American Axle Strikewatch...signs of prolonged strike with talks breaking down

[ScreamingMeemie]

and none scheduled.

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080227/BUSINESS01/802270305 (freep is the web addy for the Free Press)

American Axle strike issues getting heated
Observers: Union seeks to affect car production

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In what could be a sign of a prolonged strike against American Axle & Manufacturing, UAW negotiators from out of town were sent home Tuesday, and no talks were expected Tuesday night or scheduled for today.

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The UAW put most of its American Axle workers -- 3,600 people -- on strike early Tuesday morning, protesting the company's proposed reductions for wages and benefits.

Those proposals included cutting wages, which average about $27 an hour, by as much as $14, raising co-pays and terminating vision benefits.

The steepness of those proposed cuts brought hundreds of American Axle workers, bundled in Carhartt jackets, hoods and thick work gloves, to brave the wet, sticky snow that pounded American Axle's cluster of royal blue plants that straddle Detroit and Hamtramck.


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It almost feels like too little too late in taking a stand. After the Big 3 crumbled AAM doesn't stand a chance, I fear. It makes me wonder if these employees are better off doing a slow bleed (which is what will happen with the lower wages and out of pocket bennies that they can't afford along with house payments) or cut losses and run. What the hell is happening in this country?

[ScreamingMeemie]

1. Kick...

sigh...

Thanks for noticing-Eeyore ca. 1960-something