[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 15]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 21180]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


[[Page 21180]]

           CELEBRATING A CENTURY OF MANUFACTURING IN BAY CITY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 9, 1999

  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, for the past 100 years GM Powertrain has 
been an anchor for the families in my hometown of Bay City, Michigan by 
providing stability and economic security. For generations, plant 
managers and members of United Auto Workers Local 362 have worked 
together to create a unique partnership. It is this relationship that 
in many ways makes Bay City a model for communities all across the 
United States.
  Since the dawn of this century, the company and the community have 
worked together in the transportation industry to provide high quality 
vehicles for our community, state and nation. Initially a successful 
producer of bicycles, the factory expanded to the newly burgeoning 
automotive industry. By 1909, nearly 500 employees were producing parts 
for the legendary Packard and Studebaker. And by 1912, the National 
Truck Company was producing the chain-driven Natco Truck. In 1916, Mr. 
William C. Durant bought the plant and began production of the four-
cylinder engine, introduced by Chevrolet. It was at this juncture in 
the company's history that an important milestone was achieved, not 
only for the families of Bay City, but for families everywhere. This 
was the organization of one of the oldest UAW locals in the country, 
Local 362, which remains greatly influential today.
  In 1937, UAW Local 362 received its official charter, and shortly 
thereafter, pay for many of the employees rose to about one dollar per 
hour. And thus the remarkable relationship between the two entities--
the union and the company; the working men and women and their 
employer--was off to an auspicious beginning. Today, that relationship 
is renowned across our nation for pioneering the concept of the 
``living agreement''.
  This unique relationship between labor and management is truly an 
incredible success story. In 1986, GM Powertrain-Bay City and UAW Local 
362 agreed to resolve disputes as they came about, rather than letting 
these disputes fester until a designated negotiating period. This 
``living agreement'' has strengthened the ties between the two entities 
and most importantly, has resulted in a better standard of living for 
all of the families in Bay County.
  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to add my voice to those who speak with 
pride about GM Powertrain-Bay City and its centennial of civic 
achievement and contribution. GM Powertrain would not be the pillar of 
our community that it is today without generations of dedicated 
individuals including the current Plant Manager Bill Bowen, and the 
current Local UAW 362 President Louis Roth. I urge you and our esteemed 
colleagues to join me in applauding General Motors Powertrain and its 
100 successful years.

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