UAW Local 598

EYE
OPENER
Volume 34 – Issue 2
Inside
this Issue:
Page 2
• President’s Report
• Local 598 East Egg Hunt
Page 3
• Chairman’s Report
• Aramark Chair’s Report
Page 4
• Vice President’s Report
• 2015 March of Dimes
Bowling for Babies
Page 5
• Financial Sec’y Report
• Recording Sec’y Report
Pages 6-7
• White Shirt Day
Celebration Photos
Page 8
• Letter to the Editor
• Recreation Report
Page 9
• Classified Ads
Page 10
• Retiree Chapter Info
Next Union
MEETING
MARCH 15
2:00 P.M.
UAW PROPERTY – ILLEGAL TO DUPLICATE
“A Local Union
with a Heart”
www.uawlocal598.org
(USPS 110770)
598
FEBRUARY 2015
Team 598 plunges to raise $23,208
U
AW Local 598
Leadership, the
committeebody
and a few others dove
into the icy cold waters of
Lake Fenton on Saturday,
February 7.
The 2015 Michigan Law
Enforcement’s Polar Plunge
to benefit Special Olympics
was held Saturday,
February 7 at the Fenton
Moose Lodge.
Pat Peters, area director
for Special Olympics,
shaved her head at the
event as the challenge of
$60,000 was exceeded. A
grand total of $66,171 was
pledged. One-third of the money was brought in by UAW Local
598, placing them in first in fundraising with $23,208, and the
balance of the funds were raised by the remaining 33 teams. Local
598 was the top team, surpassing the 2nd place team by triple the
amount and we also had the Top Individual in donations raised.
We more than doubled the contributions given last year and,
contrary to the news media, all donations came from members
of UAW Local 598, their friends and families. The heart of 598
certainly reaches deep. We thank all of you who contributed for
your continuous giving to the community and those who are less
fortunate than ourselves. A special thanks to UAW Region 1D
for the generous donation to Special Olympics.
Special Olympics
Area Dir
after $60,000 ch ector shaved her head
allenge was met
.
2
UAW Local 598 – A Local Union with a Heart
My pride as a 598 member comes not
only from the men and women who risked
everything for what they believed, for
which I will always be grateful, also in the
knowledge that it was 598 Brother Bert
Christensen who organized the first White
Shirt Day, in 1948, to show the workers’
solidarity, dignity and workplace equality.
I was fortunate enough to be able to attend
Strikers, their families, and all who supported the White Shirt celebration at Local 651. They
them. It was our Sit-downers who gave birth
did a great job putting on the event. There
to the middleclass and the benefits many of us was a special tribute, and rightfully so, to
have known.
one of our original Sit-down Strike Women’s
Emergency Brigade members, Geraldine
Blankenship, who recently passed away.
Geraldine was our last surviving
Emergency Brigade Sit-downer, and we
will miss her presence.
Our Regional Director, Gerald Kariem,
past Director and now UAW Vice
President for Chrysler Norwood Jewell,
and our UAW Vice President for GM
Cindy Estrada were in attendance. I can
tell you we have a powerful team going
into the upcoming contract negotiations.
Although I’m confident we will do as
well as we can in our National Contract.
We still have challenges right here locally.
Now, more than ever, just like the Sitdowners, we must stick together. Our
strength comes from the shop floor on
up, not the other way around. If I have an
issue, did I do all I could? If it’s someone
else’s issue, did I do all I could to take care
of them?
Another issue we will have in front of
us, as you heard our Financial Secretary
discuss at Sunday’s membership meeting,
is right to work is coming and to not talk
about it, pretend it’s not, is the wrong
thing to do. I look forward to the time we
show the politicians and big money that
would try to break us, that when we stand
together, in solidarity, by choice, WE WIN!
Do you think it is just coincidence that
as union membership and middle-class
income has declined at almost identical
rates, corporate profits are at all-time
highs? Financial inequality has to stop,
and it has to stop with us.
Speaking of standing together, I want
to thank everyone who donated to me
and the whole team that jumped in
Lake Fenton, February 7 for the Special
Olympics Polar Plunge. As a team, we
raised over $23,000 for a great cause. Our
UAW Vice President sent congratulations
and appreciated the fact that our UAW
Leadership and our membership not
only build the best trucks in world,
negotiate contracts, we also support our
communities.
