Auto Plant Forces Workers Who Own Fords, GMs To Walk
Non-Chrysler Vehicles Will Be Towed

POSTED: 8:22 am EDT May 9, 2005

KOKOMO, Ind. -- Workers at DaimlerChrysler's Indiana Transmission Plants I and II better allow more time for parking if they drive Fords or General Motors vehicles.

A new policy that took effect Monday designates about 80 percent of employee parking spaces at the plants for Chrysler vehicles only.

It forces workers to park much farther away if they drive a car or truck made by a competing manufacturer.

Workers have been told that non-Chrysler vehicles parked in the reserved areas will be towed to Indianapolis at a cost of $200.

A Chrysler spokesman said most Chrysler plants across the country have similar parking policies.

But nine-year employee Bill Parks, who drives a Pontiac, considers it harassment. He said he's being punished for exercising his freedom of choice.


Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press.

redriderbob

good for them.

That's ridiculous. What ever happened to our rights?



-Matt-

That's pretty retarded. What they are trying to do is make everyone who comes to the plant think that everyone there thinks Chryslers are the best cars out there and they all own them. We had the same thing when I was in HS and worked at a restaraunt, they wouldn't let us bring back lunch from say burgerking or McD's because they didn't want customers seeing us and going "look, they won't even eat their own food, it must be aweful". That's all retarded. If someone wants something, they'll get it.

my dad has always said anyone who doesn't have a Chrysler better park in the back of the parking lot, i guess now they are making it a rule.

i think it makes perfect sense..when you drive any vehicle, you are literally a rolling endorsement for that car...it wouldnt be like getting McDs when you work someplace else...it would be like setting a McDs bag on the counter!

True, but i'm curious as to why someone who owns a chevy would want to work at the "enemy's" plant, ya know? I just think that just because someone at the company doesn't own their product doesn't mean someone else should stay away from it cause they see the workers not "supporting" the product. It could come down to someone just not liking the styling on a car.

THIS IS AN ACT OF KINDNESS!!

See, these other vehicles are USED TO BEING TOWED. The operators of the plant are obviously tired of the line of tow trucks showing up at the end of the shift that they are simply starting the process earlier in the day. The workers should thank them for their kindness!

You would think that this wouldn't have to be enforced. Sounds like common sense not to bite the hand that feeds you. Some say that they bought a non-chrysler car used but there's still no reason they couldn't have bought a used chrysler. I'm so sick of these co-workers pulling in these big bucks and having this bad attitude about screwing the company so they go out and buy a compeditors vehicle instead. I say quit if you don't like it. If everybody had this mentality none of us would have a job. Dollar wise, the price of a new car doesn't compare to the Mcdonalds vs. Burger King comment I read. This brings me to another question I don't understand. Why do so many older Gen. people who were involved in World Wars or Korea, drive these foriegn cars. It's like they don't care about loyalty just like these guy's at the factory driving other makes. To each his own, it's just a shame because were losing manufacturing jobs.

ORIGINAL: t0973mf
... it's just a shame because were losing manufacturing jobs.


We've already had this discussion more than enough times but, once again, I want to buy American. I try to buy American. It's just that I can't always buy American. Why? Because what once were "American" companies are now international conglomerates. When I bought my Dodge SRT-10, a big chunk of change went to Germany and Mexico. When I bought my Chrysler 300C a big chunk of change went to Germany and Canada. Conversely, when I bought my "imported" WRX a big chunk of change went to GM. Go figure. Don't complain to the consumers. Complain to the corporate clowns who run your company. They're the ones who have gone offshore, blurred the lines and created these international megamonster companies.

It's Chrysler's plant. I say let them run it as they see fit. It has nothing to do with "rights." It has everything to do with the freedom to run your business as you see fit.

BTW, I like RedRam's towing comment.

i think it makes perfect sense..when you drive any vehicle, you are literally a rolling endorsement for that car...

I agree, but if they're in a parking lot the whole day, then they're not really advertising a certain brand.



