President’s Report by Barb Henderson
September 2005
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Sub Councils Recently, Louie, the Shop Committee, and I attended Sub Councils in Chicago.
UAW Intl VP Richard Shoemaker Our first report was given by Richard Shoemaker, who explained FASB, (everything other than pension for our retirement). Before 1992, companies only reported out after a person retired. Since 92, they must report while the person is working on what is earned and an estimate of what will be earned.
He talked about the many problems we are experiencing in this country: economy, high gas prices, auto market, unemployment, CAFTA, the possible bankruptcy of Delphi, and how this is all affecting our members and GM - and what the UAW is doing to help.
Mark Kelly, International Servicing Rep Mark explained the White Light Process, (not all plants have this). He talked about Teams and Joint Programs. He stressed to us, “Make sure we take care of our members first!”
Bonni Reffitt, Benefit Department The report from the Benefit Department was given by Bonni Reffitt. (For our many new members, Bonni is a past President from our Local.) Bonni distributed a handout of the Benefit Guarantee for former GM employees, who are now employed by Delphi and what GM’s responsibility is if Delphi files Chapter 11. So if you would like a copy, let your Benefit Rep know and they will have copies available.
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She also spoke of the many many problems they and our Local Benefit Reps have been experiencing with Fidelity since they took over the first of the year, and reminded us GM can hire whoever they want. There’s no contract language regarding this.
We are on the list for a dedicated phone line from Fidelity to our Benefits, and it should be up and running soon. This should make the day in the life of a Benefit Rep a little easier!
Alternate Benefit Rep Congratulations to our new Alternate Benefit Rep Carrie Jackson and thank you to the others that applied. I know you each care very much about our membership; that shows in the great job you each do every day.
Gate Collection In fact our entire membership is very caring. A shining example of that is the gate collection we just had for the victims of hurricane Katrina. We raised $19,057. Way to go 730! This is the biggest collection we have ever had.
National Union Label Week Union Label did a great job with their exhibit for National Union Label Week. They tied for 1st Place. They decided top prize by high card and won a pair of theatre seats that I believe the Union Label Committee will be raffling off in the near future. So watch the Auto View for your chance to win.
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Roadside Cleanup Region 1D CAP will have a roadside clean up Saturday, October 1st at 9:30 a.m. Bring a clean pair of gloves if you’d like to help.
Public Hearing I attended a public hearing for Local TV license removal at Wealthy Theatre September 13. I have information on this; see me if you’re interested. I’d be glad to share it with you.
Safety Shoes In case you have forgotten, last contract we got one $25 voucher for safety shoes – another UAW Benefit!
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk Women’s Committee will be selling pink caps up in the hall inside the plant October 4, 5 at lunch hour for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. They are also asking for pledge donations. They will be walking in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk on Saturday, October 15 at the Calder Plaza downtown Grand Rapids.
Hispanic Heritage Month Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated September 15 – October 15. America honors the many contributions Hispanic Americans have made and continue to make to our nation by observing National Hispanic Heritage Month.
Tribute to Industry and Labor Dinner This event is scheduled for Tuesday, October 4th with UAW International President Ron Gettelfinger as Guest Speaker.
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Our Environmental Destiny Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is scheduled to speak Wednesday, September 28 at Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain NE, downtown Grand Rapids.
As a lawyer, he takes on the big corporate polluters and holds them accountable for their actions. As an author/speaker, he informs us how the laws protecting our environment are being sabotaged. Tickets are $10 and available at Schuler Books or on-line at:
Health Expo A Health Expo is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, October 19, 20, at Rogers Plaza Town Center, Wyoming, Michigan and is held by the Alliance for Health.
In solidarity,
Barb Henderson President Local 730, UAW
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