Finally, thanks go out to Genesee
Vending for supplying the bean soup and
apples for our White Shirt celebration in
the plant.
PRESIDENT’S
REPORT
By Ray Gorney
1937 Flint Sit-Down
Strikers celebrated
Brothers and Sisters,
It is a very rare time that I am more proud
to be a UAW Local 598 member than when we
recognize and celebrate our 1937 Flint Sit-Down
February 2015
February 2015
3
UAW Local 598 – A Local Union with a Heart
SHOP COMMITTEE
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
ARAMARK UNIT
CHAIR’S REPORT
By Barry Campbell
My UAW family shows
support in time of need
First, I would like to thank
everyone for all of the support,
flowers, condolences, and prayers
my family and I received on the
recent death of my father. I feel
very blessed to be a part of this
UAW family and you cannot begin
to know how much this meant to
me and my family in our time of
need.
Everyone knows by now that
profit sharing will be paid out on
February 27, but not everyone is
aware of how the $9,000 figure
was arrived at. The $7,000 was
a result of the formula for profit
sharing negotiated in the 2011
National Agreement. The extra
$2,000 is a result of the insistence of
UAW VP Cindy Estrada and UAW
President Dennis Williams that this
membership not be penalized for
the cost of the many recalls GM
experienced this year.
This membership worked
hard and sacrificed to ensure
GM’s profitability and had no
responsibility for the recalls, but
GM’s plan was to let us help pay
the costs for them. Our UAW
leadership fought and won the
$2,000 bonus to be included as
a special payment on the profit
sharing payout. With this payment,
UAW/GM workers have received
$36,250 in negotiated bonuses,
special payments and profit
sharing during the life of this
contract.
The resolutions that were
submitted here at Local 598
and around the country were
presented and approved at
our Sub-Council meeting for
forwarding to the National
Negotiating team. I am confident
that VP Estrada, her team, and the
National Bargaining team will lead
us to a very successful negotiation
this year, whatever it takes.
As we just finished celebrating
White Shirt Day, it is the time
to not only recognize the Sitdowners, but all those who came
before us and have sacrificed so
that we can continue the fight in
2015.
I want
to assure all of our retirees that
you will not be forgotten at the
bargaining table.
Thank you to Scott Bright/
Genesee Vending for donating
the bean soup and apples for our
White Shirt Day lunch again this
year, and thanks to all of you who
took the time to honor our union
pioneers by wearing a white shirt
on February 11.
The Vacation application period
is February 16 through February
27, and management has informed
us that we will be having a 2-week
vacation shutdown this year. It will
be the weeks of June 29 and July
6. We will be returning to work on
July 13.
Because the July 4th holiday
falls in this time period, we will
be required to use 72 hours of
vacation time. I understand that
this is not popular, but it is required
per the UAW-GM National
Agreement.
We also have a list of 16
Saturdays left that we are
scheduled to work, based on
management projections of needed
production. As always, these are
subject to change: 3-7, 3-21, 4-18,
4-25, 5-9, 5-16, 6-13, 6-20, 7-25, 8-1,
8-15, 8-22, 10-17, 10-24, 12-5, 12-12.
The Polar Plunge was a great
success. Thanks to all of your
contributions, we raised over
$23,000, more than doubling last
year’s efforts and most importantly
helping the Special Olympics.
The cafeteria is still in progress
and scheduled to open the first
part of April, and the bathroom
remodel on the north side of the
plant is going well.
I would also like to welcome our
newest workers from LGR to our
Local 598 family.
I cannot end without thanking
our men and women in the armed
forces serving around the world,
and asking you to think about the
families they have left behind.
The next union meeting will be
March 15 at 2:00 p.m. Hope to see
you all there.
By Debra Bruton
New people in the house
Hi Brothers and Sisters,
Well, it looks like old man winter
has arrived! burr! That being said,
a big thanks goes out to Ray, Ryan
and Barry for taking the plunge!
A very special thanks to all who
donated to such a great cause and
made the “Union with a Heart”
#1 again!
I am happy to announce that we
have been able to add a few people
to our side of the house. Not as
many as we need, but it’s a start.
So welcome to all our new brothers
and sisters.
I would also like to say congratulations to our sister Debra Kosbar
for reaching the 30 year milestone
as a UAW member! Debra joined
the UAW in September 1985, when
she hired in at Grand Blanc Weld
and Tool Center in the cafeteria.
