UAW rejects OEM contract

The United Auto Workers union has voted down a proposed contract with International Truck & Engine Corp. The current contract will remain in effect until its expiration in October 2007, with no work interruptions expected due to the vote.

According to International, the contract would have provided “product introductions” at UAW facilities as well as operating environmental changes to enhance the OEM’s global competitiveness.

“We believed the proposed contract maintained a good quality of life for our employees, while still making the changes to many outdated practices that hamper our union facilities,” said Jeff Bowen, International vp of human resources.