American Axle and Manufacturing has posted want-ads for replacement workers. Also, AAM has notified some of the workers that had been idled before the strike began, to report to work on Monday. The mindless, provocation of workers by their direct employer continues unabated. The AAM strikers, previously layed-off AAM workers, their families, their local communities and the broader social network carry on more unified in solidarity in the struggle against this oppression.

Monday mornings' mass demonstration by the UAW members to defend their jobs against replacement workers, may not end on a pleasing, happy note. There are many on the front lines piecing together the story as it unfolds.

Here is a copy of the news item followed by a copy the help-wanted ad.

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NEWS ITEM
American Axle places help-wanted ads in face of striking workers
Copyright © 2008 The International Herald Tribune
The Associated Press
Monday, March 31, 2008
DETROIT: American Axle and Manufacturing Holdings Inc., idled for more than a month by a United Auto Workers strike, advertised in Sunday newspapers for potential replacement workers.

An ad published in the classified section of The Oakland Press of Pontiac, Michigan, read in part: "Employment offered to applicants responding to this advertisement will be to fill anticipated attrition replacement openings after negotiations or in place of employees involved in this strike."

The UAW responded by calling for a mass picket Monday outside the auto supplier's Detroit headquarters.

Besides Detroit, the company ran similar ads in newspapers near other American Axle facilities in Three Rivers and the Buffalo, New York, area, spokeswoman Renee Rogers said Sunday.

"We expect that once an agreement is reached with the UAW a significant number of associates will participate in buyouts and early retirements. We are currently preparing a pool of potential new associates," she said.

About 3,600 UAW workers at five American Axle plants in Michigan and New York walked off their jobs Feb. 26 in a dispute over wages and benefits. The action has forced General Motors Corp. to fully or partly shut down 29 plants in the U.S. and Canada.

Although there have been discussions between top bargainers, full negotiating teams for both sides have not met since March 10. Rogers said no new information on the talks was available Sunday.

"They're trying to get away with everything they can right now," said Bob Stowell, a member of UAW Local 2093 in Three Rivers. "I think GM might be putting a little heat on them. I don't know how they're going to train these people or anything. ... I think it's just kind of a scare for us."

Messages seeking additional comment were left Sunday with UAW International spokesman Roger Kerson, Local 235 president Adrian King and Local 2093 president Erv Heidbrink.

American Axle also has sent letters to UAW-represented workers who were laid off before the strike began, asking them to return to work.

Rogers said Sunday that she did not know how many workers were sent letters.

WGRZ-TV in Buffalo, New York, reported details of the letters, although Rogers said the letters were sent to laid-off workers throughout the company.

Laid-off workers could lose benefits if they do not return to work.

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On the Net:

American Axle and Manufacturing Holdings Inc.: http://www.aam.com

United Auto Workers: http://www.uaw.org

American Axle places help-wanted ads in face of striking workers

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AAM REPLACEMENT WORKER JOB AD
Job ID 87589
Company Name American Axle& Manufacturing
Job Category Manufacturing/Operations
Location Detroit, MI
Position Type Full-Time, Employee
Experience 1-2 Years Experience
Date Posted March 30, 2008
American Axle& Manufacturing profile and job listings

Production & Skilled Trade Positions
POSITIONS AVAILABLE AT AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC. (AAM)

AAM is a world leader in the manufacture, design, engineering, and validation of driveline systems and related components and modules, chassis systems and forged products for trucks, sport utility vehicles and passenger cars. AAM is accepting applications for its Detroit and Three Rivers, Michigan locations.

Production Positions: The production positions are in machining or assembly and are in a three-shift operation. Responsibilities involve numerous duties associated with manufacturing of automotive axles and driveshafts. Candidates must be highly motivated, able to work any shift and adapt quickly. Candidates must be flexible and willing to participate in a team environment which strives towards excellence in safety, quality, profitability, productivity, leadership and problem-solving.

Skilled Trade Positions: Skilled trade positions require a minimum of eight years of documented experience in the trade or a qualified journeyman card. Responsibilities include machine maintenance and troubleshooting within a fast-paced, three-shift environment. Candidates must be highly motivated, able to work any shift and adapt quickly. Candidates must be flexible and willing to participate in a team environment which strives towards excellences in safety, quality, profitability, productivity, leadership and problem-solving.

Qualified candidates must be of legal age and posses at a minimum a High School diploma or GED (verification required), a mechanical aptitude, mathematical skills and the ability to operate machinery and equipment while making fact-based decisions. Positions are full-time for all shifts and include benefits following a certain period of regular employment.

Please take note that there is a strike at the AAM facilities where the positions being offered in this advertisement are located. Employment offered to applicants responding to this advertisement will be to fill anticipated attrition replacement openings after negotiations or in place of employees involved in this strike.

Interested candidates may apply online at www.aam.com

Yahoo-> HotJobs-> Production& Skilled Trade Positions: American Axle& Manufacturing

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Thank you,
John Martyn