Over the years, she went from the
cafeteria to sanitation. Debra is
currently here at Flint Assembly in
sanitation.
Congrats
Debra, well done!
I enjoyed seeing all those who
attended the membership meeting
and the movie “Brothers on the
Line.” It was very informative as to
how the UAW came to be and the
struggles they had, to get where
we are today. If you haven’t had a
chance to view this movie, please
take the time to do so. It is available
on Netflix, iTunes, Amazon and
Google Play.
As always in Solidarity!
UAW LOCAL 598
G-3293 Van Slyke Road, Flint, MI 48507 • (810) 238-4605
www.uawlocal598.org
ADAPT Representative
Jerry Regan, Denise Denam
Civil Rights committee
Rosalyn Morse
Quality network representation
Ralph Lupu
Local 598 Benefit Reps.
Cindy Baxter-Phillips,
Chris Dungerow, Adam Prieur
Ray Gorney............................... President
Ryan Buchalski.................VICE-President
Judy Mosier.......... Recording Secretary
Rick Beardslee........Financial Secretary
James Gregory........... Sergeant-at-Arms
Corey Wilborn................................. GUIDE
Curtis Freeman.............................Trustee
Jim Hatfield..................................TRUSTEE
Becky Haughey............................TRUSTEE
Janet Woodson.....Retiree chapter chair
Chairman, Shop Committee
Barry Campbell
Shop Committeeman-at-Large
Chris Webb, Eric Welter
Shop Committee (district)
Scott Crosby
District
CommitteePERSON / Alternates
Gerald Scott
/ D’Andre Jackson
Don Cobb
/ John Jackson III
Eddie Pickett
/ Monroe Murphy
Dustin Culhane / Steve Cole
Nick Dekalita
/ Adam Conley
Leroy Shinabarger/ George Calvert
Larry Rodgers
/ Dave Haskell
Chad Fabbro
/ Mike Kocsis
Scott Crosby
/ Rick Hager
ARAMARK Bargaining Committee
District Committee / Alternate
Debra Bruton
/ Joshua Peters
Darla Switzer
/ Linda Losey
Anthony Beaugard / Andre Dunigan
HEALTH & SAFETY REPRESENTATIVEs
Tony Robinson, Mike Dankert, Winston Ruffin
jOINT Activities REPRESENTATIVE
Mike Robinson
jOINT training REPRESENTATIVE
Dave Groulx
Work & Family RepresentativeS
Jayne Atwell, George Washington, Leonard Neely
598 apprentice coordinator
Rick Van DeWater
598 CAP Chairperson
Jim Hatfield
Education/Publicity Committee
Debi Kirchner, Brandon Bellinger,
Tom Duplanty, Jennifer Coon, Bill Wineland
POLICY OF THE EYE OPENER
To Our Readers: This paper is the voice of our Local and
International Union. This is our only vehicle for bringing to
you, on a regular basis, the views and actions of the leaders
you elected, so you can evaluate them. Through the paper we
explain Union policies and show how your dues are spent.
The paper is also the voice of the members. We welcome
articles from UAW members and stories about members. While
we welcome your contributions, we ask that they be constructive. At no time will the editorial staff tolerate any defamatory
remarks regarding any person or persons. We reserve the right
to reply to those that seem to reflect a misunderstanding of
the Union and its policies and to edit any article for clarity and
length. Opinions reflected in signed articles in the Eye Opener
do not necessarily represent the position or opinions of Local
598. Published monthly by UAW Local 598, G-3293 Van Slyke
Road, Flint, MI 48507. Phone: 238-4605.
Postmaster: All Form 3579’s for the THE EYE OPENER,
are to be forwarded to THE EYE OPENER, UAW Local 598,
G-3293 Van Slyke Rd., Flint, MI 48507. Periodicals Postage
Paid at Flint, Michigan.
Annual Subscription $1.70 For Members Only; Retirees $1.00
4
UAW Local 598 – A Local Union with a Heart
VICE PRESIDENT’S
REPORT
By Ryan Buchalski
Your Union Fights For You!
It’s just too good to be true!
In and out of our lives, we have
either thought this or said this.
Maybe you opened an email and
it read “you have won the sweepstakes please contact us,” and all
along you knew it was so “excellent” that it defied belief.
Last October at the Sub-Council,
Vice President Cindy Estrada had
said that General Motors was
already crying poverty and claiming the recalls had them bedridden
and in need
of a cure.
I personally thought that profit
sharing was going to be out of
reach, based on some of the comments the “company” was stating
publicly.
We all know that the recalls HAD
NOTHING to do with our work
or abilities, but we did know with
“corporate welfare” on the rise GM
was certain to win its poverty case.
So when the news was coming
down the wire about profit sharing, I thought “this is too good to
be true,” but sure enough brothers
and sisters we know that it is true
and we will be receiving payment
totaling $9,000 on our February 27
paychecks – $7,000 in profit sharing and also a $2,000 performance
bonus.
How in the world did that happen? Collective Bargaining! Do
you remember for a lot of years
never seeing one nickel of profit
sharing? Remember getting that
coffee and donut pat on the back?
(Usually by the time you were
able to get there, management had
eaten all the good donuts.)
In 2011, YOUR UNION fought
and won a new formula for profit
sharing. Ever since that time, we
have received profit sharing payments totaling over
$6,000 a year. Not only
are we receiving these
payments, we also had
the pleasure to see Mary
Barra, CEO of General
Motors, actually have to
say and recognize in the
national news that the
recalls had “nothing” to do
with any of our members.
Why do I tell you this
you may ask? I tell you
this because in light of
February 11, we have
much to be grateful for.
The Sit-downers paved
the way for us and if it
hadn’t been for there determination and patience
we wouldn’t be where we
are.
In 1937, when the UAW
won the right to represent
the workers in the factories, the agreement was
only 1 page long. Today,
and for many years, the
contract agreement is pages long and offers so many
different protections.
Sometimes when I am
out on the floor, I hear
about daily and weekly
struggles. Jobs are overloaded, leaders are on
jobs, things are rough.
We, as union members,
can sometimes believe
that we shouldn’t struggle
anymore and our committeeman ought to be able to
solve all of our issues.
Brothers and sisters, we
have to put faith in our
February 2015
leaders, both in the Local union
and the International. Answers
to questions or solutions to problems don’t always come quick
enough. We must understand that
the grievance procedure doesn’t
always work overnight.
The fact that we have a grievance procedure in place means “so
much.” I know for a fact that your
committeebody cares about this
membership. I personally speak
to them every day and I know
sometimes it can be difficult when
management wants to pretend
that there are actually 71 minutes
in an hour or that people don’t
need unscheduled relief.
Whatever the issue may be, we
need to realize that it can take
time to solve them. Together, and
I mean together, we need to be
one and only one to win! The old
saying says you have to live to
fight another day, but it also says
he who fights and runs away may
turn and fight another day; but he
who is in battle slain will never rise
to fight again.
The strength of our union begins
with you. Sit-downers fought for
44 days to win an agreement. What
if they said “enough is enough”
and gave up? We will never be
taken alive!
Members of the Community Service Committee have been taking
in donations to benefit the Food
Bank of Eastern Michigan. Drop
boxes are located in various break
areas in the plant. Thank you for
participating and thank you in
advance if you plan on making a
donation. There are lists of items
that are requested often posted on
the donation boxes.
The Education Committee did a
fine job of hosting “Brothers on the
Line” at February’s membership
meeting. Despite the harsh temperature, we still had members stay
and watch the film after the meeting (90 minutes after). Thank you!
I am very happy with all of our
standing committees right now. All
of them are engaging the membership and trying to get them
involved. The standing committees
help to guide the membership and
act as a tool to get our members
together and educate them on how
the union works. We have much
more work to do, but we have the
right people to get it done. Get involved! And, as always, thanks for
all of your hard work and dedication to 598!
February 2015
5
UAW Local 598 – A Local Union with a Heart
FINANCIAL SECRETARYTREASURER’S REPORT
By Rick Beardslee
February brings good news
UAW-represented members at
General Motors received good news
the first of the month in regards to
the “2014” UAW-GM profit sharing
plan. Many members around the
country who work for GM were
concerned over the recent recalls
enforced against General Motors
Corporation and what affect that
would have on year-end profits.
Well, thanks to UAW Vice President Cindy Estrada, head of GM
Bargaining Department, the recall
issues which where justifiably
caused by the GM engineers and
corporate big shots would not
determine the outcome of profit
sharing for UAW members.
