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UAW Gears Up for Contract Talks on Health Care

Current system must change as retirees outnumber active workers

By Heather McPherson,  Newser User

Posted Jul 19, 2007 9:11 PM CDT

(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.

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 must offer health care concessions to Chrysler similar to those it gave Ford Motor Co. and General...
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)
Uncertainty regarding Healthcare concerns looms over workers nearing retirement age.
Uncertainty regarding Healthcare concerns looms over workers nearing retirement age.   (Shutterstock.com)
Healthcare questions dominate UAW talks, as workers wait for the outcome.
Healthcare questions dominate UAW talks, as workers wait for the outcome.   (Shutterstock.com)
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 faced questions about the upcoming UAW contract negotiations and when the Chrysler deal will close. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
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 this summer's contract negotiations with the UAW more contentious than three years ago. Now, with private equity firm Cerberus acquiring...
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 this summer's contract negotiations with the UAW more contentious than three years ago. Now, with private equity firm Cerberus acquiring...
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)
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