Gettelfinger Warns UAW Of Tough Choices

LAS VEGAS -- Ron Gettelfinger, head of the United Auto Workers, debated yesterday that the shrinking union is facing the toughest challenges in its history and for it the members must adjust to the economic realities of the beleaguered U.S. auto industry and embrace innovative solutions.

He also announced that the union's long run of lucrative retirement and health insurance packages is likely to change in the near future.

"We're not going to surrender!" Mr. Gettelfinger said. "We're not going to lower our sights, give up our dreams or give up our fight for a better world for our children and grandchildren."

He also showed a willingness to negotiate when the circumstances demand it. But he didn't took much responsibility for a landmark agreement that had reached last year with General Motors and Ford which had required the workers to pay more for health care coverage.

According to Mr. Gettelfinger, broader economic pressures had forced all labor groups to change their expectations.
"In the not-too-distant past," he said, "when the U.S. economy grew and productivity increased, we could expect wages to rise as well. That's no longer true.

He has promised to fight for changes in bankruptcy laws while aiming his criticism at Delphi and other bankrupt parts suppliers who are demanding steep concessions from workers.

Mr. Gettelfinger added, "We need to stop dead in their tracks those who would seek to void contracts with their workers while lining their pockets with everything of value and uncaringly destroying lives, hopes, dreams and communities in the process."

According to a transcript of the speech, Mr. Gettelfinger praised those who bargain in good faith with the UAW, including auto-parts suppliers Dana Corp. and Collins & Aikman Corp. He criticized multinational companies that he said have used the bankruptcy court as a weapon to destroy the union's collective bargaining agreements, most notably Delphi Corp.

The decline in members has led to a decline in political clout. The UAW has been in favour of the Democrats who proceed to lose presidential elections and take any union-friendly policies down with them.

But according to many critics, UAW is its own worst enemy. They think that the rank-and-file members are overpaid and the benefits package is a drag on the industry, pulling an extra $ 1,500 to $ 2,000 on the cost of any American-made car.

Therefore, there are going to be serious rollbacks of hard-won wages and hard-won benefits. And the workers are aware of it.
Mr. Gettelfinger has also urged his troops to battle against corporations that declare bankruptcy and export jobs.

He also ardued that President Bush and Republican congressional leaders are seeking more tax breaks for millionaires at the expense of workers.

According to Mr. Gettelfinger, The United States has lost more than 3 million manufacturing jobs since Bush took over the White House in 2001.