Introduction to GM and UAW Partnership
Initiated back in 1943, the longstanding collaboration between General Motors (GM) and the United Auto Workers (UAW) has yielded enormous benefits for GM employees well into the 21st century. The UAW-GM Center for Human Resources was established with the aim to promote a responsible and sustainable labor-management relationship that stands to benefit all GM employees. Located in Detroit, Michigan, which is where the UAW was founded in 1935, the Center works to oversee the diverse range of programs and benefits that the UAW and GM have created for their employees , as well as establishing new programs to benefit UAW members going forward. As a result of its work, the Center has provided programs and benefits that improve the standard of living for GM employees and their families, and carry on the legacy of a strong GM-UAW adoption of this spirit of cooperation. In addition to overseeing programs and benefits, the Center helps to mitigate strikes, conflicts, and job actions at GM plants, which in turn helps to ensure a healthy work environment for all.
Overview of the UAW Legal Services program
The United Auto Workers (UAW) and General Motors (GM) have collaborated for several years to provide comprehensive legal services to GM’s bargaining-unit employees and their families through the Joint Programs Agreement (JPA). These services are provided through the GM-UAW Legal Services Plan and its spin-off Joint Programs Plan. Established through the 2007 UAW-GM National Agreement for all bargaining-unit employees, the JPA benefits active employees from GM manufacturing or skilled trades, eligible retirees, and certain eligible family members.
The GM-UAW Legal Services Plan provides a wide range of legal assistance and advice to plan participants through a network of private law offices and staff lawyers. It operates independently from outside companies that provide similar legal service programs. Its services extend to many areas of law, including consumer, family, real estate, criminal, wage and hour, Social Security, bankruptcy, and immigration matters.
The Joint Programs Plan covers programs like autoworkers compensation through the UAW; UAW-sponsored workers’ compensation service offices; childcare programs; family, work-life, and youth programs; a USAA program; and home mortgage programs for active and retired bargaining unit employees, GM eligible family members, and certain UAW-represented retirees.
The GM-UAW Legal Services Plan is provided free of charge to bargaining-unit employees and their eligible family members. However, participants in the JPA must first determine their eligibility to access the legal services provided under the plan. Eligibility requirements and procedures may vary across the network of private firms, so it is best to review the legal services plan and consult the appropriate law office for more information.
Eligibility for the GM UAW Legal Services program
GM employees are entitled to seek UAW legal services for each individual who meets the following conditions: is covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the UAW and GM; is an active or retired employee; has been a member of the UAW Food, Agricultural, Technical and Other Suppliers (FATS) Division for at least 36 months before receiving legal services, or in a bargaining unit that was represented by an IUE-CWA, UFCW and/or FATS local union for at least 36 months before receiving legal services.
Types of legal matters covered
The range of legal matters covered by the UAW legal services program is comprehensive, addressing a wide spectrum of potential legal issues that members might face throughout various stages of life. Family law, one of the core areas of focus, includes divorce, child custody and visitation, domestic violence, alimony, and marital property division. These matters can be emotionally charged and financially burdensome, and having a trusted legal advisor to help navigate the complexities of family law can make a significant difference.
Estate planning and wills are also covered under the program. This area of law ensures members’ wishes are respected in the event of their passing. The program also provides guidance and assistance in setting up trusts and navigating the probate process, alleviating the burden on families during difficult times.
Real estate matters such as purchases, sales, zoning issues, and tenant rights can also be addressed through the program. Whether members are first-time homebuyers or seasoned investors, having UAW-hired attorneys assist in real estate transactions can provide peace of mind and security in one of life’s biggest financial decisions.
Consumer protection matters cover a wide range as well. Issues from debt collection and bankruptcy to identity theft and deceptive business practices are all within the purview of the UAW legal services program. Members can receive guidance on a variety of consumer rights under federal and state laws.
All these legal matters are handled by attorneys through face-to-face consultations either in the office or off-site, depending on the member’s preference.
How to access legal services
To avail themselves of the legal services offered through the UAW, General Motors employees must first meet with their store chair for orientation to determine whether they are eligible for the services. Once eligibility has been confirmed, the filing procedures, claim procedures, and referral procedures will be provided at that meeting . GM employees can contact the legal services department at the UAW by calling 1-800-232-ULAW. They may also visit the UAW local union hall to inquire further. The costs of the legal services will be determined at the time of the scheduled intake appointment. Members will be charged an hourly fee for the service, plus court fees, if applicable.
