New Attitude
More JCI workers get organized
“We truly believe we have a lot more than a good contract as a result of this struggle. We have the basis for a new relationship.”
That’s what UAW President Ron Gettelfinger said in June after the union’s recent contract victories and national neutrality agreements at Johnson Controls Inc. (JCI).
He was right.
Since then, five more JCI facilities employing about 700 workers have gathered enough signature cards for the company to recognize the UAW as the workers’ bargaining representative.
“We see an entire change in the attitude of the management, all the way down. I know it’s coming from the top,” Gettelfinger said. “Trust me, they have a totally different attitude.”
In Ossian, Ind., 250 JCI workers joined the UAW in a card-check recognition on Aug. 20. The Region 3 members make seats for General Motors.
In another card-check recognition on Aug. 5, JCI workers in Hudson, Wis., chose UAW representation. The 80 members of Region 8 make seats for Ford Motor Co.
The other three plants are in Northwood, Ohio; Dayton, and Sycamore, Ill.
For years, thousands of JCI workers across the country have tried to organize, only to have the company block their efforts with fierce anti-union campaigns.
But in June — after a two-day strike involving four of the parts supplier’s plants in Oklahoma, Missouri and Louisiana — JCI agreed to recognize the UAW and remain neutral as the union sought to organize 26 other JCI plants around the country.
“These workers want to be in unions,” said UAW Vice President Bob King, who directs the union’s National Organizing Department.
Bargaining committees at the five plants will now begin work on a first contract.
