• Everyone is invited to attend the Cinco DeMayo dance this Saturday, May 1. Doors open at 6 pm, dinner is served at 7 pm and the dance will go from 8 pm until 1 am.
• From Suggestions: Due to a change in the suggestion form, we are temporarily out of suggestion forms. Suggestions can still be submitted using copies of the old forms. Sorry for the inconvenience.
• From Wards Auto: Honda Motor said it would recall 167,255 Acura TSX sedans sold in the U.S. market to address the risk that power steering fluid could leak and cause an under-the-hood fire. U.S. safety regulators in a statement issued Friday morning said power steering fluid "leaking onto a hot exhaust pipe will generate smoke and a burning smell, and could potentially result in an under hood fire."
• From the Detroit News: Boston has become the first city to stamp its seal of approval on Ford Motor Co.'s newest taxi offering: the Ford Transit Connect. Orders have already begun rolling in from the city for the Transit Connect, which Fordbills as the replacement for its venerable Crown Victoria.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
State of the Union April 29, 2010
• There will be six more members recalled Monday, May 3. The new seniority date to hold the plant is May 22, 1998.
• The runoff for Vice President will be Tuesday, May 4 from 4:30 am until 8:30 pm. Please make every effort to come out and vote again.
• From the Indianapolis Star: General Motors’ massive stamping plant in Indianapolis might stay open and add jobs, a union official said. JD Norman Industries of Addison, Ill., is negotiating to buy the plant and make components for the auto industry. GM had scheduled the plant for sale or closure in 2011. The factory is down to about 650 employees from more than 2,000 in the 1990s. If enough orders come in, employment could reach 2,500 and remain under the UAW contract, Region 3 Director Mo Davison said.
• From the Detroit Free Press: The Obama administration rebutted complaints today from Republicans over General Motors' use of a government-funded escrow to pay off $5.8 billion in federal loans last week, saying the move was a good deal for taxpayers. “The fact that GM made the determination and repaid the remaining $4.7 billion to the U.S. government now is good news for the company, our investment and the American people,” said Herbert Allison, assistant Treasury secretary for financial stability.
• Gas prices have risen to an all-time high in Great Britain. Tax hikes and a weaker pound have conspired to push prices up to $1.85 a liter (one liter = .26 gallons) or over $7 a gallon. Taxes make up around 47% of the cost of gas there.
• The runoff for Vice President will be Tuesday, May 4 from 4:30 am until 8:30 pm. Please make every effort to come out and vote again.
• From the Indianapolis Star: General Motors’ massive stamping plant in Indianapolis might stay open and add jobs, a union official said. JD Norman Industries of Addison, Ill., is negotiating to buy the plant and make components for the auto industry. GM had scheduled the plant for sale or closure in 2011. The factory is down to about 650 employees from more than 2,000 in the 1990s. If enough orders come in, employment could reach 2,500 and remain under the UAW contract, Region 3 Director Mo Davison said.
• From the Detroit Free Press: The Obama administration rebutted complaints today from Republicans over General Motors' use of a government-funded escrow to pay off $5.8 billion in federal loans last week, saying the move was a good deal for taxpayers. “The fact that GM made the determination and repaid the remaining $4.7 billion to the U.S. government now is good news for the company, our investment and the American people,” said Herbert Allison, assistant Treasury secretary for financial stability.
• Gas prices have risen to an all-time high in Great Britain. Tax hikes and a weaker pound have conspired to push prices up to $1.85 a liter (one liter = .26 gallons) or over $7 a gallon. Taxes make up around 47% of the cost of gas there.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
State of the Union April 28, 2010
• Everyone is invited to attend the Cinco DeMayo dance this Saturday, May 1. Doors open at 6 pm, dinner is served at 7 pm and the dance will go from 8 pm until midnight.
• Correction: The overnite drive drawing will be held in the cafeteria Thursday, April 29 at 8:30, not lunch time. A schedule matrix will be filled in as the names are drawn and will be on display. All winners will be notified.
• Thanks to everyone who took time yesterday to vote. A total of 896 active and retired members voted. Congratulations to delegates Van Simpson, Mike Bullock, Ernie Pace and Dan Howell and alternates Paco Martinez and Wanda Richard.
• From the Detroit News: Toyota Motor Corp. recalled about 50,000 2003 Sequoia SUVs today to upgrade its anti-rollover software -- the latest in a string of callbacks by the Japanese automaker. The recall of the full-sized SUV, disclosed in a letter obtained by The Detroit News, comes 16 months after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened an investigation. It had received 50 complaints over sudden unexpected braking or slowing of the vehicles. Toyota said in an earlier response to NHTSA that it believed several issues are responsible. The automaker said it is "most likely related to the application of the traction control system" and not its vehicle stability control systems -- but Toyota didn't believe a recall was necessary at the time. NHTSA said Toyota has issued at least three Technical Service Bulletins to address concerns about vehicle stability control dashboard warning lights -- but at least 20 customers declined to get the repairs since they can cost $1,500.
