Moving forward to revive the GM/Opel network

GERMANY: On February 22 and 23, in Rüsselsheim, Germany, the IMF invited participants from all major GM/Opel sites to the IMF GM/Opel Meeting. The topic for discussion was the revitalization of the former Network, the need for an IFA and the expansion of the European Works Council (EWC) to a World Employee committee (WEC). The United Auto Workers (UAW) President, Bob King participated in the meeting, showing his real commitment to international work.

After extensive discussion participants agreed to:

• demand GM to convert the European Works Council (EWC) to a World Employee committee (WEC)
• prepare a draft for an IFA
• write a letter to GM management with the above mentioned demands

Participants also agreed that the network will start immediately. Information from different sites will also be collected in order to share information on violations of rights to be covered in a future IFA  in order for GM management to know that the GM Network is active.

The day before the meeting a lecture was given by Opel management about future technologies, particularly electronic transmission and fuel cell technology, a plant visit to Opel in Rüsselsheim followed.