Health and Safety Audit

We (as a plant) had a health and safety audit the week of July 28, which was conducted by Tom Kinman, UAW, and Kassandra Tut, GM.  During the last four audits, we have had the same GM auditor, but a different UAW Auditor. 

Which I think is a good thing, because you have a different set of eyes looking at things in our plant.  At the final wrap-up of the audit, we ended up with three Needs Improvement, and one Repeat, out of all of the modules that were reviewed.

Key Four Meeting in Detroit

As reported out earlier, Greg and I, Max Miller and Roger Chalk attended a meeting in Detroit August 7.  I was hoping that we would find out more information on the status of plants, as far as closings or idleings when the members of our plant and other plants are on pins and needles wondering what the future holds for them.  But basically what we were told was no more than what we have read in the paper or seen on TV. 

Current Workload

Recently, Z-1 press was broke down and since repaired.  During that time, some jobs were sent to a sister plant in Marion, Indiana.  There they have three functional and one parts press like Z-1. 

There was a corporate decision to reallocate the majority of this work to Marion, and we

are still talking to local management, as far as retaining some of this work.  I have contacted the International Union on this matter for help in retaining work, and also have requested Paragraph 96 Moves. 

As for the rest of the plant, it looks like in the near future we will be mainly a two shift operation in the Production world, and only running a skeleton crew in the Press Room on third shift: S Line and W Line.

First Shift Benefits

We recently had a posting for first shift full time Benefit’s job.  We had 16 applicants for this position, which Greg and I will be conducting interviews the week of August 25.

Best Wishes

As of September 1, I will be losing another member of my Shop Committee – Duane Sprague, as he is retiring.  I truly believe he was a great asset to the committee and wish him the best in his future endeavors.

In solidarity,

Steve Rop

Shop Chairperson

UAW Local 730