The 2015 US autoworkers contract fight
Auto companies continue assault on jobs, working conditions
One year since 2015 US auto contract battle
By Shannon Jones, 17 September 2016
The warning raised by the SEP and the WSWS Autoworker Newsletter about the rotten nature of the contracts negotiated by the UAW is being borne out.
“This is a great agreement for our company”
Ford execs, Wall Street investors gloat over new UAW contract
By Jerry White, 1 December 2015
Ford boss Mark Field told investors the new agreement with the United Auto Workers would cost the automaker less than 1.5 percent more per year, below the current rate of inflation.
Report: UAW auto contracts no threat to Big Three profits
By Shannon Jones, 30 November 2015
The business press is gloating over the fact that the new contracts imposed on autoworkers by the UAW are tailored to the needs of the auto bosses.
UAW moves to wrap up concessions contracts for Nexteer workers, component drivers
By Shannon Jones, 28 November 2015
After pushing through sellout agreements at the Big Three, the UAW is planning similar contracts for parts companies.
“All our local union officials are ignoring us and hiding from us”
UAW, media silent on allegations of fraud in Ford contract vote
By Shannon Jones, 26 November 2015
It is nearly one week since the conclusion of the vote at Ford, and there has been no reaction by the corporate media or the United Auto Workers to widespread claims of vote rigging.
“It seems it was going to pass regardless.”
Accusations mount of UAW vote-rigging in Ford contract ratification
By Shannon Jones, 24 November 2015
Attention in particular is focused on UAW Local 600 in Dearborn, Michigan where a huge “yes” vote allegedly provided the margin for ratification by a razor-thin 51 percent.
The UAW’s illegitimate vote at Ford
Form rank-and-file factory committee to carry forward the fight!
By Jerry White, 24 November 2015
The resort to fraud by the UAW has taught thousands of workers that the United Auto Workers is nothing but a corporate syndicate of cheap labor contractors.
Lessons of the autoworkers’ battle
By Jerry White, 23 November 2015
The resort to gangster-like methods has further discredited the UAW and taught workers that the only way they can defend their interests is by casting off the dead weight of this corporate-labor syndicate.
“The workers will never forget what happened here”
Dearborn Assembly workers allege fraud in UAW-Ford contract vote
By Tim Rivers, 23 November 2015
Autoworkers reacted with disbelief, anger and profound skepticism to the United Auto Workers’ announcement Friday that its agreement with Ford had been ratified with 51 percent support.
UAW says contract passed at Ford amidst claims of ballot stuffing, intimidation
By Joseph Kishore, 21 November 2015
With only the Dearborn Assembly Complex still to finish voting, the contract was headed for defeat on Thursday, as the UAW required an overwhelming majority “yes” vote at the remaining plants.
UAW announces ratification of GM contract, overriding skilled trades vote
By our reporter, 21 November 2015
Skilled trades workers rejected the UAW-GM deal by nearly 60 percent, which according to the UAW constitution means the contract did not pass.
“I am not surprised…because that’s the way they treat us”
More autoworkers denounce UAW attack on WSWS Autoworker Newsletter reporters
By our reporters, 21 November 2015
Autoworkers from throughout the US are denouncing the actions of UAW officials in throwing Autoworker Newsletter reporters out of a press conference on Wednesday.
The vote at Ford and the way forward for autoworkers
By Joseph Kishore, 20 November 2015
Whether or not the UAW succeeds in securing or manufacturing a “yes” vote, the developments at Ford have once again exposed the unbridgeable gulf between the UAW and the workers it claims to represent.
With contract facing defeat UAW bullies Michigan Ford workers to ratify deal
By Shannon Jones, 20 November 2015
Ford workers in Dearborn, Michigan are casting the deciding votes on the national contract as the UAW pursues a heavy-handed last minute ratification push.
Autoworkers denounce UAW attack on WSWS Autoworker Newsletter reporters
By our reporters, 20 November 2015
The forcible removal of WSWS Autoworker Newsletter reporters from a press conference exposes the UAW’s fear of and hostility to the workers that it claims to represent.
With Ford pact in jeopardy, UAW intensifies economic blackmail
By Jerry White, 19 November 2015
After Ford workers at two Louisville factories overwhelmingly voted “no,” the United Auto Workers held a hastily called press conference to threaten workers with plant closings and layoffs.
Injunction issued against Kohler strikers in Wisconsin
By James Brewer, 19 November 2015
The restraining order was issued by a Sheboygan County circuit court judge after the company filed a complaint charging that pickets were causing a traffic jam.
Video shows UAW officials grabbing cell phone, forcibly ejecting WSWS reporters from press conference
By Shannon Jones, 19 November 2015
The UAW’s thuggish actions against the WSWS Autoworker Newsletter reflect its hostility to the working class and its fear of any exposure of its conspiracy with the auto companies.
“It’s pretty obvious that the UAW is a pro-company organization”
Chicago Ford workers reject UAW-corporate agreement
By our reporters, 19 November 2015
Workers who rejected the sellout agreement at the Chicago Assembly and Louisville Assembly plants spoke with the WSWS Autoworker Newsletter.
Video report: UAW officials grab cell phone, forcibly eject WSWS reporters from press conference
18 November 2015
UAW officials from Local 600 in Dearborn, Michigan physically ejected two WSWS Autoworker Newsletter reporters from a press conference and forcibly took a cell phone being used to record the incident.
UAW contracts sanction moves to eliminate small car production in US
By Eric London, 17 November 2015
The United Auto Workers rejects any struggle to unify workers in Mexico, Canada and the US in a common fight against the transnational auto giants.
“It’s terrible, a slap in the face”
Kansas City autoworkers vote “no” on UAW-Ford contract
By our reporters, 17 November 2015
Opposition to the contract at Ford is widespread, with at least 45 percent of workers voting “no” thus far, including 54 percent at the Kansas City Assembly Plant.
“Ford is making record profits…and we’re living paycheck to paycheck”
Widespread opposition to UAW-Ford sellout deal as voting continues
By Marcus Day, 16 November 2015
Supporters of the WSWS Autoworker Newsletter campaigned for a “no” vote among Ford workers at plants in Michigan and Illinois over the weekend.
UAW delays ratification of GM contract as it attempts to ram through deal at Ford
By Joseph Kishore, 14 November 2015
The rejection of the deal by skilled trades workers at General Motors was a reflection of widespread opposition to the contracts, which the UAW is seeking to override.
Autoworker speaks out: Life for young workers in America’s rustbelt
By Eric London, 14 November 2015
The World Socialist Web Site recently spoke to an autoworker about working and growing up in Kokomo, Indiana.
Opposition grows as votes begin on UAW-Ford sellout
By Shannon Jones, 13 November 2015
Sterling Axle workers in suburban Detroit picketed a UAW information meeting to call for a “no” vote on the tentative agreement
Anger grows as Ford workers begin voting on UAW sellout
By Shannon Jones, 12 November 2015
The UAW is attempting to rush through a contract ratification vote without giving workers time to analyze the agreement and mobilize opposition.
Vote “no” on UAW-Ford sellout contract!
12 November 2015
The WSWS Autoworker Newsletter urges Ford workers to distribute this statement to fellow workers at the plants and upcoming contract votes.
“The UAW is a shill for the company”
UAW-Ford deal creates new tier of low-paid workers
By Jerry White, 11 November 2015
While falsely claiming to have created a “path” to traditional wages for second-tier workers, the UAW-Ford contract creates a third tier of workers at three plants.
UAW scabs do bidding of US auto companies
By Jerry White, 9 November 2015
The UAW is seeking to rush through a new contract on Ford workers, finalizing its campaign to impose the dictates of the auto executives and Wall Street.
Ford workers denounce UAW efforts to push through sellout contract
By our reporters, 9 November 2015
The UAW is moving quickly to force Ford workers to vote on a sellout deal, with the UAW Council meeting today and votes planned for as soon as this week.
UAW prepares to override skilled trades workers’ rejection of GM contract
By Joseph Kishore, 9 November 2015
According to the UAW’s bylaws, for a contract to pass it must be backed by both production and skilled trades workers, and the latter rejected the deal with GM by nearly 60 percent.