-Matt-

ORIGINAL: big asp
We've already had this discussion more than enough times but, once again, I want to buy American. I try to buy American. It's just that I can't always buy American. Why? Because what once were "American" companies are now international conglomerates. When I bought my Dodge SRT-10, a big chunk of change went to Germany and Mexico. When I bought my Chrysler 300C a big chunk of change went to Germany and Canada. Conversely, when I bought my "imported" WRX a big chunk of change went to GM. Go figure. Don't complain to the consumers. Complain to the corporate clowns who run your company. They're the ones who have gone offshore, blurred the lines and created these international megamonster companies.



we aren't losing jobs, because of the people on the top of the corporation, we are losing jobs, because UNIONS make American workers OVERPRICED. why pay extra for the same product...think about it with a business sense.

I wish warren truck would adopt the same policy. But that will never happen to many stupidvisors would be parking across the street. (Most supervisors do not drive dc products.) Mack engine did the same thing about a year ago with the parking. It just grinds me as I walk past various imports and caddys in the parking lot.

To rebut your ridiculous statement Nick, you have a lot to learn about how "overpaid" we are. By the way its not the unions fault how much we get paid, its the company that agrees to the contract. We get paid well, but not great. And there are various other sacrifices we make as well. Personally I think if we did not have as many paycheck passer-outers making well over 80 grand a year we could save quite a bit. Plus remember that the actual labor to build the car is the cheapest component. Its about 10 percent of sticker. 15-20 percent of sticker pays for upper management, design and engineering. Seems thats where we are overpaying to me.;)

Joe

This is stupid and rediculous..................... If I worked at let's say GM and I had a Dodge and they did this. I would quit or go on strike or something, lol.

Would "Dodge" Sprinter (totally German) or "Chrysler" Crossfires (totally German) get towed? They are Mercedes-Benz's rebadged and not Chrysler products. I used to park at the back of the parking lots when I was working for Chrysler even though I was driving their products. That way, my vehicle did not suffer from inconsiderate doorbangers up front.

ORIGINAL: Danko

Would "Dodge" Sprinter (totally German) or "Chrysler" Crossfires (totally German) get towed? They are Mercedes-Benz's rebadged and not Chrysler products. I used to park at the back of the parking lots when I was working for Chrysler even though I was driving their products. That way, my vehicle did not suffer from inconsiderate doorbangers up front.




no one buys sprinters, and I'm sure they would make the exception fro the crossfire, because it is worth 35 grand. i park in the back of the parkinglot where i work, so no dumb ass ford drivers who ditch their carts in the parking lot roll into my car.

From what I understand Sprinters are popular in beach towns for surfers cause they can lock their boards up inside and can sleep in it at night.

no one buys sprinters,

No regular goes out and buys a Sprinter, but companies like Ups are starting to. They offer a Benz motor so I hear for not the Benz price.

Chrysler" Crossfires (totally German) get towed?

It's a Chrysler product so no Crossfires wouldn't be towed.



-Matt-

ORIGINAL: Danko

Would "Dodge" Sprinter (totally German) or "Chrysler" Crossfires (totally German) get towed? They are Mercedes-Benz's rebadged and not Chrysler products. I used to park at the back of the parking lots when I was working for Chrysler even though I was driving their products. That way, my vehicle did not suffer from inconsiderate doorbangers up front.



The official letter states "DaimlerChrysler" vehicles. So any of our brands are acceptable.

Joe

they would tow a Pontiac before a smart car, thats a shame.

Yes Nick they would tow a GM before a DC product. Remember we are not chrysler corp. anymore.

Joe

i no, i understand the rules, it is just sad to comes to them towing a Pontiac before a piece of smart car.

haha thats aweosme

lol it is like you always see the chevy dealership salesman driving Rams.

Stupid. They really have nothing better to do....Who is supposed to be viewing all these cars anyway..

Oh I don't know, maybe the several thousand people that drive on mound road everyday and see hundreds of non dc products in the lot. That just looks bad. DC emps are the worst at this. Across the street from us is a gm powertrain plant. I'd say 90 percent of their lot are gm vehicles. Ours is at 68 percent. Thats just sad.

