However, Yokich was not disturbed by the intended use of modular build, but angered by the fact that GM's Mark Hogan let the cat out of the bag - so to speak. Yokich wanted to keep the entire modular plan a secret, not letting UAW members know what was in store for them. Yokich had declared modular assembly a dead issue during the '99 National contract talks, but said the GM executive should be fired for revealing the plan, which has put egg on the faces of UAW officials that have failed to keep union members informed.
Modular assembly is used to cut costs, and reduce workforce numbers.
Modular build allows automakers to use fewer UAW workers, as separate independent suppliers do subassembly work on major parts clusters. Yokich, and UAW International Vice-President Richard Shoemaker criticized Mark Hogan for his statements that revealed GM had selected suppliers for 15 major parts modules that will be used in its next generation of small cars. The highly secretive Yokich felt betrayed by Hogan's public statements. Yokich expects his corporate counterparts to keep the truth from workers in the same manner practiced by the UAW International Union. If they can't fire him, they should put a muzzle on him.