• Here are some interesting facts about the Chinese auto market, now the largest in the world: 90% of new car buyers pay cash; China has 50 cars for every 1000 people – the US is nearly 10 times that; GM is the top seller with 1,826,424 sales last year, for a 13.4% share, up from 1.5% ten years ago; a Buick Enclave built in Lansing sells for around $87,000 in China.
• Correction: The overnite drive drawing will be held in the cafeteria Thursday, April 29 at 8:30, not lunch time. A schedule matrix will be filled in as the names are drawn and will be on display. All winners will be notified.
• Thanks to everyone who took time yesterday to vote. A total of 896 active and retired members voted. Congratulations to delegates Van Simpson, Mike Bullock, Ernie Pace and Dan Howell and alternates Paco Martinez and Wanda Richard.
• From the Detroit News: Toyota Motor Corp. recalled about 50,000 2003 Sequoia SUVs today to upgrade its anti-rollover software -- the latest in a string of callbacks by the Japanese automaker. The recall of the full-sized SUV, disclosed in a letter obtained by The Detroit News, comes 16 months after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened an investigation. It had received 50 complaints over sudden unexpected braking or slowing of the vehicles. Toyota said in an earlier response to NHTSA that it believed several issues are responsible. The automaker said it is "most likely related to the application of the traction control system" and not its vehicle stability control systems -- but Toyota didn't believe a recall was necessary at the time. NHTSA said Toyota has issued at least three Technical Service Bulletins to address concerns about vehicle stability control dashboard warning lights -- but at least 20 customers declined to get the repairs since they can cost $1,500.
• Here are some interesting facts about the Chinese auto market, now the largest in the world: 90% of new car buyers pay cash; China has 50 cars for every 1000 people – the US is nearly 10 times that; GM is the top seller with 1,826,424 sales last year, for a 13.4% share, up from 1.5% ten years ago; a Buick Enclave built in Lansing sells for around $87,000 in China.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
State of the Union April 27, 2010
Reminder: Entry forms for the overnite drive program (VAP) need to be turned in by the end of the shift today in the cafeteria. The drawing will be held Thursday, April 29 at lunch time in the cafeteria. Good luck!
• The final total for the March of Dimes collection is $3112.45. This is a new record, surpassing the 2007 total of $3097 – with only one shift! Thanks to Tina Hayes, who co-chaired the event, and all of you once again for all your extraordinary generosity!
• From Automotive News: Ford posted net income of $2.1 billion in the first quarter, almost twice the figure projected by analysts, fueled by a 37 percent rise in U.S. sales. The profit compared with a loss of $1.4 billion a year earlier. Revenue rose to $28.1 billion from $24.4 billion. Ford's automotive operations had a pre-tax operating profit of $1.2 billion, vs. a loss of $1.9 billion a year earlier.
• More Automotive News: General Motors said today it will invest more than $850 million to upgrade five North American factories to make its next-generation V-8 engines more fuel efficient. The new V-8s will differ from the current versions by using direct injection and a new combustion system, spokeswoman Sharon Basel said. The next-generation engines will also be lighter. GM will build them exclusively from aluminum, compared with the current versions' aluminum and iron makeup, Basel said. All of the engines will be able to run on E85 ethanol. The investment will create or save positions for about 1,600 workers, GM said today in a statement. GM's pool of laid off workers currently numbers more than 4,000 in the U.S., spokeswoman Kim Carpenter said.
• The final total for the March of Dimes collection is $3112.45. This is a new record, surpassing the 2007 total of $3097 – with only one shift! Thanks to Tina Hayes, who co-chaired the event, and all of you once again for all your extraordinary generosity!
• From Automotive News: Ford posted net income of $2.1 billion in the first quarter, almost twice the figure projected by analysts, fueled by a 37 percent rise in U.S. sales. The profit compared with a loss of $1.4 billion a year earlier. Revenue rose to $28.1 billion from $24.4 billion. Ford's automotive operations had a pre-tax operating profit of $1.2 billion, vs. a loss of $1.9 billion a year earlier.
• More Automotive News: General Motors said today it will invest more than $850 million to upgrade five North American factories to make its next-generation V-8 engines more fuel efficient. The new V-8s will differ from the current versions by using direct injection and a new combustion system, spokeswoman Sharon Basel said. The next-generation engines will also be lighter. GM will build them exclusively from aluminum, compared with the current versions' aluminum and iron makeup, Basel said. All of the engines will be able to run on E85 ethanol. The investment will create or save positions for about 1,600 workers, GM said today in a statement. GM's pool of laid off workers currently numbers more than 4,000 in the U.S., spokeswoman Kim Carpenter said.
Monday, April 26, 2010
State of the Union April 26, 2010
There was one more member recalled today. The new seniority date to hold the plant is 1-5-1997. That leaves 233 members still laid off.
