SHOP CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
August 2007
Louie Schreuder, Zone A Committeeman & Recording Secretary
Committee Members: Russ Bolthouse, Mike Carlson, Nancy Fopma,
Marty Green, Doug Lail, and Duane Sprague
Redistricting
As most of you already know, per contract language in our National Agreement management hit us with redistricting, which was done on July 30th. The committee people that went back to the floor were Rick Bode, Mike Yorton, and Mike Cook. I want to personally thank them for their many years of dedicated service to the membership. They are still helping out when needed. Your patience and continued support will be appreciated.
Local Negotiations
The committee has been meeting with management since July 23rd. We are making progress, but slowly. In the Jim DeLuca Town Hall meeting he talked about such things as combining skilled trades classifications and having non-core work done by a third party. This move would get rid of classifications such as sanitation, janitors, and cleaners. The International Union told us not to discuss any of these issues locally as they are going to be dealt with at the National level. Also in the Town Hall meeting he made it clear that we are in competition with the other stand alone stamping plants for survival.
There are some things that management wants that they will get and some things they will not. However, with the memberships continued support it is up to this committee to negotiate a local agreement to secure a future for our plant.
Summer Help
At this time management has not approached the local union about extending the A-9's. Therefore, they will be released prior to Labor Day. I hope that they enjoyed their experience here and wish them all well on their future endeavors.
Strike Vote
The International Union has authorized us to have a strike vote on August 31st or close to that date. Barb spoke to the Chairperson of the Election Committee and that vote will take place on Wednesday, August 29, 2007.
Safety
I don’t want to sound like a broken record, but the safety of our membership is a top priority for myself and the committee. We are getting better that less people are being injured, but one person getting hurt is one person too many. So please always take extra care to be aware of your surroundings.
In solidarity,
Steve Rop
Shop Chairman, Local 730, UAW