UAW strikes have decimated General Motors’ production schedule through the first few months of 2008, but the General is taking a stand against the Union at one of its plants. UAW Local 602 has been on strike at the automaker’s Delta Township crossover plant since April 17, but GM announced today that it will cancel medical and life insurance benefits for those on strike, effective midnight tonight.
As per the national contract inked between the UAW and GM last year, GM has the right to cancel benefits on the first of the month following a walkout. In this case, GM had the right to cancel benefits on May 1.
The UAW will foot the tab for health and life insurance for striking workers and their families, but those on strike will have no vision or dental insurance, according to The Detroit News.
This marks the first time GM has canceled benefits since a strike at the automaker’s Flint plant in 1998.
The UAW is also on strike at GM’s Fairfax Chevrolet Malibu production facility and another Local UAW is threatening a strike at GM’s metal stamping facility just outside of Mansfield, Ohio.
GM is also dealing with a 10-week long UAW strike that has slowed or idled production of many of its models.