• Delegate and Vice President elections will be tomorrow. Polls will be open from 4:30 am until 8:30 pm at the Union Hall. Please make every effort to come out and vote.
• From the International Union UAW: Workers' Memorial Day is April 28 and our union will pause to remember those who lost their lives on the job in the last 12 months and in years past. We should also pause to reflect on how we can all do our jobs safer until fatalities and injuries on the job are eliminated. There were three fatalities among the UAW-represented workforce since last year's Workers' Memorial Day. The three UAW fatalities were among skilled-trades workers who typically suffer a higher fatality rate (3.5 deaths per 100,000 workers in 2009) than the rate for all workers (1.5 fatalities per 100,000 workers). The rate for skilled-trades workers remains the same as it was in 2008. But the rate for all workers has steadily dropped; in 2000 it was 2.05.
• From the Detroit Free Press: More than repaying taxpayer loans, increased sales or profits, hiring will be the most credible evidence that automakers are recovering, and two respected sources foresee the industry adding about 88,000 jobs over the next year. The forecast, from the Center for Automotive Research in Ann Arbor and IHS Global Insight, shows that total automotive employment in the U.S., including automakers and suppliers, will grow from an average of 565,700 this year to 653,600 in 2011 and 742,200 in 2012. Between 2006 and the end of 2009, Chrysler, Ford and General Motors shed 117,530, or 40%, of their U.S. workers.
• Delegate and Vice President elections will be tomorrow. Polls will be open from 4:30 am until 8:30 pm at the Union Hall. Please make every effort to come out and vote.
• From the International Union UAW: Workers' Memorial Day is April 28 and our union will pause to remember those who lost their lives on the job in the last 12 months and in years past. We should also pause to reflect on how we can all do our jobs safer until fatalities and injuries on the job are eliminated. There were three fatalities among the UAW-represented workforce since last year's Workers' Memorial Day. The three UAW fatalities were among skilled-trades workers who typically suffer a higher fatality rate (3.5 deaths per 100,000 workers in 2009) than the rate for all workers (1.5 fatalities per 100,000 workers). The rate for skilled-trades workers remains the same as it was in 2008. But the rate for all workers has steadily dropped; in 2000 it was 2.05.
• From the Detroit Free Press: More than repaying taxpayer loans, increased sales or profits, hiring will be the most credible evidence that automakers are recovering, and two respected sources foresee the industry adding about 88,000 jobs over the next year. The forecast, from the Center for Automotive Research in Ann Arbor and IHS Global Insight, shows that total automotive employment in the U.S., including automakers and suppliers, will grow from an average of 565,700 this year to 653,600 in 2011 and 742,200 in 2012. Between 2006 and the end of 2009, Chrysler, Ford and General Motors shed 117,530, or 40%, of their U.S. workers.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
State of the Union April 21, 2010
• Union meeting is today at 3 pm and 15 minutes after the longest first shift line time.
• There will be a gate drive for March of Dimes, March for Babies, tomorrow.
• We have been informed that the May schedule has been finalized. The daily schedule will be 10.5 and we will work three Fridays – May 7, 21 and 28.
• I addition to announcing the repayment in full of the US and Canadian government loans, GM is going to invest $257 million in the Fairfax and Hamtramck plants for the next-generation Malibu.
• From Automotive News: Chrysler Group said it posted a $143 million operating profit in the first three months of the year after cutting costs and introducing a big pickup. Chrysler reported a net loss of $197 million in the first quarter, compared with a net loss of $2.69 billion in the final three months of last year. After emerging from bankruptcy June 10 through the end of 2009, Chrysler said it lost $3.8 billion on revenue of $17.7 billion. Chrysler forecast 2010 earnings of $2.5 billion to $2.7 billion before taking into account interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.
• From the Detroit Free Press: In March, when Toyota launched its aggressive incentives and saw its sales surge 41%, the Japanese automaker came within 1,148 vehicles of outselling GM. But nearly three of every four of those sales was financed with the expensive no-interest loans that erode profits, according to the consumer automotive Web site Edmunds.com. Studies show that Toyota's image is already beginning to bounce back (like a dead cat). Toyota's good news: the automaker's score on the BrandIndex daily consumer perception survey rose 12.7 points from early March to the end of the month. The bad news: Toyota's latest BrandIndex score is still -42, which means it is getting less love than either Goldman Sachs (-19.8) or Bank of America (-11.6) -- two primary architects of the nation's financial implosion.
• There will be a gate drive for March of Dimes, March for Babies, tomorrow.
• We have been informed that the May schedule has been finalized. The daily schedule will be 10.5 and we will work three Fridays – May 7, 21 and 28.
• I addition to announcing the repayment in full of the US and Canadian government loans, GM is going to invest $257 million in the Fairfax and Hamtramck plants for the next-generation Malibu.
