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GM Strike Ends, Local Workers Pleased

By Bill Zeeble, KERA reporter

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-632582.mp3

Arlington, tX – Bill Zeeble, KERA reporter: It was turning into a busy morning at the United Auto Workers Local 276 headquarters, near the GM plant. The receptionist, fielded numerous calls from members mostly asking the same thing

UAW Secretary: The strike was ended this morning AT 305 am Detroit time no details, No, don't know about strike pay. It's up to international. What shift?

Zeeble: Long time plant worker Frank Andreola was happy with the news, and as surprised by the strike's end as with its beginning.

FRank Andreola, GM worker: Because I figured once we were out, we would be out for at least a while. If it got to the point where they took us out on strike, things got bad. You couldn't think they could settle things that fast. We'll have to wait for the details now.

Zeeble: Initial reports indicate the union will now oversee unfunded retiree health costs, while GM will give bonuses and pay raises to some workers, hire more, and invest in U.S. operations. Newer workers though will likely earn less. Arlington Plant employees. like 27-year veteran Karen Spencer, will study the details of the tentative deal.

Karen Spencer UAW member: We're fighting for benefits for retirees. because hopefully one day I'll be able to retire and we want to make sure we have funds and benefits for retirees. And also job security. This has been a blessing for me to work here, but we also want to keep our jobs for other people and the younger generation, that they be able to raise their families like we raised ours.

Zeeble; Local merchants, like Harry Troung, at the Super Save convenience store across from the plant, called this a good day. He depends on a healthy GM for a healthy livelihood.

Harry Troung, Super Save: I'm happy they came back to work, you know? Everybody's happy. Everybody came back, everybody's happy.

Zeeble: Other nearby merchants echoed Troung's comments, saying business dropped way off during the brief strike. Contract details are expected in a few days, after union leaders learn them first, in Michigan. Then the rank and file will vote the new deal up or down. UAW president Ron Gettlefinger was confident of its ratification. GM CEO Rick Wagoner said the agreement would help improve the company's competitiveness and let GM maintain a strong U.S. presence with significant future investments. Bill Zeeble KERA news.
Bzeeble@Kera.Org