Ronald Gettelfinger chats with NMU, Tech students about the auto industry

MARQUETTE -- The American Auto Industry has certainly survived its fair share of ups and downs.  Most recently, we've seen Chrysler and General Motors cruise in and out of bankruptcy.

According to Ronald Gettelfinger, President of the United Auto Workers Union, the American Autos all seem to be on the road to stability.

But the state of Michigan is virtually synonymous with the American Auto Industry, and the past year has been tough.  GM and Chrysler were both at risk of going belly-up - and may have - if not for a government bailout that topped $100 billion.  So in a state that's so reliant on the automotive industry, can we be optimistic about Michigan's future?

"Well, if the autos collapse, it would be very difficult for the state; there's no question about that.  But look, the autos are not going to collapse," says Gettelfinger.

They're confident words from a man in-the-know.  The UAW President spoke this morning to students at NMU and Michigan Tech about his union and his industry.  These are the same students who, last month, heard William Clay Ford Jr. say that Ford is now hitting on all cylinders.

"Maybe Ford's been a little more progressive.  We used to have a saying in our union: 'If we wanted to negotiate wages and benefits, we went to General Motors or Chrysler.  If we wanted to negotiate new programs, we went to Ford'," says Gettelfinger.

The big question: what does Gettelfinger forecast for the future of the American Automotive Industry?

"We've seen the economy starting to turn around a little bit, and hopefully vehicle sales starting to pick up somewhat...I think that Ford is pretty much stabilized.  GM's still got a little downsizing to do, and Chrysler's got a bit of downsizing to do.  But we're hopeful that they'll all come back."

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12:55 p.m., Back from the presentation

The UAW will celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2010, and according to its president, Ronald Gettelfinger, the Union is still "strong."

I spoke with Gettelfinger about what the auto industry - specifically the "Big 3" - mean to the state of Michigan.  He offered this:

"Well if the autos collapse, it would be very difficult for the state; there's no question about that.  But look, the autos are not going to collapse."

To hear more from the UAW President who's in-the-know in the automotive industry, tune in tonight, FOX UP News at 10.

Brad

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10:20 a.m., Newsroom

The Economic Club of Marquette County, last month, welcomed William Clay Ford, Jr.  This month, they stick with the auto theme with headliner Ronald Gettelfinger.  Gettelfinger is the President of the United Auto Workers Union.

I'm meeting with him this morning at NMU to talk about the state of the industry, his union and all things auto.

Check back often for updates, and for the full story, tune in tonight at 10 on FOX UP.

Brad