Catherwood LibraryILR School

United Auto Workers members attended a full-to-capacity meeting this past weekend to speak with union leaders about how long it is taking to negotiate severance for 4,700 employees who will be laid off on April 1, when the New United Motor Manufacturing plant in Fremont (Nummi) closes its doors for good. This weekend's meeting was calm but firm: soon-to-be-unemployed union members wanted to know if severance would include medical coverage, if it would be based on continued good performance through April 1, if it would be possible to receive pay above the $50,000-60,000 limit normally applicable to Nummi severance packages. Above all, however, rank and file members insisted that an agreement be finalized, soon. Besides feeling anxious to know how the future will play out, members fear that further delay will weaken the UAW bargaining position. Further contention focused on whether to 'go after' GM or Toyota in negotiations - GM has more angered employees, but it also has greater legal protections due to its bankruptcy claims.