UAW INTERNATIONAL UNION AND GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION DONATE $300,000 TO AID TORNADO RELIEF EFFORT IN OKLAHOMA CITY

DETROIT -- The UAW International Union and General Motors Corporation announced they will jointly donate $300,000 to aid victims of the devastating tornadoes that struck Oklahoma City on May 3, 1999. The donation will be provided to the American Red Cross, The Salvation Army and Feed the Children, with each organization receiving $100,000.

"The UAW is deeply concerned about helping families in Oklahoma City deal with the devastation that has struck their community," said UAW President Stephen P. Yokich. "Their recovery is uppermost in our minds."

"General Motors is saddened by the tragic loss of life and extensive damage that has struck the midwest," said John F. Smith, Jr., Chairman and CEO of General Motors Corporation. "We hope our efforts will assist GM employees and others in the community who have suffered in this tragedy."

In addition to the joint contribution, UAW Local 1999 and General Motors in Oklahoma City are coordinating the following efforts: Providing temporary housing and transportation to employees who were impacted by the storm; collecting non-perishable food items, blankets and pillows to aid in the relief efforts; and opening the plant for relief workers to come for refreshments and rest. UAW-GM Critical Response Teams (CRTs) are being sent to assist in the relief efforts and the parties are also exploring other ways to assist plant employees who have been impacted by this tragedy.

"UAW members are pleased to support this important relief effort," said UAW Vice President Richard Shoemaker. "When a tragedy like this occurs, as members of the community we will be there to help those in need."

"Like many others in the Oklahoma City community, our employees and their families have been touched by this tragedy," said GM Vice President Gary Cowger. "We hope our contribution will help the survivors deal with their losses."