Press Release: UAW Vice President on the Strike at UAW Local 696

03/15/96

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, March 13, 1996

Statement By UAW Vice President Richard Shoemaker on the Strike at UAW Local 696 in Dayton, Ohio

"The strike at Local 696 in Dayton, Ohio resulted from contract violations in the area of production standards, health and safety, subcontracting and excess overtime. There are also important issues over commitments previously made by the corporation and not fulfilled.

"Had the company acted on these issues, the strike could have been avoided. Action by GM on these concerns will form the basis of a settlement.

"Any underestimation of our resolve on these issues would be a mistake. UAW members at GM across the country fully understand the importance of the company respecting our contract and abiding by its terms, and fulfilling commitments made to our local unions.

"We regret the widening impact of this strike on other GM and non-GM workers, and on GM's customers and dealers. Our members are taking a stand for their job security and for recognition that GM's continued success is due in great measure to their work. They have the full support of their union in this effort."