Local1853 - 1853 Chairman.com

UAWChairman
Local1853
June 27, 2011
MIKE HERRON - BARGAINING CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
We often encounter people that ask us about unions
and what good unions have done for this country and
specifically for our families. As union members we have
an obligation to be able to tell them the positive aspects
of unions and how being a union member has enriched
our lives. While there are certainly things that we would
all change if we could, the standard of living that we
all enjoy today would not have been possible without
the benefits of the collective bargaining process and
through the changes that were fought for by those great
retirees that have come before us. Our wages, working
conditions, job selection, vacation eligibility, safety while
at work, health care and pensions are all protected by
the UAW just to name a few.
The main objective of any business is to make profits,
which they should. Let me be clear---The UAW wants the
companies that they partner with to be the very best in
providing the goods and services that they sell. The UAW
wants these company’s to be competitive, efficient and
the segment leader for the industry that they are in. The
union wants a world class workforce with the best trained
workers in the industry that they represent. And yes, the
Union shares the Companies desire that the company be
extremely successful and profitable.
The unions goal is to make sure that the workers
that dedicate their entire lives to create value and
wealth for these companies and their shareholders, get
a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work. The only equalizer
that a worker has against corporate greed is for unions
to collectively bargain for the worker’s fair share of
the profits. Unions also benefit workers on many non
monetary issues like working conditions. Teachers,
Policemen, Firemen, Public Service Workers and Auto
workers all have a tremendous amount in common. Their
Unions are all under attack and the workers are being
demonized for belonging to an organization that works
to protect workers rights. These are the very rights that
were also protected by our constitution.
The next time someone asks you why you belong to
a union or what value a union has brought to your life,
remind them that they should be thanking the unions,
not attacking them! The following Legislation and Work
Rules were all initiated by Unions. These Laws governing
the workplace have made all of our lives better whether
you are represented by a union or not. Those who hate
unions are benefiting from the very Legislative Changes
initiated and advocated by unions throughout the years.
So when you are asked, “why do you belong to a union
and what good are unions in America?” Tell them your
story and remind them of the 36 reasons that they
should be thanking unions! Also remind them to buy
American Good and Services. If every citizen in this
country, were as protective of the industries in the US as
the Japanese and Chinese are of their industries, there
would be relatively no unemployment in this country.
36 Reasons Why You Should Thank a Union
1. Weekends
2. All Breaks at Work, including your Lunch Breaks
3. Paid Vacation
4. FMLA
5. Sick Leave
6. Social Security
7. Minimum Wage
8. Civil Rights Act/Title VII
9. 8-Hour Work Day
10.Overtime Pay
11.Child Labor Laws
12.Occupational Safety & Health Act (OSHA)
13.40 Hour Work Week
14.Worker’s Compensation (Worker’s Comp)
15.Unemployment Insurance
16.Pensions
17.Workplace Safety Standards and Regulations
18.Employer Health Care Insurance
19.Collective Bargaining Rights for Employees
20.Wrongful Termination Laws
21.Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967
22.Whistleblower Protection Laws
23.Employee Polygraph Protect Act
24.Veteran’s Employment and Training Services (VETS)
25.Compensation increases and Evaluations (Raises)
26.Sexual Harassment Laws
27.Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)
28.Holiday Pay
29.Employer Dental, Life, and Vision Insurance
30.Privacy Rights
31.Pregnancy and Parental Leave
32.Military Leave
33.The Right to Strike
34.Public Education for Children
35.Equal Pay Acts of 1963 & 2011
36.Laws Ending Sweatshops in the United States
Local 1853 Leaders Chairman Mike Herron, President Mike O’Rourke, VP Tim Stannard and Zone Committeeman
Cliff Goff have all met with the National Parties and have received correspondence regarding a process
clarification on we could insure return/recall rights of those members that take either forced or voluntary
moves under Appendix “A”. International UAW Leaders Bryan Czape and Dave Bortz were in this meeting.
There have been a lot of questions regarding the Appendix “A” Process in the National Agreement which
governs the flow of manpower through the National Employment Center or what is commonly referred to as
the NEPC. The major question faced by our members is what do I have to do if I am indefinitely laid off and
want to return to Spring Hill to work either when the LGE Engine comes online or when a new product is
assigned to Spring Hill in the future.
Based on the discussions that we had with the National Parties, President O’Rourke and I held a meeting
with the indefinitely laid off members that were in Tennessee and had not taken a temporary job assignment
either in Arlington Texas or Lordstown Ohio. During this meeting we laid out the flowchart contained in the
Appendix “A” Language and which I will also include in this Chairman’s Report.
I will also clarify the questions and the issues that have been presented to us by our members that are
Indefinitely laid off.
The most frequently asked question pertains to the RECALL-REHIRE RIGHTS for the Spring Hill Plant and
what happens if I get a letter that Involuntarily forces me to another Location. What happens then and how
does this process work to get me returned to Spring Hill to work ? The Process Flow is as follows:
1. IF you are on an INVOLUNTARY LAID-OFF and are either forced to another location through an involuntary
force letter or if you are on an INVOLUNTARY LAID-OFF and put in a VOLUNTARY application to move to a
plant of your choice, then you will have the option of taking either the basic relocation package of $4800
or the enhanced relocation of $30,000.