Eligible hourly GM employees
with 1,850 compensated hours will
receive a profit sharing payment of
$7,000 and a special performance
payment of $2,000, with a pay date
of Friday, February 27. For eligible
hourly employees with less than
1,850 compensated hours, you
will receive a PRO-RATED share
of these payments based on the
number of compensated hours in
the “2014” calendar year.
By the time you read this article,
the deadline window has passed
for deferral into your PSP, so I will
not elaborate on that, but inform
you that a profit sharing payment
is 100% deferrable in PSP. The special performance payment is NOT
100% deferrable into PSP, but is
subject to your regular weekly PSP
deferral contribution.
So, in the “2011” UAW-GM Bargaining Agreement/Profit-Sharing
Plan, from
the ratification date in
September 2011 through February
27, 2015, eligible hourly employees
have received payments from this
profit sharing plan in the amount
of $39,250, all from a UAW-GM
bargained contract. You, as a Local
598 member, were eligible for all
of or a portion of these benefits
throughout this time period. Most
importantly, let us all not forget
that without the UAW at the bargaining table during those contracts talks, General Motors Corporation would not have awarded
to the hourly employees any type
of bonus or profit sharing. No less
unimaginably that in a 4-year contract they would agree to award
hourly employees $39,250 in profit
sharing and bonuses, period.
Now for some fun stuff. Any
member interested in a European
pheasant hunt on April 18 at Dunn
Creek Outfitters in Laingsburg, MI
can contact me at the Hall (810-2384605, ext. 12). Local 659 is putting
together an outing and has invited
Local 598 to join in this all-day
event. Breakfast at 8:00 a.m., tower
hunt at 9:00 a.m., catered lunch at
1:00 p.m., and a walk-up hunt at 2:00
p.m. (10 birds per person limit). The
price is $225 per person.
We are limited to 42 people
combined for both Locals. So if
interested, contact me ASAP. Active
members and retirees from Local 598
are all welcome!
Always for the membership!
In
Memoriam
The Officers, Representatives
and members of Local 598
extend their deepest sympathy
to the families of our recently
deceased retired members.
John D. Allen
Daniel G. Hawley
Bobby J. James
Leonard Klatt
Helen A. Piesko, Widow
Leo Torpey Jr.
Leroy Vines
Esther S. Young, Widow
RECORDING SECRETARY
REPORT
By Judy Mosier
Honoring the rich history and
contributions of African Americans
Each year, the month of
February is dedicated nationally
to Black History, honoring the
history and contributions of
African Americans. Since 1976,
every American President has
proclaimed February as Black
History Month. Today, other
countries such as Canada and the
United Kingdom have also joined
in this month of celebration.
Black History Month began in
1926 as part of an initiative by writer
and educator Dr. Carter G. Woodson. He wanted February because
of it being the birthdays of Frederick
Douglass and Abraham Lincoln.
This year, the theme for Black
History Month was “A Century of
Black Life, History and Culture,”
with emphasis on the important
contributions by African Americans
to art, literature, sports and pop
culture.
Jazz can be traced back to
African Americans of the postWorld War I generation. This was
closely followed by the Harlem
Renaissance that introduced
African
American writers and artists to the
national conversation.
By the 1960s, the African
American museum movement saw
the opening of nationwide exhibit
centers on the advances made by
African Americans in art, history,
and science – resulting in the
Smithsonian’s National Museum
of African American History and
Culture.
Rock n’ roll, along with
Doo wop and hip hop, can all
trace their roots to the African
American experience. Legendary
sports figures, as well as artists,
musicians, actors and actresses
also have undeniably been huge
contributors to American culture as
their influence continues to spread.
The Web is a great place to find
out more about that history (in
poetry, literature, the arts, sciences,
sports and entertainment), making
Black History Month a time of fun,
celebration, and learning.
Be Safe and God Bless.
6
February 2015
A Local Union with a Heart
White Shirt Day
o
i
n
t
a
!
r
b
e
l
e
C
7
8
UAW Local 598 – A Local Union with a Heart
Dear Local 598 in Flint,
I was just looking at some 2500 Silverados and decided
to drop you guys a line. Actually, you guys have been on
my mind for a long time.
