Surviving the Decade of Downsizing...
In the 1980’s and 1990’s there would be many changes facing the membership. Technology would reduce the work force. Lean manufacturing was being implemented. Jobs were being eliminated and consolidated. The UAW insisted on participating in decisions affecting the membership. Joint programs were key to increase our opportunities for training and education, employee assistance and impacting sourcing decisions. Maintaining the company’s commitment to these programs was paramount. The Reagan and Bush Administrations challenged the UAW at every turn. The political climate made bargaining difficult. The UAW and Local 897 still successfully defended their contract. Members had job and income security guarantees, education and training opportunities related to jobs and personal development, and a variety of other innovations. There were defeats and victories, but the UAW and its members at Ford prospered.
In 1980 many plants were being closed. Permanent layoffs came with the recession. Imports were seriously affecting the automobile industry. The UAW dealt with this by moving their political agenda to focus on Trade Policy and joint programs were used internally to focus on improvement within the vehicle development process. TRA brought assistance relief for to the local workers. LaRosa fought hard to win this qualification at BSP. It offered temporary monetary relief to laid off workers. Local 897 promoted a “Buy American” campaign. Survival of the American auto industry as a whole changed the UAW’s focus politically. The Big Three in turn focused on moving work out of the U.S. and into foreign competition.
The company eventually started to realize that their workers were intelligent and they needed their input to survive and prosper. The workers had ideas to improve productivity and competitiveness. There were reservation about using the Employee Involvement program but if the program was run right it could be a good program. The program changed the way Ford and Local 897’s worked together. Dick Downey was appointed to the committee and Rudi Muth was the coordinator. Natural Work Teams evolved and constant monitoring by the local was critical.
Achieving Quality 1 shows how the membership and the company can improve and maintain its competitiveness. The losses Ford suffered between 1979 and 1981 caused the company to ask for some relief in the 1982 contract. There were some concessions by the UAW. The UAW still won the Guaranteed Income Stream, profit sharing, a Pilot Employment Guarantee project and a joint National Education Development and Training Program.
President Scott Adams’ said “the strong belief of representation reflects the traditional union values”. There is a commitment to service the membership and to be involved in protecting yourself by protecting others and is essential for the officers and the rank and file.
Productivity improved with fewer workers with new equipment brought into the plant as it continues to do so today. In 1994 the population fell to 2100. Today there are approximately 1450 workers. Unfortunately new technology is essential for survival. In 1986 hiring began again. Laid-off workers were recalled. New York State provided some training funds and there were many new programs brought to the plant with the help of then President Dick Downey. Joe Lagalbo brought many new training programs to the Local 897 members.
New work continued to come into BSP with the quality workforce that they had. Ford continued to ask for concessions when new work was offered. The union resisted.
The membership was changing, Roy Aeschbacker went from being president to the National UAW/Ford Joint Apprenticeship Program, Ron D’Andrea took over as president and then Scotty Adams won the next term. Laurie Dunbar became the first woman elected to union office.
The names may change but the focus remains the same. The members that run for office believe they can do a better job of seeing those values become a reality. Defending the rights of the membership, promoting dignity on the job and justice in the community. These are the values and commitments that allow Local 897 to remain strong. Solidarity of the membership forces the company to concede. Solidarity is the key to win victories of the past and the future. The history shows the power of unity.
by Pam Nemeth
Chairwomen Education Committee