UAW: Contract Offers Protection for Mitsubishi Workers

9 November 1998

    DETROIT, Nov. 6 -- UAW contract provisions with Mitsubishi
Motor Manufacturing of America (MMMA) forestall any great impact upon the
3,200 members of UAW Local 2488 at the Normal, Illinois facility, said UAW
Vice President Jack Laskowski and UAW Region 4 Director Paul Korman in the
wake of an announcement that Mitsubishi would cutback production and reduce
the workforce by around 700 workers by year 2001.
    "We realize that some adjustments have to be made due to the dismal Asian
financial climate that has had an impact upon Mitsubishi car sales and
production," said Laskowski.  "However, we are certain that our contracts will
save jobs during the projected 28-month adjustment period."
    "In the event that in the future our UAW-represented Mitsubishi workforce
is directly impacted, we have excellent language in our contract that will
fully protect our members," Korman added.