I would like to welcome back everyone from the two week shutdown and
hope all
had a safe and enjoyable time. Many of our members took advantage of the discounted
Cedar Point tickets, and we also directed some members to Local 372 because
they had
arranged for the second week of shutdown.
Both Johnson Controls units in our local have an extended shutdown.
Rockwood
is dealing with a seven week shutdown while Taylor is experiencing a four
week period.
It is clear that our Big Three automotive companies remain under attack. Our
JCI units
both supply a Chrysler assembly plant that is experiencing a mirrored shutdown.
If they
are not making the cars, they do not need the seats.
Our local has received information that International Representative
Jim Mull will
now be assigned to our JCI units, Detroit Auto Auction, and Penstone. He replaces
Chuck
Zurawski and Frank Wood. Newly elected Chairperson Brian Elliot and Committeeman
Mike Beck, along with First Vice President Carlos Salcido, met with Jim to
discuss
outstanding issues while on shutdown. Thanks for the extra effort.
At our JCI-Taylor unit, we managed to get approval for trade assistance
from the
federal government (78 additional weeks of unemployment, plus 2/3 COBRA costs
provided training requirements are met) and communicated the same to our laid-off
members at that facility. This was granted because their customer, Chrysler's
Jefferson
North Assembly, sought and received certification previously. I will attempt
to meet with
the leadership in UAW Region 2B to determine if that is an option for Chrysler's
Toledo
North Assembly.
We are preparing to arbitrate the console grievance that has been in
the system
since 2006. JCI-Rockwood has several discharge cases that Brother Mull will
need to
address also.
In the last issue of The Guide I mentioned that we had a contract extension
at
Lenawee until June 6, 2008. We reached a tentative agreement in the late hours
on the 6th
and did our due diligence with the membership. The committee passed out copies
of the
agreement for review and we had an informational meeting to explain this agreement.
The membership voted this agreement down by 74%.
The International Union informed the company lawyer of this action
and we have
been on a day to day extension ever since. Consequently, the committee met
with the
local and international reps and formulated a counterproposal, utilizing the
information
the membership gave them in small group meetings, and submitted it to management.
We
await the Company’s response.
At Penstone, we have an election scheduled to replace our departed
Chairperson,
Pam Yoas. The second shift committee position was also vacated, and Jenny
Nolan was
elected there by acclimation.
There is still no formal announcement on the business case developed
by the
UAW National Ford Department concerning the Axle Department at Logistics.
I plan to
facilitate a meeting with all of the appropriate parties in the near future
to achieve an
update.
Steve Baumia, the Chairperson at Detroit Auto Auction, also met with
Jim Mull
and reviewed some issues he is experiencing at DAA.
We have had Second Vice-President Steve Gonzales at the local to meet the
various unit committees and management teams. Steve has assisted in resolving
some
problems at our units already. He definitely will be a welcome addition to
our servicing
staff.
That is a snapshot of our status at the Local. Stay united!
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