Even though the official details haven't been released, and us UAW members haven't voted on it yet, I've picked up the following details:
1. GM no longer has to cover retiree healthcare. They are contributing to a UAW-managed fund known as a VEBA of which they are giving sixty percent of the estimated costs to them in the long run.
2. All of the 4,100 temps brought in to replace workers who took packages during the (in)famous buyouts are getting hired in and are grandfathering under the terms of the previous contract.
3. Excluding current temps, every new hire will be subject to a two-tiered wage system. Non-production jobs will max out at approximately $30 an hour combined wage and benefits. They can get position on the assembly line and make the first tier wage of $70 an hour of wages and benefits, though. This will go for any new hire who works in services such as maintenance or janitorial jobs.
4. The job banks will be undergoing serious restructuring. Currently, GM has to pay any unemployed workers 90% of their base weekly pay while that worker is unemployed. If jobs open at a plant more than a certain number of miles away, then GM must pay the employee a transfer bonus. It's currently speculated that the amount of the bonuses will be reduced and that the distances required to earn the bonuses will be increased for the restructuring.
5. Instead of receiving annual raises, UAW members will receive cash bonuses roughly 3%-4% of their annual income. The first year bonus will be a flat $3,000, though. It is considered a signing bonus.
6. GM is required to protect US production facilities.
So the tl;dr version is that we're keeping our pensions and wages, the UAW is taking over control of healthcare, and jobs will be saved.
From what I understand, the UAW is attempting to unionize Toyota plants but aren't enjoying success. Toyota workers are worried about Toyota rebuilding in Mexico, they don't want to pay union dues (which is two hours worth of pay a month, roughly $50), and they don't feel that the UAW is necessary. However, right now Toyota and GM are running a joint experimental plant together, which is covered by the UAW. Hopefully other Toyota workers will hear about how awesome a Union is from those guys and consider organizing themselves.
Another current UAW gambit to increase membership ranks is the unionization of casino workers. I don't see much success happening in that, but I really hope that we get some of them. The UAW is one of the most prestigious labor organizations around today.
Gaia's United League of Anarchists Guild
