American Axle gives UAW new information

[Omaha Steve]

Source: Associated Press

DETROIT

American Axle and Manufacturing Holdings Inc. has turned over confidential financial information to the United Auto Workers union in a bid to speed negotiations aimed at ending a five-week strike over wages and benefits.

The auto supplier said Tuesday it turned over the information last week after the Detroit company and the UAW signed a confidentiality agreement. The UAW said American Axle provided additional information to bargainers on Tuesday.

"We are in the process of reviewing the information provided by the company, to determine if it is fully responsive to our requests," UAW Vice President James Settles Jr. said in a statement.

Settles said the UAW requested detailed financial information from American Axle and offered to sign a confidentiality agreement on Dec. 7, but the company didn't respond. Settles said the company's failure to provide the financial information was one of the reasons the union went on strike Feb. 26.


Read more: http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D8VPBMV00.htm

[LiberalFighter]

1. I could see not providing the financial info if the company was doing well.

But if they claim financial hardship of any kind or that they can't afford the demands of the membership then the company should provide the details to support their claim. The UAW and any union should use the factor that they are willing to work with a company that needs help. To do otherwise is not to the benefit of the membership/union if it results in massive layoffs. Or permanent layoff.

[noonwitch]

2. Or the shut down of yet another automotive-related factory in a poor city

Just what we need in Detroit is another factory closing.

[LiberalFighter]

3. Are you saying that American Axle shouldn't provide the data?

Or that union is trying to break the company financially.

I'm confused by your response.