Mexican Industries Workers Vote for UAW Representation

20 October 1999
Mexican Industries Workers Vote for UAW Representation
    DETROIT, Oct. 20 -- The UAW has been chosen to represent
workers in all four bargaining units of the Mexican Industries group in voting
held today in Detroit.  The Mexican Industries group is comprised of Mexican
Industries (six plants) and three joint ventures in three additional plants
located west of downtown Detroit.  The companies make a variety of parts for
the Big Three.  The workers who voted for the UAW today comprise 1,025 of some
1,100 eligible workers.
    UAW President Stephen P. Yokich congratulated Mexican Industries workers
on their election victory.  "It's an honor to have Mexican Industries workers
join our ranks.  They worked long and hard to create this opportunity to
bargain collectively for their families and to make Mexican Industries a
better company for everyone including its workers and its customers," stated
Yokich.
    Bob King, UAW Vice President and Director of the UAW National Organizing
Department, praised the work of the Mexican Industries organizing committee.
"It took courage and hard work for Mexican Industries workers to overcome the
company's campaign of fear and intimidation.  They have set an example for
workers everywhere.  We now call on the company to set an example of
constructive and good faith bargaining for a contract that is fair for the
company and the workers," said King.
    "We intend to reach out to everyone at Mexican Industries:  union
supporters, the management and the rest of the workforce, to improve
conditions at Mexican Industries by negotiating a fair and equitable
contract," said Gerald Bantom, director of UAW Region 1A.  "Mexican Industries
is important to the Detroit community, especially to southwest Detroit, and we
are confident that UAW representation can prove to be a plus for the workers
and the community."
    The margin in the four victorious units was:

    Mexican Industries, 455 yes - 361 no
    Aguirre Safty Technologies, 35 yes - 15 no
    Dos Manos, 90 yes - 49 no
    Aguirre, Collins and Ackman, 14 yes - 6 no