UAW seeks to ram through Ford deal as results at GM show split vote
By Shannon Jones and Joseph Kishore, 7 November 2015
The announcement of a deal at Ford came the same day that the UAW reported that skilled trades workers had voted against the agreement at GM.
Stiff opposition to UAW-GM deal as balloting concludes
By Jerry White, 6 November 2015
Despite the all-out effort of the UAW to ram through the sellout deal, which will expand the two-tier wage system, large numbers of autoworkers are voting “no.”
Skilled trades workers voting against UAW-GM agreement
By Shannon Jones, 6 November 2015
According to the UAW constitution, a contract must be supported by both production and skilled trades workers, though the union has simply overridden this requirement before.
Substantial opposition to UAW-GM sellout remains as voting continues
By Eric London, 5 November 2015
Messages to the WSWS Autoworker Newsletter give a glimpse of the deep hostility of workers toward the UAW’s effort to ram through the contract.
UAW officials spout company line
By Jerry White, 5 November 2015
Fearing that a struggle by autoworkers will disrupt their lucrative relations with management, UAW officials are saying a strike would lead to disaster.
Close vote on UAW-GM contract reveals deep discontent
By Shannon Jones, 4 November 2015
Vote results show strong opposition to the GM sellout deal despite an all-out drive by the UAW to secure ratification.
UAW sanctions closure of GM assembly plant in Wisconsin
By George Gallanis, 4 November 2015
The Janesville, Wisconsin, Assembly Plant, idled since 2009, will be permanently closed under the terms of the proposed UAW-GM contract.
UAW using economic blackmail in effort to ram through sellout deal
By Jerry White, 3 November 2015
After the defeat of its deal by Kansas City GM workers, the United Auto Workers has redoubled its efforts to push through the agreement.
New York City workers back autoworkers’ contract fight
By our reporters, 3 November 2015
Transit and telecommunication workers in New York spoke to the WSWS about the common issues facing workers in different industries.
Kansas City GM workers first to vote against UAW sellout deal
By Jerry White, 2 November 2015
Workers at GM’s Fairfax assembly plant voted by a two-to-one margin to reject the UAW-backed agreement with the giant automaker.
Unifor union in Canada hails UAW-Fiat Chrysler sellout contract in US
By Carl Bronski, 2 November 2015
Officials are claiming that the contract pushed through at Fiat Chrysler, and a tentative agreement at General Motors, validate “grow-in” concessions contracts forced on Canadian workers.
New York City school bus workers authorize strike action
By Daniel de Vries, 2 November 2015
While workers are determined to resist the assault on their wages and benefits, the unions are working to prevent opposition from developing into a political conflict with the Democratic Party.
GM Components Holding workers: The “third tier” in the GM-UAW contract
By Joseph Kishore, 31 October 2015
The parts workers at GMCH, who will receive even lower wages than second-tier workers elsewhere in GM, are intended to serve as a model for workers throughout the company.
Opposition mounts as GM vote begins
By Shannon Jones, 31 October 2015
The snap vote organized by the United Auto Workers is an attempt to prevent workers from mobilizing opposition to the sellout agreement.
“They are crooks, every one of them are crooks.”
Michigan GM workers denounce UAW sellout deal
By Jerry White, 30 October 2015
Workers at GM’s massive Delta Township Assembly Plant near Lansing, Michigan are angered over the new agreement, which maintains the hated two-tier wage and benefit system.
Lordstown GM worker speaks on UAW-GM contract
30 October 2015
A veteran GM worker detailed her opposition to the maintenance of the two-tier wage system.
Opposition to UAW-GM sellout mounts as details surface
By Jerry White, 29 October 2015
The UAW-GM contract, like the Fiat Chrysler deal before it, is aimed at creating a permanently lower wage and benefit scale in the auto industry.
“We are not fools, we will not be bought out”
Autoworkers react to GM-UAW contract details
By Shannon Jones, 29 October 2015
The UAW’s announcement of a sellout contract at GM that is based on the Fiat Chrysler deal has quickly provoked widespread anger and opposition.
