UAW Local 31

April 21, 2010, GM CEO, Ed Whitacre, chose Fairfax as the location to announce to the world that GM has emerged healthy and is forging a road to success at gaining market share with dynamic products, such as the Malibu up 38% over last year and the LaCrosse’s success.
“GM’s ability to pay back the loans ahead of schedule is a sign that our plan is working, and that we are on the right track. It is also an important first step toward allowing our stockholders to reduce their equity investments in GM,” said Whitacre. “We still have much hard work ahead of us, but we are making progress toward our vision of designing, building, and selling the world’s best vehicles.
 

All eyes were upon us as the news broke that GM was releasing payment five years earlier to the U.S. Government than had been expected. With this announcement came news of an additional $236 million to be invested in two plants, Fairfax and Hamtramck, our overflow plant for the Malibu.  Of the $236 million, $136 million is earmarked for Fairfax.  This commitment to our future is really a matter of recognizing what we at Fairfax do best, “Build world class cars,” said Jeff Manning, UAW Local 31 President.  Jeff Manning said proof of this is in the many awards that Fairfax has achieved.

• 2007 North America car of the Year: Saturn Aura
• 2008 North America car of the Year: Chevy Malibu
• 2008 JD Power Segment Winner: Chevy Malibu
• 2008 JD Power Bronze Winner: Fairfax Assembly
• 2009 Buick LaCrosse Drive Car Reviews “Top Picks for 2009”
• 2009 Buick LaCrosse CanadianDriver.com  — Top Picks Award
• 2009 Buick LaCrosse Named Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick 
• 2010 MotorWeek’s Drivers’ Choice Award Winner for “Best Luxury Sedan”
• 2010 Consumers Guide Best Buy and Recommendation Award
• 2010 MotherProof.com’s Sedan of the Year
• 2010 About.com Car’s Best New Cars of 2010
• 2010 North American Car of the Year finalist
• 2010 Edmunds.com’s Most Recommended Vehicles

 More important is the job security that this investment means to Fairfax.  According to John Melton, Shop Chairperson of UAW Local 31, “This should relieve some of the apprehension about job security for the Fairfax membership.”  Melton also stressed the importance of reducing government’s role as a controlling interest going into negotiations, “These events make for a more conducive bargaining table,” said Melton. 
 

Fairfax has recently grown by over 900, and continues to run three shifts.
 

UAW Local 31 Vice President  George Ruiz often assists with orientation and is aware of the struggles of our members, “With being the primary plant for the 2012 Malibu and LaCrosse, Fairfax  brothers, sisters, and their families will be able to look forward to a more secure future,” said George Ruiz.