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☆ Robots Are Looking Better to Detroit as Labor Costs Rise
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-15 | by ( Nora Eckert | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Robots weld the body of a Model Y electric vehicle at Tesla’s factory near Berlin. Photo: Patrick Pleul/dpa/picture alliance/Getty ImagesAutomakers are looking to an old friend to help offset rising labor costs: robots. For decades, car companies have increased automation inside their factories. Now, auto executives are looking more closely at this approach, to address a rising labor bill and take advantage of more sophisticated technology.

Persons: Patrick Pleul Organizations: Getty Locations: Berlin

☆ UAW Launches Organizing Drive, Targets Tesla and Toyota
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-29 | by ( Nora Eckert | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

UAW union members were striking over job security and pay as automakers push forward in developing EV’s, which require fewer workers and cost more in raw materials. So what does it all mean for the future of auto workers and the union? Illustration: George Downs/The Wall Street JournalThe United Auto Workers formally launched one of the largest organizing drives in its history with campaigns at 13 automakers, in an effort to leverage record gains from its recent labor deals in Detroit. The UAW plans to target nearly 150,000 workers at U.S. factories owned by large foreign automakers including Toyota Motor and Volkswagen , as well as newer electric-vehicle manufacturers such as Tesla and Rivian Automotive, the union said Wednesday.

Persons: George Downs Organizations: Street, United Auto Workers, UAW, Toyota Motor, Volkswagen, Rivian Automotive Locations: Detroit

Sturgeon wrote that it “was so easy” to purchase the assault rifle, a Radical Firearms RF-15, from a Louisville gun store, according to the police file. He wrote that he was “very sick” and suggested that he had lied about his health to avoid further treatment or institutionalization. Another officer shot and killed the gunman in the lobby. Sturgeon was shot by an officer in the right arm twice, the left leg once and once in the head, according to the report. Investigators determined that the actions of the officer who shot Sturgeon were not criminal, the report said.

Persons: Connor Sturgeon, Sturgeon, “, ”, Lisa Sturgeon, Joshua Barrick, Deana Eckert, Tommy Elliott, Juliana Farmer, Jim Tutt Jr, Elliott, Andy Beshear, Nickolas Wilt Organizations: Louisville police, Firearms, Kentucky Gov Locations: LOUISVILLE, Ky, Louisville

☆ GM Workers Approve New Labor Deal by Slim Margin
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-16 | by ( Nora Eckert | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

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Persons: Dow Jones

☆ UAW Workers at GM’s Largest Plant Back Labor Pact, Boosting Deal’s Chances
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-16 | by ( Nora Eckert | Mike Colias | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

General Motors’ plant in Spring Hill, Tenn., was among those rejecting the tentative UAW contract in the days leading up to the vote in favor on Wednesday at GM’s biggest U.S. factory in Texas. Photo: seth herald/ReutersA majority of workers at General Motors’ largest U.S. factory voted in favor of a tentative contract with the United Auto Workers, bolstering the deal’s chances for approval as a tight vote enters its final hours. Workers at GM ’s factory in Arlington, Texas, which makes large SUVs including the Cadillac Escalade and Chevrolet Tahoe, voted yes by more than 60%, according to Wednesday results from the local union chapter.

Persons: seth Organizations: Motors, UAW, GM’s, U.S, Reuters, General Motors, United Auto Workers, Workers, GM ’, Cadillac, Chevrolet Tahoe Locations: Spring Hill, Tenn, Texas, Arlington , Texas

☆ Several GM Factories Reject UAW Deal, Putting Pact on Shaky Ground
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-15 | by ( Nora Eckert | Mike Colias | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

United Auto Workers members and supporters on a Michigan picket line in September. Photo: Emily Elconin/Bloomberg NewsA majority of United Auto Workers members at several General Motors factories voted against a proposed labor agreement, jeopardizing a tentative contract that both union leaders and GM have called historic. About 68% of workers at GM’s factory in Spring Hill, Tenn., voted down the tentative deal, the union posted on its website Tuesday. A majority of workers at a GM plant in Flint, Mich., and an engine plant in suburban Detroit rejected it.

