The United Auto Workers union has been representing workers for over 70 years (Reuters.com). The UAW represents thousands of employees amongst the automaker industry. I chose this union for my report because they are presently trying to bargain with the three major automakers, Ford, General Motors and Fiat.
The UAW has more than 390,000 active members and 600,000 retired members (uaw.org). The UAW has seen a decline in their membership over time due to recession. The UAW has been instrumental in bargaining for their members. Some of the collective bargaining breakthroughs include:
• The first employer-paid health insurance plan for industrial workers.
• The first cost-of living allowances.
• Comprehensive training and educational programs.
The UAW also has pplayed a vital role in passing such landmark legislation as Medicare and Medicaid, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, the Employee Retirement Act and the Family and Medical Leave Act (uaw.org). …show more content…
Since the plant closed in 2009, the plant has been sitting idle. GM offered the employees to transfer to other plants in Indiana or Texas as part of a relocation program. The closing of the plant was devastating to the community and affected more than just the GM plant in Janesville. factories and other facilities in the U.S., and a majority of them voted down the company’s initial four-year contract offer because of concerns about pay increases, benefits and company investments. Negotiators reworked the deal, winning a bigger raise, but the wage bumps will only take place gradually and over the course of eight years