Mazda Workers Vote Attendance Bonuses

FLAT ROCK, Mich. — Hourly workers at Mazda Motor Manufacturing Corp. have voted for fat cash bonuses for themselves for perfect attendance and automatic dismissal for anyone missing 15 days a year.

The vote, held Monday and Tuesday, is the latest effort to curb high absenteeism, which auto makers regard as a serious roadblock, to boost quality and cut costs.

By a vote of 1,120 to 434, United Auto Workers Local 3000 chose a “no-fault” absenteeism policy, effective immediately.

The policy calls for an annual $1,500 bonus for perfect attendance, 60% of regular pay on the first four absences per year and automatic dismissal after 15 absences, or 6.25% of scheduled work days annually.

Under the plan, workers would be eligible for 15 sick days or personal days each year, not including holidays, vacations or pre-approved sick days.

At the same time, workers rejected a plan that included a $500 bonus for perfect attendance, 60% of regular pay for the first 14 absences per year and termination after the 15th absence.