UAW OKs Van Nuys Shift Cuts

Threatened with a shutdown of General Motors’ Van Nuys plant, the United Auto Workers voted to accept a previously rejected work schedule that lays off alternating shifts for two-week stints, officials said today. The vote was made Monday after workers returned from a one-week layoff due to oversupplies of Pontiac Firebirds and Chevrolet Camaros, the two cars built for GM at the 41-year-old, 100-acre plant in the Van Nuys section of Los Angeles.

Workers voted 1,915 to 1,688 to accept the plan, which becomes effective Feb. 15 and will remain in effect until May 2, unless poor sales force further shift cuts. The plant has 3,800 hourly employees and 400 managers. The plan eliminates the night shift at the plant and will cut the take-home pay of UAW workers with less than 20 years seniority by 24%, while workers with 20 years or more seniority will lose 5%, according to UAW first shift committeeman Cal Rodriguez.