Business

U.S. Auto Workers Go on Strike

Published

1 year ago

September 15, 2023

U.S. Auto Workers Go on Strike

The United Auto Workers union launched simultaneous strikes at three factories owned by General Motors, Ford and Chrysler parent Stellantis early on Friday, kicking off the most ambitious U.S. industrial labor action in decades.

The walkouts at the “Detroit Three” will halt production of the Ford Bronco, Jeep Wrangler and Chevrolet Colorado pickup truck, along with other popular models. UAW President Shawn Fain said the union will hold off for now on more costly company-wide strikes, but said all options are open if new contracts are not agreed.

Fain laid out plans for the unprecedented, simultaneous walkouts in a Facebook Live address less than two hours before the expiration of the old contract.

The walkouts capped weeks of clashes between Fain and Detroit Three executives over union demands for a bigger share of profits generated by combustion trucks, and stronger job security as automakers shift to electric vehicles.

“For the first time in our history we will strike all three of the Big Three,” Fain said.

The strikes involving a combined 12,700 workers will take place at assembly plants operated by Ford (F.N) in Wayne, Michigan, GM (GM.N) in Wentzville, Missouri and Stellantis’ (STLAM.MI) Jeep brand in Toledo, Ohio. They are critical to the production of some of the Detroit Three’s most profitable vehicles.

Fain’s decision to go with targeted walkouts could limit the cost to the union of strike pay. The UAW has a strike fund of $825 million, which pales in comparisons to billions in liquidity the automakers have built up thanks to robust profits from the trucks and SUVs UAW members build.

Stellantis has more than 90 days worth of Jeeps in stock and has been building SUVs and trucks on overtime, according to Cox Automotive data.

But a week-long shutdown at Stellantis’ Jeep plant in Toledo could cut revenue by more than $380 million, based on data from the company’s financial reports.

“This is more of a symbolic strike than an actual damaging one,” said Sam Fiorani, a production forecaster at Auto Forecast Solutions, who added that he had expected more in the first wave of the strike.

“If the negotiations don’t go in a direction that Fain thinks is positive, we can fully expect a larger strike coming in a week or two,” he said.

Fiorani estimated the limited action would stop production of about 24,000 vehicles a week. And while it targets some key brands, like the Bronco, buyers would be willing to wait, for now.

COMPANIES FEAR COST HIKES

The union has said it wants a 40% raise. The companies have offered up to 20%, but without key benefits demanded by the union. None of the Detroit Three has proposed eliminating tiered wage systems that require new hires to stay on the job for eight years to earn the same as veteran workers – a central UAW demand.

Ford said the UAW’s latest proposals would double its U.S. labor costs and make it uncompetitive against Tesla (TSLA.O) and other non-union rivals. A walkout could mean that UAW profit-sharing checks for this year would be “decimated,” the company said.

Stellantis responded to the union walkout by saying it had immediately put the company in “contingency mode” and would take all of the appropriate structural decisions to protect the company and its North American operations, without elaborating.

Fain said earlier this week that Stellantis had proposed shutting as many as 18 U.S. facilities.

GM said it was disappointed by the walkout and would continue to “bargain in good faith.”

Ahead of Fain’s address, GM’s top manufacturing executive Gerald Johnson said in a video that the UAW’s wage and benefits proposals would cost the automaker $100 billion, “more than twice the value of all of General Motors and absolutely impossible to absorb.” He did not detail how the union proposals would result in that cost, or over what time frame.

Fain has rejected the automakers’ assertions that union demands would cost too much, saying the companies have spent billions on share buybacks and executive salaries.

Suppliers and other industries that depend on automakers and their workers could see demand and cash dry up if the UAW shut down Detroit Three’s U.S. manufacturing operations. The standoff has become a political issue with President Joe Biden, facing re-election next year, prominently calling for a deal.

Biden is pouring billions in federal subsidies into expanding sales of electric vehicles. But the shift to EVs could threaten UAW combustion powertrain jobs. The union has not endorsed Biden’s re-election.

“I think the Biden administration just continues to watch this slow-moving car crash as its EV strategy collides head on with unions,” Wedbush analyst Dan Ives said.

UAW President Fain has taken an unorthodox approach to the negotiations, bargaining with all three Detroit automakers simultaneously. Past UAW leaders chose one company to set a contract pattern for the other two. Fain has played the companies against each other, seeking to drive up their offers.

While a deal with one or more of the automakers could come at any time, the disruption is an opportunity for non-union automakers in the United States, including Tesla, Toyota (7203.T), Honda (7267.T) and Mercedes (MBGn.DE).