• From Automotive News: Chrysler Group said it posted a $143 million operating profit in the first three months of the year after cutting costs and introducing a big pickup. Chrysler reported a net loss of $197 million in the first quarter, compared with a net loss of $2.69 billion in the final three months of last year. After emerging from bankruptcy June 10 through the end of 2009, Chrysler said it lost $3.8 billion on revenue of $17.7 billion. Chrysler forecast 2010 earnings of $2.5 billion to $2.7 billion before taking into account interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.
• From the Detroit Free Press: In March, when Toyota launched its aggressive incentives and saw its sales surge 41%, the Japanese automaker came within 1,148 vehicles of outselling GM. But nearly three of every four of those sales was financed with the expensive no-interest loans that erode profits, according to the consumer automotive Web site Edmunds.com. Studies show that Toyota's image is already beginning to bounce back (like a dead cat). Toyota's good news: the automaker's score on the BrandIndex daily consumer perception survey rose 12.7 points from early March to the end of the month. The bad news: Toyota's latest BrandIndex score is still -42, which means it is getting less love than either Goldman Sachs (-19.8) or Bank of America (-11.6) -- two primary architects of the nation's financial implosion.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
State of the Union April 20, 2010
Union meeting Wednesday, April 21 at 3 pm and end of first shift.
• There will be a gate drive for March of Dimes, March for Babies, Thursday, April 22.
• The 40th anniversary of Earth Day is Thursday, April 22. There will be displays and recycling vendors in the cafeteria from 8 – 11 am. You can also bring in your old shoes for Shoeman Water Projects, which is an organization that sells the shoes to exporters and recyclers for resale or materials for new items. These funds are then used for providing clean water in places like Kenya and Haiti. Just tie or rubber band your shoes together and drop them off in the cafeteria.
• Daimler AG has announced price cuts for the 2010 Sprinter. According to Wards Auto, a ’10 chassis cab (cutaway) Sprinter starts at $34,270, down from $36,190. Cargo vans start at $35,995, compared with $38,425 for ’09. And passenger models start at $39,820, down from $42,150. There are currently 68 Mercedes dealers who sell the vans with plans to up that to 160 by year’s end.
• From the Detroit News: The heads of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and its subcommittee on oversight have asked for more information from ToyotaMotor Corp. about the causes of unintended acceleration in preparation for a hearing scheduled for May 6. Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Calif., and Rep. Stupak wrote to Jim Lentz, president and chief operating officer of Toyota Motor Sales USA, asking him to testify. Lentz also was asked to provide all contracts, correspondence and emails relating to unintended acceleration between Toyota and Exponent, a firm retained recently by Toyota to test its vehicles.
• There will be a gate drive for March of Dimes, March for Babies, Thursday, April 22.
• The 40th anniversary of Earth Day is Thursday, April 22. There will be displays and recycling vendors in the cafeteria from 8 – 11 am. You can also bring in your old shoes for Shoeman Water Projects, which is an organization that sells the shoes to exporters and recyclers for resale or materials for new items. These funds are then used for providing clean water in places like Kenya and Haiti. Just tie or rubber band your shoes together and drop them off in the cafeteria.
• Daimler AG has announced price cuts for the 2010 Sprinter. According to Wards Auto, a ’10 chassis cab (cutaway) Sprinter starts at $34,270, down from $36,190. Cargo vans start at $35,995, compared with $38,425 for ’09. And passenger models start at $39,820, down from $42,150. There are currently 68 Mercedes dealers who sell the vans with plans to up that to 160 by year’s end.
• From the Detroit News: The heads of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and its subcommittee on oversight have asked for more information from ToyotaMotor Corp. about the causes of unintended acceleration in preparation for a hearing scheduled for May 6. Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Calif., and Rep. Stupak wrote to Jim Lentz, president and chief operating officer of Toyota Motor Sales USA, asking him to testify. Lentz also was asked to provide all contracts, correspondence and emails relating to unintended acceleration between Toyota and Exponent, a firm retained recently by Toyota to test its vehicles.
State of the Union April 19, 2010
From Chairman Mike Bullock: Under rumor control, we will not be changing the schedule plan that we are working under. Management had requested approval from the Shop Committee to switch from plan A to plan B (5-10 hour days with 6 Saturdays per model year). Their request was denied. We will continue working under plan A for the remainder of the model year, which ends Aug. 27. Regarding the rumor that Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon was/is going to visit the plant – there were/are no plans for Gov. Nixon to come here.
• Union meeting Wednesday, April 21 at 3 pm and end of first shift.
• There will be a gate drive for March of Dimes, March for Babies, Thursday, April 22. UAW President Ron Gettelfinger is national co-chair for this year’s drive. “I was honored … to be asked to serve in this role,” said Gettelfinger. “This year’s campaign will reach nationwide to all men and women of the UAW. We’re focused on bringing people together to make a real difference.” Your generosity, as always, will be greatly appreciated.
• We have received an order for 300 vans from FedEx, a longtime Ford and Sprinter customer. This is a small portion of their business but this is new for us and could lead to more orders in the future.
