Steel Markets
UAW/GM Will Take Lead in Auto Negotiations
Written by Sandy Williams
September 2, 2019
The United Auto Workers has chosen General Motors as the lead company for labor negotiations that will set the pattern for 2019 discussions. Contracts at the Detroit Big 3 will expire at midnight on Sept. 14.
“We are focused. We are prepared. And we are all ready to stand up for our members, our communities and our manufacturing future,” said Gary Jones, UAW President.
Union members overwhelming approved strike authorizations at GM, Ford and FCA. The vote is a routine requirement of the UAW constitution that gives negotiators the authorization to call for a strike if necessary.
The UAW members approved the strike vote by a 94.98 percent rate at Ford, 96.4 percent at GM and 96 percent at FCA.
“No one goes into collective bargaining taking a strike lightly. But it is a key tool in the toolbelt as our bargaining team sits across from the company,” said Jones. “Ultimately, the company holds that destiny in their hands as they bargain. Clearly, the UAW stood up for them in a very dark time. Now that they are profitable, it is time for them to stand up for all of us.”
Sandy Williams
Read more from Sandy WilliamsLatest in Steel Markets
Tampa Steel Conference: Two weeks to go!
With just two weeks to go, we have over 400 registered so far for the 36th annual Tampa Steel Conference. Join us and hundreds of industry executives at the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street from Sunday, February 2, through Tuesday, February 4.
Galvanized buyers see glimmers of optimism amidst the chaos
Reflecting on 2024 and looking ahead to the new year, galvanized steel buyers on this month’s HARDI call expressed a mix of cautious optimism with lingering uncertainties.
Construction spending steady in November
Construction spending inched higher in November for a second straight month.
Steady architecture billings signal improving conditions
The November ABI decreased month over month but was still the third-highest reading of the past two years.
Fitch warns more tariffs will pressure global commodity markets
“New commodity-specific tariffs, mainly on steel and aluminum products, could widen price differentials and divert trade flows,” the credit agency forewarned.