2013 uaw local 600 black history month honorees

UAW LOCAL 600 FACTS
Periodical
Postage Paid
at
Dearborn, MI
48121
10550 Dix Avenue
Dearborn, MI 48120
VOLUME 75 - NUMBER 2
Members of the Parts Depot Unit
The Parts Depot Unit and The Brownstown Unit Feed the
Less Fortunate at Central United Methodist Church
PhotoJournal
Ford Motor Company
ACH Medical Services Unit
Brownstown Parts Redistribution Center
Dearborn Diversified Manufacturing Plant
Dearborn Engine Plant
Dearborn Stamping / Truck Body
Dearborn Truck Plant
Ford Medical Services Unit
Maintenance, Construction, & Transportation Unit
Parts Depots Unit
Tool & Die Unit
Severstal N.A.
Independent Parts Suppliers
Bridgewater Interiors
Ceva
Ceva Commercial Fleet
De-Sta-Co
Detroit Manufacturing Systems
J.C.I.M.
Inergy
Mobis North America
Omnichem
Omnichem Technical Unit
Penske
J.A. Quality
Ryder Logistics
Tri-AM Transport
Voith
Technical Office Professionals
Golden Dental Plans
Health Alliance Plan-Clerical
Health Alliance Plan-Labor
Health Alliance Plan-Marketing
Henry Ford Health Services-RN Unit
Henry Ford Health Services-SMTC Unit
Heritage Optical
Idea Consultants
JAA Wayne County
Macomb County Arc Services
Medilodge Nursing
Midwest Medical Center
Midwestern Dental Centers
Midwestern Vision Center
New Directions
St. Claire
2013 UAW LOCAL 600 BLACK HISTORY
MONTH HONOREES
Peaches Anderson
Gerald Bantom
Lena Bembery
Elijah Buxton
Lewis Cole
Laura Dickerson
William Eaddy
Gordon Fleming
Ken Floyd
Brenda Gamble
Jane Granger
Donald Hunter
Bahati Jaha
Stan King
Wilfred Littleton
Rick Martin
Rico Moore
Albert Murlone
Reggie Osborne
Harry Pittman
Mike Robison
Bernice Shields
Kevin Tolbert
Johnny Vawters
Danny Wainaina
Deneen Whitaker
Jimmie Williams
General Baker
Willie Barry
Joe Blanding
Tiffany Coger
Marshall Davis
Tim Dunmore
William Ellis
Sam Florence
David Freeman
Rory Gamble
Naomi Harris
Liz Jackson
Curtis Jones
Bob Leak
Ernie Lofton
Walter Mills
John Morris
Rudy Nelson
Art Pierce
Anthony Richard
Jimmy Settles
Marvin Shine
Andy Tucker
Pam Vawters
Sam Watkins
Fred White
Al Wilson
BERNIE RICKE
President
CONGRATS
Members of the Brownstown Unit
Representing the members of...
MARCH – APRIL 2013
The Award Winning
UAW LOCAL 600
FACTS
“A history to be proud of,
a tradition to carry on.”
MARCH – APRIL 2013
OFFICER HONOREES
VOL. 75 - NO. 2
BERNIE RICKE
President
TONY RICHARD
1st Vice President
A.J. FREER
2nd Vice President
- Bernie Ricke
POSTMASTER
Send only mailing label of undeliverable copies with Form 3579 attached to
Local 600, UAW, 10550 Dix Avenue, Dearborn, Michigan 48120.
DAVID FREEMAN
Recording Secretary
MARK DePAOLI
Financial Secretary
2013 UAW LOCAL 600 BLACK HISTORY MONTH
HONOREES
LUNCHEON
Rory Gamble
UAW Region 1A Director
Jimmy Settles – UAW Vice President
Gerald Bantom
Retired UAW Vice President
Ernie Lofton – Retired UAW Vice President
2013 Luncheon Honorees
TRACY OFFORD
Guide
TOM BUCHANAN
Sergeant-at-Arms
KATHLEEN REESE
Trustee
TONY BUCCELLATO
Trustee
PATTI SALAZ
Trustee
PAGE 2
MARCH – APRIL 2013
UAW LOCAL 600 FACTS
DEARBORN TRUCK / PAINT
Nick Kottalis, President
SUMMER VACATION SHUTDOWN
There have been numerous rumors about down weeks connected to our vacation shutdown at this point these are still rumors. With saying that, (OUR PRODUCTION SCHEDULE IS
ALWAYS SUBJECT TO CHANGE) the Company has until April 1st to let us know in writing about the vacation shutdown. At this time it still looks like we will have two weeks. At that
time they CANNOT change our vacation shutdown dates. But they CAN change any TLO week if they need the production. They have told me that they may need some help with the Kansas
City loss of volume due to inclement weather. Stay tuned.