Joe

i agree with this 100%.

Hey guys I think most of you have a good point, but the some of you that think that Chrysler should be the only car at the companys parking lot are wrong, and if there is a policy for it is crazy because if you think about it not all the workers have the income to buy a chrysler, maybe they only have old fords or chevys, thats my point and if the workers have money well let them buy the car they like the best, rember Chrysler dont make the bigest cars in the idustry or the most economic there is a car for every necesity and Chrysler may not have them all, thanks.


02 dodge ram QC 5.9l magnum
01 ford f150 super cab

While I agree with your reasoning the truth is they are still allowed to park other products in the lot. They should just have to park further away from the building than those of us who "buy what you build." Plus most of the non dc products are not older cars. Most are new caddys, lincolns, and a handful of high end imports.

Joe

hey good poit...





02 dodge ram QC 5.9l magnum
01 ford f150 super cab

and, doesnt EVERY single DCX employee get a discount? i know that i did, on everything except for the viper, SRT6, and SRT10 Ram....i just wish i would have used it

Yes and we get it on the srt line now as well. patrick let me know when your ready again. we can give one discount away to a non family member a year.

HEY NOW why wouldnt they let mitsubishis in the lot since diamler owns almost 40% of em and 6 plants that produce their engines in US Thats kinda dumb... I live 25 minutes from KOKOMO and my friend BAGBY told me about this happening as well... Open the hood on most chrylers and you will see Mitsubishi tags all over........

Sorry for the double post but I believe it wasnt DC that decided this I bet it was the UNION.........cuz they are always PRO-WORKER and make drastic changes such as this....

ORIGINAL: highrevr/tflea

Sorry for the double post but I believe it wasnt DC that decided this I bet it was the UNION.........cuz they are always PRO-WORKER and make drastic changes such as this....



who wants to hear about my thoughts about the union?...again

Not I!;) Only DCX has the authority to make these calls. No the union officials at my place are some of the biggest offenders of this as well. So neither they or management want this at our place because they would have a much longer walk to get in. About 1/3 of a mile longer to be exact! What engine does mitsu make for us?

We build,
2.0- trenton engine
2.4- mexico
2.7- kenosha
3.3- trenton
3.7- mack II
3.8- trenton
4.7- mack I
5.7- mexico

The only other engine I can think of is the 3.0. So they build that. Kokomo trans plant is a DCX plant. So not sure where you are going with this. The only exception would probably be the raider pickup from mitsu. Because we build it for them!

Joe

highrevr/tflea - DCX doesn't own Mitsubishi. Mitsubishi doesn't own DCX...... They are partner's that share platforms and engines.....................

ORIGINAL: jgralka

Not I!;) Only DCX has the authority to make these calls. No the union officials at my place are some of the biggest offenders of this as well. So neither they or management want this at our place because they would have a much longer walk to get in. About 1/3 of a mile longer to be exact! What engine does mitsu make for us?

We build,
2.0- trenton engine
2.4- mexico
2.7- kenosha
3.3- trenton
3.7- mack II
3.8- trenton
4.7- mack I
5.7- mexico

The only other engine I can think of is the 3.0. So they build that. Kokomo trans plant is a DCX plant. So not sure where you are going with this. The only exception would probably be the raider pickup from mitsu. Because we build it for them!

Joe



the 3.5 is kenosha.

Thanks Nick I forgot about the boat anchor!:D Duh and I even own one!

ORIGINAL: jgralka

Thanks Nick I forgot about the boat anchor!:D Duh and I even own one!



i really like that engine. I'm not to fond of the 2.7 i have, but the 3.5 kept me happy. it took all 3 of my minivans(Pacificas) 0-60 and etc better then my intrepid. i guess they finally reworked the 2.7 to make the power better throughout the whole range, instead of just the higher range for the new cars.

