Approximately 1,300 hourly workers employed by Detroit Diesel Corp. have been working without a contract since October 31.
Chris Brandt, DDC spokesman, told Fleet Owner that company negotiators are actively engaged with United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 163, which represents the workers.
“Right now DDC continues to negotiate with UAW on a new labor contract for the Redford plant’s hourly workers,” he said. “There was a meeting today. In the meantime, union employees continue to work.”
The company and the union won’t disclose the labor issues that are currently under negotiation. Detroit Free Press reported about 700 workers were laid off in 2003 amid sluggish demand after the engines that met the ‘02 emissions standards hit the market. Job security in the face of the production of ‘07 engines is among the issues on the minds of UAW negotiators, although it was not confirmed as a major issue, the newspaper reported.
UAW was contacted but would not issue a statement as of press time.