LAUNCH TEAM AND GFCPA POSTINGS
Don’t forget to sign-up for these postings if you are eligible. Please thank your Bargaining Committee (Gary Walkowicz, Dewayne Jackson, and Kane Maks) & your Quality Rep (Brenda
Brundidge) in this very difficult process. A total of 18 new temporary launch team bids (15 for final & 3 for paint) and 4 GFCPA jobs are posted.
FLAT ROCK ASSEMBLY POSTING
The Company notified me last year that EVERYONE who had return rights back to Flat Rock (from DTP) had already been surveyed. I disagreed. I wrote a letter to Corporate and National
Ford Department. FINALLY, just last week I’ve been notified that ALL 288 employees who came from Flat Rock in 2009 will have their basic units investigated IMMEDIATELY! I have to
thank Darryl Nolen and Brandon Keatts both from National Ford Department. Oh shoot, I almost forgot to thank our own Vicki Kehres (A-crew trim). She’s been kicking my _ss about this
daily/weekly/monthly. Thank you for your patience.
BROWNSTOWN REMAINING 12: The final 12 from Brownstown are being surveyed as we speak. To those who choose to go back I wish you the best of luck. We enjoyed having you here.
GAS PRICES: Is anyone pulling their hair out yet?
SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE
Your Scholarship Committee has met on multiple occasions and is working hard to make this happen for this year’s Graduates. It’s been a 3-4 year journey. I’d like to thank everyone for
their patience.
COLLECTION OF ITEMS FOR OUR TROOPS
If anyone knows of any employees (from DTP) overseas in Afghanistan or Iraq please contact Bruce Belle (313.845.2678) or Monte Wall (734.658.1653). In the event that we don’t have any
DTP Troops, we will send these items to your family members overseas in Afghanistan & Iraq. In the event, there is no one, we will send them to ALL of our Troops in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Great job everyone.
NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS
I made 4 Resolutions this year: no speeding tickets/no eating after 8pm/no betting on the Detroit Lions/no texting & driving. Well, I’m good so far on speeding tickets and not betting on the
Lions. But my Doctor’s advice on not eating after 8pm and no texting and driving have both been broken. Darn it.
FORMER FORD NASCAR DRIVER MATT KENSETH
It was very difficult for me to turn my back on Matt this past weekend at the Daytona 500. But in 2011, I was invited to go to the PD Center and see the Future Fusion that was going to be in
the Daytona 500. I asked some of the Ford Racing team who would be driving the Fusion. They told me Kenseth, Edwards, Biffle and a few others that I can’t remember. Then when I saw Matt
driving a Toyota this past Sunday, I thought I was about had a Heart Attack! Man, I hate it when they jump ship! I Love NASCAR. Let me know what you folks think.
VACATION SURVEYS: Don’t forget to turn in your vacation surveys.
NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY CHAIRMAN
I’d like to thank everyone who took the time to go to COBO. The Chairman of our caucus, Mark Brewer stepped down in favor of Lon Johnson. We have not been doing very well in our State
House in Lansing so we were going in a different direction. It was good to see that they plan on working together for the betterment of our Democratic Party.
MARCH OF DIMES
Don’t forget to buy your tickets for the March of Dimes Raffle. See anyone of these employees: Nancy MacIntosh, Sandy Gregory, Kim Shipp, Carolyn Epps, Shari Gamlin, and Paul Roshon
in Labor.