Testimonials and case studies
Understanding General Motors UAW Legal Services: Benefits and Programs
Gregory Debnam, a GM employee of Detroit, Mich., is a case in point. "My wife and I were represented by Kelly & Kelly PC in filing our Chapter 7 bankruptcy," he says. "Being a UAW member allowed us the opportunity for lower attorney fees. We paid $500 down and did not pay any further fees nor were we charged additional fees by the trustee."
The Debnams appreciated the hassle-free representation. "We did not have to meet with any other representatives other than those at Kelly & Kelly. We waited for our attorney to work out all of the details, and the firm sent US notification of the court date for closing." They appeared on the court date without an attorney, felt that everything went smoothly, and were pleased that it was all over in just over five months.
Debnam credits the generous auto-worker support for helping the couple to rehabilitate their credit. Shortly after bankruptcy, "our home mortgage company increased our credit limit from $5,000 to $25,000, and we were able to buy a new car."
Case in point #2: Melissa Hurley, a UAW member, who lives in Houston, Texas, used the pre-paid legal services for handling two family law cases and a bankruptcy case. "These were all really difficult cases that could have caused me a lot of problems if I hadn’t had them," she says. One involved an estate that she was administering, which required probate action. "We had to file an inventory, do an accounting, and get an order to sell a house and some of the property of the estate."
The last case was trying, because it forced Hurley to take her ex-husband back to court to enforce the terms of a final decree of divorce, which required that he sign over a car title to her. "This was a contempt proceeding against him, and since he was in front of the judge anyway — he had violated his probation — I asked the judge to enforce the final decree against him and make him sign over the car title. He agreed to this."
Like Gregory Debnam, Hurley was pleased with the hassle-free experience. "I had no out of pocket expenses. I didn’t pay any fees other than my weekly payments for the pre-paid legal service — which basically came to about 50 cents a day … I’m living much less in fear of my husband now and I feel free!"
GM employees who use the UAW legal services also find employment counsel valuable. Mitsubishi employee Christopher Papadopoulos, of Detroit, Mich., was represented by Kelly & Kelly in an employment matter when he was terminated by his employer.
"I called the UAW number, explained the situation, and got an appointment within two days. After meeting with them and explaining the circumstances, they agreed I was wrongfully terminated." The lawyer filed a grievance, and Papadopoulos continues to be represented by the firm in an unemployment insurance hearing. "One thing I’ll say about the UAW is that even though unemployment insurance claims are handled by the Department of Labor, they represent me free of charge after they decided that it was in my best interest to appeal the claim denial."
"There are fees that go along with other services provided by Kelly & Kelly and the UAW," he says, "and I don’t know what I would have done without this help. They’ve given me peace of mind and put me more in control of my life."
Future of UAW Legal Services
The future of UAW Legal Services has the potential to offer a more integrated approach to meeting the legal needs of GM employees. As labor agreements evolve, so will the necessary legal support for UAW members. These changes may include expanded services, new partnerships with other legal service providers, and the possibility of more streamlined and efficient ways to access legal assistance.
One potential evolution in the future of UAW Legal Services could be an increased focus on alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms. Instead of pursuing litigation as a primary resolution method, UAW Legal Services may prioritize mediation and arbitration to resolve disputes. This shift may align with broader trends in the legal industry that emphasize early dispute resolution, cost-effectiveness, and less adversarial processes.
In addition, as technology continues to advance, so too may the ways in which UAW Legal Services connect with GM employees. Virtual consultations, online resources, and mobile applications may become more common, making legal assistance more accessible to more UAW members. Such technology advancements may also facilitate communication between UAW Legal Services and external legal partners, ensuring a cohesive approach to meeting member needs.
Finally, the future of UAW Legal Services will likely depend on feedback and collaboration among stakeholders. GM employees, the United Auto Workers, and the legal community will need to continually assess the effectiveness of current services and identify areas for improvement. Through ongoing assessment, UAW Legal Services can better align with the evolving needs of GM employees and ensure a high standard of legal support.
Conclusion and Additional Resources
In conclusion, General Motors UAW Legal Services provides comprehensive legal support to its members in a variety of areas. From estate planning to immigration law, personal injury to bankruptcy, UAW members have access to a wide range of services which can help them through some of life’s most difficult challenges. It is important to be aware of the programs and resources available to you as a member of UAW , and to utilize these services whenever necessary.
If you are a GM employee and would like to learn more about the various programs and benefits offered to you through the UAW, visit the website addnauas.org. There, you will find additional information on General Motors UAW Legal Services, as well as other resources specifically for UAW members.