2. Involuntarily Laid off Members that take the $4800 and serve 6 months in their new location will get
RETURN-RECALL Rights to Spring Hill and will remain in box number 1 of the Appendix “A” Flowchart. This
means that these members will be returned in seniority order back to work in Spring Hill as jobs become
available just like these members were still laid off in Spring Hill. (As Long as the 6 Month Requirements
are met) These members will not be in Box 2 which call for return to former community and not necessarily
to the Spring Hill Plant.
3. Members that receive a letter that makes them an involuntary offer that forces them to another location
due to a permanent job opening and CHOOSE TO REFUSE THIS OFFER MUST NOTIFY MANAGEMENT IN
THE TIME FRAME STIPULATED IN THE LETTER. FAILURE TO RESPOND IS CONSIDERED A VOLUNTARY
QUIT under the terms agreed to by the National Parties. If a member notifies management that they are
refusing the permanent job offer that they are being forced to, THEY WILL RETAIN THEIR RECALL-REHIRE
RIGHTS TO SPRING HILL in line with their seniority. However as our members know, they will be cut off of
all company funded benefits including SUB, medical benefits and life insurance. These members will have
no rights to make application at a later date to the NEPC Process until after they are returned to work in
Spring Hill.
4. Members that are either forced or take a voluntary permanent move and choose to take the ENHANCED
RELOCATION PACKAGE will receive $30,000 to relocate however will lose all RECALL-REHIRE RIGHTS to
the Spring Hill Plant. Any future opportunities to return to Spring Hill would have to be through the NEPC
Application Process using their seniority rights. This would only be if there was a permanent job opening
and would be AFTER all Return-Rehire Rights are exhausted for Spring Hill.
5. Members who are currently actively working and choose to move to another Plant through the VOLUNTARY
Application Process will receive return to former community rights (BOX 2 of the Flowchart) if they take the
$4800 basic relocation and serve 6 months at their new location.
I have created a list of team members that have taken the basic $4800 relocation and have recall
re-hire rights to the Spring Hill Plant that will be posted at www.1853chairman.com
Page 2
The answers that have been provided to these questions have been discussed extensively with the International
UAW at both the Regional and National Levels. We are appreciative of their efforts on behalf of our members.
At the end of the day, we know that there are many members would like the opportunity to return to their
homes and families in TN whether they took the basic relocation of $4800 or the Enhanced Relocation of
$30,000. The Local Union Leadership is working hard with the International Union and GM Corporation to
establish this opportunity.
Page 3
The Bargaining Committee is seeking local resolutions from our membership for changes that they would
like to see negotiated in our Local Contract Negotiations that will start in September. If you have ideas or
changes that you would like to see us negotiate please write your
resolution up and send it via the internet to
www.1853chairman.com or drop it by the Union Office located
outside of the GA Cafeteria. There is a form that you can access by
going to the website or we will have hard copies of this form at the
union office. Please include your name, where you work and the
specific language that you would like to see changed. Keep in mind
that these are local issues and not National Agreement issues as
we have already sent our National Agreement Resolutions that you
have provided to the National Parties for their consideration in the
National Negotiations.
There will be a list of demands that are formally given to management that will have your resolutions
covered. If you have any questions or need a copy of our Local Agreement, please feel free to contact your
elected representatives for assistance.
Region 8 has notified Local 1853 that they have scheduled their annual Skilled Trades Conference In St.
Petersburg Florida on July 17th - July 19th. The conference will be a combined conference featuring discussions
about the National Issues confronting Skilled Trades, Educational Sessions pursuant to Skilled Trades and
strategic discussions regarding Journeymen and Apprentices. Attending this Conference, Skilled Trades will be
represented by Darrell Dejean State Journeyman Card Leader, UAW District Committeemen Eric Sasaki, Steve
Homrich and Kenny Gwynn. President Mike O’Rourke, Chairman Mike Herron and Zone Committeeman Cliff
Goff will attend the Skilled Trades Conference as well. The International UAW will have many speakers there
including some of the National Skilled Trades Leadership from Detroit and Region 8 Leadership Team. This is
an important year for this conference due to the fact that the National Agreement and Local Agreements are
being negotiated during this summer and fall.
GM Payroll Services is pleased to announce a new look to paystub information for GM employees paid by
Payroll Services in the United States (including ISP paid from the US Payroll Systems). Using ADP iPayStatements
at https://ipay.adp.com you can access your paystub 24 hours per day, 7 days a week, without the need to
log into mySocrates. Please note there will be no change to the way your payroll is processed.
ACTION REQUIRED:
The first time you access the site you will need to complete a registration process. GM FSS - Payroll will be
providing new features over time, so be sure to register today! If you are an hourly employee, this week
step by step Self Service Registration Instructions will be mailed to your address on record, including the
Registration Pass Code GM1-Pay required for registration. If you are a salary employee, please watch
for the information to be e-mailed to your
work e-mail address.
If you have questions, please call one of
these numbers for assistance:
Salary Payroll Center
866-875-2793
Hourly Payroll Center
866-245-5957
Page 4
There are currently 1082 UAW Team Members that are on the active rolls in Spring Hill. This includes 773
Production and 309 Skilled Trades Members that comprise the total number of team members working.
There are 447 UAW Members that are currently laid off. The following offers have been extended through
the forced or involuntary process starting in May. These offers have slowed to a trickle as Flint Assembly has
met their manpower needs to staff a third shift. We are at 12/01/1992 on the seniority list for forces.