Those non-union factories, plus imported vehicles, account for more than half of the vehicles sold in the U.S. market.

A full strike would hit earnings by about $400 million to $500 million at each affected automaker per week of lost production, Deutsche Bank has estimated. Some of those losses could be recouped by boosting production schedules after a strike, but that possibility fades as a strike extends to weeks or months.

Business

GTCO’s Guaranty Trust Bank Named Best Bank for Corporate Social Responsibility in Nigeria by Euromoney

Published

10 hours ago

September 19, 2024

Sahara Weekly

GTCO’s Guaranty Trust Bank Named Best Bank for Corporate Social Responsibility in Nigeria by Euromoney

Sahara Weekly Reports That Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd (“GTBank,” or “the Bank”), the flagship subsidiary of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO), one of the largest financial services institutions in Africa, has been named Best Bank in Corporate Social Responsibility in Nigeria at the prestigious Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2024.

This recognition underscores GTCO’s unwavering commitment to excellence, going beyond offering innovative financial services and creating more value for its stakeholders to enriching lives and constantly exploring new opportunities to drive positive change in society.

Announcing the Award, Euromoney highlighted the range and impact of GTCO’s CSR initiatives spanning education, health, community development, and financial inclusion. Over the years, Guaranty Trust has not only led with innovation and service excellence but also consistently demonstrated steadfast dedication to making a positive impact and creating shared value through CSR. Central to these efforts are its consumer-focused events—the GTCO Food and Drink Festival and the GTCO Fashion Weekend—both of which offer free business platforms for budding as well as established entrepreneurs to showcase their talents, share their unique stories, and connect with a broader audience. The Annual GTCO Autism Programme, an offshoot of the Orange Ribbon Initiative, aims to provide ongoing support for persons with developmental disabilities, focusing on those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Commenting on the Award, Segun Agbaje, Group CEO of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, stated: “As a Proudly African institution, we recognize that our success is inextricably linked to the well-being of the society in which we operate. Our commitment to corporate social responsibility is deeply rooted in our belief that businesses must act as a force for good, driving sustainable progress, and fostering inclusive growth. Over the years, we have successfully developed several free-business platforms and continue to sponsor impactful social causes that have benefited millions of people and businesses across Africa. This recognition from Euromoney is a testament to the far-reaching impact of our initiatives, and it reinforces our resolve to create enduring value and ensure better outcomes for all.”

About GTCO

Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc is the ultimate holding company of the GTCO Plc Group, one of the largest financial services institutions in Africa. Headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria, Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc maintains direct and indirect investments in a network of operating entities located in 10 countries across Africa and the United Kingdom. Within these regions, the operating entities provide a comprehensive range of commercial banking and related financial services to millions of retail, institutional, private banking, and wealth management customers, in addition to asset management, pension fund administration, and payment technology businesses.

GTCO’s leadership in the banking industry and efforts at empowering people and communities have earned it many prestigious awards over the years. Guaranty Trust Bank is a Twelve-time winner of Euromoney’s Best Bank in Nigeria award and was recently named Nigeria’s Strongest Brand and Best Banking Brand in Nigeria by Brand Finance and Global Brands Magazine, respectively.GTCO’s Guaranty Trust Bank Named Best Bank for Corporate Social Responsibility in Nigeria by Euromoney

[Lagos, Nigeria – September 19, 2024] – Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd (“GTBank,” or “the Bank”), the flagship subsidiary of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO), one of the largest financial services institutions in Africa, has been named Best Bank in Corporate Social Responsibility in Nigeria at the prestigious Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2024.

About GTCO

Business

NLC Pinponts Causes of NNPC, Dangote disagreements

Published

22 hours ago

September 19, 2024

Sahara Weekly

NLC Pinponts Causes of NNPC, Dangote disagreements

The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajearo, has attributed the current uproar between the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited and the Dangote Petroleum Refinery to alleged government policy somersault and fraudulent moves by some forces.

Ajearo, who said this to journalists at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal ll, in Lagos on Wednesday, further described what has been going on between the Dangote and the NNPC as uncalled for, stressing that in a deregulated economy there should be choices and competition.

He quarried the basis for regulating what Dangote is to sell, insisting that deciding for the private sector on how or what should be sold is an act of fraud.

“For a product produced here, he didn’t import with dollars, there was no landing cost and they wanted him to sell it at the same cost as the one they are bringing from abroad. That is fraudulent and unacceptable.”

