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Union deal could brighten otherwise bleak job picture
> Do you agree with the terms of the contract?
Sunday, December 16, 2007
SPRINGFIELD — Today's vote by the United Auto Workers union to ratify a new three-year contract with International Truck and Engine Corp. could lead to a rare revival in the local heavy-manufacturing economy after decades of losses.
Passage of the agreement would not only retain the nearly 1,000 truck production jobs still at the plant, but also has the potential to bring hundreds of new jobs to the region.
Extras
According to sources, the contract includes language that would pave the way for General Motors to sell its medium-duty truck line based in Flint, Mich., to International and move the jobs to Springfield.
Company-wide acceptance hinges on votes cast at nine International facilities located in Springfield, Atlanta, Dallas, Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Melrose Park, Ill., and York, Pa.
The local vote is being held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at North High School.
"At our UAW facilities, most votes are being held Sunday afternoon," said Roy Wiley, International spokesperson.
Results could be available as early as 6 p.m. today, he said. If the agreement garners a majority, Wiley said workers at some plants could be back as early as Monday.
A ratified contract would be a potential bright light in an otherwise dark employment picture for Springfield and the state. Over the past decade, Ohio's overall employment has remained fairly steady while jobs in the high-paying manufacturing sector have steadily declined, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Just last week, GM announced it will lay off about 340 production workers during the first half of 2008 at its Moraine assembly plant.
Local and state officials are watching the vote closely.
U.S. Rep. Dave Hobson, R-Springfield, and Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland said they will be waiting for the final count, hoping for good news.
The two traveled to Chicago in September, meeting with company officials in an attempt to propel negotiations forward.
"I hope this is a forerunner of many more manufacturing jobs to come," said Strickland.
Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0371 or elroberts@coxohio.com.
Comments
By SPANDY
December 17, 2007 7:09 AM | Link to this
Residents of Springfield don’t listen to snowed-in. That’s not how the majority feels. And for you snowed, my time was over 18 months ago. Be thankful to the Lord you still have a job! A lot of us don’t now. To the rest of the 402 Congratulations & great job to the bargining committee. American by birth , UNOIN by choice!!
By Raymond Ackman
December 17, 2007 7:04 AM | Link to this
Can they build a quality product?
By snowed in
December 17, 2007 12:19 AM | Link to this
I do not agree with the terms of the contract. I have been there 11 years and I will tell you, this contract sucked!!! the majority voted for it but the majority will NOT benefit from it. I hope everyone enjoys thier 2500$ and I hope it was worth it to sell the rest of us out!!!!