North American International Auto Show.

The informational picket was a protest of the two-tier wage system that the UAW agreed to with the automakers in order to preserve American jobs. Under the new wage system, the automakers are able to pay a certain percentage of workers a lower wage for doing the same work.

New hires at GM, Ford and Chrysler plants in the U.S. are paid $15 an hour, about half of the regular hourly rate.

At GM’s Orion Township plant, which is building small cars, the Free Press previously reported, a special labor agreement provides for 60% of the plant’s workers to make the UAW’s first-tier wage, while 40% will make about half of that. .........(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.freep.com/article/20110109/BUSINESS03/110109027/Detroit-auto-show-protestors-picket-against-two-tiered-wage-system#ixzz1AaDfLsLe