Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, January 19, 1995 TAG: 9501190093
SECTION: BUSINESS PAGE: B-8 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: FLINT, MICH. LENGTH: Medium
Some 6,800 workers at the AC Delco East complex walked out when talks broke off shortly before the 10 a.m. deadline set by the United Auto Workers. The plant also supplies parts to Ford Motor Co. and Chrysler Corp.
The union has complained that understaffing and overtime to meet booming demand for cars are creating dangerous and unhealthy working conditions. In addition, the UAW said outside contractors hired by GM threaten workers' jobs.
Similar complaints led to two GM strikes last year that interrupted the flow of parts and quickly forced other factories to close.
``Most of these guys have been working a lot of overtime,'' said Al Woodham, a GM autoworker for 31 years. ``They're tired.''
GM officials refused to discuss the dispute or the effects the strike will have. But automakers' reliance on the just-in-time delivery system for parts makes them vulnerable to any interruption in supplies.
The UAW predicted that other plants in Flint would be affected within a day. Soon after, GM and other companies' plants around the country could feel the pinch.
``Within a week, it will go nationwide,'' said Jill Miron, chairwoman of executive board of UAW Local 651.
Chrysler spokesman Alan Miller said he didn't expect Chrysler to be hurt by the strike. Ford spokesman Mike Vaughn said he wasn't sure.
Talks resumed Wednesday afternoon. The union claims that terms of the three-year contract signed in February 1994 are being violated.
Union officials contend that GM reneged on an agreement to hire 500 more workers and reduce overtime to relieve the pressure on employees. Hiring new workers, with benefits, is more expensive than using outside contractors.
Products made at the Flint complex include spark plugs, fuel system components, cruise controls, instrument clusters and a variety of air, fuel and oil filters. They go into new GM vehicles and are sold to other manufacturers, repair shops and stores.
by CNB