• Toyota agreed this morning to pay the $16.4 million fine levied by the US Transportation Department. Reports had indicated that Toyota would admit no wrongdoing in agreeing to pay the fine (huh?). In other news, Toyota is recalling 870,000 Sienna minivans in the US and Canada for spare tire retention cables that could rust and cause the tire to fall off the vehicle. Is there a safe place to be around a Toyota vehicle on the road?
• Union meeting Wednesday, April 21 at 3 pm and end of first shift.
• There will be a gate drive for March of Dimes, March for Babies, Thursday, April 22. UAW President Ron Gettelfinger is national co-chair for this year’s drive. “I was honored … to be asked to serve in this role,” said Gettelfinger. “This year’s campaign will reach nationwide to all men and women of the UAW. We’re focused on bringing people together to make a real difference.” Your generosity, as always, will be greatly appreciated.
• We have received an order for 300 vans from FedEx, a longtime Ford and Sprinter customer. This is a small portion of their business but this is new for us and could lead to more orders in the future.
• Toyota agreed this morning to pay the $16.4 million fine levied by the US Transportation Department. Reports had indicated that Toyota would admit no wrongdoing in agreeing to pay the fine (huh?). In other news, Toyota is recalling 870,000 Sienna minivans in the US and Canada for spare tire retention cables that could rust and cause the tire to fall off the vehicle. Is there a safe place to be around a Toyota vehicle on the road?
Friday, April 16, 2010
State of the Union 16, 2010
Here’s what UAW President Ron Gettelfinger had to say about CEO compensation: “In 1980, it was 40 times [what the ordinary worker gets paid], and now it's 344 times -- because some [CEOs] took a cut in pay to $6.5 million, something like that. People say we [UAW members] think we're entitled. The only thing we're entitled to is to work 58 minutes out of the hour, and at the end of the day we're working just as hard as at the beginning. Is anybody [among CEOs] working that hard? I'd like to see it.”
• From the Atlanta Journal Constitution: A Toyota driver said her car accelerated out of control before plunging through a wall of her home Wednesday. The driver of the Camry told firefighters she was pulling into her garage when the vehicle accelerated forward out of control. It went through the closed garage door and came to rest after crashing through the back wall of the house, fire officials report.
• From the Sheboygan Press: Federal and state investigators were in Sheboygan Falls on Wednesday to examine a Toyota Camry that reportedly accelerated on its own into a wall, injuring the driver. The car has been in police impound since March 29, when it slammed into the south wall of the Sheboygan Falls YMCA. The driver, Myrna Marseille, 76, of Kohler, suffered a broken sternum as she slammed into the steering wheel because the airbags did not deploy. Marseille said she was pulling into a parking stall with her foot on the brake when the car surged forward with an "awful roar" and traveled up a slight embankment into the wall. Chief Steve Riffel has said witness accounts appear to confirm Marseille's account, and Marseille said she was told those witnesses saw her brake lights illuminated as the car accelerated.
• From the Atlanta Journal Constitution: A Toyota driver said her car accelerated out of control before plunging through a wall of her home Wednesday. The driver of the Camry told firefighters she was pulling into her garage when the vehicle accelerated forward out of control. It went through the closed garage door and came to rest after crashing through the back wall of the house, fire officials report.
• From the Sheboygan Press: Federal and state investigators were in Sheboygan Falls on Wednesday to examine a Toyota Camry that reportedly accelerated on its own into a wall, injuring the driver. The car has been in police impound since March 29, when it slammed into the south wall of the Sheboygan Falls YMCA. The driver, Myrna Marseille, 76, of Kohler, suffered a broken sternum as she slammed into the steering wheel because the airbags did not deploy. Marseille said she was pulling into a parking stall with her foot on the brake when the car surged forward with an "awful roar" and traveled up a slight embankment into the wall. Chief Steve Riffel has said witness accounts appear to confirm Marseille's account, and Marseille said she was told those witnesses saw her brake lights illuminated as the car accelerated.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
State of the Union April 15, 2010
April 15, 2010
There will be 16 more members called back Monday, April 19. The new seniority date to hold the plant is 12-16-1996. The number of members still laid off is 242.
• From the Detroit Free Press: UAW President Ron Gettelfinger said Wednesday that he is hopeful the UAW can reverse its declining membership as the economy recovers and the nation's labor laws are changed. Many Americans still want to join unions, Gettelfinger said, but U.S. laws make it difficult to organize. Employers can delay certification votes and even threaten workers with recriminations or even firing. In 2007, he said 58,000 U.S. workers voted to join a union. Two years later, 37% of those workers were still without a labor contract with their employer.
• Toyota has now halted global sales of the Lexus GX460. In addition, they are testing all of their SUVs for the same problem. For their part, Consumer Reports says that the Lexus was the only SUV they tested that skidded sideways, including the Toyota 4Runner. The GX460 is nothing more than a 4Runner with a Lexus grille and a nicer interior. Oh yeah, it also costs $20,000 more. Yet obviously something is amiss in the electronic stability control, which performed just fine in the 4Runner.