When you think about the history of the city, the industrial
revolution, the sit-down strikes, the birthplace of the union,
as well as the large presence General Motors had in Flint,
it's all kind of overwhelming. You guys have always been
a tough blue collar city, one that embodied the spirit of
America. Think about this for a second, a piece of that
history travels all 50 states, as well as Canada. The product
you build is just as much a part of the history of your city as
are the jobs on the assembly line. A piece of Flint as well as
the sweat and muscle that goes into building those Chevys
roars across the streets of America 24/7, 365 days a year.
No matter what kind of tough times you guys have been
through, no one can take that away from you.
I've only been up to Flint a couple times in my life. I'm
from the Detroit area and work in the auto industry, but you
guys have always been my favorite industrial city. I drove
by your plant once and loved seeing all those new trucks
parked outside, very beautiful, and I know the people inside
working on the line ache and sweat putting those babies
together. I have a 2013 1500 Silverado that I love and
named "Blue Collar," in honor of the auto industry.
You guys are the last ones standing, the ones who still
carry the torch. Take care Flint. I love the product you build
and I know an auto worker from a tough city has built it with
his or her hands. May Flint Assembly always stand!
– Alan CornwelL, Detroit (area), MI
RECREATION
By Kathy Elsner, Education Committee
February 2015
REPORT
A few notes from your Recreation Committee
On January 31, the Recreation Committee loaded up two busses full of our 598
members and headed to Detroit. The day started off with a fantastic Red Wings win
over the New York Islanders!
After the game, we were off to Greektown. We had a few big winners at the casino,
but not everyone chose to gamble. Some spent time having dinner in Greektown,
while others decided to check out the local pubs and bars. I think everyone had a
great time (some more than others – ha ha!).
Our next adventure will be to Firekeepers Casino in Battle Creek on
February 28. Looking forward to spending another fun-filled day with
everyone. A reminder to everyone who will be going to the casino, the
bus will be leaving from the Union Hall at 1:00 p.m. sharp! Please be on
time.
Also remember we are teaming up with the Community Service
Committee to help the Food Bank of Eastern MI. Don’t forget a nonDid you know that when you change your address at the plant
perishable item to donate.
– we have no way of knowing that at the Union Hall? You must
After the casino trip, that will bring us into March. On March 29, we
either stop by or call the Union Hall and give us your new address.
will be hosting the 3rd Annual “598 Easter Egg Hunt” at Union City
Fields. We are currently in the beginning stages of planning this event.
NAME:______________________________________________________
Please watch for updates regarding this in your team meeting packets
OLD
and the Truck News. If you would like to help volunteer, please contact a
ADDRESS:___________________________________________________
standing committee member or the Union Hall. We love volunteers!!
House number and street
Finally, with all the Saturdays scheduled, it’s been very difficult to try to
__________________________________________________
schedule future events. I’ve already had to cancel a few events; however,
City State Zip Code
I will keep trying to squeeze a few things in. After all, we all deserve
NEW
a break, right? If anyone has questions, comments or ideals for future
ADDRESS:___________________________________________________
events, please contact your Recreation Committee.
Change of
Address
House number and street
___________________________________________________
City State Zip Code
Telephone #_____________________ Social Security#___________________
Production_______ or Skilled Trades_______ Active_______ or Retired_______
February 2015
9
UAW Local 598 – A Local Union with a Heart
2015
CLASSIFIED ADS
ACTIVE & RETIRED GM EMPLOYEES
of ROCHESTER HILLS LEAR SEATING
This is a reunion announcement for all active and retired GM
employees who spent any time working at the Rochester Hills Lear
Seating Corporation during the years 1995 through 2009. The reunion will
take place on April 27, 2015 at the Great Lakes Crossing in Auburn Hills.
We meet in the food court starting at 11:00 a.m. Any questions can be
directed to Gerry Stevenson at 248-884-4892.
Due to the increased number of want
ads/services we are receiving, ads must
be submitted monthly and will be run
on a first-come, first-serve basis. We will
be limited to ads/services submitted in a
Local 598 member’s name only.
F O R S A L E
___________________________________________________________ HOUSE: Northside – 3 bedrooms,
basement, 1-car garage, Armor Guard
windows, for sale or rent/section 8,
$430. Call 810-234-3522.
* * * * *
HOUSE: Northside – 4 bedrooms,
2½ baths, kitchen, living room, dining
room, full basement, close to school and
bus stop. Call: 810-742-4696.
* * * * *
WATERFRONT LOT: with 2 acres, 200
feet on water and 200 feet on road.
Call: George Erinjeri at 810-908-8483
for details.
___________________________________________________________
S E R V I C E S
UAW Local 598
CLASSIFIEDS
THE EYE OPENER
Circle One: For Sale Wanted Service Free For Rent Trade Thank You
Limited Ad Please: ______________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
Phone:_____________________________________________________
Address:___________________________________________________
Send ads to: UAW LOCAL 598, Editor
G-3293 Van Slyke Rd., Flint, Michigan 48507
THE GUITAR STUDIO: lessons for
beginner, intermediate, and advanced
students. Learn notation, chords, scales,
music theory, and improvisation. Genres
include rock, jazz, country, R&B, and fusion.
For more information on registering for
classes, call 810-397-1637 or visit
[email protected].
S E R V I C E S
HARDWOOD FLOORS: sand and
refinish, including Parquet floors. New
installation and finish, quality work, 25
years’ experience. Free estimates. Call
810-813-1442.
* * * * *
SKIN-TIGHT FENCE: residential chain
link fence, over 30 years’ experience,
install and repair and free estimates.
Call 810-845-7211.
* * * * *
EDNA’S CAKES: Name it and I’ll
make it. Call 810-742-1249.
* * * * *
PAINTING - INTERIOR/EXTERIOR:
Quality work guaranteed, free estimates.
Contact Crystal (810) 814-5186.
T H A N K Y O U
I would like to thank our union
598 for the beautiful Bible for the
family of Matthew J. Gasper who
passed away December 5, 2014.
– The Matthew Gasper family
* * * * *
To Local 598
I want to thank the union members
for the beautiful Bible that was given
to me for the passing of my mother.
Again thanks everyone.
– Jim Lozier
Circle one: RETIRED LAID-OFF ACTIVE
EYE OPENER DEADLINE
Your Name: ________________________________________________
Dept. No.: _________________________________________________
Just a reminder: All ads and articles must be submitted
by FRIday, MARCH 13, 2015 for consideration.
For our MARCH 2015 issue.
10
UAW Local 598 – A Local Union with a Heart
February 2015
Retiree Report
by Janet Woodson, Retiree Chair
Don’t forget our Matinee trip to Soaring Eagle on
March 16. The bus will be leaving promptly at 9:00 a.m.
and the show starts at 4:00 p.m. This leaves us plenty of
time to enjoy the casino. We will be leaving immediately
after the show and the bus will pick us up right where they drop us off.
We want to thank Local 651 for hosting White Shirt Day on February
11. It is always a very special time, honoring those Sit-downers for their
sacrifices that enable us to enjoy the benefits that we do have today.
I want to say our hearts go out to all our members who have past.
I would also like to honor the passing of a special lady, Geraldine
Blankenship, who was one of the original Sit-down strikers Women’s
Emergency Brigade members. We missed her presence this year at the
White Shirt celebration.
Congratulations to all our recent retirees. Feel free to come out and
join us at our Chapter meetings on second Thursday of each month at
12:00 p.m. I’m at the Union Hall on Tuesday or Wednesday at 10:00 a.m.
You can see me on those days or call me at 810-238-4605, ext. 18, with any
questions. When I am not there, feel free to leave a message on the voice
mail system.
C
RETIRED WORKERS CHAPTER
THURSDAY, MARCH 12 – Chapter Meeting
MONDAY, MARCH 16 – Trip to Soaring Eagle’s ‘Gaelic Storm’
We will leave at 9:00 a.m., so we will have time to enjoy the Casino.
THURSDAY, APRIL 9 – Chapter Meeting
THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 28 & 29 – 3-Day Excursion
THURSDAY, MAY 14 – Chapter Meeting
ongratulations
TO ALL OUR RECENT RETIREES
The Officers, Staff and Members of Local 598 extend their sincerest
congratulations and thanks for the many years of dedicated service by
these recent retirees. We wish you the best and assure you, you will
be missed!
RECENTLY RETIRED:
Joey S. Gerald, David V. Haranczak
President Ray Gorney congratulates
Chris Edwards on his retirement.
Stop by the
Benefits
Office or
Union Hall
to get your
picture taken
to appear
in the Eye
Opener.
WHITE SHIRT DAY CELEBRATION
Local 598 members attend and celebrate White Shirt Day at Local 659 on
Wednesday, February 11. Below, members of the Women’s Emergency
Brigade gather in memory of their history supporting the ‘37 Sit-downers.