Automotive — 5

Over 625,252 automotive mechanics are employed in the U.S. and Canada, yet only 12.9 percent are organized. Using figures projecting employment to the year 2008, there is expected to be an employment increase of 16.6 percent for automotive mechanics. Union membership pays big: union wages average $20.35 versus non-union wages of $14.51 with an average difference of $5.84.

The top Automotive Lodges are responsible for the organizing activity in the IAM. In conjunction with the IAM Organizing Program, dedication and hard work are the keys to success in any organizing and Automotive Organizing is no different.

There have been a total of 84 campaigns from June 1, 2002 through June 1, 2003, 10 are open, 43 closed, 29 withdrawn and 31 won. The Eastern territory won 100 percent, Midwest territory won 61.9 percent, Southern Territory won 50 percent, Canadian Territory 100 percent, DC & vicinity 100 percent and the Western Territory 57.1 percent. This brought 541 new members to the IAM.

Canada

A retail trade survey of dealers indicated total 1998 Canadian motor vehicle and recreational vehicle retail sales of $65.4 billion. Auto Dealers employed 117,700, with a total weekly payroll of $81.1 million and average weekly earnings of $688.51. Non-salary workers were paid $15.88 per hour and worked an average of 34.4 hours per week.

Trucking Industry

The IAM has contracts with numerous companies throughout the industry. Over the Road Trucking’s contracts expired in 1998, and were re-negotiated through an IAM representative. The new contract offers excellent wages, benefits and a pension that is the best of any industry. This was possible through coordinated bargaining with the employers. The Western Territory has a Western States Trucking Agreement and the Midwest Territory has a Multi-States Trucking Agreement.

After nearly two years of setting records, there is no sign of slowing in the Class 8 truck market. Truck manufacturers continue to build Class 8 vehicles in extraordinary numbers.