GM Council Meeting 

Barb and I were in Detroit May 2, along with other President’s and Chairperson’s from Delphi and GM plants.  All proposed national contract resolutions were read and supported.  Things that were brought up were:

·        The possibility of a two tier wage agreement.

·        Global competition hurting us.

·        The International will deal with sanitation so the local’s won’t get whipsawed over it.

·        Also, committed to no changes for current retirees.

·        Unfair trade is a big issue.  It was strongly suggested that we encourage the membership to send letters, e-mails, and phone calls to congress letting them know how you feel about it.

Contract Negotiations

Our demand meeting was held Sunday, April 29 in which it was moved and supported to carry all demands in the packet forward for resolution.

We have started this week with clarification meetings on our local demands and what management’s wish list is.  We will start formal negotiations at a later date.

Summer Help

The requisition that was submitted was approved for up to 40 people, in which management has said they are going to hire 25.  Testing will be held Saturday, May 19.  There were 125 names selected for testing.

Rumors

There is a lot of talk about packages and/or buyouts.  Like when and if, how much, and what groups or classifications would be affected.  At the present time, these are nothing but rumors.  I have not received any information that there will be anything.

Redistricting

Management has notified the local union of its intent to have us redistricted and also remove a doc 46 representative, which they can do per the national agreement due to the population of our membership.  We have had some discussion as a shop committee on what makes sense and which districts to combine.

In solidarity,

Steve Rop

Shop Chairman

UAW Local 730