GVP Lee Pearson and District 190 Business Representative Don Barbe joined striking automotive Technicians and Service Advisors on the picket line on September 24.
Seventeen automotive Technicians and Service Advisors employed by Grace Honda in San Bruno, California, walked off the job September 12, 2008 after unanimously rejecting the dealership owner's "last, best and final" offer. The rejection centered around a myriad of issues including proposed wage structure changes, take-aways of holidays, productivity-based health insurance coverage, as well as unauthorized and illegal deductions from employees' paychecks for items such as rental cars for customers, tow bills, parts bills, and other items. The owner even insisted on a "no talking" rule within the shop, allowing the technicians to speak only with management for business but not with each other.
"Strikes are always a last resort," remarked District 190 Business Representative Don Barbe, who led the negotiations. "But our members want and deserve a decent wage, without anyone tinkering with their paychecks, and to maintain their health care and holidays. And that's not too much to ask."
"This is a talented group of members that were only seeking a fair and reasonable contract from their employer," said Western Territory GVP Lee Pearson. "I am proud of their solidarity on the picket line. They care about the customers they service and the work they perform, and they should be rewarded for it."
The strikers are members of Local Lodge 1414 in San Mateo.
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