It's official. GM has filed for bankruptcy. Local union leaders say the filing was not a surprise but they are hoping the proceedings will be quick. "We just want it over with," said Jim Graham, President of UAW Local 1112. "Let's get it through the courts."
Graham and his colleague, Dave Green, President of UAW Local 1714, say they are optimistic that their employer will come out as a stronger and more competitive company.
Local officials say they are actually relieved the company filed. "It is not exactly good news but it is a sigh of relief," said Mayor Mike O'Brien. "Locally, we will be spared and I attribute that to the strong working relationship between both unions and management at General Motors."
Graham and Green agree, saying they believe the Lordstown facility is a crucial part of GM's success. "Lordstown is safe," Graham said. "We are going to be fine at Lordstown. The new product will kick in, in April and hopefully we get our second shift back and get on with the business of a building cars."
Green added that the Cruze will be a new fuel efficient car, something the public wants. "The government is pushing fuel efficient cars and that is what we are building," Green said.
Right now, car production at the Lordstown complex has been stopped for an extended summer break, as GM tries to thin out its capacity, but there is still some work being done at the plant as employees begin to prepare the facility for the Cruze.