Woah there thats not what Automotive news online says....as of like 2002 chrysler owned nearly 40 % of Mitsubishi Very controlling if you ask me........ And all 2006 vehicles as of April 2006 will all be AMERICAN built 2.0 1.8 2.4 and 3.0 .......6 Plants to be exact thats where I am going w/ that....Even Japanese cars will carry our motors......Look it up, not to mention we have our hands in Volkswagons future to turn their sales back up.....Read that in the Automobile Magazine Geneva Cover.........I think it was that???? The caliber and Colt will carry volkswagon and Diamler motors. (AVAILABLE) w/ that is.

OOOPS forgot to add HYUNDAI/KIA as well even though KIA uses Mazda currently. http://europe.autonews.com/column.cms?columnId=8 http://www.theautochannel.com/

The 1.8, 2.0, 2.4 will be built at a new non DC, non mitsu plant. Its a joint effort thats its own entity. Chrysler sold a bit of mitsu back to them. I think its about 30 percent now.

its because mitsu is falling apart, and chrysler doesnt want to get pulled down with them







they would rather hang on to their lineup of anchor like sedans to pull them under

[sm=icon_rofl.gif]

I love the fine print!

but remember joe...the dakotas are selling just fine!

You know actually I tried to buy a new ram last week but nobody had what I wanted. Of course those dirt cheap leases could have been the reason! The daks were doing well I heard because of the buy one get three free promotion!;)

we aren't losing jobs, because of the people on the top of the corporation, we are losing jobs, because UNIONS make American workers OVERPRICED. why pay extra for the same product...think about it with a business sense.
[/quote



What do you think the top brass at Toyota , Honda etc make in a year? Not even close to what the American auto executives make. When Dieter and Shremp took over they had to have a major pay raise just to be competitive with our upper management pay rates. 95 pay grades getting 100% of their pay in the profit sharing , we union over payed workers got 2.38% 92 pay grades received I think 8% or close to it. We union workers are trying to hold on to our pensions we don't have golden parachutes that give us milloins in stock options lifetime use of cars or corporate jets , so yes it is at the top and if they want to be like Toyota and the rest of the so called cheap makers of the same product they can get what their people on top make! If it was not for the unions you would not get paid vacations or health care or many other benifits that you seem to take for granit. If you work for Daimler Chrysler QUIT so you can save the company some money then go to work for a non union supplier and bust your a#% for $7.00 an hr and live on that. If the union were to disband what do you think that the Toyotas of the world would do? I have a clue they would cut their peoples pay and benefits so fast because they would not have to worry about the unions coming into their plants that is the only reason they make as much as they do. So do the unionized workers make a good living yes why because we have been working to enrich the lives of all workers not just auto for many decades. Question do you think NAFTA CAFTA is helping America my guess is YES.

Interesting concept. Not a bad idea.... send the Ford's, Chebby's and Toyota's to the back row.

From my viewpoint, and coming from an entirely different non-union manufacturing industry.... I can see why managment and or the union would apply pressure to those employees to be more brand loyal. As an ops manager, I don't see this as harassment, I view this more as a policy to improve morale. It may be more an issue for new-hires than senior employees.

If you have 20 loyal employees working in a team, and 2 mavericks that would rather buy a competitors product, wheather it be stock or vehicles.... especially since you receive discounted prices, then I can see where it would create conflict. It's like participating in stock options, 401K or stock purchase plans.... do you think it would be appropriate for management to offer a competitor's stock as an option in your plan?

I think this would send the wrong message, not to mention it would fuel the competitors R&D efforts.

I'm guessing that a typical $40K vehicle enjoys a 50%-60% gross margin. If that's the case, for each competitors vehicle you buy puts an additional $20K into the competitors pocket... as opposed to your own pocket. Make sense?

I think its best practice to buy and drive the brand you make, and make it better by providing immediate feedback to engineering. If the employees don't show interest with brand loyalty, why in hell would a customer want what you don't want.

I agree with you 100 %!

They tried that back in the early 60's in Newark Del.. We had so many cars and trucks out on the shoulder of the road that Chrysler had to supply buses to pick us up. Made the shifts run four hours late. That lasted three days. Then they tried to get us to buy the French Simca for $1600.00 , what junk. They lost on that deal too.

