Negotiator finds it hard to be optimistic (Moraine Assembly)

[NfamousZ24]

MORAINE — Although union negotiators want to position General Motors' last Dayton-area plant for future products, one negotiator finds it tough to be optimistic.
"At this point, I'll be honest with you, I have nothing to be optimistic about," Harry Bogan, a regional director for the International Union of Electronic Workers-Communication Workers of America, said Wednesday, March 5.

Bogan said his union is doing what it can, such as agreeing to an "attrition program" encouraging workers to leave or retire by July 1. But he said GM faces "dire financial straits" and the domestic economy is suffering.
"I think GM would probably like to keep it (the Moraine plant)," Bogan said. "But economically, is it feasible?"
GM's local plant makes GMC Envoys and Chevrolet Trailblazers, among other models. But the plant is not slated to have a product after two more years.
Bogan said GM negotiators tell him, "Harry, there is nothing scheduled for the plant after 2010."
GM spokesman Dan Flores said the plant's future has not been decided.
Flores said GM is building vehicles "better than we ever have in the history of the company." But he said GM is only "essentially break-even" in the United States.
GM must "sell more cars or cut more costs — or a combination of the two," Flores said.

http://www.daytondailynews.com/b/content/oh/story/business/2008/03/05/ddn030508gmweb.html



Related Article VEBA remains on talks' agenda

IUE-CWA shop chairman says union must determine how it can shoulder future health care costs for workers and retirees.

Among the questions still on the negotiating table: A VEBA, or voluntary employees beneficiary association. In a VEBA, GM would contribute to a trust fund, which the International Union of Electronic Workers-Communication Workers of America would manage to cover future health care costs for current or future retirees.
Harlow said his union must determine how it can shoulder the costs of a VEBA. Last year, the United Auto Workers — a much bigger union — agreed with GM on a similar trust fund.
"That's the one thing the corporation is saying they want us to follow," Harlow said. GM's Moraine plant is the automaker's only production facility represented by the IUE-CWA.


But representatives of GM have told union negotiators that there are no new products at the moment for the local plant.
"We fully understand the mounting frustrations of a lack of an immediate future and a newly negotiated agreement," the union said in a statement to members on its Web site this week.
Harlow said it's the union's goal is to position the plant for new vehicles if GM presents them.
"That's what we're hoping for," he said.

http://www.daytondailynews.com/b/content/oh/story/business/2008/03/05/ddn030608gm.html

[NfamousZ24]

I tried to find a place where I could cut short the first article but it was too short. I do think adding the related article was a nice touch. lol

[GM lover]

Sadly midsize SUVs are no longer selling and GM does not need this manufacturing plant.

[jcgable]

Close it, transfer the jobs. Fin.

[wildgoosechase]

It's sad but a necessary step to align US production with demand. The focus of GM is shifting away from the US market and towards growing ones.

[goblue1999]

Originally Posted by GM lover

Sadly midsize SUVs are no longer selling and GM does not need this manufacturing plant.

My understanding is that this local union is much more cooperative than the UAW, it would be great if they got rewarded for this.....close one of the UAW represented plants.

[member12]

A new, off road capable Chevy Trailblazer and GMC Envoy would sell well.

I had heard that it was in the plans, but for the Shreveport, LA plant.

IDK about the Moraine plant. It doesn't look good. I was in that area about 3 months ago...Cincinnatti is nice, and Dayton isn't bad eather.

[t-rex]

Maybe the weak dollar could move GM to produce an export product at Moraine.

Or it could go back to making refrigerators!

[bobojay]

Originally Posted by goblue1999

My understanding is that this local union is much more cooperative than the UAW, it would be great if they got rewarded for this.....close one of the UAW represented plants.

This is not a "local" union. It's nationwide. The IUE is smaller than the UAW. But not any more or less willing to do what it takes to get a new product.
Hopefully things will work out for these hard working folks...

[FenwickHockey65]

Oh dear. I hope they don't close Moraine. That'd be a shame.

[steined]

With the likelihood of a weak dollar for the next several years, GM has a unique position to start exporting cars to the high price EURO areas. Perhaps they should consider a small car plant at Moraine that would have 20 - 30% of the cars exported. Hell Zeta would be perfect since the CAD is now worth as much as the USD and any savings that existed previously in assembling cars in Canada has to be wiped out. I just think if GM could produce cars here that they buy in Europe AND sell them here, they could make a few more $$$.

[FenwickHockey65]

Can't they just retool the plant to build different cars? The Volt maybe?

[69Firebird400]

Originally Posted by FenwickHockey65

Can't they just retool the plant to build different cars? The Volt maybe?

I think they already figured out where they'll build all of the announced vehicles. I believe that the Volt is going to be assembled at Hamtramck if I recall correctly. Moraine pretty much has to hope for a new product that hasn't been announced yet.

[mobyss]

[quote=member12;1338233]A new, off road capable Chevy Trailblazer and GMC Envoy would sell well.

QUOTE]

I think you are talking about the Hummer H3. Selling OK but not enough to justify a rebadge. Like the other poster said, the midsize body-on-frame RWD/4WD SUV is dead. The Ford Explorer will be the next to go, then the Durango, 4-Runner, Pathfinder, etc.

People either want real off-roaders like the Jeep Wrangler, FJ Cruiser, or H3, or luxury crossovers that ride like cars. And if you tow you get a fullsize Tahoe or Sequoia.

[Copcarz]

The BOF platform needs to go to a unibody rear drive biased SUV. I'm currently on layoff from Moraine. We can build anything that GM can give us. Hopefully we get something for our past efforts and willingness to work with the company.