POOL TOURNAMENT
Don’t forget to sign-up for our 1st Annual Pool Tournament. It will be held 4/27/13. Contact Rodney “Hot Rod” Wilson @ 313.595.6306, Beth Cox @ 734.250.2164, and James Wells @
313.580.9960.
D.D.M.P.
Al Jordan, Chairman
FORECLOSURES AND EVICTIONS
During the recent banking crisis, the government helped the banks by bailing them out and taking over Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Now most of the banks won’t help the families that may
have come under hardship situations. Many families have tried to have their mortgages refinanced. Some have had serious issues and have fell behind on their loans. Recently, a family primary
bread winner suffered a stroke, another homeowner lost their job after the company they worked for re-located. A family of a veteran got behind because of medical bills. None of these families
wanted to dodge their responsibilities they just wanted a chance to modify their loans so they would be able to remain in their homes. Many of them have resided in their homes for over 15-20
years. Yet the banks continue to foreclose and evict families from their homes. Many times these properties are left vacant and stripped by vandals. The results are poor neighborhoods and a
rapidly declining tax base, which leaves our communities suffering. If you know of anyone facing an eviction because of a hardship and may need assistance or if you would like to help in the
protest campaign to halt foreclosures and evictions contact: [email protected] or www.peoplebeforebanks.org
BLOOD DRIVE
Thanks to all the members who participated in our recent blood drive. Although our numbers in the building are low our participation was high. Special thanks to Sammie Weaver for her
efforts in the blood drive.
MEMBERSHIP MEETING
We had an increase in numbers at our recent membership meeting. There were a lot of new faces and continued support from some regular members. Please make every effort to attend the
membership meetings. Once a month should not be too much of a sacrifice to keep informed on what’s going on in your work place. Your U.A.W. committee has rededicated itself to the
membership to ensure that all issues are handled in a timely manner. My thanks go out to V.P. Jay Makled, Bargaining Ralph Ripple, Health and Safety Craig Hollingsworth, E.R.C. Ken
Demeter, General Council Delegate Tammy Jackson, Recording Secretary C. J. Johnson, Sgt. at Arms Thomas Lane, and Trustees Brian Guthrie, Jolene Ripple, and Jorge Rivera.
CONDOLENCES
We recently lost a member of our D.D.M.P. family Frank Licari. Frank will be missed by his family here at work and his family at home. Our condolences also go out to Ken Demeter, Steve
Bates, Larry Richardson, Kathy Crnogorac, Ken Polin, and Shawntell Hardges, who lost loved ones.
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UAW LOCAL 600 FACTS
MARCH – APRIL 2013
PAGE 3
MIDWESTERN DENTAL
& MIDWESTERN VISION
WE ARE PROUD MEMBERS OF UAW LOCAL 600!!!
MIDWESTERN DENTAL
Midwestern Dental Plans are proud members of UAW Local 600. We would like to
remind you of the tremendous benefits your union officials have worked hard
to offer you as an employee of Ford Motor Company and Severstal NA.
For over twenty-five years Ford Motor Company employees have not only enjoyed
100% coverage from Midwestern Dental Plans, it is also the
“SMILE WITH THE UNION LABEL”! There are over 125 Midwestern Dental
employees who are fellow members of UAW Local 600. Those individuals who
have taken advantage of Midwestern Dental Plans have not had any out of pocket
expenses and that includes 100% coverage for braces for their children.
In addition to the excellent coverage this Plan has there are no deductibles,
no claim forms and no maximums.
Happy Birthday
UAW Local 600 Retiree Salvador Cid celebrates his
92nd Birthday with President Bernie Ricke
Midwestern Dental Plans encourages you and your family to make an
appointment. We offer state of the art dental procedures including the latest
in cosmetic dentistry, implants and teeth whitening.
Because you are a UAW Local 600 member Midwestern Dental will
discount the fee for any cosmetic procedure of your choice.
So take advantage of this opportunity to have the smile you have always wanted.
If you have any questions please call
800-544-6374 or 313-581-6824 for more information. Sign up today!!!!
You can also visit us on the Web at www.midwesterndental.com.
MIDWESTERN VISION
Midwestern Vision is a UAW facility organized since 1980. Since then we have
serviced our fellow Brothers and Sisters for all their vision needs.
We are providers for all Local 600 Retirees for both Ford Motor Company and
Severstal. For the members of Local 600 who have SVS Vision coverage you can
utilize our Midwestern Vision Center at 5050 Schaefer Road as your provider.
UA
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SOFT
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BALL
If you have any medical concerns with your eyes, we have three of the finest
Ophthalmologists in the State of Michigan. We offer you Glaucoma and
Cataract Testing as well as Lasik Surgery. We can tailor a plan to fit your vision
needs even if you don’t have vision benefits.
When using Midwestern Vision you are helping to save a Union job.
We are Midwestern Vision! We are UAW!
We are at 5050 Schaefer Road in Dearborn!!
Call us for your next eye appointment at 313-582-8080
UAW LOCAL 600
SOFTBALL SEASON
BEGINS TUESDAY
APRIL 23, 2013
ALL GAMES WILL BE PLAYED ON TUESDAYS,
STARTING AT 6PM
FOR MORE INFORMATION / OR TO SIGN-UP
CONTACT YOUR UNIT ATHLETIC DIRECTOR.
PLAYERS AND COACHES NEEDED.
THANK YOU,
RECREATION DEPARTMENT
www.local600uaw.org
UAW LOCAL 600 FACTS
1098-4445 | USPS - 204300
PERIODICAL POSTAGE PAID AT DEARBORN, MI 48121
Published Quarterly by Dearborn Lithograph, Inc. All workers and their families
are invited to send in short letters or articles for the Union paper on the
Local 600 program and other constructive topics.
PUBLICATION OFFICE:
10550 Dix Avenue • Dearborn, MI 48120• (313) 842-5350
FAX (313) 842-6149 • www.Local600UAW.org
VINNY PFURSICH, EDITOR: Direct Line (313) 842-2974
TOLL-FREE NUMBER (out-of-state calls): 1-800-442-5350
The following list provides names, responsibilities & phone numbers of Local staff
President, Bernie Ricke: 842-3324
1st Vice President, Tony Richard: 842-2713 2nd Vice President, A. J. Freer: 429-5009
Recording Sec, David Freeman: 842-2714 Financial Sec, Mark DePaoli: 842-6133
Adm. Assistant, Dave Reddy: 842-2976 Adm. Assistant, Dave Russell: 842-6136
Benefits, Stan King: 842-5648 Benefits, Reggie Osborne: 842-3083
Staff, Willie Barry: 842-3084 Staff, Ray Swidan: 842-3084 Staff, Marty Uhlik: 842-3087
T.O.P., Naomi Harris: 842-3086
RETIREE CHAPTER
President, Rudy Nelson: 842-3147
1st VP, Curtis Jones: 842-3148 2nd VP, CF “Peaches” Anderson: 842-3148
Financial Secretary, Marshall Davis: 842-3149
Recording Secretary, Elijah “Smiley” Buxton: 842-3149
Mattie Solomon: 313-842-3149
FAX NUMBERS
Benifits Fax: 313-842-3373 Retirees’ Chapter Fax: 313-842-3372
POSTMASTER:
Send only mailing label of undeliverablecopies with Form 3579 attached to:
UAW LOCAL 600 • 10550 DIX AVE., DEARBORN, MI 48120
(313) 842-5350 EXT. 201
TOLL FREE NUMBER 1-800-442-5350
(OUTSIDE TRI-COUNTY AREA)
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PAGE 4
MARCH – APRIL 2013
UAW LOCAL 600 FACTS
UAW Local 600
Flex-n-Gate
RALLIES IN METRO DETROIT
The UAW rallied
at 7 local plants
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UAW LOCAL 600 FACTS
MARCH – APRIL 2013
PAGE 5
UAW LOCAL 600 PRESENTS
11TH ANNUAL
SPIRIT OF KING
COMMUNITY AWARD DINNER
Recipient of this year’s Spirit of King Award
Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony
Pastor of Fellowship Chapel
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
5:30pm – Cocktails
6:30pm – Dinner
Tickets – $20
UAW Local 600 | 10550 Dix Ave. | Dearborn, MI 48120
For tickets RSVP to:
Brenda Gamble, (313)-842-2978 By May 10, 2013
ONLY 500 SEATS AVAILABLE
(Business Attire)
Hosted by Local 600 Women’s Committee with Men
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PAGE 6
MARCH – APRIL 2013
UAW LOCAL 600 FACTS
TOOL & DIE UNIT
BROWNSTOWN
Bob Brezovsky, President
Bob Stover, President
SUPPORTING THE TROOPS
PLANT REPORT
The four soldiers we are sponsoring are: Elisabeth Foss: Daughter of Dan Foss, Rouge Site Locksmith / Ryan Donahue: Son of
Tim Donahue, Engine Plant Layout Inspector / David Tigue: Nephew of Lino Bugeja, Supervisor Tool & Die Plant / Joshua
White: Son of Tim White, Dearborn Stamping Plant Die Maker
CHARITY
Brownstown Complex and its retirees have always been
known for their generosity and continue to ask for your
support in the upcoming charity events. Contact Bob
Stover if you are interested in volunteering.
