SBU improvements

Tooling analysis group (TAG)

Within 30 days of ratification, the company has agreed to meet with the union to discuss historical bargaining unit work being performed by the newly created TAG Group. The discussion will center on reassigning the gauge work back to the bargaining unit or assigning new, added value work to the bargaining unit.

Die design resource allocation 

The company discussed at great length the need for retaining die design work within the company as critical to the core competency of Advanced Stamping Manufacturing Engineering. The proposed agreement provides a means for allocating additional salary bargaining unit designers to die design work.

Metrology laboratory

During these negotiations, the union and management had extensive conversations regarding the use of Salaried Bargaining Unit employees within the Metrology Labs. The union strongly believes that Dimensional Analysis of the vehicle or component parts has historically been the work of Salaried Bargaining Unit (SBU) employees. The union held firm that the expertise in this area is held by SBU members and should be valued by the corporation. In addition, SBU employees are the real stakeholders in the company and are committed to ensuring the highest quality standards for the products we build.

The company’s concerns were that flexibility and efficiency were needed in order to continue our path to World Class status. The union argued that our employees are the most efficient, and with the addition of the 311 classification, will be the most flexible of SBU employees in the industry. The company agreed that the Chrysler Metrology Labs would become part of the bargaining unit. Additionally, when high peaks occur, the company will add Unionized Salaried Temporary workers to the Metrology Labs.

Product design concept vehicles

Our negotiators secured Concept, SEMA and Show Car builds notification in Product Design Office as well as Scientific Labs by developing language requiring discussion and retaining this work in-house as long as it can be performed competitively.

Trenton south nursing program

UAW nurses will now staff the new Trenton South Engine Plant provided that the service is competitive with the current third-party provider.

Tool stores pilot

Within 90 days of contract ratification, the company has agreed to create a pilot program for the Salaried Bargaining Unit Office and Clerical Tool Stores position at a location to be determined. This pilot will be evaluated over a one-year period using defined measurable criteria established for the tool stores operation. If at the end of the one-year evaluation the pilot proves to be competitive, the company will consider the expansion of this model to additional tool stores operations.

Office and clerical classification consolidation

Both sides engaged in much discussion regarding flexibility and efficiency. The union proposed a progressive classification consolidation and wage structure for the Office and Clerical workforce. Within 90 days of ratification of the proposed agreement, the union and company will meet to discuss the union’s proposal.

Veterans new vehicle purchase discount

Our negotiators were successful in obtaining a $500 cash allowance for our veterans, in addition to the employee discount, toward the purchase, or lease of an eligible vehicle. Eligibility for this program will include active and retired military (honorable discharge and 20 years of service required) and retired military reserve (honorable discharge and 20 years of service required).

Employee-retiree new vehicle purchase/lease program

The program will now provide UAW Chrysler active employees, retirees and surviving spouses the opportunity to obtain six Control Numbers to extend to friends and extended family members under the Friends program for preferred pricing.

Tuition assistance program to be reinstated

The Tuition Assistance Program for UAW Chrysler members will be reinstated by Jan. 1, 2012. The UAW Chrysler National Training Center Joint Activities Board will meet after ratification to develop a plan for implementation.

EAP representative membership

After ratification, the Joint Activities Board will discuss and select an External Professional Association membership for Employee Assistance Program representatives. The association will support program initiatives, education and training.