Vote “no” on UAW-GM sellout contract!
Workers have the right to study the deal!
29 October 2015
The United Auto Workers is seeking to give autoworkers as little as two days to study a new-four year deal announced Wednesday, modeled off the sell-out agreement pushed through at Fiat Chrysler.
UAW prepares snap vote as local union officials meet to rubber stamp GM sellout
By Shannon Jones, 28 October 2015
The UAW is moving to wrap up ratification of its sellout agreement with GM before workers can study the deal and mobilize opposition to it.
The tale of two tax returns: 1988 and 2010
Letter from a GM Lordstown worker
28 October 2015
This letter to the WSWS Autoworker Newsletter was sent by a third-generation autoworker at GM’s Lordstown Assembly Plant in Ohio.
Ford third-quarter profits double
By Jerry White, 27 October 2015
With the auto companies, the corporate media and the UAW warning workers not to make “unrealistic” demands, Ford and GM have raked in billions in profits in North America.
"The company has had record-breaking profits on the backs of hard working men and women."
GM workers react to contract agreement
By Shannon Jones, 27 October 2015
The new deal covering 53,000 GM workers is based on the sellout agreement forced through by the UAW at Fiat Chrysler.
UAW announces last-minute sellout agreement with GM
By Jerry White, 26 October 2015
The tentative agreement between the United Auto Workers and General Motors announced late Sunday night will be patterned on the sellout contract the UAW rammed through at Fiat Chrysler.
After the Fiat-Chrysler ratification: The way forward for autoworkers
By Joseph Kishore, 24 October 2015
For autoworkers and the working class as a whole, the critical task is to assimilate the political lessons of the contract fight at Fiat Chrysler in order to prepare the next stage of the struggle.
Ahead of contract agreement, GM to lay off 500 at Lake Orion assembly plant
By our reporter, 24 October 2015
The layoff announcement at GM is a warning to workers that the company and the UAW will use the threat of job cuts to pressure them to accept a rotten agreement.
Widespread anger and opposition in wake of ratification of Fiat Chrysler sellout
By Shannon Jones, 23 October 2015
The UAW followed the landslide “no” vote three weeks ago with a campaign that combined lies, threats, the fomenting of divisions between workers and economic blackmail.
GM posts record operating profits from cost-cutting, corporate restructuring
By Jerry White, 22 October 2015
The announcement of GM’s third-quarter profits comes as auto executives, the media and the UAW insist that autoworkers lower their expectations for new four-year labor agreements.
UAW claims early returns point to ratification of Fiat Chrysler sellout contract
By Shannon Jones, 22 October 2015
Voting wrapped up Wednesday on the new contract between the United Auto Workers and Fiat Chrysler amid widespread opposition and distrust in the integrity of the process.
John Deere workers in US demand recount, full release of contract
By George Gallanis, 22 October 2015
Three weeks since the UAW and the company announced the ratification of a new six-year labor contract agreement, John Deere workers remain angry and suspicious.
Fiat Chrysler workers vote as UAW and media push second sellout deal
By Shannon Jones, 21 October 2015
Despite a coordinated campaign by the company, media and the UAW, there is widespread opposition to the contract among FCA workers throughout the country.
Letter from Ohio GM worker on UAW betrayal of Kmart struggle
21 October 2015
The WSWS Autoworker Newsletter received the following letter from a worker at the General Motors Lordstown Assembly plant about the struggle of Kmart workers.
Tennessee GM autoworker expresses solidarity with Fiat Chrysler workers
By our reporter, 21 October 2015
An autoworker at GM's Spring Hill plant expressed solidarity with Fiat-Chrysler workers, opposed the UAW’s second sellout deal and described conditions in the Tennessee plant.
The significance of the Fiat Chrysler workers’ fight
By Jerry White, 20 October 2015
The new contract agreed to by the UAW is a deal between two business entities to restructure Fiat Chrysler’s global operations and divvy up the profits obtained through the intensified exploitation of the workers.
