CITIZENSHIP/LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE

There are two pieces of legislation right now that effects our workers and their families. 

1.  Thailand Free Trade Deal – Call your representatives!

2.  Minimum Wage Increase – Sign petition.

Women’s Legacy March 14 at Wealthy Theatre

Dean and Professor of Law Frank H. Wu will be the speaker at this UAW event scheduled for 6 pm at 1130 Wealthy SE in Grand Rapids.  There will also be a book signing following the event.

COMMUNITY SERVICE COMMITTEE

United Labor Charity Bowl for Special Olympics Saturday, March 11 and 18 at Park Center Bowling. 

CONSERVATION COMMITTEE

As you know, when the economy is slow the governments look for more money.  State and federal governments are no different.  Both are looking at land to sell to balance the budget.  State parks are looking to sell off pieces of some parks.  The federal is looking at selling 3620 acres of Hiawatha and 2260 of the Ottawa National Forest. 

Also, the Commercial Forestry Act is being looked at.  We have for years been allowed public access to these lands.  The State House passed a bill not to have to allow public access for any land that was in before 1995.  This is about 2 million acres.  Contact your Senators to stop this bill - #S915.  You can find more information at:   mucc.org

EDUCATION COMMITTEE

Career Day is scheduled for Tuesday, April 25 and is open to all GM employees’ student’s grades 9-12.  Applications will be found in Focus on Labor and outside the Benefit Office.  Space is limited to 50 students.  Deadline is Tuesday, April 11. 

Applications are now available at the Union Hall for the UAW Local 730 Active and Retired Members Scholarship.  Deadline is Monday, April 3, 2006

UNION LABEL COMMITTEE

Pancake Breakfast – March 26 at Region 1D

The West Michigan Union Label Coalition will be holding their annual Pancake Breakfast from 9:30 am to 12 noon.  

Pancakes, eggs, sausage, and  more!

VETERANS COMMITTEE

Collecting items for Grand Rapids Home for Veterans.  See any member for items requested.

WOMEN’S COMMITTEE - WOMENS HISTORY

Over the past three decades, the study of women’s history has surged from a cottage industry, ignored by most professional historians, into a thriving academic enterprise spurred by feminist revival and the zeal of a new generation of scholars.  Courses in women’s history have multiplied and publication has mushroomed.  Traditionally, women have been somewhere in the background of history.  If not literally, behind the scenes.

Not only have they made women historically visible, but by focusing on women’s experience, they have uncovered a lost dimension; a distinctive world of women’s work, values, relationships, and politics.  In women’s history, the state revolves as women move into the spotlight, the conventional aspect of texts and test battles and treaties, elections, and tariffs recedes to the wings familiar phenomena do reappear, but invariably in a new light.  The pace of history shifts as well.

Detroit Pistons vs. Indiana Pacers Bus Trip April 9^th

There are a few tickets left; price is $70.

UAW/GM CHILD CARE/EDLER

There is a program being offered Saturday mornings from March 4 thru May 6 at the Grand Rapids Art Museum from 10:30 am to 12 noon for children and their families to learn about other countries that include:  France, Ireland, Japan, Netherlands, Peru, Puerto Rico, Russia, South Africa, South Pacific, Switzerland, & United States.

For more information, call (616) 831-2907.