Flint Assembly
78 Involuntary Offers
48 accepts
30 declines
Fairfax Assembly
27 Involuntary Offers
19 accepts
8 declines
There have also been two voluntary offers to Fairfax and 3 voluntary offers to the Arlington Texas Assembly
Plant within the last three weeks.
There will be openings periodically at several of the plants throughout the country that will be filled first
through the Voluntary NEPC Process. Failure to fill these jobs using the voluntary process will result in the
involuntary or force process to be utilized pursuant to the “Appendix A” flowchart.
Based on known product launches, the plants that will be filling job openings in the future will be Detroit
Hamtramck, Toledo Powertrain and possibly Wentzville and Arlington. If you are interested in any GM plant, I
urge you to apply using the NEPC process, as there is no risk in doing so. Additionally there will be sporadic
hiring requirements at all of the other plants to backfill normal attrition. Historically, contract years yield higher
attrition rates due to those members that are waiting for the new economics associated with the next 4 year
agreement. The bottom line is that if you would like to go to any plant voluntarily, you should have an active
application on file through the NEPC Process.
The agreement recently reached giving our members that are laid off recall/rehire rights to Spring Hill even
if you apply and seek a job voluntarily until the LGE Engine ramps up or a new product is allocated to Spring
Hill will ensure that members are not contractually disadvantaged. Team members will remain in the current
seniority order for recall re-hire rights provided they have served six months.
2011 Non Volunteer & Volunteer Production Moves
Total NON VOLUNTEER OFFERS: 104
Total VOLUNTEER Offers: 6
Total Job Offers thru 6/24/11: 110
Total Job Offers accepted: 67 61% Accept Rate
Total Job Offers pending accept or decline: 2
Local 1853 settled a grievance that will add two new stationary engineers to the CUC Complex.
The union demanded that replacements be hired for the CUC Stationary Engineers that retired under
the terms of the recent Special Attrition Program. While this settlement did not increase the sitewide
Skilled Trades Totals, it did create two new jobs for current skilled trades members to convert from
their current classification to a Stationary Engineer Classification. The jobs were recently posted and
the hiring process will be starting this next week. There were a total of eight applicants for these two
jobs, one with a Mechanical emphasis and one with an electrical emphasis. I will post the two skilled
trades job winners in my next report.
The International UAW Has called a Special Council Meeting in regards to
National Bargaining on Tuesday, June 28th. The Meeting will last all day
long and will deal with the many important issues facing our union. All of
the Chairmen and Presidents from the GM Plants are asked to attend. I
will provide an update in my next Chairman’s Report.
Page 5
Laid Off Local 1853 Member, Renee Kozemczak Penny, who has worked
for both Premier and American Food and Vending, traveled to Washington
DC last week to participate in a Senate forum examining the plight of the
American middle Class. Her goal was to represent the tough position that
the middle class autoworker in America was facing. The Senate Hearing
called “Speak Out For Good Jobs - Rebuilding The American Dream”.
It focused on how middle class families are struggling to stay afloat in
today’s economy. Testimony was given by several speakers including
Renee on how workers are hurting with layoffs, wage cuts, student loans,
health care costs for our families, home foreclosures and repair costs,
rising prices on all commodities, and excessively high gasoline costs.
In a surprise call on the way back to Tennessee, Rene was invited by Michigan Senator John Conyers
to come back to Washington the following day for a luncheon with President Obama at the White House.
President Obama who we owe a great deal for saving GM and Chrysler, has been very interested in helping
with the struggles of the middle class and the need for job creation. Penny outlined her own struggles as a
widow and her involvement in the Automotive Industry. Penny used her opportunity in the Senate Hearing
to thank our supporters for loaning GM Money to reorganize and supporting the UAW. Renee spent a lot of
time discussing how good the GM Spring Hill Plant and its workforce are, and the extreme difficulties being
faced by our members being separated from their families. Congratulations to Renee for this once in a lifetime
opportunity at the White House! I would like to express my appreciation to Renee for using this opportunity
not for her own personal gain but to unselfishly make an appeal to several of the US Senators for the Spring
Hill Tennessee GM Plant and all UAW Members.
The Quality Network Suggestion Program will have a mid year Participation Drawing On July 20th. In order
to be eligible for the prizes that will be given away all that you have to do is participate in the Suggestion
Program by submitting your idea. UAW Doc 46 Suggestion Leader Julie Rapson is urging everyone to put in
a suggestion as the prizes being given away are very nice. The money for these prizes was generated by a
portion of the savings that our members have made through cost savings ideas previously submitted.
The cutoff date for this mid year’s drawing is Friday July 15th. The prizes are 2 Weber Grills and 4 Bose Wave
Radio Systems. You Must Be In It To Win It!
S u g g e s t i o n S u b m i s s i o n C u t - O f f D a t e : F r i d a y, J u l y 1 5 t h
U p fo r g ra b s : 2 We b e r G r i l l s & 4 B o s e Wave Ra d i o s y s t e m s
You Can’t Win If You’re Not In!
Every eligible employee who submits a suggestion between January 1st and July 15th is eligible to win!
Page 6
This past week, the National Labor Relations Board unveiled rule changes that could speed up the process on
whether employees choose to join a union or not. The current system is a lengthy process that tilts the playing
field against the workers wishing to organize and favors the employers. Unions across the nation including the
UAW, AFL-CIO and others welcomed the rule changes that could make the decision on whether to join a union
more streamlined and efficient.
According to AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka, “Our current system has become a broken, bureaucratic
maze that stalls and stymies the worker’s choices and that diminishes the voice of the working people and
creates an imbalance in our economy. It also shrinks the middle class.”
The rule changes are a small step in the right direction that will eliminate some of the costly time consuming
delay tactics that have previously impeded the voting on unionization. What is at stake here is the right for
employees to make their own decision on whether they want a union. This should be free from coercion by
either the company or the union. The workers need to make their choice after hearing all of the true facts.
Unfortunately, companies often threaten workers contemplating a decision about whether to join a union,
with loss of their job. Sadly, the rule changes will not change this. It is unlawful for employers to do this but
they still do. Workers in Germany, Japan, Korea, China, Mexico and throughout the world are joining unions
to protect their jobs while many of these same companies come to America and often to the southern part of
the US in an attempt to avoid unionizing. These companies clearly see the economic advantages of not paying
their workers pensions, health care into retirement, or have any long term commitment to the workers and
their families. Consequently, a high percentage of their workforce are comprised of temporary workers and
third party contract companies. A union would greatly improve the economic fortunes of these workers.
Republicans have increased their attacks recently on the National Labor Relations Board as a result of what
they call “favorable treatment for unions and their workers”. The political attacks against President Obama
and the NLRB have gotten more aggressive in light of recent rule changes favoring quicker elections and the
Boeing Aircraft Ruling. The Boeing Case charged that the Boeing Aircraft Corporation attempted to move their
operations to South Carolina in order to set up a non union shop in the South. The Board’s Legal Counsel ruled
that Boeing was attempting to punish the Machinist’s Union that represents workers in Seattle Washington
for recent strikes over serious issues that have impacted the Boeing Workers and their families. The Case is
currently proceeding through the court system.
At issue in the Boeing case is whether Boeing illegally retaliated against American workers for engaging in
activity that Congress has chosen to protect since 1935 and FDR – the right to protest.
Many Southern Republicans including those from South Carolina , Kentucky and Tennessee have gone haywire
over the NLRB Decision upholding the complaint made by IAM Machinists Union.
Lamar Alexander (R-Tennessee) introduced a bill in the U.S. Senate to amend the National Labor Relations Act
to make Boeing’s relocation legal. The bill now has 35 cosponsors, all Republicans, including Senate Minority
Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) and 2008 presidential nominee John McCain (R-Arizona). The same bill
was introduced in the House May 24, and has 20 Republican cosponsors.
It is obvious that these elected leaders want to continue to protect the South as their bastion for low wages,
no benefits and continuity of their anti union landscape. It is apparent that the laws just do not support their
anti worker positions though.
Page 7
This is an interesting story due to the fact that the Spring Hill Plant supplies L-850 ECOTEC Engines to the SAAB
Trollhaetan Plant in southern Sweden. Engine supplies to this plant have been impacted due to the following story that
appeared in the European Automotive News.
STOCKHOLM -- Troubled Swedish carmaker Saab said on Thursday it could not pay wages to its employees,
as it had not yet obtained necessary short-term funding.
Swedish Automobile NV, formerly known as Spyker Cars NV, and Saab are still in discussions with various
parties to obtain short-term funding, including the potential proceeds from a sale and lease-back of Saab’s real
estate that was announced recently, it said.
“There can however be no assurance that these discussions will be successful or that the necessary funding
will be obtained,” Saab said in a statement.
Netherlands-based Swedish Automobile this month agreed on a rescue package for Saab from two Chinese
car companies, Zhejiang Youngman Lotus Automobile Co. and Pang Da Automobile Trade Co. that it says
would solve longer-term financing problems if approved by authorities in China and Europe.
Saab’s Trollhaettan factory in southern Sweden has been idle for at least two more weeks while the company
talks with its suppliers.
Saab has been forced to halt production at its Trollhaetten factory because of the cash shortage. Earlier
this week the automaker asked its suppliers to accept 10 percent of what they’re owed now and the rest in
September, the chairman of Swedish auto-supplier association FKG told Bloomberg.
Saab’s letter to its approximately 800 suppliers also proposed that the carmaker pays them “cash on delivery”
for future shipments, about five to six days after components arrive at the factory.
Saab first halted production in April amid a payment dispute with suppliers. It restarted assembly May 27
after getting a cash advance from Pang Da, only to put the brakes on manufacturing again on June 8. Saab,
which General Motors Co. sold in February 2010 to Spyker Cars NV, ran into a cash shortage after missing
sales targets.
Saab is estimated to owe at least 300 million kronor ($47 million) to Swedish suppliers.
Sources: Reuters and Bloomberg News
The White House this week proposed that all auto manufacturers in North America have an average miles
per gallon of 56.2 Miles per gallon by the year 2025.
General Motors President Mark Ruess commented on the new proposed standards by stating that “ these
are big numbers. This will be very challenging to meet however we will dig in with our engineering to support
whatever mandates that we must meet to protect the environment and leverage fuel efficiency.
The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers which has represents from most all of the manufacturers in
North America cautioned that it is also important to supply affordable, safe cars and trucks that get great
gas mileage. Customers want a variety of vehicle choices and it is also important to consider the impact to
the vehicle platforms and variety when making mandated changes. Jobs are also attached to all of these
variations of cars and trucks and there should be thought given to the possibility of eliminating specific
vehicles and the resulting impacts of potential job losses.
President Obama has said that no firm decision has been reached yet and that the Corporate Average Fuel
Efficiency standards would not be finalized until September.
