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Shop Chairman's Report
The All Team Member Meeting held in March emphasized the importance of Global Manufacturing System (GMS) implementation in Shreveport. The meeting also specified the necessity of returning to “real team concept” as was successful in Shreveport history. The 2007 National Agreement “Attachment E” established GMS support through the UAW-GM Quality Network Council as effective and beneficial to all UAW-represented locations and its members. GMS is now part of the annual Quality Network Objectives and Goals. The Shreveport Plant Quality Council (PQC) will assign the responsibilities for UAW support for local GMS implementation to the Quality Network function under the provisions of Document 40, with appropriate training given to its representatives. The plant manager’s speech refers to implementing GMS in regard to Shreveport facility survival. Formerly, management attempted to implement GMS without UAW member’s involvement or participation; this did not yield the desired results. Management now say’s they recognize the importance of our member’s involvement in implementing GMS. The principles of GMS and Quality Network are to continuously improve quality, eliminate waste and essentially make employees an integral part of the process. GMS as elements are closely related to Quality Network strategies that have been part of the National Agreement since the eighties. Shreveport’s original “team concept” was very successful, while employing Quality Network strategies. In mentioning several elements of GMS, Work standardization, Andon, Continuous Improvement Process, Problem Solving, People Involvement, etc., have to be thoroughly implemented for GMS to produce the desired results. One of management’s inconsistencies is “cherry picking” GMS. Favorable elements were encouraged while unfavorable elements were ignored when not consistent to the direct run rate. It would be easy to criticize management’s inconsistencies to implement GMS in Shreveport; however it is important for the UAW and GM to address ways to be competitive in today’s global economy. The UAW has no desire to stand in the way of anything that would ensure the survival of the Shreveport facility, however for a successful Shreveport GMS implementation; it would have to be accomplished with all Shreveport members participating including members who build the vehicles everyday. A few words in regards to the Special Attrition Program This attrition package is here to benefit General Motors so please make sure that all your questions get answered before you make this big life changing decision. Put the pencil to the paper and do the math. For example, under the grow into retirement for 26 years of service it will pay approximately $634.62 a week gross income up until your 30 year anniversary when you have to retire. Under this grow into retirement, you will be considered active until you reach your 30 year retirement date. The 2006 SAP there were a lot of problems with audits that were incorrect. The fix for this is that Fidelity has increased there staff by 50% and if after July 1st they say you have 31 years for example and later find you have 29 years then you will be retired with 31 years. Currently the number of people laid off indefinitely in Shreveport is 143 These are troubling times, our economy is not good at this moment and unemployment stats are going up all over the country. With that said your leadership’s priority is to secure jobs here in Shreveport and to get everybody back to work. I would like to thank the membership of UAW Local 2166 for your continued support. Solidarity Forever |
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