Tentative Local Agreement 

As most of you know, the Shop Committee, along with International Representatives Mark Kelly and Dan Baldwin, reached a tentative agreement with management May 8. 

On the first day of negotiations, management presented to us their C.O.A., which means Competitive Operational Agreement, in which each Local was given one that covered not only what GM in Detroit expected to get, but local managements wish list also.

We were able to make a few gains, resisted the majority of what the C.O.A. covered, and suffered some losses.  In saying that, I believe that we have an agreement that will secure a future for our plant.

Layoffs

In the last two weeks, 230 members have been called back from layoff.  This is due to volumes picking up in car and van production. 

In writing this, I understand that American Axle has a tentative agreement to be voted on soon.  If that strike is settled, then more members will be recalled, but slowly.  The assembly plants will have to ramp up as they receive axles, and they already have a supply of stamped sheet metal parts.

General Motors is planning on taking 240,000 units out of production this year.  The makeup of products is trucks and SUV’s, which we produce parts for.  The projected amount of members that could be laid off due to this could be 110 to 120.

SAP’s

As of last Friday, there were 242 members signed up to take the package.  The majority signed up to leave as of July 1, and the breakdown is as follows:

142 Production/Production Support

100 Skilled Trades

Safety

As many of you come back from a lengthy layoff, please take the time to re-familiarize yourself with your surroundings.  I know that many of you are on a different shift, area, or department.  So if you don’t know or understand something, ask your Team Leader or Supervisor so you do not get hurt.

In solidarity,

Steve Rop

Shop Chairman

UAW Local 730