Page 8
Workers from the LINC Logistics Corporation, a third party provider for the General Motors Lake Orien
Michigan Plant are taking a critical vote to determine whether to give Strike authorization to their leaders.
There are nearly 125 workers that work for one of six third party companies under an innovative agreement
created to build small cars at a profit in the US. The LINC workers, which earn less than $10 an hour are
fighting for a living wage above the poverty level to support their families. LINC workers voted by a margin of
95% to support their union leadership, providing a contract can not be reached.
Currently, the Orien Plant is reported to have over 800 Tier One, 500 Tier two and 200 third party supplier
workers comprising the total workforce of this facility. Based on the agreement, this facility relies heavily upon
their supplier partners. The plant is preparing to launch the new Chevrolet Sonic sub compact car.
The LINC Corporation is a Detroit based Corporation that is owned by the Maroun Family, which also owns
the Ambassador Bridge connecting the US with Canada. LINC is a supplier that receives and distributes parts
for all of the Detroit Big Three automakers and posted profits of 245.8 million dollars in revenue last year
according to their SEC Filings.
Many of our Members in Vehicle Interior Systems, Polymers and Paint areas have asked what mandatory
Saturdays have been scheduled for the rest of the year. The following is the latest information that we have
received from the Lansing Delta Township plant which we are supplying. As always, these schedules are
subject to market driven changes and specific Spring Hill schedules will be determined as we get closer to the
dates in question. This is the latest information and most current information that we have received.
LDT Planned Mandatory Saturday Production For Remainder of 2011
7/9 - Cancelled
9/24
7/16
* These are projected production schedules based
10/15
7/30 - First Shift only 10/29
on the most current data
8/6
12/3
8/20
12/10
General Motors formally announced an investment of 32 Million Dollars in Spring Hill last week. This
announcement provided public disclosure of an investment that was already announced previously internal to
the Spring Hill Plant and represents the equipment being installed to increase the capacity of the current L-850
Machining area. General Motors now installs the fuel efficient 4 cylinder ECOTEC Engine in approximately
40% of its vehicles according to published reports which makes the demand for this engine strong, as
projected in the future schedules.
The UAW Leadership of Local 1853 appreciates the announcement of the Capital Investment by the General
Motors Corporation and for their continued support by investing in the Spring Hill Site. We continue to believe
that the skills and efficiency of our team members and the overall competitiveness of this factory will make
Spring Hill the continued low cost producer of 4 cylinder engines for the General Motors Corporation. We are
also thankful to the International UAW for their support and assistance in securing this investment for our
Spring Hill Tennessee plant and it’s membership.
We would like to caution our members from reading into the media reports that suggest that
there will be 63 members returning from layoff. This is just not true and while we would be
overjoyed with such an announcement, we do not want any of our members misled. Statements
such as the “company expects to create or retain 63 jobs” has confused some of our members. The company
has stated that they are still “operationalizing the announcement” in their press release and that specific new
jobs are not known. The Local 1853 Bargaining Committee will immediately notify our membership if there
are any incremental additions to our production or skilled trades manpower requirements as a result of this
announcement.
Page 9
The construction activity required to support the new LGE Engine Plant is
ahead of schedule and coming in under budget. There has been a tremendous
amount of work completed to install over 800,000 sq. feet of new 12 inch
concrete flooring in the Spring Hill Plant. This new floor is being laid in the
old 1.9 L engine and transmission areas to support the new machining and
assembly equipment that has started to arrive. The equipment is being staged
in areas of Powertrain and General Assembly until it is ready to be installed in
the newly renovated plant.
Hiring For the UAW Skilled Trades Members required to staff the new plant
has begun and there will be a total of 38 members initially brought in to install
and learn the equipment. The Local Union expects this number to increase as
the installation activity and equipment debug is at its peak. Team Leaders for
the Skilled Trades teams will be selected by the new UAW Skilled Trades team
members from this initial compliment of 38 members.
Hiring for the Production Team Leaders in Machining will take place this fall, tentatively slated in October
of this year (2011) and Assembly Team Leaders in January of next year (2012). These are the current dates
but could change in one direction or the other as market conditions and installation time lines warrant. I will
keep our membership informed as the staffing plans become etched in concrete.
Region 8 will hold its annual summer school this year starting
on August 21st. This year’s summer school will be held in Nashville
at the Sarrett Vanderbilt Complex. This is valuable training that is
provided each year by the International UAW in Region 8 that hones
leadership skills and enhances the knowledge of our UAW Leaders and
members. Saturn Training Favorite and Union Activist Rick Gregory
will be teaching several classes this year so the training will be fun
and interesting.
Page 10
The UAW has recently lost 3 UAW Members from our Spring Hill
Family. We would like to extend our deepest sympathies and heartfelt
prayers to all of their families. Please joining us in remembering these
very special team members and the great times that we shared with
them while working with us in Spring Hill.
Larry “Mike” Dickens , age 49 of Lewisburg Tennessee and formerly from
Shelbyville passed away Wednesday, June 15th, 2011 at his home.
He was born on February 19th, 1962 in Bedford County TN, to Pamela Bullion
Dickens and the Late Larry T. Dickens. He was an employee of the Saturn-General
Motors Plant, worked construction with his brother and was a member of the
Howell First Baptist Church and Attended fair Haven Baptist Church. Mike
loved the Outdoors and was an avid Fisherman.
He is survived by his wife, Karen Morrow Dickens, Daughter Brittney Dickens,
step son, Daniel Proctor, a sister, Tanya Snoddy of Shelbyville, Brother Jeff (Mary
Lynn) Dickens of Shelbyville, and one grandchild, Hunter Proctor.
Gregory Howard Seaman, age 53 of Franklin, TN, June 6, 2011. Retired after 30
years service with General Motors. After retirement he co-founded Sunrise Home
Improvements. Preceded in death by mother, Jo Ann Seaman & brother in law, Greg
Macko. Survived by wife, Colleen Marie Seaman of Franklin, TN; sons, Gregory
Flint Seaman Maczko of Nashville, TN & Jonathan Michael Seaman Maczko of
Franklin, TN; father, Howard Seaman; sister, Cynthia (Ted) Babcock; mother inlaw, Phyllis Macko; sister in law & brother in laws, Kathy (Dan) Peterson, Janet
Macko, Tim (Ann) Macko, Joseph (Denise) Macko & Steve Macko and several other
loving family members and many friends. Obit: Funeral Mass will be conducted
11:00AM Friday, June 10, 2011 at Williamson Memorial Funeral Home, Father Bala
officiating. Interment, Williamson Memorial Gardens. Family and Friends will serve
as pallbearers. Memorials may be made to the Greg Seaman Memorial Fund. Visitation will be 4-8PM
Thursday and one hour prior to the service at WILLIAMSON MEMORIAL
John N. Stirling, Jr., age 53, a resident of Weaver Farm Lane in Spring Hill,
Tennessee passed away suddenly on Thursday, May 26, 2011.
Obit: Funeral Services for Mr. Stirling will be held on Sunday, May 29, 2011 at
4:00 pm at Heritage Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Maury Memorial
Gardens. The family will visit with friends prior to the funeral service on
Sunday from 1:00 until 4:00 at the funeral home. Heritage Funeral Home is
assisting the family and in charge of the arrangements.
A native of Niagara Falls, New York, he was the son of the late John Norman
Stirling, Sr. and Rose Marie Cannaby Stirling. He was of the Episcopal Faith.
He was an employee of General Motors in Spring Hill, Tennessee. He was a
very private man who loved his family. He enjoyed spending time on the computer and loved to go
fishing and boating; but the real joy of his life was spending time with his grandchildren. He will
truly be missed by all those who knew and loved him.
In addition to his mother, he left behind to cherish his memory five children: Kelly (Dustin) Mosley
of Spring Hill, TN, John N. Stirling III of Spring Hill, TN, Robert J. (Jaime) Stirling of Longwood, FL,
Tyler T. Stirling of Spring Hill, TN, and Dylan S. Stirling of Spring Hill, TN; four grand children:
Hunter Mosley and Nathaniel Mosley of Spring Hill, TN, Beckham Stirling and Liam Stirling both
of Longwood, FL; two sisters: Wendy S. Stirling of Manville, NJ and LuAnn Stirling of Columbia, TN.
Pallbearers will include his sons: John, Robert, Tyler and Dylan and his friends J.R. Ellis and Tim
Stannard. Honorary Pallbearers will be the employees of General Motors.
Page 11
Local 1853 was approached last year by the city of Spring Hill for help. The leadership of the city of Spring
Hill wanted to do something positive for the residents and their families that would provide free recreation.
The City had decided to show movies free of charge in the park in a family setting designed to bring together
families for entertainment in these very tough economic times. Many families cannot afford the $10- $15
per person ticket prices to take their family to the movies.
The “Saturday Night Movies in the Park” became popular and
successful, however it outgrew the location where the movies
originally were started.
Therefore our Local Union was asked to support this free family
activity by allowing the city to show the free movies outside of
our union hall. We had ample parking and with approximately
6 acres of land, our facility offered the perfect location centrally
located in the town of Spring Hill for this Family Night of Fun.
The UAW supports the community of Spring hill and its families
and we urge you to come and participate in this free night of fun. I will post the next planned Movie Night in
an upcoming Chairman’s Report. A schedule of events is available on the internet at:
http://www.springhilltn.org/movienight.htm
There is has been an 8.4 Million Dollar Training Grant that has been approved for all of the workers that
were displaced as a result of General Motors moving the Traverse to Michigan. Local 1853 has worked with
the State of Tennessee and the federal Government to make sure that this Grant was available to help our
members. The sign up period to tap into these funds is through July and then you will not ever be able to get
training as a result of this program. If you sign up and then are transferred to another facility, you may still
be able to benefit from this Grant as these funds are available for a two year period of Time. The following
members and their spouses may be eligible to get this training. Do not just think about training that you want
today. You may want to have a second career after returning from general Motors and an this grant will train
you with additional skills that will benefit your family and could equip you to start your own business.
*
*
*
*
*
Eligible Parties
Any Member that was laid off OR Forced to relocate as a result of the 2009
GM Bankruptcy and subsequent movement of the Traverse.
Any Spouse of a member that was affected by the Traverse departure.
Any Member that retired in June 2009 or after and their spouses.
Any member that has transferred to Michigan, Fairfax, Fort Wayne, Toledo
or any other GM Plant location that was caused by the movement of the
Traverse. Also any spouse of one of these members.
All suppliers such as Premiere, Penske, AFV etc may apply for these funds
as well
The UAW has worked with the Tennessee Workforce Alliance to open up these
opportunities to as many of our members as possible. This money has a limited
life of availability to sign up and time is of the essence. Once you are qualified
you remain eligible for a two year period to use the training money. Please call
Suzy Pruitt at 615-337-8169. She will walk you through the quick and painless
process to apply. If you have any questions or concerns about this process,
please contact UAW Training Coordinator, Dennis Herron at 931-489-4462.
Page 12
It has been a very busy year in the Union Benefits Office. The Union Benefits Reps (UBR) were reduced to
2. Marilyn Morgan and Cheryl Offutt are servicing all retirees, active, and laid off team members as well as
their dependents. Lorene Austin, is the Alternate Benefit Rep.
Office Hours:
Marilyn Morgan 5 am to 1 pm (931) 489-4734
Cheryl Offutt 9 am to 5 pm (931) 486-5706
Your Union Benefits Reps will help you with your Sub issues and will fax your extensions to Sub for you.
Remember, the State will give you your unemployment information. Only you, the team member can get
information from the State, the Union Benefits Reps cannot get your information.
Laid Off - When you get a new extension from the State, paperwork has to be sent to Sub so they can
input the State information into the system. The State of Tennessee put on an initial claim called Monetary
Determination. Usually the initial claim has 26 weeks of benefits @$275 per week. After the 26 weeks, there
are extensions available. They are normally: 13 weeks, 1 week, 13 weeks, 6 weeks, and 20 weeks.
Retirement - If you are retiring in November, you should request your retirement paperwork from Fidelity (800)
489-4646, press 1 for the Pension Department) immediately after August 3rd, (90 days prior to retirement)
for best results in receiving first retirement check on November 1st. You will need the following things ready
before you make the call: Bank routing and account number, spouse social security number, spouse’s date
of birth, tax withholding information. You will need copies of the following documents to submit with your
final retirement paperwork: You and spouse’s birth certificates, spouse’s social security card, and marriage
certificate. If you have Saturn pension, please let the advisor know during your phone call. Saturn pension
will receive additional paperwork from Fidelity to sign. In order to start your pension payments, please bring
in Orange booklet from Fidelity to Benefits office. Benefit Reps are required to sign paperwork, if they don’t
it will delay your payments.
Retirees - and their dependents are required to have a PHI Form filled out, due to HIPPA Privacy Laws in
order for Union Benefit Reps to speak with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan or the VEBA on your behalf,
you can get the PHI form from your Union Benefit Rep.
MetLife - Check to make sure you have beneficiaries listed for your 401K and Life Insurance. Look under
Profiles at www.netbenefits.com to check on 401K beneficiaries. Life Insurance website is www.mybenefits.
metlife.com and establish and login and password. You can also phone MetLife at the number listed above to
request a beneficiary change form.
If you have 10 years or more of seniority (prior to being laid off) you have 24 months of corporate paid
basic life insurance. You can purchase 12 months after that. They will convert after the 12 months. As
long as you have basic, you can purchase Optional Life, Personal Accident Insurance, and Dependant Life
Insurance. MetLife phone number is (888) 543-3461 7:30 am to 6:00 pm eastern standard time.
Legal Service - UAW Legal Services has moved from the Family Advantage Credit Union building to 3011
Harrah Drive, Spring Hill, TN (615) 302-1443 off Campbell Station Parkway.
I hope that this information helps you and I would suggest that you retain these numbers as well as the
hours of operation of the benefits office.. Benefits will also be open during the various scheduled Vacation
shutdown weeks to assist our members with their needs.
A group of salaried General Motors retirees sued MetLife on Wednesday, June
22nd in Wayne County Circuit Court after their life insurance coverage was cut
to $10,000, despite assurances that their higher guaranteed amounts would
remain in effect for the rest of their lives. I will keep you updated on the outcome
of this litigation.
Page 13
The conference which was held June 13th thru the 17th opened on a positive note with all of the areas in
Region 8 seeing some modest gains in employment levels signaling an upturn in Manufacturing in particular.
These improvements were not drastic with respect to the total numbers of jobs being added however at least
we have appeared to hit the bottom of the job loss and are started to improve.
Regional Director Gary Casteel kicked off the annual Region Leadership Conference with a great speech
that energized the leadership- challenging the participants to become Activists. The UAW must organize in
order to grow our union and bring equality to all of the workers including those in the right to work states of
the South. The Trans-Nationals Companies , Mercedes, Volkswagen, Toyota, Hyundai, BMW and Honda, are all
in Region 8 and this will be the largest Region of opportunity for increasing the UAW Density in Manufacturing
throughout the United States .
Recent events worldwide have slowed the recovery of the automotive recovery and therefore have also
slowed the efforts to organize additional automotive jobs. This will be changing in the near future. Companies
that sell their vehicles in this country , should be required to build factories and employ people with a living
wage and retirement programs giving them an opportunity to live a middle class standard of living and not be
employed at or below the poverty levels of America.
Walter Reuther , one of the founding leaders of the International UAW did a great job looking worldwide
and thinking in broad terms . He built coalitions and friends that were instrumental in changing America for
the better and giving workers a voice in the jobs that that work at everyday. Our union will return to this recipe
for success and we move forward in an exciting new chapter of growth under the leadership of President Bob
King and Vice President Joe Ashton.
Politics - We are under extreme pressure from the Republican Right. They are attacking the public sector
workers- firemen, policemen and public workers. They are also attacking unions! We need to work hard to
protect our right to collectively Bargain. The teachers just lost their rights in many states throughout America.
Medicare, Medicaid and Social security are all in the cross hairs of these elected Republican Leaders which
think that the only way to fix the budget is to give more tax breaks to the rich and end all programs that do
not help the rich. Ending Social Security or adding years to your minimum before you can collect is nothing
short of a crime for the workers that have paid into this fund their entire lives only to have the rules of game
change when they are about to get their benefits in retirement.
Our Motto --”We cannot let the perfect be an enemy to the good.”
President Obama is being second guessed and ridiculed everyday by the political pundits and republican
party opposition. The members of the UAW will never forget that this is a leader that made decisions that
saved GM and Chrysler when many of his advisors were saying let it go to a normal Chapter 7 Bankruptcy.
President Obama saved over a million jobs in the Manufacturing sector and today these companies are gaining
momentum and adding Jobs and Investment throughout the United States of America. Without President
Obama the UAW and GM would not be here and your pensions would have been turned over to the Federal
Page 14
Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation paying you about 50% of its value. President Obama saved alot more
that a million jobs as the American taxpayer would have been left holding the bill for the Pensions of these
workers that would not have employment today.
We must get our members mobilized to support those leaders at the ballot box that support the Union
and the Creation of jobs in this country that afford a living above the poverty level.
Temporary Workers As a Way Of Life - Many companies including Toyota, Nissan Honda and Hyundai
are using temporary workers instead of hiring full time permanent workers that they are committed to. The
workers and their families at these companies could benefit significantly from a union. Reports that we are
getting out of Nissan suggest that as much as 50% of their workforce is now temporary workers with few
benefits and no retirement plan.
Leaders Challenged to Help Raise V-CAP Participation. There are many political forces that are daily
hammering the UAW and those candidates that we support. We need our members to contribute to V-CAP
which funds the political action of our union. Corporations now have the ability to attempt to buy the elections
of candidates that are favorable to them and not the workers. This is not a balanced playing field and the
union must have the means to legally support the candidates that will support workers and argue for laws that
protect workers health and safety, health care, pensions Medicare and Social security.
Journeymen Cards For Skilled Trades - All Journeymen cards for Region 8 Skilled Trades Members are
being held in the Atlanta Regional Office.
Civil Disobedience - The UAW has been involved in all of the decisive legislative battles that have paved the
way for some of the best laws protecting our elderly and retired workers in America. The UAW was an early
supporter of Dr. Martin Luther King to battle for civil rights laws providing equality in this country. Whatever
the battle and wherever it was at, the UAW has held a spot in history utilizing peaceful demonstrations and
civil disobedience to raise the public awareness of all social injustices. We must get back to our roots as
activists using these same actions if we are going to save the middle class lifestyle in America.
UAW Retirees Totals:
*
*
*
*
*
Region 8 has 43,893 Retirees
GM has 292,624 Retirees Total and 73, 430 survivors
Ford has 102,133 Retirees and 30, 320 survivors
Chrysler has 67,346 Retirees and 18,062 survivors
Non Big Three- Retirees 129,905 and survivors 45,787
International Secretary Treasurer Dennis Williams attended the Region 8 Leadership Conference and
gave an energetic and compelling speech regarding the more strategic issues that involve workers and union
members. Treasurer Williams raised awareness of the leadership of President Obama regarding our industry
and the economy. It is not easy to dig out of a recession this deep and the President is on the track to do
that. William’s explained, “ President Obama kept the US out of Depression, and there is no doubt about that.”
There are 17.7 million people unemployed in the Us and there are 15.6 million people in reality that are out of
work when you add those that have just given up or are underemployed. Many of these companies are just
sitting on the cash and are not re-investing so the whole strategy of lowering taxes for the rich so that they
will create jobs is false.
One percent of the citizens in the US are either Millionaires or Billionaires. Many do not pay taxes or very
little if they do. The middle class is disappearing as we speak and this is not a fight that we can afford to lose.
Williams saved some of his most passionate comments for those when describing those workers in the US
and abroad that are unorganized. He stated, “ We must lift up the unorganized and raise their standards of
living, not tear down them down.” Treasurer Williams discussed the UAW’s Organizing strategy at length and
asked for every one’s support and help in organizing the unorganized.
Also attending the Regon 8 Leadership Meeting was International UAW Vice President Cindy Estrada.
Page 15
VP Estrada brought greetings from the International UAW and President King. She related to the leaders
in attendance that she really liked to come to Region 8 and felt really at home with our leadership. Director
Gary Casteel and Assistant Director Ray Curry were recognized for their outstanding leadership
and their great job of putting this leadership conference together. The energetic and personable VP
Estrada gave a super speech that dovetailed into the strategic plan described by Secretary Treasurer Williams.
The UAW is developing a template for the next decade of jobs. VP Estrada underscored the importance of
growing union density and working harder at supporting the political candidates that will help working men
and women. Preserving our middle class is getting harder and we must all fight to keep the American Dream
alive.
This Leadership Meeting held for all Region 8 Leaders had two high ranking leaders from the International
UAW Executive Board for the first time. This signaled the importance that our top union leadership places on
Region 8 which undeniably will be the biggest opportunity for organizing new members and growing our union
in the future.
Internal Job posting’s are now
available from the convenience
of your home via the internet
by visiting www.1853chairman.
com. The listings are on the left
side of the site under GMSH Job
Postings.
In Solidarity,
Mike Herron
Chairman Local 1853