The Tool and Die unit continues to support our brave men and women who serve in our nation’s military. With the longer
deployments, cuts in military spending and the freezing of some military benefits, we feel now more than ever, it is important
to support our servicemen and women deployed. Recently on February 26th, we met at the National Program Center to wrap
packages for the troops with the National Ford Department. Along with Jimmy Settles and his staff, the committee wrapped
23 boxes total for the four servicemen and women we are currently sponsoring. The event was a special treat for the committee
because, Megan Hensley, Dan Foss’ other daughter that we sent care packages to last year, was on hand to help pack boxes for
her sister who is currently in Afghanistan.
I would like to thank Jimmy for his leadership and his staff that were on hand to help us with the boxes. If any of our members
has a soldier they would like for us to sponsor, please contact us in the committee room.
We want to extend our deepest condolences to those who have lost love ones. We would also wish a speedy recovery to those
that have fallen ill or are on medical leave.
We are continuing to prove to the company we need to
bring our RTBU’s back to our complex. We have approximately 15 RTBU’s eligible to return. We are working with
Dearborn Truck to get a timely release and anticipate their
return by the end of this spring.
PROFIT SHARING
Profit sharing checks were paid out on March 14, 2013.
Your profit sharing was based on overall sales in North
America. We would like to thank the National Ford Negotiation team for having the insight and the belief that the
market will bounce back; and most of all, to the membership for all the sacrifices that have been made in the past
years and taking pride in the work they do each and every
day.
RETIREES
Brownstown Retirees luncheon will be held at the Local
600 from 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. on April 25, 2013.
Upcoming Membership Meeting for all Local 600 retirees:
April 28th Sunday 10 a.m.
CONDOLENCES
On behalf of the entire UAW staff, we would like to extend
our deepest sympathies to those who have lost loved ones.
We would also like to wish a speedy recovery to those on
medical or any retires that may have fallen ill.
DEARBORN
ENGINE PLANT
LOCAL 600 RETIREE CHAPTER
Rudy Nelson, President
LOCAL 600 RETIREES ANNUAL AWARD LUNCHEON
The 34th Annual Retirees Luncheon will be held on May 8, 2013 11am, at the Burton Manor Banquet Hall 27777
Schoolcraft Road, Livonia. For tickets please call the retirees office at Local 600 (313) 842-3147. Our Honoree for this year’s
award will be UAW Vice President Jimmy Settles, Jr. of the Ford Department.
UAW BLACK LAKE RETIREES RETREAT
Spring Retirees Black Lake Retreat will be 4 days, June 30 - July 3, 2013. The retreat package rate for single retirees is $250.
The rate for a spouse is also $250, for a total cost of $500. The package includes round-trip chartered bus, room
accommodations and all meals, starting with dinner on June 30, 2013. In order to accommodate all, double occupancy is
required; therefore when you send in your name, please indicate who will be your roommate. Reservations will be accepted
on first come basis, the deadline for getting your money in is June 5, 2013. For further information please contact 1st Vice
President Curtis Jones, at the Retirees Chapter office (313 842-5403).
