Detroit Free Press from Detroit, Michigan • Page 9

DETROIT FREE PRESSFRIDAY, AUG. 31, 1979 1 5 A Its GM: selective strikes threatened AUTO TALKS, from Page 1 A pletely unpredictable event." he said. C3T7 fll i The target announcement cleared the track for continuous bargaining between the union and GM from 9:30 a.m. Friday 'We'll get a good contract; I just until Sept 14. As the union has learned irom past conironta tloni with the giant adversary, Its task will not be easy.

Mayor Young has told appointed officials and department heads to spend some time commut- la 1945-46, the UAW sweated out a 119-day strike against GM. For the last 30 days of that strike, the Issue was one cent ing to work by DOT bus in order to get a picture of how more in the wage package. The UAW never gamed that penny. Twenty-four years later, the union learned once again that GM could hang tough. The 67-day strike of 1970 was the costliest In history.

GM was also hit by a one-week strike in 1964, although it than satisfied that the companies are flexible. "I said to them that I'm assuring all this is open to further discussion, and they readily said, Bluestone said. Bluestone, who was beaming broadly at the moment the target was announced, confirmed that pension improvements for retirees are still the stickiest issue under debate: "They really have not addressed the inflation problem relative to the pension program," he said. "They haven't addressed the problem of current retirees, although they said we would talk about that after we had made some final arrangements relative to the actives who will be retiring In the future." REMINDED THAT IT has been traditional for the union to seek new principles from Ford and more money from GM, Bluestone denied that the UAW is reversing that tradition by seeking cost-of-living adjustments for retirees. "The idea of meeting the problem of inflation for retirees Is not a matter of principle," he said.

"We always improved the pension benefit for retirees since we first negotiated the contracts in 1950 and thereafter." Fraser and Bluestone also denied that a possible cyclical rotation of the auto Big Three as choices for strike targets had been a consideration. "Rotation was not mentioned," Fraser said. GM rsnk-and-f ile enthusiasm for being the target is high, the union officials said. When it was announced in the morning GM council meeting, it won a long and hearty round of applaud. GM workers' votes on whether to strike if necessary to get what they want have been running 9-1 in favor.

"YOU BET THEY'RE HAPPY," said Mike McLeod of Local 424 of Buffalo, N.Y. "We're ready. I know we'll get a good contract I just don't know when. At GM, the response to the UAWs challenge reflected confidence that a settlement will be reached without a strike and that the company's first offer provides a sound basis for the system is working. Do you think this will have an effect on bus service? you votsd NO, 54.5 percent.

COMMENTS: "He warned all the drivers ahead of time, so they'll be prepared for a very temporary about the mayor riding the bus on a regular basis, not Just making an believe It when I see quit when the snow comes and service really deteriorates." YES, 45.5 percent. COMMENTS: "It's one step toward improving the admire the mayor for doing work if the drivers aren't "If Joyce Garrett has a bad time, I'm sure she'll bend the mayor's ear." Sound off Is a non-scientific poll Intended to give Free Press readers a chance to express their opinions. Today percent ages are based on approximately 200 calls. Tcnarrow's question In an effort to reduce the number and duration of teacher strikes, a bill will be introduced in the Legislature this fall that would dock teachers' pay and school districts' revenues for each day lost in a strike. Do you favor such a bill? donh know ivhen' "To put that offer in perspective," said George B.

Morris, GM vice-president for Industrial relations, "it should be remembered that the GM hourly employe already receives wages and benefits that far exceed those received by most American industrial workers. He has no catching up to do." The average GM wage is now $9.07 an hour. The scale for assemblers, who make up the largest job classification, is $8.67. FORD VICE-PRESIDENT Sidney F. McKenna expressed no regrets at the UAW decision, but indicated that with only 10 local settlements on ln-piant contracts so far at Ford, there is much "essential work" still to be done at that bargaining table.

"We will continue to negotiate on these matters in an effort to narrow our differences with the UAW with respect to them and to achieve local settlements," he said. Separately, Ken Bannon, UAW vice-president for Ford operations, said the union's Ford committee was "very disappointed" with the target decision. "There were a few tears," he said. Fraser added that the possibility of a contract for less than three years is still an open question, but said, "I'd be comfortable with three years providing the agreement provides a proper measure of security for our members." EVEN IF GM WERE STRUCK in the United States, he said, It would not be struck in Canada. Fraser concluded his remarks with a warning that any speculation about the length of strike, should one occur, is "ridiculous." A strike is a "com was not the target firm that year.