• From the NY Times: In response to a recent warning from Consumer Reports that the 2010 Lexus GX 460 is not safe to drive, Toyota engineers asked the magazine if they could use its test track to perform its own tests. Consumer Reports declined.
• And finally, the best Toyota-related line, from Jesse Snyder of Automotive News in his column “Toyota’s ‘automatic’ status is slip-sliding away”: “Without that bulletproof quality reputation, what exactly is the reason to buy a Toyota?”
There will be 16 more members called back Monday, April 19. The new seniority date to hold the plant is 12-16-1996. The number of members still laid off is 242.
• From the Detroit Free Press: UAW President Ron Gettelfinger said Wednesday that he is hopeful the UAW can reverse its declining membership as the economy recovers and the nation's labor laws are changed. Many Americans still want to join unions, Gettelfinger said, but U.S. laws make it difficult to organize. Employers can delay certification votes and even threaten workers with recriminations or even firing. In 2007, he said 58,000 U.S. workers voted to join a union. Two years later, 37% of those workers were still without a labor contract with their employer.
• Toyota has now halted global sales of the Lexus GX460. In addition, they are testing all of their SUVs for the same problem. For their part, Consumer Reports says that the Lexus was the only SUV they tested that skidded sideways, including the Toyota 4Runner. The GX460 is nothing more than a 4Runner with a Lexus grille and a nicer interior. Oh yeah, it also costs $20,000 more. Yet obviously something is amiss in the electronic stability control, which performed just fine in the 4Runner.
• From the NY Times: In response to a recent warning from Consumer Reports that the 2010 Lexus GX 460 is not safe to drive, Toyota engineers asked the magazine if they could use its test track to perform its own tests. Consumer Reports declined.
• And finally, the best Toyota-related line, from Jesse Snyder of Automotive News in his column “Toyota’s ‘automatic’ status is slip-sliding away”: “Without that bulletproof quality reputation, what exactly is the reason to buy a Toyota?”
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
State of the Union April 14, 2010
April 14, 2010 online at www.uawlocal2250.com
• There will be a Union Label Committee meeting today after first shift at the Union Hall.
• Some excerpts from the March sales report from Marketing Manager Andrew Reyntjes: I am pleased to let you know that we exceeded our corporate objectives for the month with 5,456 deliveries. We did this despite low inventory levels at dealers. Given the seasonality of Fleet buying cycles there has been a lack of availability for dealers to obtain stock, this means that a customer walking into a GM dealership looking for a van is being turned away due to lack of availability of the product that they want and are going to the Ford dealer next door. We are hoping to benefit from built-up demand as businesses have held onto their vans until business conditions improve. When this happens hopefully we will have available inventory to take advantage of the change. We need to continue to watch Transit Connect, they continue to do well and unfortunately we had a loss of 1000 Tyco vans (a long time customer) that went to Ford Transit Connect. This impact will flow through in coming months’ results.
• From USA Today: At least 131 Toyotaowners report experiencing unintended acceleration after their recalled vehicles were repaired at dealerships, a USA TODAY review of federal records shows. Daily complaints — from three on Monday to 11 on March 5 — to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration come as Toyota continues to contend mechanical, and not electronics, issues are to blame. One of the many complaints came from a Toyota Tundra owner from Needham, Mass., who had the accelerator pedal repaired in February after the (truck) took off while in reverse. "I just thank God there was not a child behind my car," the driver told NHTSA. Since then, the driver says, the car accelerates on its own at least five to nine times a week.(park the damn thing!)
• There will be a Union Label Committee meeting today after first shift at the Union Hall.
• Some excerpts from the March sales report from Marketing Manager Andrew Reyntjes: I am pleased to let you know that we exceeded our corporate objectives for the month with 5,456 deliveries. We did this despite low inventory levels at dealers. Given the seasonality of Fleet buying cycles there has been a lack of availability for dealers to obtain stock, this means that a customer walking into a GM dealership looking for a van is being turned away due to lack of availability of the product that they want and are going to the Ford dealer next door. We are hoping to benefit from built-up demand as businesses have held onto their vans until business conditions improve. When this happens hopefully we will have available inventory to take advantage of the change. We need to continue to watch Transit Connect, they continue to do well and unfortunately we had a loss of 1000 Tyco vans (a long time customer) that went to Ford Transit Connect. This impact will flow through in coming months’ results.
• From USA Today: At least 131 Toyotaowners report experiencing unintended acceleration after their recalled vehicles were repaired at dealerships, a USA TODAY review of federal records shows. Daily complaints — from three on Monday to 11 on March 5 — to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration come as Toyota continues to contend mechanical, and not electronics, issues are to blame. One of the many complaints came from a Toyota Tundra owner from Needham, Mass., who had the accelerator pedal repaired in February after the (truck) took off while in reverse. "I just thank God there was not a child behind my car," the driver told NHTSA. Since then, the driver says, the car accelerates on its own at least five to nine times a week.(park the damn thing!)
