"No Progress" In Negotiations, No New Talks Scheduled

In a short statement on the company website, Bell Helicopter announced Friday afternoon that negotiations between the company and its manufacturers union had been suspended for the weekend.  The statement reads: "Bell Helicopter met today with representatives from UAW International Region Five and failed to make any progress in our negotiations. Talks have been suspended with no future meeting date scheduled. Bell Helicopter remains available and committed to reaching a solution that will get everyone back to work."

Earlier in the week, Bell's Senior Vice President and chief human resources officer Martha May, sent the following in a letter to Mr. Tom Wells, UAW Local 218 Chairman

"...On Wednesday, July 1, 2009, we met with the UAW Local 218 Bargaining Committee and the UAW International Representative in an attempt to understand the failed ratification of Bell's last, best, and final offer on June 14, 2009. We have never before received a unanimous recommendation from both the International and Local 218 bargaining committees where the members did not ratify the offer. It is crucial that we understand our employees' concerns in order to come to a fair and equitable agreement that meets the needs of our business and our employees.

I have been upfront in sharing Bell's concerns over the spiraling cost of healthcare. The fact remains that there is a direct correlation between unhealthy lifestyles and the disproportionate rise in healthcare costs for our UAW employees. Our approach remains simple: Raise employee awareness regarding the importance of wellness and implement a health plan design that rewards employees for making good healthcare choices."

In response UAW 218, the union representing manufacturing workers at Bell, sent this to the membership Friday via the union website:

"Your Bargaining Committee met with the Company today in an effort to bargain a fair and equitable agreement. This Company has strongly taken a position that they have no more to offer to this membership. Your Bargaining Committee has taken a stronger position that it is not enough.

Brothers and Sisters we are fighting for not only ourselves but for each other’s family and for quality of life for our future. In order to do this we must stay together as one.

Your Bargaining Committee remains available to bargain seven days a week, twenty four hours a day. We will keep you informed on all actions as they happen, via this website.

When you are walking your picket duty or talking to your families please remember what you are fighting for. God bless you all and stay strong."

FMI: www.bellhelicopter.com, www.uaw218.com