Persons: Emily Elconin, jeopardizing Organizations: United Auto Workers, Bloomberg, General Motors, GM Locations: Michigan, GM’s, Spring Hill, Tenn, Flint, Mich, Detroit

☆ Chrysler Parent Stellantis Prepares to Offer Buyouts to U.S. Salaried Workers
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-13 | by ( Ryan Felton | Nora Eckert | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Stellantis is expected to offer buyouts to about 6,400 white-collar workers. Photo: REBECCA COOK/REUTERSJeep maker Stellantis is preparing to offer buyouts to roughly half of its U.S. white-collar employees, as the company cuts expenses amid an expensive transition to electric vehicles and potentially higher labor costs. Stellantis Chief Operating Officer Mark Stewart said in an all-hands meeting Monday that the company planned to offer voluntary separation packages to nonunion employees with at least five years of experience, according to people familiar with the matter.

Persons: Stellantis, REBECCA COOK, Mark Stewart Organizations: REUTERS

☆ BMW says it is looking into Morocco labour, environment issues after newspaper report
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-12 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The headquarters of German luxury carmaker BMW is seen in Munich, Germany, August 5, 2020. BMW has contacted local supplier Managem with a range of queries and requested additional information, a spokesperson for the company told Reuters. By far the largest proportion of the world's cobalt deposits are located in the Congo, where child labour still occurs, particularly in small mines. BMW no longer sources cobalt from Congo, said the BMW spokesperson. Reporting by Christina Amann, writing by Vera Eckert, Editing by Hugh LawsonOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Michael Dalder, Managem, Christina Amann, Vera Eckert, Hugh Lawson Organizations: BMW, REUTERS, Bayerische Motoren, FRANKFURT, Reuters, Managem, Daily, Sueddeutsche Zeitung, NDR, WDR, Thomson Locations: Munich, Germany, Moroccan, Morocco, Congo, Australia

☆ Germany set to double Ukraine military aid
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-12 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz delivers a speech on the day of the opening of an electrolysis gigafactory in Berlin, Germany November 8, 2023. REUTERS/Annegret Hilse/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsFRANKFURT, Nov 11 (Reuters) - German chancellor Olaf Scholz's governing coalition has agreed in principle to double the country's military aid for Ukraine next year to 8 billion euros ($8.5 billion), a political source in Berlin said on Sunday. Defence minister Boris Pistorius, interviewed by broadcaster ARD, referred to the planned doubling of military aid to Ukraine. "Doubling the military spending is both the right thing to do and important," it quoted member of parliament Andreas Schwarz, who acts as an SPD military budget official, as saying. A European Union plan to spend up to 20 billion euros ($21 billion) on military aid for Ukraine is meeting with resistance from EU countries, diplomats said this week.

Persons: Olaf Scholz, Annegret, Olaf Scholz's, Boris Pistorius, Andreas Schwarz, Gursimran Kaur, Holger Hansen, Vera Eckert, David Gregorio, Kirsten Donovan, Giles Elgood Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, Atlantic Treaty Organization, Scholz's Social Democrats, Free Democrats, Green, Bundestag, Bloomberg News, Germany's Ministry of Defence, ARD, Thomson Locations: Berlin, Germany, Ukraine, Bengaluru, Frankfurt

☆ Germany's Continental considers measures to improve competitiveness
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-12 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

A car wheel with a badge showing the logo of German tyre company Continental, pictured before the company's annual news conference in Hanover, Germany, March 7, 2019. REUTERS/Fabian Bimmer/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsCompanies Continental AG FollowFRANKFURT, Nov 12 (Reuters) - Continental (CONG.DE) on Sunday said it is considering how to improve competitiveness of its automotive division but stopped short of commenting on a report that it could axe about 5,500 jobs worldwide. "Continental is looking into further measures to strengthen the competitiveness of its Automotive division," a spokesman said in reply to emailed questions about the report by business publication Manager Magazin. Once it has taken concrete decisions the company will publicise them internally and then inform the public, he added. Manager Magazin earlier wrote that the multinational automotive parts manufacturer could cut about 5,500 jobs in the automotive division, more than 1,100 of which would be at its 30 locations in Germany.

Persons: Fabian Bimmer, Vera Eckert, David Goodman Organizations: Continental, REUTERS, FRANKFURT, Automotive, Thomson Locations: Hanover, Germany

☆ German foreign minister, in Israel, says humanitarian crisis must be contained
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-11 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/2] German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock's holds a press conference in Tel Aviv, Israel November 11, 2023, in this still image taken from a video. The trip has taken Baerbock to the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. It was unclear how Israel in case of a general ceasefire would be able to defend itself, Baerbock said. The Middle East has been on edge since Hamas fighters rampaged into Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 people. "I have assured my colleague Eli Cohen of Germany's unshakable solidarity with Israel," Baerbock said.

