CHANGING HATS    

Steve and myself agreed to do this Chairman’s  report together to show the membership that we are still together and still friends after the elections.  My last term as Chairman, Steve was with me every step. When we had to talk to management, he would come with me as a witness and thank god he did, because we all know how management likes to put words in your mouth.

Now for the next term with Steve, I will back him every step and be a witness and advisor for him.  I have told you many times I am not a control freak, and I will take some of the credit for getting the committee to work together and share in the day-to-day operations.  I will tell you now brothers and sisters that Steve will also work the committee like that.  Steve is good people.  I trust him and he trusts me.  I told him that he will find out who his friends are in the next three years.  Last term between management playing Steve and myself for a couple dumb farm boys, and our own union people putting letters on the floor and a few appointed people sticking us in the back, there were times I felt like I was back in Vietnam and couldn’t tell you who the real enemy was.  Please give Steve your support.  A Local is only as strong as its membership.  I will still be Zone A and be on the committee and look forward to working together! 

Louie

GOODBYE TO SHOE

I would like to thank the membership for sending me to the 34^th Constitutional Convention.  As you know by now, Intl Vice

President Dick Shoemaker officially retired at the convention.  He will be sadly missed.  Shoe was good people.  When he talked people listened, because they had respect for him.  He was not the kind of person that had to slam his fist or talk loud, he simply had to speak his mind and GM knew they best listen. 

Cal Rapson was moved to the GM Department from Skilled Trades Veteran Affairs, Recreation, Consumer Affairs, and the Chaplaincy Program.   Vice President Rapson is also good people.  I’ve heard him speak at many different Veteran affairs, and I am sure he will be a good follow-up for Shoe.  I know for a fact that Barb, Rocky, Greg, and Don all enjoyed the convention and saying goodbye to Shoemaker.  Expect some changes in the GM Department as Rapson puts his team in place!

NEW PEOPLE 

Starting June 5, and continuing forward, there have been 30 plus A-9’s hired in, with another 65 scheduled to start the week of June 26.  Also, there are 36 people from Coopersville and Burlingame scheduled to start June 19.

ATTRITION

As of Friday, June 16, there were 525 employees signed up to leave by January 1, 2007; 288  Production/Production Support and 237  Skilled Trades.  The deadline to sign up is 6 p.m. Friday, June 23.  To the people that are leaving, the Local Union Leadership wish each and every one of you good health and a long and happy retirement.