Joint Programs Expanded
Employee Participation
The UAW bargaining team was successful in improving the current language in the national engineering, office and clerical agreement relating to employee participation. The parties agreed to add Attachment A, “Manufacturing Workplace Organizational Model.”
The new language is specific to salaried bargaining unit work performed in UAW-represented facilities and will support the new work methods being utilized in the production of our vehicles.
Diversity Training Continued
The Diversity Training Initiative will continue and further training will be considered when the current round is completed.
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.
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.
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.
Retiree Tuition Assistance Increased
Retirees will be eligible to take approved classes at the plant or UAW Region 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 workers 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.
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.