GM and IUE Reach Tentative Agreement and Avoid Strike

04/10/96

United Press International reported that International Union of Electrical Workers Local 755 and GM reached a tentative agreement Tuesday night, thus avoiding a strike that was called for Thursday, if an agreement had not been signed.

Officials of IUE Local 755, which represents workers at two GM Delphi Chassis plants in Kettering, Ohio, said that the contract "meets the dual objectives of improving the plants' competitiveness and increasing job security for the work force."

The dispute between the union and GM focused on the issue of job security as it relates to outsourcing, the practice of buying parts normally made by union workers from outside, non-union suppliers. IUE Local 755 president Henry Woolum commented on the new contract by saying, "The settlement is good for our members because it provides additional work for the plants and supports this union's objective of job security for its members."

Workers will ratify or reject the new contract when they vote on it Friday.

Paul Dever -- The Auto Channel