UAW to seek strategic help from controversial figure

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.freep.com/article/20101204/BUSINESS01/12040360/1322/UAW-to-seek-help-from-controversial-figure

By BRENT SNAVELY
Free Press Business Writer

The UAW has turned to controversial labor consultant Richard Bensinger for help with its organizing strategy.

Bensinger, known in labor circles as a shrewd, unconventional union organizer, is expected to be on hand Monday when the UAW holds a rally at Hyundai's technical center near Ann Arbor in support of workers on strike against Hyundai in Korea, said a person familiar with the planning for the event.

"If I were representing a company that he was trying to organize, I would be concerned," said Dennis Cuneo, managing partner of Fisher & Phillips in Washington, D.C.

The UAW's total membership sank to 355,191 in 2009 -- down from a high of around 1.5 million workers in the 1970s, making it critical for the union to organize more workers.

While the union has been unsuccessful at organizing Asian automaker plants in the U.S., UAW President Bob King has talked about reviving those efforts. Bensinger's involvement with the union may be connected to that strategy.

In August, Bensinger was listed as a senior adviser to UAW President Bob King at an automotive conference held in August in Traverse City.

FULL story at link.

[blue neen]

1. Sometimes it takes controversy to bring about action.

Best of luck to Mr. Bensinger and the UAW.