STRIKE!  General Motors factory employees walk out of GM 
Tuesday, September 25th, 2007

It really went down!  General Motors failed to reach a new labor agreement with the United Auto Workers union, and at 11:00 a.m. EST yesterday, the UAW started their first nationwide strike in 37 years.  We told you yesterday that they'd posted an official strike notice on their website, and they're making good on their word.  73,000 workers walked off of the job yesterday morning, in 30 states, and picked up a picket sign.

Their union contract expired ten days ago, but the Union had extended during negotiation talks with GM regarding retirees and healthcare.  GM requested that the Union use a new retiree healthcare fund to pay out future liabilities, in exchange for a one-time payment from GM.  Talks then moved on to pay rates and pensions, sources say.

UAW President Ron Gettelfinger told reporters in Detroit yesterday that GM is the one that won't budge.

"It was a one-way set of negotiations," he said.  "It was going to be General Motors' way at the expense of the workers.  The company walked right up the deadline like they didn't care, and as a result we called a strike...We've done a lot of things to help that company.  But look, there comes a point in time where you have to draw a line in the sand."

"We are disappointed in the UAW's decision," GM spokesman Dan Flores said.  "The bargaining involves complex, difficult issues that affect the job security of our U.S. workforce and the longterm viability of the company."

Tony Gutierrez / AP

Meanwhile, the walkout is costing GM 12,200 vehicles in the U.S. each day, CSM Worldwide Inc. estimates.  Over 80 GM manufacturing and parts plants in the U.S. have stalled, and union members warn Canada and Mexico will be next.  GM stock began falling just five hours after the workers walked out.

Doesn't it seem like everyone is at their wit's end lately?  Ten thousand people showing up in Jena, LA to protest a trial...100,000 people marching in D.C. to protest the President...and now 73,000 workers picketing the largest automaker in the United States.  We don't know all of the inside details of the contract negotiations, but wonder if GM is really the one to blame.  Millions of other people around the world don't have healthcare at all - GM workers are given more than most of us are.  Should the employer be responsible for the healthcare...or the government?

Either way, we hope it turns out well, and it is heartening to see citizens willing to stand up for themselves, regardless of the cause and which side you're on.  That's what makes this such a great country:  that we can have a voice, that freedom of speech and expression are protected.

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