Joint Programs Enhanced
Technical Training Center (TTC)
Management reaffirmed its commitment to effectively utilize the TTC by identifying it as the primary training facility for UAW-represented workers.
In an effort to effectively address the rapidly changing technology, all parties agreed to establish a senior level advisory group to determine future training requirements as far in advance as possible.
Senior level Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (AME), Advanced Stamping Manufacturing Engineering (ASME), TTC and Government Affairs representatives will meet to define a process to identify future technologies; determine potential effects and timing of such technologies on each division; designate a process to address skill gaps; and oversee the development and execution of an integrated training plan. Internal and external technical resources may be included on an ad hoc basis. The advisory group will be established and initially meet within 90 days of ratification and at least semi-annually thereafter.
Paid Education Leave (PEL)
During these negotiations, the parties agreed that six regional Paid Education Leave (PEL) sessions and four national PEL sessions will be supported.
Diversity Training Continued
The Diversity Training Initiative will continue and further training will be considered when the current round is completed.
Major Gains in Tuition Assistance Plan
Tuition Assistance increases from $4,600 to $5,000 per year for courses at regionally accredited colleges or universities. Included in the $5,000 will be a first-ever benefit for the reimbursement of up to $200 per year for degree-related books.
Local Technical Training Committee
All current Manufacturing Local Technical Training Committee (LTTC) members are to be fully utilized in the selected capacity.
Any attempt of removal of an identified LTTC must be reviewed and approved by the Vice President and Director of the UAW Chrysler Department and the senior vice president of employee relations.
Retiree Tuition Assistance Increased
Retirees will be eligible to take approved classes at the plant or UAW regional office from which they retired. They will also be eligible to take NTC-approved classes at the Walter and May Reuther Family Education Center.
The maximum assistance increased from $1,500 to $1,750 per calendar year.
Personal Information Security
A new tuition assistance process will be developed that will allow employees to use a Chrysler identification (C-ID) number instead of a Social Security number for personal identification. The C-ID number process will be developed and implemented in the first quarter of 2008.
Changes in Employee Placement,
Relocation Allowances Increased
Your UAW bargaining team successfully negotiated improvements to the employee placement process that will increase money available to workers who relocate.
In the event of a permanent opening at a Chrysler facility, the existing procedure will be used.
Workers who transfer out of their labor market area will be offered the new $30,000 relocation allowance.
Option 1 – Enhanced Relocation
The union was successful in gaining an increase in the relocation allowance to a maximum of $30,000, of which $6,000 will be provided as a signing bonus to cover miscellaneous up-front cash expenses. An additional $16,000 will be paid to the relocated employee at the new location.
After one year of employment, the relocated worker will receive $8,000 if he or she continues to be employed at the new location.
Option 2 - Basic Relocation
All workers accepting this option will receive $4,800.
Section 53
The union was successful in reaffirming that members who are denied reinstatement to work after a period of disability will continue to qualify for sickness and accident benefits. It was also agreed that the company will provide to the union the reasons a person may not be reinstated after a disability. Such information will be in compliance with the applicable laws of confidentiality.