In 1976, the UAW staged 12-hour mini-strikes at 16 key GM plants. For the UAWs Bluestone and for GM's Morris, the crisis bargaining ahead will provide appropriately dramatic "last hurrahs" for two long careers of labor negotiating. A S8-YEAR MAN with GM, Morris will reach the firm's mandatory retirement age of 65 before the 1S82 round of bargaining. Described recently by another auto executive as "tough and blustery a good soldier for a large, tough company," Morris is also the master of the quick, wry riposte that can lighten bargaining's heaviest moments. Asked whether there were any surprises in this year's Initial "laundry list" of demands, Morris replied: "No no, It's like turning on the television late at night and seeing an old, old movie that I've seen many times before." Bluestone's service with the UAW stretches back to 1948.

Named head of the union's GM division in 1970 and vie president In 1972, he has announced his intention to retire early, before the next election. Bluestone has described periods of contract bargaining "the most exhilarating" of his life, and veteran observers believe him to be more than a little gratified to cany the union banner in this final exchange. The current negotiations mark Eraser's first round as president of the UAW. Most of his bargaining experience has been with Chrysler where he headed the union's department for many years before becoming president in 1 977. To vote NO Call 961-4422 To vote YES Call 961-3211 moving toward It action line Pay cuts at Chrysler callus: 222-6464 Line solves problems, gets an 6wers.

cuts red tape stands up for your rights XI A Write Action Line. Box 881 Detroit, Mich 48231 Or dial 222-6464 between 8:30 a.m. and CHRYSLER, from Page 1 A Chrysler has made in some time," Fraser said, "even though it is not that important in terms of Chrysler's financial needs." Fraser, whose union promised early in this summer's contract negotiations it would not strike Chrysler, said the action would make the company's hourly workers more aware of the seriousness of Chrysler's plight A top official in the U.S. Treasury Department said: "It sounds kind of Draconian (harsh). "We said there would have to be sacrifices by everyone.

But I don't think we would have Insisted on $1 a year." REP. JAMES Blanchard, D-Pleasant Ridge, a member of the House Banking Committee which will probably consider the Chrysler request, said: "We're fighting a battle of symbols, and cutting their salary to $1 a year sends the right signals to all the people we've got to convince." A Chrysler spokesman called it a "voluntary move on their part to show sacrifice at this end and to show their confidence in the company." Depending on the company's profitability and the price of its common stock on Aug. 31, 1981, the men could get part, all of more than their salaries retroactively. According to a formula explained by company spokesmen, if the price of one share of Chrysler stock is $8 a year from now thars the present price both men would get back pay of $359,999 for the next 12 months. If the price of stock were $4, they would be entitled to half that.

But none of it would be paid until Sept 1, 1981, unless the company turned a profit before then. Thus if the price of the stock Increased over the two-year period, Rlc-cardo and Iacocca could get back-pay exceeding their current $360,000 a year. IF THE STOCK reached $12, for instance, they would be entitled to $539,998. Asked what would happen if the company still weren't profitable in September 1981, a spokesman said, "We're proceeding on the assumption that we'll be profitable." Any salary decisions at that time would be made by the compensation committee of the board of directors, he said. Analysts say Chrysler will lose $600 million to $700 million this year and lose money again next year.

With its new front-wheel-drive cars to be Introduced in the fall of 1980, the company sees 1981 as the turnaround year. 4:30 p.m Monday through Friday Where's tree? I paid State Landscaping Tree Service of Madison Heights $620 to cut down a tree in my front yard and replace it with a smaller one. Part of the job was done, but the replacement tree has never been delivered. haven't been able to get in toucb with the company nd I don't know what to do. Any suggestions? OB, Warren Add your complaint to others on file with Macomb County Prosecutor's Office.

County has two open cases involving consumer fraud against Gerhardt Schienke of State Landscaping. A warrant is out for his arrest, but police have been unable to locate him. According to the Michigan Department of Agriculture's plant industry division, Schienke has operated businesses under five different names in past five years, with State Landscaping Tree Service being the latest. Others who have complaints about firm are encouraged to contact Macomb County Prosecutor. Wealthy with worms? After responding to an ad for American Wlulesale Bait I received packet hwmSI fllllijy fill 500 in Plymouth Center will get new homes hy 1983 2d exam in death of infant BABY, from Page 3A AP Photo A city surfer children from the home of the Is that a big ocean wave over Pieda Alvarez, No, it's dead baby's mother, Mary Pa tricia Hllllard, 36, of Pontiac.

"They are charting me a gushing fire hydrant in Salinas, Calif. Unusually high humidity and warm temperatures have made it uncomfortable in northern California, but Pieda found a way to cool off. with neglect," Mrs. Hilliard said Thursday. Tve never ne of information from the firm's headquarters In Jackson, Miss.

