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Posted on March 15, 2008 by Anthony Fontanelle | Posted under Automotive
GM Says Strike Isn't Hurting Sales
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The exec is positive that the ongoing strike by the United Auto Workers union against American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings Inc. would be resolved. He said full-size pickups and sport utilities were most affected by the American Axle strike but the company has plenty of inventory in those areas. "The impact on our retail sales has been negligible," Wagoner said. "It's not a huge issue for us." But Wagoner said the parts supply disruption caused by the strike would slash the automaker's first-quarter production. UAW President Ron Gettelfinger, in an interview with Paul W. Smith, said the talks have been a "one-way street." "The line's been drawn in the sand and we're there," he told WJR radio station. The comments of the union president are backed by UAW leaders. Adrian King, president of UAW Local 235, which represents some of the striking workers, said: "They still have that do-as-I-say mentality. We're so far apart, there's a lot of room for us to come together. Whenever they're ready, we're ready." American Axle has suspended talks since Monday but rescheduled the same to resume Thursday, said spokeswoman Renee Rogers. At present, the issues are as blurry as a windshield on a rainy day. American Axle said the union wants to continue operating under a labor agreement suited for one of the Big 3, not a supplier. It added that the "all-in" labor costs are about 300 percent of the market rate of its supplier competitors. American Axle said if a competitive labor contract can not be reached, it would "consider additional capacity rationalization initiatives," the company said in a statement. Separately, Wagoner refuted the comments made by Bob Lutz, GM vice chairman, who recently called global warming "a crock". "The comments weren't coming out of our company," Wagoner said, adding he "would just as soon preferred to have passed on the comment. It doesn't represent the way we're driving the business." He told Detroit News that the company has made its strategy clear to address legitimate societal concerns about climate change. GM, to note, was the first automaker to join USCAP, a group that backs mandatory cap-and-trade system on harmful greenhouse gas emissions. About The Author: For more information about your parts needs like windshield visit your trusted online source. Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop. |
Tags: AUTO PARTS, WINDSHIELD