Monday, April 12, 2010
State of the Union April 12, 2010
Reminder: Thursday, April 15, is the last day to submit resolutions for the constitutional and bargaining conventions. They must be received at the Union Hall by 5 pm.
• The stamping plant began production of the Tahoe door side rings for Arlington today. This arrangement is a “temporary factory assist” due to press problems at Spring Hill. We have been told, however, that the potential exists to keep production of these parts here.
• There was an article last week in the Suburban Journal about our annual Easter basket drive. Here’s an edited version:
An assembly line running March 30 at the General Motors assembly center in Wentzville wasn't cranking out vans, but Easter baskets. Workers and some close relatives were rounding tables in the plant's cafeteria, dropping candies and toys one by one into brightly colored baskets. The 75 or so baskets would be tied up with ribbon and dropped off at the Salvation Army in O'Fallon that night. "It's not a huge project, but it's a worthwhile project," said Mike Bridgins, community services chairman at the plant. United Auto Workers Local 2250 has been assembling the baskets to donate each Easter since 1995. Last year, they put together 200 baskets. They got the idea after donating items to children around Christmas. "We figured out that kids that weren't getting Christmas presents weren't getting Easter baskets, either," Bridgins said. And Bridgins could tell it had been some children's first time getting an Easter basket. "They liked the stuff inside, but they didn't get the idea of the basket," he said. Workers on the floor had donated money, candy or other goodies for the effort. Some stopped by the cafeteria the afternoon of March 30 to help assemble the baskets. Shop Chairman Mike Bullock said the drive is a good example of how the workers give back to the community. Dan Howell, president of UAW Local 2250, agreed, with this drive in particular providing Easter goodies to children who otherwise wouldn't have any. "UAW's always been part of helping the middle class and the downtrodden," Howell said. "We're trying to help bring the bottom up."
• The stamping plant began production of the Tahoe door side rings for Arlington today. This arrangement is a “temporary factory assist” due to press problems at Spring Hill. We have been told, however, that the potential exists to keep production of these parts here.
• There was an article last week in the Suburban Journal about our annual Easter basket drive. Here’s an edited version:
An assembly line running March 30 at the General Motors assembly center in Wentzville wasn't cranking out vans, but Easter baskets. Workers and some close relatives were rounding tables in the plant's cafeteria, dropping candies and toys one by one into brightly colored baskets. The 75 or so baskets would be tied up with ribbon and dropped off at the Salvation Army in O'Fallon that night. "It's not a huge project, but it's a worthwhile project," said Mike Bridgins, community services chairman at the plant. United Auto Workers Local 2250 has been assembling the baskets to donate each Easter since 1995. Last year, they put together 200 baskets. They got the idea after donating items to children around Christmas. "We figured out that kids that weren't getting Christmas presents weren't getting Easter baskets, either," Bridgins said. And Bridgins could tell it had been some children's first time getting an Easter basket. "They liked the stuff inside, but they didn't get the idea of the basket," he said. Workers on the floor had donated money, candy or other goodies for the effort. Some stopped by the cafeteria the afternoon of March 30 to help assemble the baskets. Shop Chairman Mike Bullock said the drive is a good example of how the workers give back to the community. Dan Howell, president of UAW Local 2250, agreed, with this drive in particular providing Easter goodies to children who otherwise wouldn't have any. "UAW's always been part of helping the middle class and the downtrodden," Howell said. "We're trying to help bring the bottom up."
Friday, April 9, 2010
State of the Union April 9, 2010
From the Benefits Department: Starting in mid-April, notification letters will be going out to affected employees that automatic enrollment into the Personal Savings Plan (PSP) will begin June 4 at a 3% contribution rate. You can either increase or decrease that amount or cancel enrollment. The last day to opt out prior to automatic enrollment is May 28. This can be done online at gmbenefits.com or by calling the Benefits and Services Center at 1-800-489-4646 on any business day from 8:30 am until midnight beginning Monday. Details about the plan and investment options will be included in the brochure with the notification letter.
• Field stocks of the van were essentially flat last month compared to February 2010. Total stock is 19,753 of which 19,218 is dealer owned. That compares to 29,466 for March 2009. Net field stock is 11,001, once again much lower than last year’s to 20,144. For other truck products, the Chevy Tahoe has 11,927 in net field stock and the Silverado is 88,007 net field.
• We have been informed that UAW VP Cal Rapson was also scheduled to visit Fairfax next week but has had to cancel. These plant visits were not product related.
• Field stocks of the van were essentially flat last month compared to February 2010. Total stock is 19,753 of which 19,218 is dealer owned. That compares to 29,466 for March 2009. Net field stock is 11,001, once again much lower than last year’s to 20,144. For other truck products, the Chevy Tahoe has 11,927 in net field stock and the Silverado is 88,007 net field.
