Skilled Trades

Skilled Trades Natural Work Groups

The skilled trades teams will now consist of two natural work groups consisting of seven basic skilled trades classifications, electrical and mechanical.

Electrical Natural Work Group

• Electrician

• Repairer - Welder Equipment

The electrical group will be paid at the highest rate in the electrical group.

Mechanical Natural Work Group

• Millwright

• Pipefitter

• Machine Repair

• Toolmaker

• Diemaker

The mechanical group will be paid at the highest rate in the mechanical group.

No Combining of Basic Trades

All skilled trades classifications remain distinct, stand-alone classifications for all seniority purposes, including layoff and recall. Special training will be provided for the groups.

Non-impacted Classifications

Energy Center and Mechanic classifications will not be included in the Work Group model. Other skilled trades classifications may be considered for transition into a basic trade classification. A process will be developed to identify required skill sets and training requirements to fulfill the transition.

New Language on Outside Contractors in the Plant

Any contractor directing the workforce in UAW-Chrysler represented plants will be trained in the UAW-Chrysler language to insure proper guidelines are followed. This includes plants with energy centers contracted out to DTE Energy Services.

In-sourcing Work – Mack I Engine Plant Pilot

The national parties agree to select Mack I Engine as a pilot.

The company explained that in those cases where tooling and/or details could be produced in-house at a competitive advantage, the company was interested in exploring those opportunities.

Opportunity in Skilled Trades

UAW members working in non-skilled classifications who have at least eight years experience in a skilled trade will be able to apply for openings in their own plant as well as at other facilities in other labor market areas.

Within 90 days following ratification, the company and union will post information on how to apply for open positions.

Broken or Damaged Tools

During these negotiations our UAW bargaining team won an increased allowance of $350 for each damaged or broken tool, up from $300 in the previous agreement.

Tool Kits

A journeyperson trained into another classification will receive a standardized tool kit.

Tool Allowance Adjustment

Each journeyperson in a skilled trades job classification will receive a tool allowance of 20 cents per hour added to the base rate.

Utilization of Skilled Trades Manpower and Facilities (Letter 34)

New stronger language on outside contractors addresses serious concerns over outside contracting of skilled trades’ work. In the past, outside contractors have been allowed up to 45 days to begin work on a new contract. That will now be reduced to 35 days. If the work does not start within that time, the local union can insist the contract be reviewed.

Outside Contracting Review Team Training

The union and company agreed to provide outside contract review team training by the skilled trades’ representatives.

This training is to address the importance and lack of advance discussions on outside contracting through monthly meetings with the Outside Contracting Review Team.

Skilled Trades Language Enhanced

Our UAW bargaining committee was able to obtain commitments reinforced by new language that will give leverage to in-plant representatives to obtain project work in its entirety or line items that will funnel work to the in-house trades.

An item identified as an “Appropriation Request Advance Discussion Validation Sheet” will be incorporated into the process for all projects. For major new model projects, a meeting will be held at the Technical Training Center (TTC), or a mutually agreed upon location, with the appropriate parties.

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