UAW weighs in on automotive bailout

(NEWSCHANNEL 3) - The debate over a bailout of the auto industry continues, and now it appears that the union is ready to do it's part as well.

"Inaction is simply not an option," said United Auto Workers Union President Ron Gettlefinger, demanding that Congress take action to save the struggling auto industry.

The big three automakers released their plans for rehabilitating their companies on Tuesday, highlights included job and production cuts at all three and CEO salaries of one dollar a year.

The CEO's will be in Washington DC beginning Thursday for two days of hearings. They return just two weeks after the contentious Congressional confrontation where all three were blamed for mismanagement, greed, and neglect, among other things.

Sitting beside the CEO's at those hearings was the UAW President, stating the UAW's case for not letting the automakers go under. But what is the UAW willing to do to ensure an industry bailout? They made some of their plans clear on Wednesday.

The UAW called local union leaders from around the country, including some from West Michigan, to Detroit Wednesday for an emergency meeting.

The UAW is agreeing to have local bargaining units suggest potential areas they could make cuts in contracts.

"We've never made this an issue about the UAW or about the company," said Gettlefinger.

Instead, Gettlefinger says it's about the backbone of the American economy, he told Congress that if it approves a loan for the industry, it'll know just what the money is going for.

Union officials say they are willing to look again at UAW contracts with the big three for potential cutbacks and also agreed to delaying payments into a union-run health care trust.

In Three Rivers, local UAW leaders are watching the discussion with a close eye. American Axle in Three Rivers makes parts primarily for GM. Union members there agreed to a list of concessions after a drawn-out strike in 2007.

"Got our salaries cut in half, lost some benefits," said local 2093 President Rodney Reed, "but the good thing is, we are still here, still supporting our community, and our community is supporting us."

Reed says the difficulties between the UAW and management in the past have to be put aside if the car companies are to stay afloat.

"Need to make the public aware that there's a commitment between the CEO's and UAW to make this work," Reed said.