The Further Decline of the UAW

The Detriot Free Press reports:

At a Detroit meeting of UAW local leaders from across the country Thursday, a speaker asked how many of those representing General Motors Corp. and Delphi Corp. workers planned to retire or quit their jobs this year.

Half of the crowd -- representing 93 locals -- shot hands in the air, according to some leaders who were there.

The show of hands reflected the profound changes that are soon to play out not only at the Fortune 500 companies, but also at the union that is synonymous with the Detroit labor movement.

At a time when the UAW is preparing for the massive retirement of more than 30,000 members from GM and Delphi, the union is coping with declining dues from a shrinking membership and the prospect of a difficult leadership transition at the union locals.

And there is still the possibility that the union will have to back up its threats to strike Delphi if the bankrupt company unilaterally cuts wages and benefits. That could quickly shut down GM and hurt other automakers.

How ironic,the UAW helped destroy its own membership by being a union.