Persons: Annalena Baerbock's, Joseph Campbell, Annalena Baerbock, Eli Cohen, Baerbock, rampaged, Germany's, Vera Eckert, Christina Fincher Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, West Bank, European Union, United Arab, Reuters, Thomson Locations: Tel Aviv, Israel, Gaza, East, Brussels, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Ramallah, West Bank . Saudi Arabia

☆ German Foreign Minister, in Israel, Says Humanitarian Crisis Must Be Contained
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-11 | by ( Nov. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

FRANKFURT (Reuters) - German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said on Saturday in Tel Aviv that the international community should focus on limiting the impact of military operations in Gaza on the civilian population. Saudi Arabia and other Muslim countries called on Saturday for an immediate end to military operations in Gaza, rejecting Israel's justification of its actions against Palestinians as self-defence. It was unclear how Israel in case of a general ceasefire would be able to defend itself, Baerbock said. The Middle East has been on edge since Hamas fighters rampaged into Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 people. "I have assured my colleague Eli Cohen of Germany's unshakable solidarity with Israel," Baerbock said.

Persons: Annalena Baerbock, Eli Cohen, Baerbock, rampaged, Germany's, Vera Eckert, Christina Fincher Organizations: West Bank, European Union, United Arab, Reuters Locations: FRANKFURT, Tel Aviv, Gaza, East, Israel, Brussels, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Ramallah, West Bank . Saudi Arabia

☆ Germany's Scholz looking 'closely' at Italy's migrant deal with Albania
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-11 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz looks on next to the President of the Party of European Socialists (PES) Stefan Lofven during the meeting of the Party of European Socialists in Malaga, Spain, November 11, 2023. REUTERS/Jon Nazca Acquire Licensing RightsFRANKFURT, Nov 11 (Reuters) - German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Saturday signalled an openness to study Italy's deal to hold migrants in Albania as the European Union tries to stem illegal immigration. Scholz's briefing, of which Reuters obtained an audio file, was held on the sidelines of a congress of the Party of European Socialists (PES). Scholz had on Tuesday agreed on a tougher migration policy and new funding for refugees with the heads of Germany's 16 states. Scholz also said six western Balkan states that had been promised EU membership 20 years ago should "soon" be integrated.

Persons: Olaf Scholz, Stefan Lofven, Jon Nazca, Scholz, Andreas Rinke, Vera Eckert, Dditing, David Holmes Organizations: Party of European Socialists, REUTERS, Rights, European Union, Monday Rome, Reuters, Thomson Locations: Malaga, Spain, Albania, Moldova, Ukraine, Georgia, Israel, Gaza

☆ Germany's Scholz backs Spain's Calvino for EIB presidency
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-11 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

REUTERS/Susana Vera/ File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsFRANKFURT, Nov 11 (Reuters) - German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Saturday backed the candidacy of Spanish acting Economy Minister Nadia Calvino for the post of president of the European Investment Bank (EIB). "I think she will be a very good president of the EIB," Scholz said in an address to a weekend congress of the Party of European Socialists (PES) in Malaga, Spain. He added that they had worked well together in the past when they headed their respective countries' finance ministries. The EIB is currently led by German Liberal Democratic Party (FDP) politician Werner Hoyer. They do not reflect the views of Reuters News, which, under the Trust Principles, is committed to integrity, independence, and freedom from bias.

Persons: Nadia Calvino, Susana Vera, Olaf Scholz, Scholz, Werner Hoyer, Andreas Rinke, Vera Eckert, Kirsten Donovan Organizations: Monetary, Financial, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, REUTERS, Rights, Saturday, European Investment Bank, Party of European Socialists, European Union, Berlin, German Liberal Democratic Party, Thomson, Reuters Locations: Marrakech, Morocco, Malaga, Spain, Germany, France

☆ UAW Urges Honda, Subaru Workers To Join Union
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-10 | by ( Nora Eckert | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

President Biden celebrated the new labor contracts between the United Auto Workers union and the three major car companies while visiting an auto plant in Belvidere, Ill. Photo: Olivier Douliery/AFP/Getty ImagesThe United Auto Workers is mounting union-organization drives at Honda Motor and Subaru by asking workers to sign authorization cards indicating that they would like to join the union. The union on Friday posted links to social-media site X that included online forms workers at Honda and Subaru in the U.S. can fill out to express their support for UAW representation.

