Chrysler Shifts Healthcare Burden, Will Rest Of Big Three Follow?

**Ming** · 03-20-2005, 07:03 PM

Chrysler Shifts Healthcare Burden, Will Rest Of Big Three Follow?
Beth Shayne
www.wilx.com

It's no secret the automotive world struggles to cut costs, and one of the largest increases of late is health care.

General Motors announced Wednesday they don't expected to meet projected profit levels this year. Meantime, GM competitor -- Daimler Chrysler's put a whole new cost cutting idea on the table with health care at its center.

"Logically, they might come after us as well," says Tony Totty, UAW Local 1618 negotiator.

Citing health care costs that have spiraled out of control, Chrysler's made a move, beginning April 1st, to require deductibles and co-pays for healthcare that was previously free under their agreement with the UAW workers.

According to the Detroit News, it's expected to save them tens of millions of dollars. General Motors has repeated cited health care costs as a primary reason the company's struggling, and so the union wouldn't be surprised to see GM ask the same of them.

"Those coverages--we deserve them. We put our lives on the line," says Local 602 Vice President Doug Rademacher.

For now, its just gossip. Nothing has happened or even been discussed with local union leaders.

UAW GM workers pay about 7% of their benefits. They acknowledge its an exceptional working contract.

They also understand the challenge. "I don't see my corporation go under with the burden of healthcare costs," says Frank Benson, Local 659 in Flint.

Still, he says they have to find a different way. He puts his foot down on this concession.

But, It's not clear if healthcare is a concession GM UAW could make right now. It requires re-negotiating a contract that's not up until 2007.

Chrysler used an obscure clause from their union contract agreed on in 1982 to make their change, and Local 602 President Art Luna says he's doesn't know of a GM clause like that one.

Full Article Here: http://www.wilx.com/news/headlines/1384862.html

SSrevolution · 03-20-2005, 07:10 PM

Depends on whether they will be hindered by bean counting GM executives, or the unions themselves. All I know is GM better do whatever is nessecary to be as good at or better than the other big 2 at healthcare, benefites, etc.

spudglo08 · 03-20-2005, 08:15 PM

Canada has free health care dont they why not the US?

blazer97lt · 03-20-2005, 08:25 PM

"Those coverages--we deserve them. We put our lives on the line," says Local 602 Vice President Doug Rademacher.

Put their lives on the line? How?! Its not like they're fighting a war. It must be so dangerous working in a factory filled with robots. Jeez.

Smilingoat · 03-20-2005, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spudglo08

Canada has free health care dont they why not the US?

thats a very big controversy right now. what it basically comes down to is do we want to have a larger, more powerful government, or do we want to stick with what the country was started on, which is more individualized.

ab348 · 03-20-2005, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spudglo08

Canada has free health care dont they why not the US?

If you want to have the same crushing tax burden and crummy state-run health care system as Canada, go ahead. Nothing is free in the health care business.

espo19047 · 03-20-2005, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blazer97lt

"Those coverages--we deserve them. We put our lives on the line," says Local 602 Vice President Doug Rademacher.

Put their lives on the line? How?! Its not like they're fighting a war. It must be so dangerous working in a factory filled with robots. Jeez.

MEMO TO:President Doug Rademacher
This is an example where a "no comment" may have be the wise thing to say..

MadVette · 03-20-2005, 08:44 PM

Quote:

"Those coverages--we deserve them. We put our lives on the line," says Local 602 Vice President Doug Rademacher.

When they say Line do they mean the actual Production line or are they trying to glorify themselfs equal to our Men and Women of the Armed Forces?

Sneaky Unions!!!

GM_Fanatic · 03-20-2005, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spudglo08

Canada has free health care dont they why not the US?

PLEASE tell me you are joking!

dindak · 03-20-2005, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spudglo08

Canada has free health care dont they why not the US?

Believe you me, it ain't free. We all pay for it via our higher taxes!

That said, health insurance is no concern to anyone here which is a nice feeling of security. It has it's ups and downs like anything though.

D C · 03-20-2005, 10:21 PM

Does anyone know what the UAW benefits are right now? Mainly how much do they pay for copays for office visits and prescriptions?

CD/BP · 03-20-2005, 10:29 PM

Quote:

"Those coverages--we deserve them. We put our lives on the line," says Local 602 Vice President Doug Rademacher.

