GM-UAW settle, but more walkouts may be coming

GM buckles under to the United Auto Workers union once again, and settles a three-day strike at its strategic AC Delco/Delco Elelctronics Flint (MI) East components complex by agreeing to add 663 workers over 18 months to reduce overtime and outsourcing. It's the sixth UAW walkout at GM in the past year -- and may not be the last. Negotiations over staffing and other issues also are simmering at the Janesville, WI, and Pontiac, MI, truck plants, both highly vulnerable because GM badly needs more trucks to meet continuing strong demands. At Flint, GM also agrees to invest $72 million in new and expanded production facilities at the complex, which makes components used in nearly all GM vehicles. The late-January shutdown quickly idled 10 GM assembly plants dependent upon parts from the Delco facilities, costing GM 13,000 vehicles in lost production. Obviously delighted by the outcome, GM workers urge their UAW comrades at other GM plants to hit the picket line while the hitting's good.