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Alex Santana—Shop Chairman • Mike Haineault—1st Shift Zone • Jeff Hall—2nd & 3rd Shift Zone
Volume III, No. 12 • April 2nd, 2008 |
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Educate Yourself National Agreement INTRODUCTION The management of General Motors recognizes that it cannot get along without labor any more than labor can get along without the management. Both are in the same business and the success of that business is vital to all concerned. This requires that both management and the employees work together to the end that the quality and cost of the product will prove increasingly satisfactory and attractive so that the business will be continuously successful. General Motors holds that the basic interests of employers and employees are the same. However, at times employees and the management have different ideas on various matters affecting their relationship. The management of General Motors is convinced that there is no reason why these differences cannot be peacefully and satisfactorily adjusted by sincere and patient effort on both sides. STRIKES, STOPPAGES AND LOCKOUTS (117) During the life of this agreement, the Union will not cause or permit its members to cause, nor will any member of the Union take part in any sit-down, stay-in or slow-down, in any plant of the Corporation, or any curtailment of work or restriction of production or interference with production of the Corporation. The Union will not cause or permit its members to cause nor will any member of the Union take part in any strike or stoppage of any of the Corporation's operations or picket any of the Corporation's plants or premises until all the bargaining procedure as outlined in this Agreement has been exhausted, and in no case on which the Umpire shall have ruled, and in no other case on which the Umpire is not empowered to rule until after negotiations have continued for at least five days at the third step of the Grievance Procedure and not even then unless authorized by the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America, and written notice of such intention to authorize has been delivered to the Industrial Relations Staff of the Corporation at least five (5) working days prior to such authorization. The Union will not cause or permit its members to cause or will any member of the Union take part in any strike or stoppage of any of the Corporation's operations or picket any of the Corporation's plants or premises because of any dispute or issue arising out of or based upon the provisions of the Pension Plan, Life and Disability Benefits Program, Health Care Program, Supplemental Unemployment Benefit Plan, Profit Sharing Plan, Personal Savings Plan, Legal Services Plan, or Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan; nor will the Union authorize such a strike, stoppage, or picketing. In case a strike or stoppage of production shall occur, the Corporation has the option of canceling the Agreement at any time between the tenth day after the strike occurs and the day of its settlement. The Corporation reserves the right to discipline any employee taking part in any violation of this Section of this Agreement. |
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Shop Talk The battle still continues...
Downtime: No downtime scheduled as of April 2, 2008. American Axle: In follow up of last weeks report on American Axle. The local union’s investigation revealed that the axles produced for the H3T pilots were produced after the strike date. As everyone knows there were eight (8) H3T pilots scheduled to be built this past Tuesday and Wednesday, April 1st and 2nd. In support of our UAW brothers and sisters, the decision was made that the eight (8) jobs would not be built. Subsequent to that decision, there was much discussion between the local parties and after consulting with the International Union, again it was strongly reiterated our support for the striking workers at American Axle. During the discussions it was noted that the eight (8) jobs to be built would be non-saleable units. This means they will not be sold to the public for use, but are to be used for testing; such as power train verification, certification of M.V.B. (Manufacturing Validation Build) and marketing. It has been determined that the eight (8) H3T pilots will be built and the schedule for this build event will be at a later date. This decision will place our plant in a position of readiness for the H3T start of regular production, which is currently scheduled for August, 2008. In addition, this action does not weaken our position and in no way diminishes our support for our American Axle UAW brothers and sisters. Understand that this local union will pick its battles and weigh out its options when our future job security is at stake. After the strike is settled at American Axle, we want to ensure that our product is ready to go to market, hand built with pride by UAW labor. Health & Safety: There was an accident in the plant when an individual walked across the catwalk at pinch point and got caught between the carriers severely breaking a leg. We want to caution you to be aware of your surroundings and be extremely careful crossing conveyors. The last report we received on the injured person was they had gone into surgery. We wish them a full and speedy recovery. Negotiations: Both union and management have mutually agreed to suspend contract discussions in our formal sub-committees until further notice. 2008 Family Scholarship: The Walter & May Reuther UAW Family Education Center known to most of us as “Black Lake” is located in Onaway, Michigan. This summer, introduce your family to a once-in-a-lifetime experience! For more than thirty (30) years, Black Lake has been a place where UAW members and their families come together for an experience that combines education with relaxation. It’s a place to learn about your union, unlock ideas and build new friendships with other working families throughout the United States. It’s a summer experience that will leave you filled with a spirit guaranteed to strengthen your understanding and appreciation for today’s labor unions. Limited scholarships are available. You have to be a UAW member in good standing for one (1) year and have never attended the scholarship program. For more information stop by the union hall and see the Financial Secretary, Glenn Geiman. Transfers: Fairfax, KS has a requisition in and Lake Orion, MI also has a requisition in. As of March 17, 2008 there has been seventy (70) people accept transfers to Fairfax, KS. Lake Orion, MI is currently filling their openings with “Area Hire” applicants. As a result of the SAP, we do not know how many available openings, if any, will occur in other facilities but if there is one you may want to transfer to, submit your transfer application. Replacements due to the SAP will be back filled by Appendix “A” first then followed by Appendix “K”. Due to our current layoff status anybody may apply to transfer including those of you that recently transferred here. If the corporation owes you any monies and you leave prior to your anniversary date you will forfeit what is owed to you. Layoff: As of Wednesday, April 1, 2008 approximately one hundred nine (109) people are still on indefinite layoff in production, Division I. There have been eighteen (18) accept transfers to Fairfax, KS which would leave approximately ninety-one (91) on indefinite layoff at time of report. The number increased from one hundred seven (107) to one hundred nine (109) due to two (2) people returning from sick leave. Currently in the skilled trades, Division II there is approximately forty-three (43) skilled trades’ people indefinitely laid off. Of those forty-three (43) nine (9) chose to go to Division I, leaving 34 on indefinite layoff. New Attendance Procedure: Hopefully everybody understands the new attendance procedure. The only way to protect you is to come to work every day. Schedule your time off in advance. Use your vacation restricted (VR) wisely. Please take notice before it is too late. Retirement Training: The Pre-Post Retirement classes will begin April 7, 2008. The classes are approximately 2.5 hours long and there is no cost to you. Any questions call Paul @ 683-9469, Dusty @ 683-9368, Marilyn @ 683-9051 or Doug @ 683-9385. Red Shirt Day: Wear a red shirt on Friday to support our troops!!! “The essence of trade unionism is social uplift. The labor movement has been the haven for the dispossessed, the despised, the neglected, the downtrodden, the poor.” (quote from A. Phillip Randolph) |
