GM Bargaining Chairman of the Corvette manufacturing plant for United Auto Workers Local 2164, Jason Watson, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the 70th anniversary of the Chevrolet Corvette and its history. Watson also talked about past negotiations and upcoming negotiations.
Watson discussed the tough start for Corvette in the 1950s before being redesigned. He also talked about the process and time involved in making a base model Corvette and compared it to the performance models.
The management and UAW members are holding some events to celebrate the 70th Anniversary. Workers and management will sit down to an extended lunch followed by a classic car display with the workers' vehicles, Watson said. Around the plant, they will be handing out different Corvette memorabilia as well. Watson said many of the workers love the Corvette, own classic versions of the car and collect memorabilia, which helps create a sense of pride he hadn’t experienced at other plants.
Bargaining with management has historically been a successful endeavor for the Local. Many of the workers and management have lived in the Bowling Green, Ky. area and know the importance of this plant. This has lead to a closer-than-usual relationship between the workers and management. Watson hopes this year's negotiations will be similar and credits that to the sense of community within the plant.
Listen to the entire episode to learn more.