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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009
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UAW Overwhelmingly Backs GM Concessions

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(AP) – United Auto Workers members have ratified a package of concessions designed to reduce General Motors' labor costs. Union president Ron Gettelfinger said today 74% of GM's production and skilled-trade workers voted in favor. The vote comes before the company's expected Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection filing Monday. Bankruptcy experts say having an agreement in place before the filing will help move the process through court more quickly.

After the vote, Gettelfinger said, "I think it's a disgrace we had to do anything," CNNMoney reports. "We tried to inflict the least amount of pain possible on our retirees." The firm's VP of labor relations said employees' and retirees' "shared sacrifices will enable GM to become a stronger, more viable company."

The sign in front of United Auto Workers local 1105 in Parma, Ohio, urges consumers to buy General Motors vehicles.
The sign in front of United Auto Workers local 1105 in Parma, Ohio, urges consumers to buy General Motors vehicles.   (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
General Motors world headquarters in Detroit is shown in this Tuesday, April 21, 2009 file photo.
General Motors world headquarters in Detroit is shown in this Tuesday, April 21, 2009 file photo.   (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File)
UAW president Ron Gettelfinger speaks during a news conference today in Detroit. The union ratified a package of concessions designed to reduce GM's labor costs.
UAW president Ron Gettelfinger speaks during a news conference today in Detroit. The union ratified a package of concessions designed to reduce GM's labor costs.   (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
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TerrifiedCitizen
May 29, 09 1:14 PM CDT
Funny how accommodating even corrupt and greedy institutions become when they are threatened financially. Reply
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AClotfelter
May 29, 09 4:41 PM CDT
I would like to see GM owned by UAW... I think an employee-owned car company would be very interesting Reply
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newsrmandan
Jun 1, 09 2:26 PM CDT
I am all for people getting paid as much as they possibly can. Its just too bad the uaw couldn't see the writing on the wall 10-15 yrs ago. Reply
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See Gettelfinger's press conference
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United Auto Workers • bankruptcy • General Motors • labor • union • labor unions • trade unions • auto industry • Ron Gettelfinger • Big Three • UAW

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