Category Archives: labor issues

Ford Motor BlueOval City – 6000 Jobs go to Tennessee

BlueOval City will make Ford’s second-generation electric truck, code-named Project T3 with the capacity of  500,000 EV trucks a year at full production. Tennessee is a “right to work” (for less?) state, which means workers don’t have to be unionized. Tennessee sent at least $500 million in incentives from its taxpayers to close the deal announced back in September of 2021.

It’s ironic that the state of Michigan today repealed the state’s right to work law – the birthplace and longstanding home of Ford Motor. “Today, we are coming together to restore workers’ rights, protect Michiganders on the job, and grow Michigan’s middle class,” Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer said when signing the legislation. Continue reading

Posted in labor issues, manufacturing, mobility company, new vehicle | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Mazda Exporting US-made CX-50 to Mexico from Toyota JV

Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today announced it has begun to export its US-assembled CX-50 crossover to Mexico, where it only has 18 years of operation. The CX-50 is assembled at Mazda Toyota Manufacturing (MTM), a joint venture in Huntsville, … Continue reading

Posted in economy, labor issues, manufacturing, milestones | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Honda Shows New Prototype Autonomous Work Vehicle

Honda aims to commercialize its AWV. Honda looking for partners to participate in field testing, as well as to improve functions and enhance services, especially in the areas of: Product distribution Product support and aftermarket sales, as well as software and attachment development. The AWV use Honda’s mobility technologies, and common components from its automobiles and other products. Continue reading

Posted in autonomous vehicles, connected vehicles, labor issues, mobility company | Leave a comment

Michigan Opens New EV Jobs Academy Website

The EV Jobs Academy is devised to provide Michiganders with tuition assistance and supportive services, including “earn while you learn” opportunities through a Registered Apprenticeship, to support and streamline “on-ramps to high-wage, in-demand careers. ” With more than 100 partners including employers, industry stakeholders and education institutions, the EV Jobs Academy is driving the state’s advanced mobility talent development for the future. It’s the latest example of a growing progressive awakening to make America great again by creating high-paying jobs for blue collar workers. Continue reading

Posted in economy, electric vehicles, labor issues, manufacturing, milestones | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

US December Unemployment at Record Low of 3.5%

Nevertheless, the Federal Reserve seems determined to send the US economy into a deep recession. The Fed has done this in the past with reckless interest rate increases from an ideology that thinks it is good when people lose jobs to keep demand and inflation down. However, consider that during December, average hourly earnings for all employees on private non-farm payrolls rose by 9 cents, or a mere 0.3%, to $32.82. During the past 12 months, average hourly earnings have increased by 4.6%. In December, average hourly earnings of private-sector production and non-supervisory employees rose by 6 cents, or 0.2%, to $28.07. AutoInformed doesn’t consider the latest data as cause for inflationary worries, let alone more interest rate increases. (Autoinformed.com: Federal Reserve Chair Powell Says Inflation Remains Too High) Continue reading

Posted in economy, labor issues, news analysis, people | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Mercedes-Benz Outlines EV Drive Systems Production Sites

The new Mercedes-Benz powertrain production network was achieved following what were likely dicey discussions with German employee representatives. Mercedes says this resulted in agreements to further increase flexibility and efficiency at the various locations, paving the way for securing the future of the plants. In line with the implementation of the Mercedes-Benz Business Plan, the company is investing a mid-single-digit billion-euro amount in its European powertrain production locations. Thus far worker protest or strikes are apparently non-existent. Continue reading

Posted in electric vehicles, environment, global warming, labor issues, manufacturing, news analysis | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Biden Administration Prevents Nationwide Rail Shutdown

Once again the  President appears to have out-foxed unwitting Republican obstructionists. In response to a question about paid sick leave, he said, “As soon as I can convince our Republicans to see the light.” Thereby once again using success to highlight opposition policy failures.

Biden also took the opportunity to reiterate the economic progress the Administration continues to make after the unending disasters and corruption of the previous Republican Administration. Republicans were thumped in the mid-term elections of course. Continue reading

Posted in labor issues, news analysis, transportation | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Auto, Other Industries Pushing for Rail Strike Intervention. Biden Asking for Action from Do Nothing Senate Republicans

President Biden: “Let me say that again: without action this week, disruptions to our auto supply chains, our ability to move food to tables, and our ability to remove hazardous waste from gasoline refineries will begin. The Senate must move quickly and send a bill to my desk for my signature immediately.” Continue reading

Posted in labor issues, news analysis, transportation | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Augmented Reality – TeamViewer and Hyundai Motor

Overall benefits claimed are increased productivity, accuracy, speed and safety of production workers. The two parties will also pursue global joint marketing of smart factory and enterprise AR technology. Continue reading

Posted in labor issues, manufacturing, safety | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

US Transportation Unemployment Below Pre-Pandemic Rate

The August 2022 rate fell 1.8 percentage points from 6.4% in August 2021 and was below the pre-pandemic August level of 4.8% in August 2019. Unemployment in the transportation sector reached its highest level – an all-time record high – during the COVID-19 pandemic (15.7%) in May 2020 and July 2020 under the Trump Administration. Continue reading

Posted in customer satisfaction, economy, labor issues | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Transportation Unemployment Now at Pre-Pandemic Levels

This means that the July 2022 rate – by falling 3.1 percentage points from 7.3% in July 2021 – is now same as the pre-pandemic July level of 4.2% in July 2019. Unemployment in the transportation sector reached its highest level during the COVID-19 pandemic (15.7%) in May 2020 and July 2020 under the failed policies and denials of what would become the voted-out Trump Administration in November 2020. Thus the Biden Administration policies continue to strongly benefit the economy and US workers. Continue reading

Posted in economy, labor issues | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Our Threatened Middle Class: Union Election Petitions Up 58%

This means that by May 25, FY2022, petitions exceeded the total number of petitions filed in all of FY2021. Unfair labor practice charges have  also  increased though Q3 16% from 11,082 to 12,819 as the Biden Administration recovery continues. Continue reading

Posted in customer satisfaction, labor issues | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Mercedes-Benz Starting Global E-Learning for Employees

This – it’s claimed – will offer employees an unprecedented variety of opportunities to learn independently and flexibly for their current job or future dream job. Free access to the entire range of platforms also gives employees the opportunity to pursue further training according to their personal interests. The company also bears the costs for the licenses here. The rollout will start gradually in the third quarter in administration and in first pilot areas of production. Continue reading

Posted in labor issues, milestones, mobility company, people | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Mercedes-Benz and Unions Agree on EV Production Plans

This means that the Works Council and the powerful IG Metall union, which represents the industrial sector in Europe’s largest economy, supports how the factories are being allocated. The production portfolio already includes six all-electric Mercedes-EQ models. These are being bult at six locations on three continents. Continue reading

Posted in economy, electric vehicles, environment, global warming, labor issues, manufacturing, milestones, mobility company, news analysis | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Ford Europe Says Valencia Will Make Next Gen EVs

In the problematic world of labor relations, Ford is also moving ahead on the $2 billion conversion of its Cologne, Germany, operations to begin producing electric passenger vehicles starting in 2023. Continue reading

Posted in global warming, labor issues, manufacturing, mobility company, news analysis | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment