UAW Announces Partnership Agreement With Dana

DETROIT, Aug. 13, 2003 -- The UAW announced today that it has reached a partnership agreement with Dana Corp., a leading auto parts maker.

"We're looking forward to a positive partnership with Dana," said UAW President Ron Gettelfinger. "Corporate officers at Dana have shown tremendous leadership in developing a proactive strategy that respects the rights of employees."

Workers at nine Dana auto parts plants are currently UAW members. Initial terms of the new partnership agreement will cover additional Dana plants throughout the United States. At those plants, the company will recognize union representation rights based on majority status. Where majority status is recognized, Dana and the UAW also agreed to binding arbitration if a first contract is not reached within six months.

"We're going to focus on quality, productivity, and adding value for Dana's auto industry customers," said Gettelfinger. "A cooperative relationship that respects workers' rights can build trust and stability in the workplace. That's a tremendous advantage in today's rapidly changing, globally competitive business environment."

"This is a great step forward for our union and for Dana," said UAW Vice President Bob King, who heads the union's Organizing Department, as well as its Independent Parts and Suppliers Department. "Workers will have a free choice about whether or not to join a union."

"I'm proud we were able to develop a partnership that is specific to Dana's needs as a Tier One supplier in the auto industry," said King. "This partnership represents our shared commitment to respect for workers, quality for Dana customers, and value for company shareholders."

"We're working hard to keep good manufacturing jobs in the United States," said Gettelfinger. "We think strong labor-management partnerships are the best way to keep good jobs here, for the benefit of workers, employers and communities."