Dealership Mechanic Strike

[carnutcass]

Most dealerships in the St. Louis area have union mechanics and body men. They've been on strike for about three months. I haven't crossed the picket lines out of respect for their cause......but they need to get on with it already!!!

I've got a couple of warranty repairs that need to be made and one involves leaking coolant from an intake manifold gasket. I know I sound like an ass but they've gotta know, the longer they stay out the less chance they're gonna get a fair deal.

[kustomkid54]

Just drive up to the line and say, "Hi guys, I need to get my car fixed. Could I please cross your line?" I can hear your next line. " Could you please stop hitting my car with those bricks?"
I know what you mean. Being from Michigan, I don't cross picket lines. Even if it's a 7 year old kid with a sign that says, "I don't like M&Ms".
Good luck.

[richtazz]

Crossing a picket line is a touchy subject, but maybe if they realize it's a recall issue, they'll go easy on you. But I agree with Kustom, I still live in Michigan, and if you cross a picket line here, you'll be beaten to a pulp no matter what the reason.

[carnutcass]

Actually........the dealerships that are affected by the strike CAN"T do warranty repairs. I know, I called and asked. I guess it has to do with GM refusing to pay for, and warrant, repairs made by non-ASE replacement mechanics......scabs, for lack of a better word.

[carnutcass]

Latest news......

Machinists reject contract proposal
10/08/2004
Updated today at 4 p.m.

Striking Machinists turned down overwhelmingly today the latest contract offer proposed by St. Louis area new car dealerships, a move that dashes hopes for a speedy resolution of the 69-day strike.

Though the union's leadership recommended the offer, the Machinists rank-and-file voted to reject the contract 699 to 373 because dealerships didn't budge on their demand to use more "helpers," a lower-paid and less-experienced worker, for certain jobs now done by highly skilled mechanics.