UAW, Collins & Aikman Announce Agreement

DETROIT, Oct. 15, 2003 -- The UAW and Collins & Aikman, a major auto parts manufacturer, announced an agreement today focused on productivity, quality and long-term job security for Collins & Aikman workers.

The agreement was signed today at Solidarity House, the UAW's Detroit headquarters, by UAW President Ron Gettelfinger, Collins & Aikman CEO David Stockman, and UAW Vice President Bob King.

As part of the agreement, the company has agreed to neutrality and card check with respect to union organizing campaigns at certain Collins & Aikman facilities which supply the U.S. auto industry. The UAW currently represents some 2,000 workers at Collins & Aikman plants in Michigan, Indiana and Oklahoma.

"The UAW has always believed that when a strong union and a progressive company work together cooperatively, great things can be accomplished for the workers as well as for the company," said UAW President Gettelfinger. "An empowered workforce leads to a safer workplace, better quality and yes, improved productivity."

"We're here today to commend this company, and in particular, David Stockman, for taking the high road and for sharing our commitment to working together for our common goals -- and resolving our differences in a respectful and constructive manner," added Gettelfinger.

"We're looking forward to working with Collins & Aikman to help keep its plants competitive and to preserve and expand good manufacturing jobs in the United States," said UAW Vice President King, who directs the UAW Organizing Department as well as the union's Competitive Shop/Independents, Parts and Suppliers Department.

"By agreeing to card check and neutrality procedures," King added, "Collins & Aikman is demonstrating its commitment to fairness in the workplace. That's an excellent way to build a relationship based on mutual trust and respect, in which worker involvement and participation can add significant value for workers, shareholders and customers."

In a card check procedure, an employer agrees to recognize and bargain with a union once a majority of workers have signed union authorization cards, as verified by an independent third party.

The neutrality agreement ensures that both the UAW and Collins & Aikman will respect the right of workers to choose whether or not to be represented by the union. When workers choose union representation, the company also agreed to make a good faith effort to reach a collective bargaining agreement within six months, and to refer outstanding issues to a neutral arbitrator if an agreement is not reached.

The UAW has negotiated agreements similar to the one announced today with a number of major firms, including Lear, Johnson Controls, Ryder Logistics, Freightliner, Metaldyne, and Dana.