“A NIGHT TO REMEMBER” UAW REGION 1A RETIREE SENIOR PROM!
Do you remember your high school prom night? Well you can relive that night once again as seniors, by attending our Senior
Prom on Saturday June 1, 2013 5pm - 10pm at UAW Region 1A Hall, 9650 S Telegraph Road, Taylor MI. This will be our
5th UAW Region 1A Retiree Council Senior Prom and we extend an opportunity to you to be part of this historic, charitable
evening of fun. We will be electing a King and Queen for the night, there will be refreshments, a live musical band, dancing,
and dinner will be served. For ticket information please contact the retirees office. All proceeds will go to UAW Region 1A
Retiree Council Scholarship fund.
UNION PIONEER SCHOLARSHIPS
To be a contestant, the student must be the child, grandchild or ward of a member in good standing, working or retired, of a
local union in Region 1A, UAW. She/he must be graduating from high school in the year of the contest and must have been
tentatively accepted by an accredited college, community college or career-training institute, Each contestant must submit an
original assay of 500 words or less on the subject designated for that contest. A student may enter both, but can win only one
prize. There are two (2) “DIRECTOR’S AWARDS”, of $1500 each for essays on “What I Think America Should Be”, and six
(6) “RETIRED WORKERS AWARDS”, of $1000 each, on “What the UAW Has Meant to MY Family”. For more
information, and to pick up an application please call our office.
Frank Engel,
President
On Monday, January 21, 2013, Martin Luther King Jr. Day,
current employees and retirees from DEP joined other
volunteers from Local 600 to help feed the homeless at
Central United Methodist Church in Detroit. Thanks to
all who battled the winter weather to come out and help.
Unemployment and sub-pay issues are being handled. A
special thanks to our UAW Benefits Rep., Latanya Phipps,
for her time and patience in helping resolve these problems.
“Proud to Pay My Dues” buttons are being handed out by
various members of the UAW D.E.P. Committee to dues
paying members who will wear them.
As of this date, there have been no further developments on
the Stamping work coming to DEP.
We are in the planning stages for another T-shirt sale in the
plant. Details will be forthcoming soon.
Our DEP monthly Union meetings are held the third
Sunday of every month at 11am at Local 600.
Temporary lay-offs have recently been offered at D.E.P.
D.E.P. will be awarded the Silver Health and Safety Award
for safety improvement for 2012.
On Thursday, March 7, 2013, another retiree luncheon was
held at Local 600. Thanks to all who attended. It’s always
good to see many of our retirees and “catch up” with how
everyone is doing. A good time was had by all.
Kelly Peters will be receiving a Lifesaving Award on April
25, 2013.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all D.E.P. members and
retirees who have recently lost family or loved ones.
Our Pocket Calendar Cards, and Program Schedule for the year 2013, is now available in the Retirees Chapters Office, you
can stop by and pick them up, or at the retirees membership meeting at Local 600, on April 28th at 10am.
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UAW LOCAL 600 FACTS
MARCH – APRIL 2013
SEVERSTAL
UNIT
MAINTENANCE, CONSTRUCTION &
TRANSPORTATION UNIT
Bill Wilhelm,
President
UNION AWARENESS SEMINAR
As agreed to in the 2012 UAW/ Severstal Collective
Bargaining Agreement (CBA) all members of the Steel Unit
will have the opportunity to attend a nine hour, one day
Union Awareness Seminar. Several sessions of the seminar
have been conducted and more are scheduled. The classes
are being held at Local 600, and run from 8am-5pm. Local
600 will provide lunch for seminar participants. Participants
will be paid while attending the seminar.
Those who have participated in the first few sessions of the
seminar found the information presented to be useful,
interesting and enjoyable. Most everyone agreed that the
information presented will be beneficial for our entire
workforce. The seminar presenter is retired UAW International Representative Steve Wyatt. In addition to his ability
to keep the class lively, Steve brings a wealth of real world
experience and first-hand knowledge to the presentation.