“What you are seeing is fraudulent and policy somersault. Nigerians were made to believe that the sector has been deregulated and in a deregulated arrangement there should be choices and competition. So why are you now attempting to regulate how much Dangote should sell his product? Why?

“When Port Harcourt refinery comes up, let NNPC sell, let Dangote also sell but when you now begin to regulate how much Dangote should sell, that is fraudulent.

“This is the time for Nigerians to speak up. They told us that when they deregulate the economy, the private sector will direct the economy and the government will have no business in business. Now, they are trying to regulate how or what to sell by the private sector.

“They want him to sell the product at the same price as when it was imported. For a product he produced here without landing cost and you want him to sell it at the same rate as the one imported, that is fraudulent,” he stated.

Business

Adron Games 2024 Unveiled: ‘Fit to Be the Biggest’ with Sports Icons Daniel Amokachi and Mutiu Adepoju Leading the Charge

Published

1 day ago

September 18, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Adron Games 2024 Unveiled: ‘Fit to Be the Biggest’ with Sports Icons Daniel Amokachi and Mutiu Adepoju Leading the Charge

Adron Homes & Properties is excited to announce the official unveiling of the 7th edition of the Adron Games, tagged “Fit to Be the Biggest”. The 2024 edition is set to take place at the renowned Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan, from November 29th-30th, 2024, marking the second time the city of Ibadan will host the prestigious sporting event.

The Adron Games is a national platform designed to promote physical fitness, wellness, and community engagement through sports. Having previously held successful editions in Ogun and Lagos states, the 2024 edition is expected to attract over 10,000 athletes and fitness enthusiasts from across Nigeria.

The theme of this year’s Adron Games, “Fit to be the Biggest”, perfectly captures the spirit and ambition of the event. It signifies both the physical and metaphorical journey to greatness, where athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and even spectators are encouraged to embrace the challenge of becoming their best selves—physically, mentally, and competitively.

The theme also promotes the idea that fitness is essential to achieving greatness, whether through competitive sports or in everyday life. It motivates participants to push their boundaries and excel, whether on the field, court, or track, and ultimately reminds them that the journey toward fitness and excellence never stops.

This year’s games will feature a wide array of sporting disciplines, including Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Athletics, Table Tennis, Snooker, Shot Put, Long Jump, E-sports, and the fan-favorite Tug of War.

In a special highlight, Nigerian football legends Daniel Amokachi and Mutiu Adepoju have been announced as the official ambassadors of the event. Both are renowned for their contributions to Nigerian football and are expected to inspire athletes and spectators alike with their presence.
Key Event Highlights:
• Event Dates: November 29th-30th, 2024
• Venue: Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan
• Ambassadors: Daniel Amokachi, Mutiu Adepoju, Vanessa Jones and MC Relax
• Sporting Events: Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Athletics, Table Tennis, Snooker, Shot Put, Long Jump, E-sports, and Tug of War
• Special Guests: Sports icons, fitness personalities, and celebrity appearances
• Participants: Over 10,000 athletes and fitness enthusiasts
• Prizes: Cash prizes, trophies, and awards for winners in various categories
Speaking at the unveiling, Daniel Amokachi emphasized the importance of corporate sponsorship in fostering young Nigerian talents, praising Adron Homes for their commitment to promoting sports.

He said “Sports in Nigeria need more support from businesses and brands to help discover and nurture talents among our youth. Organizations like Adron Homes, through their consistent support of sports, are boosting Nigeria’s global sports performance,” Amokachi said.

Meanwhile, Mutiu Adepoju lauded the unifying and transformative power of sports and commended Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, Group Managing Director of Adron Homes, for his unwavering commitment to organizing this event annually. “Sports is a powerful tool for unity and fitness, both physically and mentally. I commend Aare Adetola Emmanuelking for his continuous support of sports by organizing this prestigious event. His dedication is vital to the development of sports and the empowerment of youth in Nigeria,” Adepoju remarked.

it will be recalled that, Adron Games is an annual sporting event organized by Adron Homes & Properties to promote physical fitness, wellness, and community engagement through sports. Since its inception, the event has grown into a major national platform, bringing together thousands of athletes, corporate teams, and fitness enthusiasts in the spirit of competition and fun.

Adron Homes, through this sporting event, encourages everyone to view fitness and sports as key to unlocking personal and communal growth, building healthier lifestyles, and fostering unity across different regions, backgrounds, and demographics. “Fit to be the Biggest” represents not only the size and scope of the event but also the opportunity for everyone involved to elevate themselves and inspire others through the power of sport.

For more information, sponsorship, vendor registration and inquiries, please contact: Abiodun 08138432335