Persons: Biden, Olivier Douliery Organizations: United Auto Workers, Getty, Honda Motor, Subaru, Honda, UAW Locations: Belvidere , Ill, AFP, U.S

☆ Honda Boosts U.S. Factory Workers’ Pay by 11% After UAW Wins in Detroit
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-10 | by ( Nora Eckert | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Honda is cutting the time it takes to reach the top wage, a change that is similar to one won by the UAW in its negotiations with GM, Ford and Stellantis. Photo: Eugene Hoshiko/Associated PressHonda Motor is giving many U.S. factory workers a 11% pay bump and making other improvements for these employees, a move that follows major gains secured by the United Auto Workers union in Detroit last month. The base wage increase is effective in January, according to a memo viewed by The Wall Street Journal. The Japanese automaker is also cutting the time it takes to reach the top wage in half to three from six years, a change that is similar to one won by the UAW in its negotiations with General Motors , Ford Motor and Chrysler-parent Stellantis .

Persons: Eugene Hoshiko Organizations: Honda, UAW, GM, Ford, Associated Press Honda, U.S, United Auto Workers, Wall Street, General Motors, Ford Motor, Chrysler Locations: Detroit

☆ Honda Gives U.S. Factory Workers 11% Pay Bump Following UAW Wins in Detroit
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-10 | by ( Nora Eckert | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Honda is cutting the time it takes to reach the top wage, a change that is similar to one won by the UAW in its negotiations with GM, Ford and Stellantis. Photo: Eugene Hoshiko/Associated PressHonda Motor is giving many U.S. factory workers a 11% pay bump and making other improvements for these employees, a move that follows major gains secured by the United Auto Workers union in Detroit last month. The base wage increase is effective in January, according to a memo viewed by The Wall Street Journal. The Japanese automaker is also cutting the time it takes to reach the top wage in half from six to three years, a change that is similar to one won by the UAW in its negotiations with General Motors , Ford Motor and Chrysler-parent Stellantis .

Persons: Eugene Hoshiko Organizations: Honda, UAW, GM, Ford, Associated Press Honda, U.S, United Auto Workers, Wall Street, General Motors, Ford Motor, Chrysler Locations: Detroit

☆ The UAW’s Next Challenge: Getting Workers to Vote Yes
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-03 | by ( Nora Eckert | Ryan Felton | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

The United Auto Workers union said it reached a tentative deal with General Motors on Monday, more than six weeks after workers went on strike. The company was the last of the three Detroit automakers to reach a new tentative labor deal. Photo: Rebecca Cook/ReutersUnited Auto Workers leaders bargained for months and called a historic strike before clinching tentative agreements with Detroit’s automakers. UAW members at local chapters across the country begin voting as soon as this week on the labor pacts with Ford Motor , General Motors and Chrysler parent Stellantis . The proposed contracts, which include a 25% wage hike and a return of cost-of-living adjustments, increase pay more than several contracts over the past two decades combined.

Persons: Rebecca Cook Organizations: United Auto Workers, General Motors, Detroit, Reuters United Auto Workers, Detroit’s, UAW, Ford Motor, Chrysler

☆ Car Companies Agree to Pay Striking Workers in Unusual UAW Win
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-02 | by ( Nora Eckert | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

The United Auto Workers union said it reached a tentative deal with General Motors on Monday, more than six weeks after workers went on strike. The company is the last of the three Detroit automakers to reach a new tentative labor deal. Photo: Rebecca Cook/ReutersFord Motor , General Motors and Chrysler-parent Stellantis agreed to pay striking workers for their time on the picket lines, as part of new labor deals reached late last month with the United Auto Workers to end the union’s walkout. The move is an unusual one in the union’s history of negotiating with the car companies, according to people familiar with the talks.

Persons: Rebecca Cook Organizations: United Auto Workers, General Motors, Detroit, Reuters Ford Motor, Chrysler

☆ Three Young Activists Who Never Worked in an Auto Factory Helped Deliver Huge Win for the UAW
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-31 | by ( Nora Eckert | Mike Colias | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

In hard-nosed negotiations, the United Auto Workers in recent weeks shocked Detroit automakers with public swipes at CEO pay, a renewed focus on the rank-and-file and a bold plan for sudden strikes. The aggressive strategy was driven by a band of young outsiders—who have never clocked in a day of work at an auto factory. The three 30-something labor activists were brought in by new UAW President Shawn Fain to remake the union into a more independent, media savvy and creative challenger to car companies.