The Union Awareness Seminar is an excellent opportunity
for our members to learn about the past, present and future
of Unions. The class also gives an overview of global
economics, political influence on our daily lives and a look
at the steel industry both at home and abroad. I am asking
everyone to take the opportunity to attend one of the
upcoming sessions of this very worthwhile seminar. Dates
will be added (including Saturdays) to accommodate any
scheduling difficulties. Additional information, including a
seminar schedule is available in the committee room.
2012 CONTRACT BOOKS
Printed copies of the 2012 contract books are currently
available in the committeeroom. The committee has already
distributed many copies of the contract to the membership.
If you would like a personal copy of the contract, contact
the committeeroom and arrangements will be made to get
one to you. Copies will also be available at your monthly
Union meetings held on the fourth Thursday of each month
at 8:30am, 2pm, 4:30pm and 8:30pm. These meetings are
an excellent opportunity to discuss the contract or any other
issues you believe need to be addressed.
GRIEVANCE REPORT
With assistance of the International Union we have made
some much needed progress to the grievance procedure.
Over the past few months we have seen a significant increase
in the number of grievances being advanced to the fourth,
or umpire, stage of the grievance process. Getting unresolved grievances elevated to the umpire stage is critical to
the success of the entire grievance process. If the grievance
process is to have any significance, grievances must get to the
level where an impartial person can evaluate the merits of
a grievance and have the power to force remedy. The union
has recently prevailed on several substantial grievances and
those awards have led to some tempering of the company’s
actions on other discipline cases. Clearly, stopping an unjust
penalty from happening is preferred to fighting the lengthy
process to the Fourth Stage of the grievance procedure but
it is reassuring to know that in the event of an unjust penalty
an arbitration hearing will be forthcoming.
GET WELL WISHES
On behalf of the entire Steel Unit Committee I would like
to extend my best wishes to Craig Rose who was injured in a
horrific workplace accident. Craig remains hospitalized but
his condition continues to improve. We wish Craig all the
best. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.
CONDOLENCES
On behalf of the entire Steel Unit Committee I would like
to extend our deepest condolences to our members who
have lost loved ones. Our sympathies are also extended to
the families and friends of our recently departed retired
members. It is with deep sadness that I have to report that
three of our active members have passed since the start of
the year. Gary Belles, Ore Bridge Crane Operator,
Department 5300 / Winston Jackson, BOF Electrician,
Department 1742 / Leslie Taylor, Slab Yard Crane
Operator, Department 1936
PAGE 7
Tom Schultz, President
Brothers and Sisters, another month has passed and we continue to work and prepare for the next generation F150. We have
collectively set out to make this launch a success. While trying to do so we sometimes forget how we got here, both as a Unit
and as members of Local 600.
I would like to try something different this month. We have many activists here at Local 600 that normally do not have a
forum to express their words and beliefs. These are good union members whose voices need to be heard.
This Month’s Article was written by James R. Carr, a Pipefitter at Dearborn Engine Plant and the Financial Secretary for our
M,C&T Unit.
“Watch what people are cynical about, and one can discover what they lack.” General George S. Patton
Bitterness, Frustration, Selfishness. Wandering as if we’ve become lost descendants of yesterday’s Idealism.
How on earth has the mindset of today’s factory rat
deteriorated to this level? Are we victims of human nature?
Have we grown complacent? Are there different traits that undermine the core of our UAW and the virtues of
Solidarity? Has the motto “everyone for themselves” become all too pervasive? Have you caught yourself saying “that only
hurts them, not us/me” Nobody endorses selfish behavior, yet it exists. Those that condemned the conditions of the PreUnion Ford Motor Company knew that a
divided workforce was easy to conquer. That fact remains true to this day. How can we believe that the building next door getting the shaft today won’t be a pre-cursor to
tomorrow’s nightmare for us? Certainly many of us are painfully aware of these daily struggles.
What is it that we ourselves are doing to stave off the deterioration of our negotiated rights? There are many who WANT to
change the collective mindset on the shop floor.” What difference can I make?”
