2002 Special Convention for Collective
Bargaining
Day 1
Day 1
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2002 Special Convention for Collective
Bargaining
Day 1 |
| At 10:00AM Pacific
Time, June 8, 2002, the 2002 Special Convention for Collective Bargaining
was called to order in Las Vegas, Nevada. The purpose of this convention
is to set the platform for Big Three National Contract Talks for 2003. Thousands
of UAW members, including those at Local 2195 are affected by these talks.
Throughout the next three days, convention delegates will debate resolutions
that will shape the directions of those talks. Local 2195 is represented at the Bargaining Convention by our voting delegates John Hawkins, Ted Letson, Danny Dotson, Linda Watkins and Dean Carroll. President Terry Scruggs and Shop Chairman Howard Greene are also in attendance. Alternate delegates Rhonda Bowling, Gwen Ryan, Shirley Parker and Annie Booker are also in attendance. Local 2195 Shop Committee members Philip Hodge, Jack Blevins, Shane Colvard, Dwight Masterson and Steve McConnell are in attendance as guest, along with Quality Network Representative Ray Gold and Editor/Webmaster John Davis. The opening of the convention found a new leadership team in place, following the International Elections during the Constitutional Convention. President Ron Gettelfinger gave an opening address. The following are paraphrased comments during that address. "We must stay connected to the happenings in Washington. While this convention covers all segments of the UAW, the Big Three is what brings the most media attention. Health care will be a major issue next year at the bargaining table. This is national issue, not an industry issue. If we can provide health care for members of Congress and for prisoners, then we can provide health care for all Americans. I have got news for the Big Three. If they think they can place the burden of health care on the backs of our members they are wrong - very wrong. The rising cost of health care will not be settled at the bargaining table, but in Congress. I also have another message for Ford and GM. The employees at Delphi and Visteon helped build those companied for over 60 years. Ford and GM have an obligation to those employees and that obligation will be honored." |
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| Morgan Stanley Consultant Stephen
Girsky addressed the delegates, providing an overview of the current market
and outlook for the future. He noted that while the economy has rebounded
some, there is still trouble for auto companies. Production levels continue
to hold strong, while profitability wanes. There are a number of points
that are contributing to this. For years, domestic producers have dominated
the truck market, and conceded the less profitable car market. This domination
was due to the fact that the imports were not in the truck market. However, that has changed. The import and transplant vehicle producers have turned their attention to the truck market and are making serious inroads in that market. During this period, the big three continued to spend fewer resources on the development of their car production, falling further behind. |
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