BETTER IMPORT SAFETY

Over a decade ago, the UAW reported that US manufacturers and workers were at a competitive disadvantage with other countries that could offer lower prices due to lax health and safety standards, environmental laws being ignored, workers’ rights being violated, and the cost of healthcare in this country.  What did our government and consumers think would happen when we allowed these products back into our country without being inspected or monitored?  It was a time bomb waiting to go off that is now a danger to consumers and has cost us thousands of jobs.

The volume of goods imported has doubled since 2000 and is projected to triple by 2015, yet the Consumer Product Safety Commission has fewer than 100 investigators and inspectors nationwide.  The FDA inspects less than 1% of the imported seafood, fruits, and vegetables it oversees. 

Recalls have undermined consumer confidence due to contaminated food, lead paint on toys, defective tires, and other products offered on store shelves across America.  There’s no question reforms are needed to better protect the public from potential dangers of goods and foods entering this country.  China has been the main culprit and largest exporter to the US, but the problem extends beyond that country.

SAFETY OF DRUGS MADE IN INDIA/CHINA

The pharmaceutical industry has opposed drug importation legislation, by claiming that consumers would be placed at risk by such imports, despite the abundant evidence to the contrary.  Yet, according to a report in The Washington Post, more than 40% of the active ingredients in pharmaceutical products sold in the US now originate in China and India – countries with inadequate regulatory regimes to ensure these ingredients are of high quality and produced under Good Manufacturing Practices.

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) reported recently that only 7% of foreign plants are inspected by the FDA annually.  The GAO also determined that the FDA does not know how many foreign facilities are actually making products for the US market.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

Giving Tree Project Deadline – December 3

Again we are asking members to support this worthy cause.  The Christmas trees will be located in the cafeteria and communication center with tags on them with family names.  Gifts must be wrapped with a tag on the gift and returned to the lobby/security area.  Gifts will be delivered December 8 to the Salvation Army, as well as, laid off and/or unemployed UAW members and their families. 

CHILD CARE OFFICE

2^nd Shift “Dinner” for Families:  On Tuesday, December 4, the Child Care Office is sponsoring a 2^nd shift dinner for employees who wish to invite their families to share an evening meal with them during their allotted 2^nd shift lunch period.  You must pre-register at the Child Care Office by December 3.  This lets families of 2^nd shifters share an evening meal that they never get to share during the week.  For more details call 246-3111 or visit the Child Care Office.

Holiday Craft Packets:  A limited supply of packets will be available starting in December.

Holiday Games Drawing:  You can sign up at the Child Care Office if you are not attending the holiday movie at Studio 28 on December 9.  Only one entry per employee please.

Growth Charts:  These are new for 2008.  Hurry – limited supply.

CONSERVATION COMMITTEE

Department of Natural Resources- Funding, Funding, Funding!  If you have any ideas on how to help, the DNR is short on money and getting shorter.  Many know about the license package on the table, but no one will sponsor or bring it to the floor.  Please call your state representatives and senators to push for funding.  No money, no DNR as we know it.