It said that for about $900, 1 could get started In a worm fanning operation that could earn me as much as $15,000 a year. Before I send my money, what's the good word? N.B., Leslie Step with caution. That's advise Mississippi Attorney General's Office and Jackson Better Business Bureau offer to potential worm magnates interested in American Wholesale Bait. AG's office has been monitoring company as a result of some out-of-state complaints it has received. Action Line was unable to reach anyone from AWB, but one of the references company listed said AWB has been having financial problems since a soring association for retarded citizens.

"The agreement holds great promise for retarded people and it gives great hope that that promise will be realized." DR. FRANK newly appointed director of the state Mental Health Department, termed the agreement "a peace treaty" and promised "to commit the best talent" to overcome the obstacles. However, the union that represents more than 1,000 of 1,400 full-time employs at Plymouth, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employes (AFSCME), had misgivings about the agreement. AFSCME was not a party in the suit nor was it consulted about the agreement, according to Michael Cain, AFSCME Council 25 Civil Service Director. Cain termed the judge's approval of the glected any of them" (her children).

Oakland County Prosecu Some teachers may tor L. Brooks Patterson said Mrs. Hilllard's children were removed temporarily "from PLYMOUTH, from Page 1 A of the approximately 800 mentally retarded children and adults there. Parents and friends of residents filed the federal lawsuit in March 1978 to protest conditions at the center. Joiner ordered sweeping changes at the facility and the state poured in some $8.3 million for improve-metns, which included doubling the number of professionals and attendants and upgrading programs for residents.

Joiner's order Thursday noted there has been "enormous progress" in care and treatment of residents since the lawsuit was filed 18 months ago by the Michigan and Plymouth Associations for Retarded Citizens. But it nenvertheless signals the end for a large and impersonal institution that once housed 1,200 residents in eight dormitories and a hospital wing on a sprawling campus. BOTH PARTIES in the dispute claimed Thursday that they had determined the timetable for movement of residents from Plymouth into a variety of smaller living arrangements, including community foster care homes limited to eight residents and nursing homes. But neither side said it had an estimate their own protection." He said return to school a hearing would be held Fri day in the county's probate court to consider taking the children away from Mrs. Hil even without pact liard permanently.

oui-oi-court settlement "very irresponsible" because it does not take into account the efforts of a state special task force studying Patterson said state medi cal examiners have the power tne possiDiiuy or combining state and com SCHOOL, from Page 3A to stop a funeral for an exam munity mental health facilities Into one large followed by a nine and an eight percent hike. Sources said board nego when, police request such ac government-run system. the crowd holding "Wi tion. Under the plan approved by Judge Joiner, tiators then offered an extra Want Eouitv" sien. has laid many nomes into which the menta re the school board has ada "WE DIDN'T stop any fu mant refused to include neral," said Goebel Bayanes, tarded will move will be privately owned and operated.

The union prefers that all such of the eventual cost of the program. COLA in any contract or tne county medical exam "we are tremendously excited," said Har community nomes be government owned and ner office. vey Zuckerberg, executive director of the operated. "We called the funeral And sources close to the home (Cobb's Funeral Home Pontiac) and told them to flood depleted some of its livestock. Caution is a good thing to exercise when considering any worm farming, since raising wiggiers is currently a popular get-rich gimmick.

While some worm farmers are successful, job isn't cakewalk some ads indicate. The North American Bait Farms in Ontario, warn that "claims which speak of enormous profits which can be made are exaggerated." Youngster off hook Can yon get a 13-year-old kid out of trouble? About a year ago, I subscribed to a series of sports cards through the Sportcaster Corp. in New Jersey. Each month I would get a set of cards and a bill for $6, plus postage and handling. I canceled my subscription three months ago, but the cards and bills keep coming.

Now a collection agency Is after me for $1 9.1 4. 1 dont think I should have to pay since I already canceled. Can you help me est? A.G, Pontlac Bill's being dropped. Action Line appealed your case to Sportscaster Corp. in Middlesex, N.J., and company rep agreed to cancel bill and call off collection agency.

Rep said that company had no record of your cancellation. We're not surprised since you told us that you informed firm you wanted out by writing note on back of one of your bills. If any future kits come from Sportscaster, mark them "refused return to sender." Meanwhile, if you're a real sport, you'll return three unwanted card sets you received. Center loses its accreditation hold the body," Baynes said, negotiations, scheduled to resume Thursday evening after a day-long break, say that COLA was not in a package both sides were close to sign- "We only delayed the Inter ment. Services were held Wednesday." ng Monday night gan Legislature would give the center more CUNTON, from Page 3A The results of the local In a poll of DFT's 12,000 money ro mane improvements ana win accre-dltlon next year.

medical exam showed the continual upgrading of Its services and baby died from a "scalding," "We are, of course, disappointed that our members, taken before negotiations started in April, COLA ranked as the union's but Baynes wouldn't say nospiuu was not accredited," he said. "However, we are reviewina the report verv care- whether the death would be THE COMMISSION found the hospital top demand. ruled accidental. had partially met organization and patient "What could happen to us Another medical examiner i three-year contract with rights standards, and compiled with most volunteer and diet services requirements. fully to determine which deficiencies are within our present capacity to correct.

