GM, UAW Reach Agreement in Janesville

11/08/96

The Associated Press reported that striking United Auto Workers at the GM truck plant in Janesville, Wisconsin have reached and ratified an agreement that will clear the way for the 4,800 striking workers to return to their jobs. The UAW's Janesville local reached the agreement with the GM plant's managers on Tuesday, and they ratified the new pact on Wednesday at a noon meeting.

The key issue in the local walkout has been cited as a shortage of workers at the plant. When the settlement was announced, picketers who had huddled around fires in 55-gallon drums to stay warm threw down their signs. Autoworker Brad Casper said, "Once I knew the national settlement was tentative, I figured we wouldn't go very long. We build a very highly sought after vehicle, so they need us."

Janesville is GM's primary source for the Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon and Chevy-GMC Suburban. Industry analysts estimated the strike cost GM $5 million to $6 million a day in after-tax profits.

Paul Dever -- The Auto Channel