First and foremost, lead by example. Remember that all your choices are watched by others, both co-workers as well as management. Refuse to endorse the corrosive actions of those that may have thrown in the towel. Let them know that you know right
from wrong. When the chance arises to steer another UAW member back onto the path of the
righteous (not self-righteously,) offer a simple reminder of our contractual obligations, as well as ethical. Be someone who is
more inclusive of all our members. It must not be a shop floor in which one trade flourishes and another languishes. Or even
Production verses Trades. All means all. Not most or some. Spend time with a fellow shop member and you will see they possess a characteristic you can relate to. Find that common ground and build a bond. Help somebody when they need a hand or
lend them a
sympathetic ear, and it won’t be forgotten. Kindness is infinitely more essential but lacks the staying power of hate. It must be
matched with persistence.
Simply put, “do onto others as you would have them do
to you.”
In Solidarity
MAINTENANCE, CONSTRUCTION & TRANSPORTATION UNIT
PROUDLY PRESENTS
22ND ANNUAL
RETIREMENT PARTY
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
4:30 -10:30 pm | Local 600
Dinner will be served at 6pm
Open Bar • Door Prizes • Raffles
Advanced tickets will be available for $30 until May 20
Tickets at the door will be $35 / Past Retirees are $20 all times
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
(313) 594-7874 | (313) 594-7875
All three of these good brothers passed away far too soon
and will be sadly missed by their coworkers who considered
them friends. May their souls and the souls of all those who
have gone before them rest in peace.
www.local600uaw.org
find us on facebook UAW local 600
UAW LOCAL 600 FACTS
10550 Dix Avenue
Dearborn, MI 48120
PhotoJournal
Members of the Brownstown Unit
The Parts Depot Unit and The Brownstown Unit Feed the
Less Fortunate at Central United Methodist Church
Periodical
Postage Paid
at
Dearborn, MI
48121
Members of the Parts Depot Unit
VOLUME 75 - NUMBER 2
Representing the members of...
Ford Motor Company
ACH Medical Services Unit
Brownstown Parts Redistribution Center
Dearborn Diversified Manufacturing Plant
Dearborn Engine Plant
Dearborn Stamping / Truck Body
Dearborn Truck Plant
Ford Medical Services Unit
Maintenance, Construction, & Transportation Unit
Parts Depots Unit
Tool & Die Unit
Severstal N.A.
Independent Parts Suppliers
Bridgewater Interiors
Ceva
Ceva Commercial Fleet
De-Sta-Co
Detroit Manufacturing Systems
J.C.I.M.
Inergy
Mobis North America
Omnichem
Omnichem Technical Unit
Penske
J.A. Quality
Ryder Logistics
Tri-AM Transport
Voith
Technical Office Professionals
Golden Dental Plans
Health Alliance Plan-Clerical
Health Alliance Plan-Labor
Health Alliance Plan-Marketing
Henry Ford Health Services-RN Unit
Henry Ford Health Services-SMTC Unit
Heritage Optical
Idea Consultants
JAA Wayne County
Macomb County Arc Services
Medilodge Nursing
Midwest Medical Center
Midwestern Dental Centers
Midwestern Vision Center
New Directions
St. Claire
General Baker
Willie Barry
Joe Blanding
Tiffany Coger
Marshall Davis
Tim Dunmore
William Ellis
Sam Florence
David Freeman
Rory Gamble
Naomi Harris
Liz Jackson
Curtis Jones
Bob Leak
Ernie Lofton
Walter Mills
John Morris
Rudy Nelson
Art Pierce
Anthony Richard
Jimmy Settles
Marvin Shine
Andy Tucker
Pam Vawters
Sam Watkins
Fred White
Al Wilson
MARCH – APRIL 2013
BERNIE RICKE
President
2013 UAW LOCAL 600 BLACK HISTORY
MONTH HONOREES
Peaches Anderson
Gerald Bantom
Lena Bembery
Elijah Buxton
Lewis Cole
Laura Dickerson
William Eaddy
Gordon Fleming
Ken Floyd
Brenda Gamble
Jane Granger
Donald Hunter
Bahati Jaha
Stan King
Wilfred Littleton
Rick Martin
Rico Moore
Albert Murlone
Reggie Osborne
Harry Pittman
Mike Robison
Bernice Shields
Kevin Tolbert
Johnny Vawters
Danny Wainaina
Deneen Whitaker
Jimmie Williams
CONGRATS