Skip to: Content
Skip to: Site Navigation
Skip to: Search

July 24, 2008 8:45:54 AM CDT

Learn about Newser Points »

« Back to the grid | Next story »

UAW Gears Up for Contract Talks on Health Care

Posted Jul 19, 07 9:11 PM CDT in US,  Politics,  Business 

(Newser) – The United Automobile Workers Union starts high-stakes contract talks with Detroit automakers tomorrow, at a time when the union counts more retirees than active workers in its ranks—meaning higher health-care costs—and the American automotive industry is in dire financial straits. The talks are being called "the most important in a generation," the Times reports.

Retirees fear an erosion of benefits, while carmakers say they need concessions to compete with foreign companies. Health care and pension benefits cost $1,000 for each car they sell, Detroit claims, vs. a few hundred dollars for Japanese carmakers. One possible solution, with potential appeal to both sides, is the creation of a health care trust. The current contract expires in September.

Source New York Times

0 comments | Print E-mail | Digg Seed this on Newsvine Add this link to Del.icio.us StumbleUpon
United Auto Workers union President Ron Gettelfinger addresses the media at the UAW Solidarity House in Detroit, in this May 14, 2007 file photo. Gettelfinger said Monday, June 18, 2007 that the union...   (Associated Press)
Cerberus Capital Management LP Chairman, John Snow, center, prepares to address the media at the Detroit Economic Club in Rochester, Mich., Wednesday, July 10, 2007. The former U.S. treasury secretary...   (Associated Press)
United Auto workers change shifts at the DaimlerChrysler Warren Truck Assembly plant in Warren, Mich., Thursday, May 17, 2007. Detroit automakers' huge losses and slumping market share promised to make...   (Associated Press)
United Auto workers change shifts at the DaimlerChrysler Warren Truck Assembly plant in Warren, Mich., Thursday, May 17, 2007. Detroit automakers' huge losses and slumping market share promised to make...   (Associated Press)
Uncertainty regarding Healthcare concerns looms over workers nearing retirement age.   (Shutterstock.com)
Healthcare questions dominate UAW talks, as workers wait for the outcome.   (Shutterstock.com)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
Our editors also recommend:

Threads (1 of 4)

Tags

auto industry  • Detroit  • health insurance  • health care costs  • automaker  • unions  • retirees  • workers


Loading...

Loading...

Today's Most Popular


Other Home Stories

What is Newser?

2008 Codie Finalist

Newser gives you more news in less time. We search for the best and most important stories all over the web, read them for you, and deliver concise and sharp summaries—along with links to the full text. Newser provides a way to stay on top of an ever-expanding horizon of news and opinion—politics, sports, business, trends, technology, personalities, crimes, and controversies. Newser keeps you not just better informed, but, with our signature graphic interface and smart condensed format, more enjoyably informed.

Learn more »