Work/Family programs reinforced; diversity training assured

(See contract language, page 509.)

UAW negotiators won an important victory in our Work/Family programs by ensuring that the Work/Family representative has a backup ready to assume their duties in case of illness, vacation or in other circumstances when the representative is not available. Your negotiators recognized that our members should not be left without help or answers to their questions for long periods of time when the Work/Family representative is not available. The language commits the company to work with the union to identify and fully train a backup representative to act on our members’ behalf when their appointed representative is unavailable. Training will also be strengthened for all Work/Family representatives.

Employee Assistance Program services to receive awareness effort

(See contract language, page 509.)
Negotiators recognized the critical role the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) plays in helping our members through some of their most difficult personal problems. They also recognized that early intervention is the key to solving most problems, but not enough of our members were aware of the services EAP provides.

Negotiators won language that compels the corporation to launch an EAP awareness program for the entire UAW workforce at GM.

Child Care and Elder Care referral resources maintained

(See contract language, page 261.)
Your negotiators convinced the corporation to maintain the Child Care and Elder Care referral program so our members will continue to benefit from these vital resources.

Child care initiatives to be studied

(See contract language, page 414.)
Affordable child care remains an important issue for our members and your negotiators persuaded the company to examine how other large companies are using creative ways to make this vital service available to their workers. The UAW and GM agreed to study these various child care programs to determine if any would benefi t our members.

Pre/Post Retirement Program retained

(See contract language, page 512.)
The UAW was able to keep the program that helps our members plan for retirement through in-plant informational sessions with qualified financial advisers. Training materials and other resources will be updated and distributed through the GM system.

Diversity program maintained; commitment to awareness training assured

(See contract language, page 511.)
The diversity program, a critical piece of our union’s commitment to having a workplace free of hostility, harassment and abuse, was maintained. Both parties recognize that a proactive approach can potentially avoid problems and will be provided additional materials and training on topics such as anti-harassment, workplace bullying and diversity. Negotiators won language that assures awareness training is available to the workforce and leadership.