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When will the New River Valley Volvo strike end? It all depends on what news you want to believe. On Thursday, UAW officials said that they have offered to go back to the bargaining table and Volvo is balking. While on the other hand, Volvo is claiming they have not heard from the union.
“We have received 90 percent of the information we requested on our health and safety from Volvo,” said Lester Hancock, President of UAW Local 2069. “Our International has reviewed this information and has made a 10-day window, that Volvo you can start going back to the table and negotiate. We are more than willing to negotiate today if they like to. It is to my understanding from Mr. Tim Bressler, our International rep that Volvo has declined at this time to start negotiations. On Thursday, Senator Jim Webb (see separate story) met with union officials and union-workers during a morning meeting at the Dublin Union Hall. “We know that the Senator has to stay neutral and look out for what’s best for the people, Hancock said about Webb’s visit. Also on hand Thursday was UAW Regional Director Gary Casteel, as well as the assistant UAW Regional Director. “We have made an offer to Volvo to come back to the table this week and next week and they have declined,” said Casteel. “We want the company to come back to the table. Casteel also added that the Union has received 90 percent of the requested information. “Ten percent of the most critical part, Volvo has left out.” Both Casteel and Hancock said that no date has been set to meet with Volvo officials as of Thursday. Late Thursday evening, EverythingNRV received this letter via email from Joe Mias, Volvo spokesman. The letter, which was on Volvo letterhead, was dated Feb. 21, 2008 and was addressed to ALL EMPLOYEES. Below is the letter, which was signed by D. William Waters, Jr., Director, Workforce Performance, Lead Negotiator for Volvo.
February 21, 2008
TO: ALL EMPLOYEES “Over the last few days, questions regarding the willingness of the UAW and the Company to return to the bargaining table have increased. It’s important for employees to know that some of the comments and rumors that have been reported in the press are not consistent with discussions that have taken place between the Company and the UAW International. Up to this point, the chief negotiator for the UAW has not made himself available for the continuation of negotiations. When he does, the Company will be pleased to continue the talks. In addition, we have also responded in a positive fashion to an offer made by the Regional Director of the Federal Mediation Conciliation Service (FMCS) for assistance. We have informed the FMCS that we would be ready to attend any meeting with the UAW that the FMCS called. The FMCS cannot become involved unless all parties agree to work with them, and they informed us that they would be contacting the UAW International. We have not yet been advised by the FMCS if the UAW has also agreed to mediation. We have repeatedly informed the union that the Company cannot agree to a contract that will not allow the facility to be competitive. Specifically, attendance, manpower movement, and workforce stability are issues that must be satisfactorily resolved. We will continue to keep you informed as we move forward.” The letter was signed by D. William Waters, Jr., Director, Workforce Performance, Lead Negotiator for Volvo. EverythingNRV.com will be following the Volvo strike on a daily basis and will report any new information as we receive it. Photo: (Top left) Senator Jim Webb (left) and Local Union 2069 officials discuss the strike while meeting with those on the picket line Thursday. (Photo by David Grimes).
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Sir James Matthew Barrie was a Scottish novelist and dramatist best known for creating the character Peter Pan, whom he based on his friends, the Llewelyn Davies boys. Educated at Dumfries Academy and Edinburgh University, he became a journalist and, later, a celebrated novelist who counted Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Thomas Hardy amongst his friends and acquaintances. Why was Barrie disappointed with the statue of Peter Pan erected in Kensington Gardens, London?