“The union uses scare tactics to threaten workers”
Fiat Chrysler workers denounce sell-out contract ahead of second vote
By our reporters, 20 October 2015
The basic aims of the second contract are the same as the first, including a permanent reduction in base pay and benefits by maintaining and expanding the two-tier system.
New details from FCA-UAW contract reveal plan to create casual labor workforce
By Eric London, 19 October 2015
As workers examine the details of the contract, they uncover secret provisions aimed at attacking living standards and working conditions.
Secret details emerging from UAW-FCA contract as opposition grows
By Eric London, 17 October 2015
Alongside its propaganda campaign, the UAW is making all locals vote on the same two days to ensure that the “no” campaign has little chance of building momentum.
Behind the UAW “health care co-op” scam
By E. Galen, 16 October 2015
The goal of the union and the auto companies is to destroy guaranteed benefits for active autoworkers, just as they have begun to do with retirees.
UAW propaganda videos: An exercise in psychological warfare
By Eric London, 16 October 2015
The UAW has put its New York City-based public relations firm BerlinRosen to work spinning a campaign of lies to push through the second agreement but a lot of autoworkers are not buying it.
The emissions scandal at Volkswagen widens
By Ulrich Rippert, 16 October 2015
Volkswagen is trying to use the crisis to organise a fundamental restructuring of the company, centred on a programme of extensive attacks on wages and social benefits.
“We’ll be ‘in-progression’ workers until we’re 65”
Fiat Chrysler workers in Detroit denounce second UAW sellout
By Jerry White, 15 October 2015
FCA workers at the Warren Stamping plant in suburban Detroit condemned the expanded use of temp workers and new wage tiers.
The way forward for autoworkers: An online interview with Jerry White
15 October 2015
This Sunday, October 18, at 3:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time, the WSWS will host an interview with WSWS Autoworker Newsletter editor Jerry White.
UAW caught covering up plan to double temporary workers in new Fiat Chrysler agreement
By Eric London, 14 October 2015
The UAW has agreed to double the size of FCA’s temporary workforce, creating a large, permanent tier of low-wage, on-demand workers.
Autoworkers’ struggle at the crossroads
By Jerry White, 14 October 2015
To take forward the struggle, everything depends on the independent initiative of workers and their deepening understanding of the political challenges they face.
UAW hires public relations firm to sell Fiat Chrysler deal
By Eric London, 13 October 2015
The UAW and its new propaganda firm, BerlinRosen Public Affairs, are pouring out one lie after another to counter opposition from FCA workers.
GM-Opel workers in Germany support struggle of US autoworkers
By our reporters, 13 October 2015
WSWS reporters spoke to workers in front of the gates of the GM-Opel Rüsselsheim plant on Friday, and many declared their solidarity with their American brothers and sisters.
Australian dock, engineering workers express solidarity with US autoworkers
By our correspondents, 13 October 2015
Workers involved in bitter industrial disputes on the Australian waterfront and at engineering company UGL have spoken out in support of American autoworkers.
Vote “no” on second UAW-FCA sellout contract! Build rank-and-file action committees in every plant!
13 October 2015
The WSWS Autoworker Newsletter urges workers to download and distribute this statement to their fellow workers attending informational meetings this week before the October 20 and 21 ratification votes.
UAW begins campaign to beat back opposition to second sellout at Fiat Chrysler
By Jerry White, 12 October 2015
The UAW is beginning a series of information meetings, or more accurately “misinformation” meetings, this week as it tries to sell its repackaged proposal to FCA workers.
Volkswagen systematically cheated on emissions tests in Europe
By Ulrich Rippert, 12 October 2015
The integration of the trade unions into the company’s management played a significant role in the criminality at Volkswagen.
Australian Toyota workers support US auto workers’ struggle
By our correspondents, 12 October 2015
Autoworkers in Australia face the shutdown of the country's entire auto industry.
Growing demands from John Deere workers for recount on sell-out contract
By George Marlowe and George Gallanis, 12 October 2015
The widespread demand for a recount or revote on the contract that reportedly passed by a razor-thin margin has been met with silence from the United Auto Workers.