Persons: —, Shawn Fain Organizations: United Auto Workers, Detroit

The United Auto Workers union said it reached a tentative deal with Stellantis on Saturday, six weeks after workers went on strike. Earlier in the week, Ford also reached a tentative agreement with the UAW. Photos: Emily Elconin/Bloomberg NewsThe decision by the United Auto Workers on Saturday to call a fresh strike at General Motors as talks appeared to be nearing a conclusion was the latest in a set of unexpected moves by the union, which has used misdirection and maximized publicity to keep companies off balance. The surprise walkout at a factory in Tennessee followed several days of intensifying contract negotiations between GM and union leaders, including meetings involving GM Chief Executive Mary Barra and UAW President Shawn Fain. The escalation of the strike came as the UAW confirmed that it reached a tentative agreement with Chrysler-parent Stellantis on a new labor contract.

Persons: Stellantis, Ford, Emily Elconin, Mary Barra, Shawn Fain Organizations: United Auto Workers, UAW, Bloomberg, General Motors, GM, Chrysler Locations: Tennessee

The United Auto Workers union said it reached a tentative deal with Stellantis on Saturday, six weeks after workers went on strike. Earlier in the week, Ford also reached a tentative agreement with the UAW. Photos: Emily Elconin/Bloomberg NewsThe United Auto Workers called a fresh strike at a General Motors factory in Tennessee, a surprise walkout after negotiators had been working nearly around the clock to finalize a new contract this weekend. Workers at GM’s factory in Spring Hill, Tenn., were ordered to go on strike Saturday evening, according to people with knowledge of the union’s plans. The strike came just as the UAW confirmed that it reached a tentative agreement with Chrysler parent Stellantis on a new labor contract.

Persons: Stellantis, Ford, Emily Elconin Organizations: United Auto Workers, UAW, Bloomberg, General Motors, Workers, Chrysler Locations: Tennessee, GM’s, Spring Hill, Tenn

☆ UAW, Stellantis Reach Tentative Agreement on New Four-Year Labor Contract
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-28 | by ( Nora Eckert | Ryan Felton | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

The United Auto Workers union said it reached a tentative deal with Stellantis on Saturday, six weeks after workers went on strike. Earlier in the week, Ford also reached a tentative agreement with the UAW. Photos: Emily Elconin/Bloomberg NewsThe United Auto Workers has reached a tentative agreement with Chrysler-parent Stellantis on a new labor contract, moving the union one step closer to ending a historic strike that has dinged all three automakers and put more than 45,000 workers on the picket lines for six weeks. The UAW plans to announce the proposed contract as soon as Saturday afternoon, according to people familiar with the situation.

Persons: Stellantis, Ford, Emily Elconin Organizations: United Auto Workers, UAW, Bloomberg, Chrysler

☆ The UAW-Ford Deal: What’s in the Contract, Who Won and What It Means for GM and Stellantis
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-26 | by ( Nora Eckert | Mike Colias | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

The United Auto Workers union said it reached a new tentative deal with Ford that could bring an end to a six-week strike at one automaker while negotiations continue at General Motors and Chrysler-parent Stellantis. Photo: Michael Swensen/Getty ImagesThe United Auto Workers reached a new tentative labor deal with Ford Motor Wednesday night, calling workers off the picket lines at the automaker. Here’s what to know about the deal, what’s next for Ford and the union, and what the agreement means for the company as well as its rivals General Motors and Chrysler-parent Stellantis .

Persons: Michael Swensen, what’s Organizations: United Auto Workers, Ford, General Motors, Chrysler, Ford Motor

☆ Ford Retrenches Further on EVs Amid Demand Uncertainty
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-26 | by ( Nora Eckert | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

The United Auto Workers union said it reached a new tentative deal with Ford that could bring an end to a six-week strike at one automaker while negotiations continue at General Motors and Chrysler-parent Stellantis. Photo: Michael Swensen/Getty Images<br>Ford Motor posted $1.2 billion in net income in the third quarter, swinging from a loss in the prior-year period, but it withdrew its guidance for the year, citing the impact of the United Auto Workers strike. The company also said it is pushing out $12 billion in planned investment on electric vehicles, reiterating concerns about consumer demand and pricing pressure from competitors. It plans to delay a second battery plant in the U.S., a facility in Kentucky that is a joint-venture with Korean battery-maker SK On.

Persons: Michael Swensen Organizations: United Auto Workers, Ford, General Motors, Chrysler, Korean, SK Locations: U.S, Kentucky

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