Word: saturns
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...result was a series of groundbreaking new work rules to enhance morale and productivity at Saturn. Instead of performing a single tedious task like attaching windshield wipers as cars whiz past on a long assembly line, employees would work together in self-directing teams of six to 15 people. Each team would be responsible for large sections of the car, and its members would have the latitude to reach a consensus on how to divide up and rotate job assignments. Most important, production workers would receive a salary instead of an hourly wage as they...
...demise of the U. A. W union movement as we know it." He complained that the proposal would destroy the seniority system, in which the best jobs go to workers with the longest service. Kelly pointed out that while job security would be guaranteed for 80% of Saturn's workers, the remaining 20% could still be laid off. The 25-member U.A.W. executive board rejected the plan and began negotiating with GM on revisions...
...U.A.W. executive board approved the Saturn contract last week with only a few revisions. One change was a new requirement that anyone Saturn hired who was a union member and a current or former GM employee would be guaranteed lifetime job security. U.A.W. President Owen Beiber praised the pact. Said he: "For the first time in history, our union will have a great deal of input upon how the plant is operated...
...special session two weeks ago to pass a $306 million education-aid bill. Michigan's main attraction was a large pool of skilled workers already experienced in automaking. GM was hesitant, however, to put a plant with revolutionary work rules so close to the company's conventional factories. The Saturn workers and employees at older plants near by might resent being treated differently...
...discouraging week for the losers in the Saturn sweepstakes. Said New Jersey Governor Thomas Kean: "We're obviously disappointed. We knew we were a long shot, but we also knew we were in the competition." But Douglas Ross, Michigan's secretary of commerce, was more upbeat. "We win, no matter where the Saturn plant goes," he said. "If Saturn learns how to build cars competitive with the Japanese, that means the American auto industry centered in Michigan will survive and flourish...