"I am optimistic that the Legislature will provide whatever additional funds are re- said it appeared the child had been "set in water." A written Drabik said he was unhappy with the report on th exam was to be commission's ruling, but hopeful the Michi quirca vj uu wnai nas ro oe done. out COLA?" asked Janice Lin-sell, a teacher at Pitcher Elementary. "You can't take dedication to the grocery store." .05 percent salary increase for the third year, making it a percent payhlke in exchange for tougher language on a teacher evaluation program "which ties teachers down a little bit more." SOURCES say that's where progress on a tentative agreement reached a snag, because DFT negotiators understood the extra one-half percent increase was not dependent on stricter teacher accountability. Statewide, more than teachers in 11 Michigan school districts were on strike Thursday. The latest walk nit was in Petoskey, where 175 teachers in the norhtern Michigan community set up picket lines after a strike vote Wednesday night They joined the strikebound districts of Saginaw, Albion, Beecher, Montague, Edwardsburg, Benton Harbor, Olivet, Plymouth-Canton, Decatur and Allegan Intermediate.

Teachers in Traverse City and Marshall voted to picket Tuesday if settlements haven't been reached. A four-day strike by clerical workers at Oakland University ended with a tentative two-year contract reached Thursday afternoon. The employes were to return to work Friday and to vote on the pact next week. given to the prosecutor's of fice Fridlay. A medical first: Surgeons CHICAGO POLICE Horn! TV evangelist may cut shows "IF THEY (school board cide Division Sgt.

Bernard Sullivan said Thursday their negotiators) haven't taken COLA seriously, I think to implant metal vertebrae vited local clerev to a 10 a.m. BROOKES, from Page 3A nvestigation of the baby's they're going to have to now," said DFT negotiator Daniel death was closed. SPINE, from Page 1A the Free Press story was pub meting Friday at his Grand Blvd. headquarters to discuss alleged inaccuracies in the "As far as we're con Montpas after the rally. lished.

brae and serve as a permanent DFT executive vice-presi "Last week, we really be cerned, it (the death) didin't happen here," Sullivan said. spinal replacement. lieved God for a mighty mira According to a Chicago po- dent Thomas E. Cook said a provision to compensate union members for a spiraling EDWARDS and his team cle, and we went on the air Monday 11 minutes late be ce report on the incident, the practiced the operation baby was brougt to the hospi nriation rate "is still on the changed, or if a full schedule should be retained. "I've turned it over to God and I've asked him to reveal to me what he'd have us do," he said.

"And my honest Opinion is that God would have us stay on the air all the time." But this can only happen, Brookes said, if the "response of love offerings" Improves dramatically and soon. BROOKES SAID the Free Press article about him contained "out-and-out lies and fradulent statements." He in cause we were just late in table." tion, said when Mrs. Thomas has healed she will be treated with chemotherapy to toy to prevent the recurrence of the tumor. The 15-hour operation to remove the tumor and vertebrae is also believed to have been the first of its kind. Doctors had to be careful since the tumor was attached to major arteries.

Edwards said the spinal cord, which is now lying unprotected, appears to be intact. getting the checks certified, hursday on a cadaver. Doctors at the hospital Sources, however, said tal "by her parents who left Pontiac, Michigan at 22:30 hours (10:30 p.m.) on Aug. ttlng everything cleared srory. Brookes said of the article: "It appears as though it could be just pure malice, just pure malice to destroy.

"Well, I donV think that they have the power, I don't believe the devil has the power, to destroy something of God. But he has been successful in slowing things up considerably." but it's been really close. And COLA as not part of a pact nearly agreed on Monday a. this week is just as close, just Mrs. Hilliard refused night.

In that package, the as close." agreed that Mrs. Thomas' tumor was rare and is normally considered inoperable and fatal. Dr. Mukund Dlbolkar, who will assist in the opera Doard offered a 24 percent Thursday to give the name of Brookes asked viewers to ncrease over three years ner nusoand, saying only that he was in prison. pray for guidance about how broadcast schedules should be seven percent the first year I 0k I i mn l.TrfL 0.