Hah...wow Dougy needs a professional spokesperson. Never know when the paint shop guys might invade the powertrain assembly area. Gotta fight em off to the death!

ibechip · 03-20-2005, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mountain_23

Hah...wow Dougy needs a professional spokesperson. Never know when the paint shop guys might invade the powertrain assembly area. Gotta fight em off to the death!

HAHAHAHA! I'm sure there are major battles breaking out when a wrench goes missing.

Something really has to be done tho.

Mike The Canadian · 03-20-2005, 10:59 PM

well gm employs are required to have combat training :p

nikivee · 03-20-2005, 11:09 PM

Quote:

"Those coverages--we deserve them. We put our lives on the line," says Local 602 Vice President Doug Rademacher

F**K YOU!!

03-20-2005, 07:03 PM	#1 (permalink)
Ming GMI Staff Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: SE Texas Posts: 13,430	Chrysler Shifts Healthcare Burden, Will Rest Of Big Three Follow? Chrysler Shifts Healthcare Burden, Will Rest Of Big Three Follow? Beth Shayne www.wilx.com It's no secret the automotive world struggles to cut costs, and one of the largest increases of late is health care. General Motors announced Wednesday they don't expected to meet projected profit levels this year. Meantime, GM competitor -- Daimler Chrysler's put a whole new cost cutting idea on the table with health care at its center. "Logically, they might come after us as well," says Tony Totty, UAW Local 1618 negotiator. Citing health care costs that have spiraled out of control, Chrysler's made a move, beginning April 1st, to require deductibles and co-pays for healthcare that was previously free under their agreement with the UAW workers. According to the Detroit News, it's expected to save them tens of millions of dollars. General Motors has repeated cited health care costs as a primary reason the company's struggling, and so the union wouldn't be surprised to see GM ask the same of them. "Those coverages--we deserve them. We put our lives on the line," says Local 602 Vice President Doug Rademacher. For now, its just gossip. Nothing has happened or even been discussed with local union leaders. UAW GM workers pay about 7% of their benefits. They acknowledge its an exceptional working contract. They also understand the challenge. "I don't see my corporation go under with the burden of healthcare costs," says Frank Benson, Local 659 in Flint. Still, he says they have to find a different way. He puts his foot down on this concession. But, It's not clear if healthcare is a concession GM UAW could make right now. It requires re-negotiating a contract that's not up until 2007. Chrysler used an obscure clause from their union contract agreed on in 1982 to make their change, and Local 602 President Art Luna says he's doesn't know of a GM clause like that one. Full Article Here: http://www.wilx.com/news/headlines/1384862.html Last edited by Ming : 03-20-2005 at 07:05 PM.

03-20-2005, 07:10 PM	#2 (permalink)
SSrevolution 5.3 Liter LS4 V8 Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Westerville Ohio Drives: 02 Camaro SS 94 Caprice 9C1 Posts: 3,030	Re: Chrysler Shifts Healthcare Burden, Will Rest Of Big Three Follow? Depends on whether they will be hindered by bean counting GM executives, or the unions themselves. All I know is GM better do whatever is nessecary to be as good at or better than the other big 2 at healthcare, benefites, etc.

03-20-2005, 08:15 PM	#3 (permalink)
spudglo08 3.8 Liter Supercharged V6 Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Battle Creek, Michigan Posts: 590	Re: Chrysler Shifts Healthcare Burden, Will Rest Of Big Three Follow? Canada has free health care dont they why not the US? __________________

03-20-2005, 08:25 PM	#4 (permalink)
blazer97lt Walking Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Massachusetts Drives: 1997 Chevrolet Blazer LT 4x4 Posts: 14	Re: Chrysler Shifts Healthcare Burden, Will Rest Of Big Three Follow? "Those coverages--we deserve them. We put our lives on the line," says Local 602 Vice President Doug Rademacher. Put their lives on the line? How?! Its not like they're fighting a war. It must be so dangerous working in a factory filled with robots. Jeez.

03-20-2005, 10:21 PM	#11 (permalink)
D C 3.9 Liter V6 Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 755	Re: Chrysler Shifts Healthcare Burden, Will Rest Of Big Three Follow? Does anyone know what the UAW benefits are right now? Mainly how much do they pay for copays for office visits and prescriptions?

Remove Advertisements Sponsored Links
GM Inside News Forum Advertisement

03-20-2005, 10:59 PM	#14 (permalink)
Mike The Canadian 3.5 Liter V6 Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 290	Re: Chrysler Shifts Healthcare Burden, Will Rest Of Big Three Follow? well gm employs are required to have combat training :p

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode