599 Food Giveaway

HEADLIGHT
United Auto Workers Local 599 Amalgamated
UAW Local 599 Union Hall • 812 Leith St., Flint, MI 48505
(810) 238-1616 • TOLL FREE: 1-888-414-2646
Vol. 74 No. 4
WEBSITE ADDRESS: www.uaw599.com
USPS #238-260
JULY-AUGUST 2013
599 Food Giveaway
MEMBERSHIP
MEETINGS
September 8th • 10:00 a.m.
October 13th • 10:00 a.m.
November 10th • 10:00 a.m.
INSIDE
Officers’ Reports............... 2-5
Retirees Pig Roast at
Crossroads Photos............ 6
Congrats to Vickie Price...... 6
Benefits Report.................... 7
Retirees Chapter.................. 8
~ NOTICE ~
Medical Trust Changes
Local 599 will be scheduling
meetings with the Medical
Trust Representatives for
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
at 11:00 a.m. and another
one at 4:00 p.m. to address
and give information about
changes to your medical
benefits coverage that will
take place in 2014.
Everyone will have a chance to
get their questions and concerns
addressed by the representatives.
UAW PROPERTY – ILLEGAL TO DUPLICATE
I
n February, Local 599, in partnership with the Flint Community Housing Commission,
became a Food Distribution Center
for Flint. The fourth Friday of every
month, volunteers gather at 599 to help distribute
food boxes to all those in need. Over 800 people
receive help through this program each month.
We would like to say thank you to Al Fritzler
and Boy Scout Troop 602 of Birch Run for their
help Friday, July 26th in putting the food boxes
together and to all of our other volunteers for
LOCAL
599
making everything run smooth and orderly.
Because of them, it shows the commitment that the UAW and Local 599 have to the
community in which we are a part. Thanks to all for
making this program a success.
Election Notice
Retired Workers Chapter
All members of the Retired Workers Chapter of Local 599, UAW, in
good standing, and in compliance with the UAW International Union Constitution and
Local 599 Retired Workers Chapter By-Laws stand nominated for the following positions...
Recording Secretary
and Two (2)
Regional Delegates
Acceptance must be turned in to the Local President’s Office by
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2013
Acceptance must be signed by each individual candidate,
accompanied by their Social Security number.
Please print your name as you wish it to appear on the ballot.
Paper ballots will be used.
Each voter shall be required to show
Retiree Chapter Card or Picture ID.
Candidates will be allowed a Challenger,
provided the name and Social Security
number of the Challenger is submitted
in writing by the candidate, to the
Chairman of the
Election Committee,
no later than 3:30
p.m., Monday,
September 23,
2013.
Election will be held in the Media Center.
ELECTION TIMES & DATE Poll will OPEN at: 9:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Poll will CLOSE at: 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 25, 2013
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Page 2
FLINT UAW NEWS • LOCAL 599 HEADLIGHT EDITION
HEADLIGHT
The official publication of
UAW Local 599
812 Leith St., Flint, MI 48505
(810) 238-1616
Toll Free: 1-888-414-2646
PRESIDENT’S
REPORT
by Danny Reyes
USPS Publication #238-260
CONTENT EDITOR
Gene Ridley
EXECUTIVE BOARD
President (ext. 14)...............................Dan Reyes
Vice-President............................Wade Chapman
Recording Secretary (ext. 23)...........Gene Ridley
Financial Secretary (ext. 16).............Barb Young
Trustee.........................................Mary Simmons
Trustee............................................Dean Russell
Trustee.....................................Jimmy Schneider
Sergeant-at-Arms.................................Don Allen
Guide..................................................Brian Lane
Retirees Rep..................................... Liz Melchor
Family 0........................................Marc Morency
Shop Chairman (810) 236-9032....Terry Everman
Alternate Shop Committeeman........Bill Anselmi
DISTRICT SHOP COMMITTEE
Production.........................................Dave Aiken
Alternate.................................... Larry Hodges
Skilled Trades................................ Dave Oginsky
Alternate.......................................Bill Anselmi
BENEFIT REPRESENTATIVES
(810) 236-0067...........................Adolphus Lyles
(810) 238-1616, Ext. 45.....................Ed Lawson
RETIREE CENTER
Ext. 29.................................................. Bill Lucas
EDITORIAL POLICY
This paper is the voice of Local 599,
the International Union, and Local 599
members. The purpose of this paper is
to inform and educate the membership
of issues of the Local Union and the community in which we live.
Articles from members and stories
about members are welcome. While your
contributions are welcome, they should
be constructive. At no time shall the
Editor tolerate any defamatory remarks
regarding policies of the Local Union, the
International Union, or any UAW person
or persons.
The Editor reserves the right to edit any
article for clarity and/or length. Opinions
reflected in signed articles do not necessarily reflect the position or opinions of
Local 599.
ADDRESS CHANGES
Postmaster – Send address changes to:
Headlight, UAW Local 599
812 Leith St., Flint, MI 48505-4512
Members with address changes need
to send address changes and old mailing
label to the above address or call, ext. 16,
with the change. Also, call Barb Young if
you are receiving more than one paper
and want to cut it to one.
Printed monthly by Rockman & Sons Publishing
240 N. Fenway, Fenton, MI 48430
www.uaw599.com
“I believe you should tell the story of
injustices, of inequalities, of bad conditions, so that the people as a whole
in this country really face the problems that people who are pushed to
the point of striking know all about…”
– Eleanor Roosevelt
To ensure our story is told accurately,
it is important that every member understand that we must band together
and stand strong. Sometimes that calls
for some personal sacrifice. It is true
that our issues are different than the
corporations, but not so different that
we can afford to push to the point of
intentionally hurting their viability, nor
are they so much alike that the corporation’s desires are our own or in our best
interests as employees.
Brothers and Sisters, we all want
longevity and job security. When faced
with the option to work through our
negotiated breaks, there can be no other
response than a resounding “no.” The
temptation of a little more money at the
end of the week has to be overridden
by the knowledge that working through
our breaks today equates to decreased
levels of employment down the road.
Remember, the job that you’re eliminating today, by not taking your negotiated
breaks, very well could be your own.
This corporation wants to produce
at an ever-increasing rate with an everdecreasing workforce. Your Union has
the responsibility of protecting your
contractual rights, sometimes it means
protecting us from ourselves.
It’s been said, now more than in the
past, that Unions have lost their power.
Our power lies in our Rank and File
and their willingness to set personal
gains aside for the good of the whole.
We have to stand together on principle,
while preserving jobs, today or stand
alone tomorrow in the unemployment
line competing for crumbs.
There are a couple issues that this
President isn’t satisfied with. One of
them concerns our Retiree Health
Care, and the other is an issue I haven’t
written about before, the Two-Tier wage
scale. As a Union, how can we insist on
equality across the board, yet in the next
breath try to justify the very existence
of a class system within our Rank and
File? Interesting thing about setting the
standard…you then can’t be the exception to your own rule.
Our Rank and File deserves better
and we will fight to eliminate that class
system from this great institution.
Since the last edition of the Headlight, I have been receiving numerous phone calls and letters from our
Retirees. I appreciate your response
and testimonials. If you know anyone
who is struggling due to the increasing
costs of the Retiree Health Care, please
encourage them to contact my office by
email, letter or phone.
Active members, I have approved
a request by the Chairman to hold an
informational meeting at the Union
Hall. With so much happening and
many rumors being circulated, he felt
it necessary that you be given an opportunity to get information and ask
questions in an informal setting. This
is not a regular membership meeting.
Look for information in the Chairman’s
article and in the Plant.
The Membership of UAW Local 599
Says, “Thank You!”
After 32 short years, our beloved Secretary, Vickie Price, has said good-bye
to us and is headed out west to begin
her golden years of relaxation. We want
to thank her for her years of dedicated
service to our membership and her willingness, over the past year and a half, to
adjust her work schedule as our Local
has worked to recover from near bankruptcy. Vickie, we will miss your wickedly
sweet laugh around the Hall. Enjoy your
grandkids and may God’s grace follow
you throughout your travels.
Distinguished Service Award
If you have served this membership
in an elected (active or retired) or appointed position for 20 years, I need
to hear from you. Local 599 wants to
bestow upon you an honor that is earned
by few, the Walter P. Reuther Distinguished Service Award. If you feel you
have met the above described criteria,
please send me your information, so we
can verify your service and present to
you the recognition you deserve. Address it to: UAW Local 599, President’s
Office, 812 Leith St., Flint, MI 48505.
*Note: If you received the Distinguished Service Award since 2002,
please send me your name, contact
July-August 2013
information and year that you received
the Award. I need the information in
order to add your names to the plaques
that hang on the wall in the lobby.
Pablo Lopez
Tragically, two years ago, our Brother
Pablo Lopez was taken from us in an
act of violence. To date, no one has
been arrested and charged with being
responsible for his death. His family is
desperate for answers and closure to
the loss of their father and grandfather.
The Executive Board took action
to approve Local 599 conducting fundraising efforts to help contribute to
the reward money being offered for
information leading to the arrest and
conviction of the parties responsible for
this heinous crime. We are in need of
volunteers to help us plan and execute
a successful fundraiser.
I know the talent we have within
our membership. Please call and get
involved with this effort. Pablo was a
great guy with a heart the size of the
Buick Complex and was always ready to
lend a hand to assist our veterans, but
above all else he was one of us.
Updating Member Contact
Information (especially Retirees)
We want to be able to serve you in the
most efficient manner. With the advancements in technology and the advent of
cell phones, we have found ourselves at
a disadvantage. Most of you now have
cell phones and many of you have done
away with your home phones. We would
appreciate it if you wouldn’t mind sharing that contact number with our Dues
Office. Doing that would enable us to
contact you in the quickest fashion. We
will not sell your information to any telemarketing firms, or any other organization. Your contact information is vital to
us servicing your needs.
Standing Committees
We have several openings on Standing Committees. If you are interested
in getting involved and having some fun
while you’re doing it, give me a call and
we’ll get you started.
Newest addition to our 599 Family
As I mentioned earlier in this article,
our long-time Secretary Vickie Price
retired and we wish her well. I now would
like to introduce you to her replacement. Her name is Andrea Vasquez.
She was employed at UAW Local 5960
before they were forced to reduce their
workforce. Andrea will do a wonderful
job and we look forward to enjoying her
skills for many years to come.
See PRESIDENT on Page 5
July-August 2013
FLINT UAW NEWS • LOCAL 599 HEADLIGHT EDITION
SHOP
CHAIRMAN’S
REPORT
by Terry Everman
Hiring
Management has agreed to recall 6
seniority members to permanent jobs
by next week. One more 2007 seniority
production member will be returning
from the truck plant. One Machine
Repair has been recalled from the
street. A Pipefitter, an Electrician and a
Refrigeration Repair are being recalled
from production. One Millwright that
we had retained temporarily has also
been made permanent. We are still not
where I believe that we ought to be with
manpower, but this is a start.
We also have an agreement to hire
approximately 10 Temporary Production Members to replace members
currently on sick leave. Nine were hired
on August 5th. Once again, these are
temporary production jobs and how
long these temporary members remain
in the plant will depend on how many
seniority members we have who remain
out on sick leave or workers comp.
My goal is to get more of our 2007 seniority members recalled as soon as we
are able to establish more permanent
positions. The last thing that we want to
see is our 2007 members being recalled
prematurely from the truck plant, only
to get reduced after a few months and
scooped up by Lansing or Lake Orion.
New Product Launch
On April 4th, GM made the announcement that UAW 599 Members
at the FAM Zero engine plant will
build the next generation of Echotec
small gas engines here in Flint. Since
then, the projected investment in this
product and our plant has grown from
$200 million to $218 million.
At this point, the product launch is on
schedule and moving forward. Machine
manufacturers have been identified,
prints are being developed, members
are gradually being recalled and transition plans are being discussed. We had
over 20 members submit resumes and
applications for the 3 Launch Team
Leader positions. The joint selection
committee has been conducting interviews so that the Team Leaders can be
selected. This will allow us to continue
to move forward launching our new
product.
From the information that we have
received, General Motors plans to build
and use our new motor in vehicles well
into the next decade and probably longer. This should provide secure employment for UAW 599 members for many
years to come. As I said previously, I
will do my best to keep the membership
informed of our progress as well as any
stumbling blocks.
Special Informational Meeting
We have scheduled another Informational Meeting at the Union Hall on
Thursday, August 22nd, from 3:00 p.m.
to 4:00 p.m. The meeting is open to all
working and laid-off members of UAW
Local 599. As in the past, I will start
the meeting by giving a brief update
on the status of our plant and briefly
cover some issues that affect the entire
plant, including the progress of the new
product launch. However, the majority
of the meeting will be an open forum.
During the open forum portion of the
meeting, members will be invited to ask
about any issues or concerns that they
have related to the plant or the launch.
The only exception is that we can’t
discuss individual grievances. Those
discussions need to remain between the
member and their committeeperson.
Otherwise, the topics covered during
the meeting will only be limited by the
questions that are asked.
We attempted to find a time to hold
the upcoming informational forum
when it would be convenient for the
largest number of our working members. I realize that this time and date will
not work for everyone. Please accept
my apologies and understand that in
addition all the other ways that you have
to contact me, you are also welcome to
attend our monthly membership meetings and ask about your concerns during
my Bargaining Report. The next union
membership meeting will be Sunday,
September 8th at 10:00 a.m.
Some of our members may not be
familiar with informational meetings
that have such an open format. Most
members who have attended any of
our previous informational meetings/
forums have found the meetings to be
helpful and a good use of their time.
If you come to the meeting, you can
expect to be treated with respect and to
receive straight answers based on our
most current information.
Ask-It Box
The Ask-It Box has been well received. There have been a couple of
people who have tried to characterize
it as the “snitch box.” I can tell you that
we have not received any of those type
of comments. Frankly, we wouldn’t tolerate the box being used that way. The
Ask-It Box is simply one more avenue to
improve joint communications between
the members on the floor and the joint
leadership. It is also another way to put
false rumors to bed before they become
accepted as fact and cause too much
anxiety, hard feelings, or panic.
I have always operated under the
belief that our members are adults and
that they will make the best decisions if
given all the facts. Since being elected
Chairman, I have tried to conduct the
business of our local union in the light
of day and in an atmosphere of transparency. I believe that implementing
these practices has contributed to our
success in securing new work and to the
job security that our 599 members will
enjoy for the next decade.
If there is something related to our
plant that you are concerned about, ask
it. My door is open or drop your question
or comment in the Ask-It box. I can also
be reached at 810-236-9032 or just stop
me when you see me on the shop floor.
Schedule and Rumors
Lately, there has been a rumor circulating that FAM Zero will have a down
week (one week temporary layoff) in
August or September. We know that our
customers are taking some units out of
their schedules, and I won’t be surprised
if we end up doing the same. We have
repeatedly asked management what
their intentions are. As of this writing,
management is not currently forecasting any down weeks in the near future.
At this time, there are also no plans
for any more manpower reductions anywhere in FAM Zero. However, early next
year, when we start shutting down equipment in order to modify it to run the new
product, T-Releases could be an option.
Cafeteria and New Offices
The construction project is winding
down. The new cafeteria opened in
June. It is smaller than the previous
cafeteria, but quite nice. The GM
Guest Wi-Fi is now accessible in the
cafeteria for mobile devices. Four
computer desks were recently set up in
the cafeteria. We are now waiting for
the installation of some desktop computer terminals where our members
can check their personal emails during
lunch or breaks.
The two new office areas and the
remainder of the construction project
is supposed to be complete by midAugust. By September, everyone in
the “Carpetland” area will be relocated
Page 3
into one of the two new office areas.
The old Carpetland facility can then be
torn down. Most of the 599 members
who currently have offices or cubicles
in the Carpetland area will move to
the new office area adjacent to the new
cafeteria. Most of the 659 members are
slated to go to the other new office area
on the north end of the engine plant.
Direct Connect Disaster
Over the last couple of months,
General Motors switched all its Nextel
two-way phones to AT&T phones with
a two-way or direct-connect feature.
Those members who have been issued
these phones in order to do their jobs
know what a disaster this has been. It is
impossible to make or receive a call in
much of our plant. Saying that these new
phones have been unreliable would be
an understatement. Right now, two cans
on a string would be an improvement.
This phone problem is not confined
to our site. There are problems everywhere that these new phones are being
used. High-level GM managers have
been meeting on this issue regularly.
We can only hope that they come up
with a solution soon.
Suggestion Program
We currently have approximately
$5,600 in our Suggestion Program Involvement Fund. We are always looking
for ideas for American-made/Unionmade prizes that we can give away in
our Suggestion drawings. Some members
have suggested saving up our money until
we can give every member a jacket who
writes a suggestion. If you like the idea or
have an idea of your own, write it down
and drop it in the Suggestion Box located
in the front hallway near the ATM machine. Unfortunately, the program rules
prohibit us from giving money, gift cards,
bonds or vouchers as prizes.
Seniority Report
Below is the manpower count as of
8/12/13. You can also check the Chairman’s Report on the www.uaw599.com
website periodically for updates.
Production Working at FAM Zero.............. 294
Skilled Trades Working at FAM Zero........... 88
Total Permanent Working at FAM Zero...... 377
Temporary Members Working
at FAM Zero............................................ 9
Production on Temporary Layoff.................. 0
Skilled Trades on Temporary Layoff............. 0
Skilled Trades on Permanent Layoff............. 0
Skilled Trades Working on Production...... 29*
Laid off Skilled Trades Working
at other Locations................................ 16
Production Working at other
Locations w/Recall............................... 34
Production on Sick Leave.......................... 24
Skilled Trades on Sick Leave....................... 1
*included in total permanent working
Page 4
July-August 2013
FLINT UAW NEWS • LOCAL 599 HEADLIGHT EDITION
FINANCIAL
SECRETARY’S
REPORT
by Barb Young
Summertime Greetings,
Sisters and Brothers,
We’re finally making some
progress for our finances.
Our general fund increased
this month. Our six-month
audit has been completed by the Local 599 Trustees and turned in to the
International UAW and the Region 1C.
More will be done by the September
General Membership meeting to improve our finances. At the September
8th meeting, four months of financial
reports will be available.
We are doing well with rentals of the hall, too.
Please contact me at the
dues office (238-1616, ext. 20)
for any service I can be to you.
Working for the membership,
as always.
CLASSIFIEDS
No ads by phone. Give your name and factory or if retired.
FOR SALE
The Headlight has ceased to list foreignmade trucks, cars or motorcycles.
Members may submit one ad, 12
words or less, by 10:00 a.m. on the last
Wednesday of the every other month.
2 Cemetery Lots at Flint Memorial Park
located in section Z, $3,000+ value,
$1,800 for both or best offer. Call 810-6536300 or 810-962-1332.
SERVICES
Home in Clio, 2359 Marjorie Lane, off
Bray Rd., 3 BR, 2 bath. Call 810-394-1918.
Ted’s Tile – Ceramic tile installation and
grout repair, free estimates. Call 810-8133435.
Film and Videotape Transferred to DVD,
35mm slides and audiotape to CD. Call
810-659-3517.
All-N-1 Tree and Lawn Service, one call
does it all, fall clean-up. Call Mark at 810853-7109.
Painting, 25 years experience, discounts
for 599 people family and friends, free
estimates. Call 810-238-5591.
Asphalt Paving, driveways, parking lots,
seal coating, quality work, affordable
prices, and free estimates. ISOM’S Paving LLC. Call 810-610-7333.
Heating, A/C and Appliance Repair,
low rates, senior discount, all makes and
models serviced, all work guaranteed,
$25 service call. Call Scott,810-655-5041.
Coin & Baseball Card Show, Sept. 7th,
10:00 a.m.- 6 p.m., Dort Mall on Dort Hwy.
WANTED
Anything Factory Awarded, pins, badges, watches, retirement awards, signs,
lighters, anything with Buick logo. Call
810-240-5438.
FOR RENT
House on Flint’s North End, 2 bedroom.
Call 810-787-1705.
2 Crypts, in Garden of Prayer, Flint Memorial Park, valued $4,500, will sell for
$3,100 or best offer. Call 810-653-6814
or 810-444-1493.
1996 Jeep “Cherokee” 4x4, AC,PW,PB,
conversion kit, $2,200; also 2000 Ford
F-150, 4.2 liter, 5 spd, AC, new tires, $2,600
or best offer. Call Frank at 810-686-8736.
Cabin on Gladwin Cedar River, 2 acres,
pole barn www.mycabin.homestead.com
or call Bob 989-426-9813.
Purple Hull Peas. Call 810-787-1705.
Buick Memorabilia, clock, ring, badge,
tie tacks. Call 810-653-5436.
Power lift for van or truck for wheel chair,
like new, value new $2,800, asking $800.
Call 810-820-2264 or 810-336-5091.
2007 Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200,
low rider, 2,975 actual miles, lady owner,
saddle bags, quick release windshield,
back rest, after market pipes, $7,500 or
best offer, Owosso. Call 989-413-7784.