ORIGINAL: Silver Eagle

They tried that back in the early 60's in Newark Del.. We had so many cars and trucks out on the shoulder of the road that Chrysler had to supply buses to pick us up. Made the shifts run four hours late. That lasted three days. Then they tried to get us to buy the French Simca for $1600.00 , what junk. They lost on that deal too.


Sounds like they should have found new employees, not buses!;)

This is the United States. Freedom of choice 'n all that. As noted, D-C vehicles are a conglomerate of parts and assemblys from all over the world... as is everything in this world market. Perhaps some employees have nice D-C products at home 'n drive some ricer beater to work. So what? This is asinine corporate politics at it's worst. What's next... gather in the parkin' lot each morning to sing the Company Song? The Japs do that. This is decidedly odious to me... It's a 'control thing. Any of you who are in agreement with this policy are 'sheeple'... easily led. I drive a modifed R/T by choice. I drove modified Mustangs by choice. I served 20 years in the Navy by choice to ensure (in part) that the people of the United States could continue to have their freedom of choice. Imposing hardships on your employees for their personal choice of transportation is sheer arrogance.

First of all unions get paid by you!!! They take your money to make you money...THe thought of Union negotiation vs. Independant workers not able to stand up for themselves whereas the union butts in to negotiate employment rates, benefits, and such is just ridiculous. I work in a non-union plant and we deal w/ those issues all the time but how we do it is w/ Focus groups and present it to The big wigs and by fairness talks and all that we always get something done that satisfies our work group. We didnt have to pay anyone for it our plant paid us for the overtime set in for the meetings and we got our pay raises, eyeglass upgrades, 401k profit shares, and more. YouDONT NEED A UNION TO TELL YOUR BOSS YOU NEED A RAISE. We are one of the highest paid facilities and we work hard for it. Unions arent a bad Idea but to be honest they are built on your money.(the workers) FAIR?!!

Unions = Collective Socialism.

I would Park right up front every day just to piss them off.[sm=badbadbad.gif]

Then they'd have you towed... Prob'ly have signs to that effect. I'm not fond of Unions... especially the one's that'll tell ya WHO to vote for... how to think... etc. 'Got an ol' guy next door who belongs to some Fireman's Union... 'Voted for Kerry cause he said "He's for Fireman!" I'm thinkin' WTF? Fireman are Municipal not Federal. What that got to do with bein' President? Some other Union goons I've encountered parrot the Union political line as well. They can't think for themselves.

Buy what you build. Its really that simple. Nobody is taking away your freedom of choice. If you choose to buy a competitors product, you park farther away. Its that simple. Beaters are not the issue here. 95 percent of the non dc products in the lot are 0-2 years old.

Now while I agree with you guys about the political side of the unions the economic I differ. Do you really think dc would pay its line workers 25/hr, full medical, dental, vision, and pension out of the kindness of their own heart? If you do I have some lakefront property to sell you in AZ! I pay 550 a year in dues. My "benefit" package alone is worth 34500 a year. Pretty good return I'd say. And to those of you that work in a non-union shop with good wages, why do you think they pay that? If I a dc worker only made 15/hr do you think you would make as much as you do? I think not. So even you benefit from the union and don't even have to pay dues!

Joe

ORIGINAL: highrevr/tflea

First of all unions get paid by you!!! They take your money to make you money...THe thought of Union negotiation vs. Independant workers not able to stand up for themselves whereas the union butts in to negotiate employment rates, benefits, and such is just ridiculous. I work in a non-union plant and we deal w/ those issues all the time but how we do it is w/ Focus groups and present it to The big wigs and by fairness talks and all that we always get something done that satisfies our work group. We didnt have to pay anyone for it our plant paid us for the overtime set in for the meetings and we got our pay raises, eyeglass upgrades, 401k profit shares, and more. YouDONT NEED A UNION TO TELL YOUR BOSS YOU NEED A RAISE. We are one of the highest paid facilities and we work hard for it. Unions arent a bad Idea but to be honest they are built on your money.(the workers) FAIR?!!




thank you, living proof

Apparently Nick you skipped my post because it puts all kinds of holes into that theory!;)

Joe