Hummer H2 plant employees return to work

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After being laid off for weeks, hundreds of employees returned to work at the Hummer H2 plant

After being laid off for weeks, hundreds of employees returned to work at the Hummer H2 plant in Mishawaka on Monday, June 2, 2008. (WSBT photo)

By Beth Boehne

Story Created: Jun 2, 2008 at 5:41 PM EST

Story Updated: Jun 2, 2008 at 5:42 PM EST

MISHAWAKA — They were laid off for weeks, but Monday hundreds of people returned to work at the Hummer H2 plant in Mishawaka.

AM General was forced to cut them because of a parts shortage caused by the American Axle strike.

That strike lasted 87 days before the UAW and company officials agreed on a new contract.

"Glad to be making some money again,” said employee Edward Stankus. “Unemployment is not enough. We figured out that we may have lost $4,000 in wages in those 10 weeks and then we also get a bonus every three months and an anniversary check based on what we made the previous year and so I'm guessing I probably lost $9,000 or $10,000 because of this."

American Axle started bringing factories back on line last week, including the one in Three Rivers.

Wednesday, Jun 4 at 7:17 AM Anon wrote ...

Discontinuing the H2 is already a done deal. Don't know where you're getting your facts, but you need to find a new source. There is talk of producing something totally different there. We'll see. Hope so - husband works there. And those fat bonuses that were mentioned - they will be history soon, too. Hey, Laurie, I bet you wouldn't turn one down if it was offered to you! Get a life.

Tuesday, Jun 3 at 10:39 AM yup wrote ...

I agree that they may not be at work for too long. Given the state of the economy and the fact that these vehicles are just superficial gas guzzlers, I doubt that GM will continue to produce many more of these. These vehicles serve no real purpose other than a symbol of America's materialistic obsession with things that have no practical purpose.

Tuesday, Jun 3 at 9:33 AM Susan wrote ...

Well, they may not be back to work for long. It is on the internet this a.m. that GM is considering discontuing the H2 line. Time for the workers to start saving and getting thier expenses in line.

Tuesday, Jun 3 at 8:29 AM T Gaskill wrote ...

If their wages were lowered I'm sure the price of an H2 would not drop. Look at when Bayer left Elkhart to Mexico. They certainly didn't lower the prices for their product. People need to look at the greed of the corporations first.

Monday, Jun 2 at 11:48 PM Laurie wrote ...

A bonus check every 3 months and an anniversary bonus check once a year? When and where can I sign up?

Monday, Jun 2 at 9:28 PM Union Lover wrote ...

gotta love unions.... they will be the death of the United States Job force! they keep the lazy people making money... while the real workers work twice as hard cuz the lazy ones are sitting down complaining about benefits or its not their job. grow up America! thats why this strike went on.. the unions wanted more money. the company just wants to make money, and so they are moving the jobs to someone willing to work for less to get the job done.

Monday, Jun 2 at 8:40 PM ME wrote ...

I guess you think IF the wages were lower so would the prices of the vehicles? You have got to be kidding me?! Get real and get a life and OPEN YOUR EYES!

Monday, Jun 2 at 8:34 PM sarcastic Sam wrote ...

Yeah go for it Hummer builders! Make those gas hogs!! I got to drive a Hummer last year because my nieghbor is a used car salesman, it got 6 miles to the gallon!!! That's the answer people, make a vehicle that uses up all the fuel so we can suffer for life!!! Plus it costs $56,000 to buy it. Let's put a huge "STUPID!" stamp on our foreheads.

Monday, Jun 2 at 6:44 PM Wayne wrote ...

Good to see these people back to work!

Monday, Jun 2 at 6:43 PM jac wrote ...

the wages paid to these employees are obscene. It is no wonder the american auto industry is in such trouble

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