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UAW Announces Tentative Agreement to End Strikes in Flint

29 July 1998

UAW Announces Tentative Agreement to End Strikes in Flint

    FLINT, Mich., July 28 -- UAW President Stephen P. Yokich, UAW
Vice President Richard Shoemaker, who heads the union's GM Department, and UAW
Region 1C Director Cal Rapson, announced today that tentative agreements have
been reached to end strikes at UAW Local's 659 and 651 in Flint, Michigan and
to address outstanding issues at Buick City, and at GM facilities in Dayton
and Indianapolis.  Complete details of the settlement terms at Locals 659 and
651 are being withheld pending ratification votes at both locals.
Ratification meetings are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Wednesday July 29 for Local
659 and 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday July 29 for Local 651.
    Praising the support and unity of the UAW and especially its GM
membership, President Yokich said, "It's teamwork and solidarity that gives
workers the means to hold companies to their promises and that's been proven
again in this complex and difficult struggle."
    "In addition to resolving the issue immediately before us," Shoemaker
added, "the parties have agreed to initiate a new consultation process that is
intended to head off crisis conflicts such as those represented by these
strikes."
    Acknowledging that the Flint strikes imposed hardship on workers,
communities and the corporation, Yokich said, "It's important to remember that
it's the union's responsibility to fight to keep good jobs in our country and
in the communities that helped build GM into a powerful and profitable
corporation."