AMWU and other unions prepare for bargaining with GM Holden for new union collective agreement
AMWU Shop Stewards are in the final stages of finalising their claims for bargaining with GMH for their next "union collective agreement".
The negotiations will proeed at the same time as the new Labor government considers a Report on the future of the auto industry in Australia and the role of the government in re-developing the industry.
A union survey of members has identified the priority items to pursue in the bargaining. The final draft of the claims will go back to members over the next week.
On July 22nd Company representatives met with the union bargaining team to present their picture for the company. The GMH picture includes the following:
- declining market for the GMH product (the Commodore) mainly due to rising petrol prices;
- a very high Australian dollar;
- the small car market is up by 40% in Australia;
- cash flow is a problem - the company has to fund the next new car;
- realtively high wages compared to other countries;
- reducing the cost of the car is a big issue;
The Unions are now waiting for the company to present its "log of claims" . Negotiations will start in earnest on August 4th.
Rudi
02/08/2008
WS
28/07/2008