American Axle strike continues to slow local SUV production
JANESVILLE — The ongoing United Auto Workers strike against American Axle continues to slow production at the General Motors assembly plant in Janesville.
Second-shift workers will be on the job next week, and those on first shift will be laid off, the plant announced Tuesday. That continues a pattern the plant generally has followed since a shortage of parts started affecting the plant in March.
The pattern will change, however, for the week of May 19, when no production is scheduled. The next week will see the return of first-shifters, and the second shift will be laid off.
While laid off, employees are eligible for union-negotiated supplemental pay as well as state unemployment benefits, providing them the majority of their weekly take-home pay.
American Axle supplies GM plants with axles, drive shafts, stabilizer bars and other parts.
More than 3,600 UAW members struck the company on Feb. 26 over a company plan to drastically cut wages and benefits.
GM’s plant in Janesville was first affected during the week of March 10, when both shifts worked half time. With the exception of some previously scheduled down time, local production has been about 50 percent of normal because of the American Axle strike.
As the American Axle moved into its 11th week today, the two sides continued talks to hammer out specifics on the economic issues at the heart of the dispute.
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May 8, 2008 at 12:47 p.m.
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Jackson-sometimes your postings are contradictory-so please explain your basis for: "Janesville GM workers should support this union that is striking, not complain that they are on strike." But before you explain-chew on this: If, as you say, GM workers make Janesville a dark spot (or whatever your expression) because of their laziness, along with your other related insults concerning GM workers getting a large percentage of usual pay while laid off-WHY would they complain about the American Axle strike if it keeps them OFF work with good pay? Which is it, and what is your basis for this remark (besides self-indulgent hate)? Do not create your own scenarios to support your personal attacks.
May 8, 2008 at 10:37 a.m.
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I seem to reacal an artical several weeks ago about new medical facility going in. Lots of people questioned where would they find the staff to fill it. Well if you have the chance to go back to school, look into the medical field. That is where the jobs are. Its hard to oursource a nurse or medical technician.
May 8, 2008 at 1:08 a.m.
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most people do not understand. Look back 30 yrs. GM has been in about the same position over the years. High gas prices , trying to sell outdated autos & trucks to a saturated market. Only recently the imports are really a threat.Yea you can go back to school but where are the jobs then.
Times are bad and getting worse fast. What happened to gay primers wisdom ?? this will be removed
May 8, 2008 at 12:34 a.m.
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Unidentified: I know for certain that Lear's employee's are going to be getting their unemployment and also the option to go back to school. My sister-n-law works there and is looking into going back to school as soon as she is out of a job.
May 8, 2008 at 12:22 a.m.
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I have to say Janesville GM workers should support this union that is striking, not complain that they are on strike. If you think they should not stand up for what they believe in, then you should trade jobs to take there benefits, and they will take yours. This is why people do not care much for GM workers, because if it is not going to benefit them then it should not happen. I remember a few years ago Lear employee's wanted to strike but the union told them no because that would shut GM down, and hurt those workers. So the lear boys had to eat mud.
May 7, 2008 at 4:44 p.m.
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Suppliers like Lear or LSI do not get any additional benefits beyond unemployment I might add.
May 7, 2008 at 3:31 p.m.
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Sure, we can build them, but with gas at $4, will they come?
May 7, 2008 at 12:10 p.m.
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I don't think production is at 50 percent completely because of the American Axle strike. There is no longer enough demand to put workers back to work in Janesville. The second shift is being eliminated due to slow sales of full size SUV's. GM's move to lay off workers also takes bargaining power away from the striking workers.
May 7, 2008 at 10:49 a.m.
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Settle the dam strike.Give those workers what they want.And get them back working.Its time to end this now.Before more wokers lose there Jobs.
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