UAW releases “highlighter” of new pro-company agreement with Fiat Chrysler
By Eric London, 10 October 2015
The new proposed agreement includes a multi-tiered wage scale, maintenance of the alternative work schedule, no cost of living adjustment and nothing for retirees.
Oppose the destruction of the car industry in Australia! Launch a struggle in defence of jobs!
By the Socialist Equality Party (Australia), 10 October 2015
The closure of the car plants is not inevitable, but it can only be fought on the basis of a new political perspective and new forms of organisation.
“The UAW is using smoke and mirrors to get this contract signed”
Fiat Chrysler workers denounce second sellout, demand united fight
By our reporters, 9 October 2015
FCA workers in Detroit responded to the aborting of their strike and the announcement by the UAW that they have a new deal.
Volkswagen uses emissions crisis to impose deep cuts
By Ulrich Rippert, 9 October 2015
The IG Metall trade union and works council are paying a key role in the planned restructuring of Volkswagen, which will entail major cuts and layoffs.
UAW announces last-minute agreement with Fiat Chrysler, canceling strike
By Joseph Kishore, 8 October 2015
The UAW will now marshal every possible tool at its disposal to push through the pro-company agreement as rapidly as possible, including lies, threats, redbaiting and intimidation.
French autoworkers support US workers’ rejection of Fiat-Chrysler contract
By our reporters, 8 October 2015
Autoworkers at the Peugeot-Citroën plant in the Paris suburb of Poissy expressed solidarity with Fiat Chrysler workers in the US and described the similar attacks they face in France.
A reply to redbaiting by the general counsel of the Detroit AFL-CIO
By Eric London, 8 October 2015
The UAW has called on the Metro Detroit AFL-CIO’s lead counsel, Bruce Miller, to launch a dishonest and desperate attack on the WSWS and the Autoworker Newsletter.
As autoworker militancy mounts, UAW issues “strike notice” to Fiat Chrysler
By Joseph Kishore, 7 October 2015
The strike notice is the latest in a series of improvisations carried out by the UAW following last week’s landslide “no” vote on a deal supported by both the union and FCA management.
John Deere workers denounce vote and demand recount
By George Marlowe and George Gallanis, 7 October 2015
Workers at John Deere condemned the UAW-Deere conspiracy to ram through a six-year sellout contract
“You have the support of a lot of other people”
Video: Ferguson, Missouri residents speak on social conditions, autoworkers struggle
By Zac Corrigan and Eric London, 7 October 2015
The WSWS spoke to residents of Ferguson, Missouri about the struggle of auto workers and life in the city more than one year after the killing of Michael Brown.
”Everyone’s willing to strike…but we don’t trust the UAW International”
Fiat Chrysler workers speak on possible walkout
By our reporters, 7 October 2015
FCA workers spoke to the WSWS Autoworker Newsletter about the UAW’s announcement that it could call a strike if the current agreement expires just before midnight Wednesday.
Growing suspicion among workers after UAW claims Deere contract was ratified
By Eric London and George Gallanis, 6 October 2015
The United Auto Workers is giving workers every reason to be suspicious of its announcement that its six-year contract, covering 11,000 John Deere workers, was ratified.
UAW president denounces “outside groups” for defeat of Fiat Chrysler deal
By Jerry White, 6 October 2015
The UAW is blaming the stunning defeat of its sellout contract on outside agitators, in an unstated reference to the WSWS Autoworker Newsletter .
UAW claims John Deere contract ratified despite widespread opposition
By our reporter, 5 October 2015
The United Auto Workers colluded with management to quickly ram through a sellout contract covering more than 11,000 John Deere workers.
“Workers are going to need to stand up against this”
Deere workers denounce sellout contract
By our reporters, 5 October 2015
Supporters of the WSWS Autoworker Newsletter spoke with John Deere workers in Illinois and Iowa before and after the contract vote Sunday.
UAW to meet with Fiat Chrysler executives in bid to push through new sellout deal
By Jerry White, 5 October 2015
Cosmetic changes, including an increase in the signing bonus, are being floated as the UAW and Fiat Chrysler plot to force through a new contract against mass opposition.
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