1986 26’ Holiday Cruiser, new motor,
gauges, carpet and upgrades, looks
good, 30’ I-beam aluminum, 3 axle trailer.
Call 810-210-9170.
Mossberg 20 gauge, ribbed barrel &
scoped slug barrel, hard case, ammo and
accessories, $400 or best offer. Martin
compound bow with accessories, case
and arrows, $371 or best offer. Call 810653-6330 or 810-962-1332.
VICEPRESIDENT’S
REPORT
by Wade ‘Doc’
Chapman
Membership Involvement
Summertime is almost gone, and in
September we will start our regular
union meetings at UAW Local 599.
This past year has brought many
changes, the standing committees
added new members. However, due to
retirements, layoffs and transfers, most
committees lost members. We need
new members. If you are interested in
joining a committee, contact myself or
Dan Reyes at 238-1616, ext. 14. These
committees and services to our community can only grow with membership
involvement.
UAW Local 599, with your help, will
raise monies to add to the reward for
the person or persons who murdered
our union brother. Pablo Lopez, 68, was
shot after someone broke into his home
while he slept on July 9, 2011.
Pablo was known for working and
helping our members, as well as veterans. He always shook hands and
thanked Veterans for their service. If
you needed help finding donated items
for Veterans and other charities, Pablo
would show up with them.
The Local 599 Headlight newspaper,
which reaches hundreds of our members, can be a useful tool to help solve
this murder. Brian Lane, 2nd shift, is the
point of contact for more information.
Please, if you saw or heard something,
the time is now to speak up.
This central site allows you to request
a free credit file disclosure, commonly
called a credit report, once every 12
months from each of the nationwide
consumer credit reporting companies:
Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. AnnualCreditReport.com is the official site to
help consumers to obtain their free credit
report (taken from Clark Howard, CNN
news). If you need more information,
please contact me at (810) 444-1384,
leave a message.
We Remember...
Clyde Albrant
Britt Hall
Marvin H. Brown
William E. Filip
David B. Dorner
Jewell Miller
Thaddus J. Kuta
Charles F. Wells
Lester Payton
Dale Dues
Carl L. White
Stephen D. David
Harold J. Andrews
Clyde J. Albrandt, Jr.
Kenneth E. Roddy
Theodore G. Draheim
Donald W. Price
Leon D. Baker
George R. Kenworthy
Donald W. Rich
Myers Williams
Victoria Speed
Joseph McCoy
Charles Tyler Baker
Charles Barnett
George Kowalski
Louis Murphy
Donald Bigelow
Christine Wilson
Samuel Sanders, Jr.
Larry D. Stephens
Michael Van Hurk
Kathleen Abraham
Walter B. Teamer
Frank Karas
Dean Haist
Chester J. “Chet” Marchak
Francis “Dutch” Baumgart
Tyree Langston, Sr.
Dean R. “Curly” Kneisel
Tony R. Leek
Robert F. Badgley
Robert L. Wright, Jr.
Betty R. Wise
Oscar M. Britt
Lloyd J. Morris
Fred C. Freft
Daniel Price
Richard J. Shawl
Alec July
Myers E. Williams
Robert A. Bohnsack
Leighton E. Kohn
Charles W. Baker
Joseph F. Babaszak
Daniel N. Younce
Our prayers go out for these, our beloved
members and their families.
UAW Local 599 Chaplaincy Standing Committee
July-August 2013
FLINT UAW NEWS • LOCAL 599 HEADLIGHT EDITION
RECORDING
SECRETARY’S
REPORT
by Gene Ridley
I would like to start by sending my
condolences to Mike Haist and his family on the loss of Mike’s father, Dean
Haist. Dean worked at Buick and was
a 599 retiree. My thoughts and prayers
go out to the family. The loss is always
great, but the memories are far greater.
Patient Protection and the Affordable
Health Care Act (Obama Care)
There has been so much negative
talk and printed about Obama Care, I
thought it time I speak out on it. This
bill was signed into law March 23, 2010.
It was signed into law to reform the
health care industry, and since then over
100 million Americans have already
benefited from it. So far, the average
insurance premium has gone down.
Americans have saved $2.1 billion due to
the new Obama Care consumer protection provisions in 2012.
It has been opposed by some of the
most rich and powerful people of this
country, led by the Koch brothers and
the organizations they fund. They have
spent $100’s of millions of dollars on
getting it repealed and people elected to
oppose it. They are the same ones who
oppose Social Security, Medicare and
Medicaid, and all of the government
entities that help most Americans.
This bill contains 2,000+ pages and
doesn’t go fully into effect until 2022.
The U.S. Supreme Court found it
Constitutional and since then the Republican Congress has tried to repeal it
or parts of it 39 times, and failed. Think
about it, the time and effort that they
have wasted on trying to repeal this law
could have gone to improving the areas
that need improvement and fixing our
economy.
I have put together just a few facts
that we all should be aware of. For more
facts go to www.ObamaCarefacts.com.
1. Obama Care requires that insurance
plans cover preventive services and
stops insurance companies from
dropping you when you are sick, as
well as offering a number of other
reforms and protections.
2. Obama Care is the first step toward
true health care reform in the U.S.
The fact is about 60% of all personal
bankruptcies in the U.S. are related
to medical bills.
3.Uninsured Americans cost the
American healthcare system an additional $49 billion. Only 12% of
uninsured pay their hospital bills in
full. This includes families making
$88k a year. These costs affect the
rising cost of insurance premiums;
Obama Care helps to reduce this
spending drastically.
4. Obama Care does not replace private
insurance, Medicare or Medicaid.
5. The health care industry, specifically
doctors, will be rewarded for quality
over quantity.
6.The Affordable Health Care Act
doesn’t just focus on insurance, it
also reforms the parts of the health
care system that aren’t working,
or are costing taxpayer money. By
focusing on preventive measures instead of just treatment, Obama Care
will save tens of thousands of lives
and save tens of billions of dollars.
These are just a very few facts that you
should know. If I continued it would take
up the whole paper. MOST IMPORTANT
is that Obama Care is the “law of the
land” and there are many who would
like to see it repealed. If Obama Care is
repealed, tens of millions of Americans
will be without proper health coverage,
and insurance companies will continue to
deny coverage for pre-existing conditions.
Without health care reform, America
will continue to suffer the consequences
of a health care system controlled by
private companies, whose bottom line is
money and not health. I would encourage everyone to get the facts and spread
the truth about President Obama’s
health care reforms.
PRESIDENT from Page 2
Fall School at Black Lake 2013
Fall School is scheduled for Sept.
22nd-Sept. 27th this year. If you haven’t
been to Fall School before and are interested, please fill out this form or the one
in the Plant and return it to my office
before 4:00 p.m. Friday, August 23rd.
This is an opportunity to learn more
about our history and the trends in
the auto industry. It’s a great week of
learning, involvement and fun! I encourage you to take advantage of this
opportunity.
Following the policy I put into place
last year, those members who have
made an effort to be involved and have
not been before will be given priority
Page 5
when filling our allotted number of
spots. I have requested more spots than
initially granted us.
Women’s Conference 2013
We were able to secure a subsidy from
the International Union that enables us
to send one active member to this conference, with minimal cost to the Local
Union. By Executive Board action, we
sent Women’s Committee Member
Lori Dipsinski from the active side of
our house and our Retiree Chapter sent
Financial Secretary Barb Young. Barb
is the perfect mentor for women who
want to be involved.
This is a fine example of what we can
do to get our lower seniority members
educated and involved. KNOWLEDGE
IS POWER!
Black Lake Fall School 2013
Name:__________________________________________
Address:________________________________________
City/State/Zip:____________________________________
Phone:_________________________________________
Last 4 SS#:______________ Shift: __________________
Dept: _________________ Seniority Date: _____________
Have you been to Fall School before? Yes______ No _____
Return to President’s Office by August 23rd, 4 p.m.
Page 6
FLINT UAW NEWS • LOCAL 599 HEADLIGHT EDITION
On July 31st, Local 599’S Retirees
Chapter held their annual Pig Roast
at Crossroads Village. It was another
great turnout, in spite of the dreary
rainy day. There were games along
with other activities to do, great
prizes and lots of terrific food. Many
retirees took the time to spend with
old friends and catch up with the
latest happenings. It was a fun day
for all those who attended.
If you haven’t taken part in any
of the Chapter’s events, you should
seriously consider taking advantage
of the opportunities that your
Chapter has to offer and join in with
many of those you have worked
with.
July-August 2013
Retirees annual Pig Roast
UAW Region 1C Women’s Council
5th Annual Community-Wide
Back to School
Rally & Resource Fair
Wednesday, August 21 • 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
UAW Local 659, 4549 Van Slyke Road
•Free backpacks with school supplies
will be given away for children grades
Kindergarten through 12th grade
•Free food and entertainment
•Free resources for those in need
•Free health screenings for children
and adults
Vouchers for book bags and school
supplies will be given out in advance on
Friday, August 16 • 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
To qualify for free items, you must bring ID
and proof of need (ie. Bridge card,
Medicaid card or proof of unemployment).
Vickie receiving her last paycheck from Local 599. (L/R) Financial
Secretary Barb Young, Benefit Rep Ed Lawson and President Dan Reyes
Congratulations to Vickie Price on her retirement from UAW Local 599.
Vickie has served 599 and its' memembers for many years and she surely
will be missed. We all wish her the best in her retirement.
July-August 2013
FLINT UAW NEWS • LOCAL 599 HEADLIGHT EDITION
BENEFIT REPS REPORT
ED LAWSON
238-1616, ext. 45
ADOLPHUS LYLES
(810) 236-0067
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Traditional Pension Plan
Article II, 8(g) Marriage and/or Remarriage provision
•Effective January 1, 2010, a retiree who marries or remarries must contact
the GM Benefits & Services Center within 18 months of marriage or remarriage to elect surviving spouse coverage (no longer automatic with health
care enrollment or life insurance election)
•Applicable reduction for survivor coverage cost will commence effective
with the one-year anniversary
Medicare Extra Help with Prescription Drug Cost
•Trust has partnered with PCG to begin outreach to Medicare members who
may qualify for Extra Help with their Medicare prescription drug plan costs
– Pilot role out to Protected Population in MI and OH to evaluate
member engagement approach and reception beginning August 1st
– Includes retirees and eligible dependents
•Medicare Benefit to members who qualify
– Medicare savings program for people with limited income and assets
– Lower prescription drug copays for members who qualify
Toll Free Phone Number: 877-522-1061 https://www.extrahelpuawtrust.com
To Qualify for Extra Help
•You must reside in one of the 50 states or District of Columbia
•For 2013, resources and income must be limited to:
– Resources must be limited to $13,300 for an individual or $26,580 married couple living together (includes bank accounts, stocks and bonds)
– Annual income must be limited to $17,235 for an individual or $23,265
for a married couple living together
•PCG is a resource contracted by the Trust to also perform Social Security
Disability advocacy
Toll Free Phone Number: 877-522-1061 https://www.extrahelpuawtrust.com
VETERANS COMMITTEE REPORT
Submitted by Wade “Doc” Chapman
Hope everyone had a great summer, it went way too fast.
UAW Veterans Cards
If you are a veteran and would like a
UAW Veteran Card, please contact us:
Veterans Committee
UAW Local 599
812 Leith St., Flint, MI 48505
The following information is needed: name, branch of service, address
and phone.
Presidential Memorial
Certificates
If you have a family member or are
a friend of a deceased Veteran, you
can now receive a memorial certificate
for them.
Certificates signed by the President
are issued upon request to recognize
the military service of honorably discharged deceased veterans. Next of
kin, relatives, and friends may request
Presidential Memorial Certificates
in person at any VA regional office
or by mailing a completed VA Form
40-0247 to:
Presidential Memorial Certificates
(41A1C)
Department of Veterans Affairs
5109 Russell Road
Quantico, VA 22134-3903
or fax documents to:
1-800-455-7143
There is no time limit for requesting
these certificates, but requests should
include a copy, not the original, of
the deceased veteran’s discharge
document and clearly indicate to what
address the certificate should be sent.
Additional information can be found
at: www.cem.va.gov.
Michigan in Civil War Trivia
Michigan provided over 86,000 men
to the Union Army during the Civil
War. Over 2,600 fought in the Battle
of Gettysburg. They were organized
into seven infantry and four cavalry
regiments, an artillery battery and four
companies of sharpshooters. Over
1,111 of these became casualities.
If I can be of help, please contact me
at 810-444-1384 and leave a message.
Please remember our service men
and women in prayer.
Page 7
Dependent Audit
•Trust will be working with AonHewitt
(RHCC) to conduct a dependent audit of
all children age 19-25
– During the month of August
–Attestation
• No document required
– Non-responses and ineligible child
dependents will be removed from
coverage
HMO Split Contracts
•June 1 – Current HMO members can
remain in HMO as a split contract
•July 11 – Former HMO members who were placed in TCN due to becoming
a split contract have the option to return to their former HMO
– While technically split members can come back in to the HMO, we
strongly advise against it as;
•We have not concluded HMO rate negotiations and there could be
plans impacted
•Deductible amounts incurred while in TCN are not credited
– Regular rolling enrollment rules apply (first of second month following
request)
– HMO plans will market to these members in the fall of 2014 enrollment
An Important Message for People
with Original Medicare
If you have Original Medicare and receive this
letter, how you get medical equipment and supplies
could be changing.
On July 1, 2013, Medicare is scheduled to expand
the Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding
Program to more areas of the country. This program
changes the amount Medicare pays for certain items and
supplies and makes changes to which suppliers Medicare will pay to supply these
items to you. The program will help you save money and make sure that you have
access to quality medical equipment, supplies, and services from suppliers you can
trust. It will also help limit fraud and abuse in the Medicare Program.
If you live in one of the competitive bidding areas, and use equipment or supplies included under the program (or get the
items visiting a competitive bidding area), you’ll
generally need to get the equipment or supplies
from a Medicare-contract supplier for Medicare
to help pay for these items.
Note: If you’re in a Medicare Advantage Plan
(like an HMO or PPO), your plan will notify you
if your supplier is changing. Contact your plan
for more information.
How do I know if I’m affected by this program?
Read the “Durable Medical Equipment and Supplies” brochure that describes
this program, including a list of the covered items. For more information about
the competitive bidding program, talk to your doctor, health care provider, or
supplier.
For the most up-to-date list of Medicare contract suppliers in your area, visit
Medicare.gov/supplier and enter your zip code. Select the product category of the
item you need to view or print a list of Medicare-contract suppliers you can use, or
call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048.
A customer service representative can help you find a supplier.
What if I’m renting equipment?
If you’re currently renting durable medical equipment or oxygen and oxygen
equipment, and your current supplier isn’t listed, you may be able to continue renting the equipment from that supplier if they decide to become a “grandfathered”
supplier. Your supplier will notify you in writing if they’ll continue to rent you the
equipment. If your supplier decides not to become a grandfathered supplier, they’ll
notify you in writing to make arrangements to pick up the equipment.
Page 8
July-August 2013
FLINT UAW NEWS • LOCAL 599 HEADLIGHT EDITION
RETIREE
CHAIRMAN’S
REPORT
by Bill Lucas
Greetings Brothers & Sisters,
Hope everyone is enjoying summer.
The Chapter had a pretty good turnout
for the Pig Roast this year. We had good
food and great service by the Genesee
Parks people and Roma’s staff.
Fourteen of our members won
prizes from the golf putt-putt, ladder
rung game, and bean bag toss. Members had door prize tickets for the 45
gifts and goods.
We thank Brother Jay Milam for
LOCAL 599
RETIREE EVENTS
COMMITTEE REPORT
by Grover Douglas
August will be a very busy month
for the Events Committee. We will be
selling tickets to 3 events. By the time
this paper comes out, we will be selling
Family Day tickets for the August 22nd
Loons ballgame. Ticket sales started on
July 23rd.
On August 6th, we started selling
tickets for the September 19th Tiger
Baseball Game and Casino trip.
On August 27th, the tickets for the
October 8th Fall Tour will go on sale.
Tickets for the November 6th
Thanksgiving Dinner will be sold at
the September 25th Chapter Meeting.
Tickets for the December 10th & 12th
Christmas Dinners will be sold at the
October 30th Chapter Meeting.
We will be in the hall every Tuesday
from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
We need your help. If you are going
his efforts on getting those sponsored
items, as well as our Events Committee for planning all of the details for a
successful event!
Attention...Attention!
Please read this part of the article.
Letters will be going out after Labor
Day about changes to the Medical Trust.
Local 599 will be scheduling meetings
with the Medical Trust Representatives for Wednesday, October 2, 2013
at 11:00 a.m. and another one at 4:00
p.m. to address and give information
about changes to your medical benefits
coverage that will take place in 2014.
Everyone will have a chance to
get their questions and concerns addressed by the representatives. Please
plan on attending one of these sessions.
Working to keep our Membership
informed. In Solidarity.
2ND VICECHAIRMAN’S
RETIREES REPORT
by Jerry Link
Greetings Brothers & Sisters,
Hope as of this writing everyone is in
good health, spirits, and having a good
summer.
We have no bingo in July or August,
so I hope everyone will be ready to play
on September 12th at 10:00 a.m. sharp.
I would like to thank our sponsors:
President Dan Reyes, #599 Retiree
E-Board, Mark Fillmore of Masonic
Welfare Temple #517, Bonnie Smith of
Creative Financial Centre, Riverfront
Optical and Jimmie Wells, Hozier’s
Hearing, fellow chapter sister Elizabeth
Thornton, Genesee County Commissioner Jamie Curtis, and a big thanks
to Security Credit Union for being our
cover-all sponsors from day 1.
Black Lake
Everyone who put in to go to Black
Lake was able to go. They all had a good
time and met new friends. We had a
total of 14 new couples who went, so if
you missed out on applying, be sure to
watch the Headlight after the first of the
year. (See picture below for all the people
who attended.)
There may be a casino trip to West
Virginia in November. We tried to set one
up during the summer, but the cost was
too much. As soon as Willie Duncan and
I can get something solid, we will let you
know. The cost could be a little higher if
the price of gas continues to rise.
If we have your phone number from
the last trip, we may call you. Be on the
lookout in our next paper or around
September. You can always contact
Willie at (810) 962-1297 or myself at
(810) 814-2625 cell, and (810) 732-7705
home. Please wait until after September
1st to call.
on the Motor City trip, we will need
your name, address, date of birth, phone
number and your player card number.
Please bring all of this information
with you when you come to purchase
your tickets.
We would like to apologize for the
changes made to the Fall Color tour.
Odawa wanted to change the deal. We
won’t be dealing with them again. So,
we will be going back to Little River.
We would like to thank our members
for their cooperation, but there has
been some problems. Please do not take
food from any restaurant. We will not
support you if you get caught.
For those who went on the Shipshewana trip, job well done. We hope you
enjoyed yourself. It makes
our job much easier when
everyone works together.
Reminder: The busses
The 21st Annual Fred Myers Annual Golf Tournament was held July
for the Tiger ballgame and
20th at Sugarbush Golf Club. It was another great day for golf. We
Motor City Casino trip will
would like to thank Don and Patsy Lou Williamson for once again hostleave an hour earlier this
ing this year’s event. The golf course was in great shape and the staff at
year (10:00 a.m.) Please
Sugarbush did an outstanding job.
pick up your baseball game
Congratulations to this year’s winners. The team of Hear USA took first place, capt. Anthony
tickets before you board
Fontana. Second place went to the team of Vince Pattllio. Men’s longest drive went to Derek
the bus.
Fisackerly with a drive of 360+ yards, and men’s closest to the pin went to Joe Davis. The
women’s longest drive went to Tammy Felton, and the women’s closest to the pin went to
Kim Postue. It was another successful year with lots of prizes, great food and lots of fun.
We would like to thank all of the golfers who came out in support of the Fred Myers
Scholarship Fund and all of our sponsors. Because of their support, we hope to be able
to once again award scholarships worth about $8,000.
Fred Myers Memorial Golf Tournament
Newly
elected FAM
O Executive
Board Member
Marc Morency
being sworn in
by President
Dan Reyes.
Election
results:
Domaracki (57),
Marc Morency
(170)
THANK YOU SPONSORS:
DON AND PATSY LOU WILLIAMSON
HOZER’S HEARING CLINIC
SECURITY CREDIT UNION
HEAR USA
CHOWNING, EDGAR & WAGNER, PC UAW LOCAL 599 RETIREE CHAPTER
REGION 1-C
BONNIE SMITH FINANCIAL CENTRE
UAW LOCAL 599
CAL AND SANDIE CARING FUND
UAW LOCAL 1811
EASTERN ASPHALT
ABC WAREHOUSE
DEB CHERRY, GENESEE CO. TREASUER
PAM
FARIS,
48th
DIST.
STATE
REP
.
The Fred Myers scholarship forms will be available at local union halls and Region 1-C
office in September. To be eligible, applicants must be a dependent child or spouse of a
UAW member who lives or works in Genesee County and have at least one year of college.