• We have been informed that UAW VP Cal Rapson was also scheduled to visit Fairfax next week but has had to cancel. These plant visits were not product related.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
State of the Union April 8, 2010
• There will be 21 members recalled Monday, April 12. The new seniority date to hold the plant is 11-28-1994.
• Unfortunately, due to personal issues and resulting scheduling conflicts, UAW Vice President Cal Rapson will not be visiting us next Thursday.
• From Automotive News: Nissan is opening the door to involving its new partner, Daimler AG, in the Japanese automaker's foray into the U.S. light-commercial vehicle market. Under the global alliance announced yesterday by Renault-Nissan and Daimler AG, the automakers called for the sharing of their U.S. factories. That consideration could bring the partners together on one of the few points where their brand names soon will overlap in the U.S. market: Nissan and Mercedes-Benzcommercial vans. “This could apply to the light commercial vehicle segment," Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche said of the automakers' plans to share U.S. factory resources. "It could apply to some engine manufacturing.” Zetsche also raised the possibility that Nissan dealers could be asked to share a version of the van with Freightliner or Mercedes truck retailers, or else receive a vehicle from a Daimler plant.
• From the Detroit Free Press: Toyota's top U.S. public relations executive warned in January that the automaker needed to "come clean" about sticking accelerator pedals that could trigger sudden acceleration, and that the company "was not protecting our customers by keeping this quiet." The e-mail from Irv Miller came five days before Toyota launched a recall of 2.3 million vehicles in the U.S. to fix gas pedals. Noting that Yoshi Inaba, Toyota's top U.S. executive, and U.S. sales chief Jim Lentz were meeting with NHTSA, Miller said: "We better just hope that they can get NHTSA to work with us in coming to a workable solution that does not put us out of business."
• The State of the Union can also be read and commented on at our Local Union website: www.uawlocal2250.com
• Unfortunately, due to personal issues and resulting scheduling conflicts, UAW Vice President Cal Rapson will not be visiting us next Thursday.
• From Automotive News: Nissan is opening the door to involving its new partner, Daimler AG, in the Japanese automaker's foray into the U.S. light-commercial vehicle market. Under the global alliance announced yesterday by Renault-Nissan and Daimler AG, the automakers called for the sharing of their U.S. factories. That consideration could bring the partners together on one of the few points where their brand names soon will overlap in the U.S. market: Nissan and Mercedes-Benzcommercial vans. “This could apply to the light commercial vehicle segment," Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche said of the automakers' plans to share U.S. factory resources. "It could apply to some engine manufacturing.” Zetsche also raised the possibility that Nissan dealers could be asked to share a version of the van with Freightliner or Mercedes truck retailers, or else receive a vehicle from a Daimler plant.
• From the Detroit Free Press: Toyota's top U.S. public relations executive warned in January that the automaker needed to "come clean" about sticking accelerator pedals that could trigger sudden acceleration, and that the company "was not protecting our customers by keeping this quiet." The e-mail from Irv Miller came five days before Toyota launched a recall of 2.3 million vehicles in the U.S. to fix gas pedals. Noting that Yoshi Inaba, Toyota's top U.S. executive, and U.S. sales chief Jim Lentz were meeting with NHTSA, Miller said: "We better just hope that they can get NHTSA to work with us in coming to a workable solution that does not put us out of business."
• The State of the Union can also be read and commented on at our Local Union website: www.uawlocal2250.com
State of the Union April 7, 2010
From Chairman Mike Bullock: The tentative production schedule for the rest of the 2010 model year is as follows: 10.8 off K line and 2 out of 3 Fridays, with April 9 being the first of a 2 out of 3 schedule. In looking at the calendar, for example, this would require us to tentatively work 5/7, 5/21 and 5/28. It’s important to remember that each month’s production schedule is approved the month prior. There are no plans to switch from Plan A to Plan B.
• There is a Women’s Committee meeting Thursday, April 8 after first shift at the Union Hall.
• From the Detroit Free Press: General Motors today posted a $4.3-billion loss for the nearly six-month period following its emergence from bankruptcy last summer as a new company largely owned by the U.S. government. The loss for the fourth quarter was $3.4 billion. GM said it generated $1 billion in cash on operations from July 10 until Dec. 31. The company said it generated $57.5 billion in revenue during that period. The net loss of $4.3 billion includes the pretax impact of a $2.6-billion payment to the UAW for its retiree health care trust fund and a $1.3 billion foreign currency re-measurement loss.
• From the Detroit News: Congressional investigators began ramping up a probe of Toyota Motor Corp. on Tuesday, a day after federal regulators sought a $16.4 million fine against the automaker. Lawmakers are taking action because regulators said documents from Toyota prove it knowingly failed to quickly recall vehicles with possibly sticky gas pedals, justifying the fine. The House Energy and Commerce Committee and its oversight subcommittee received most of the 70,000 pages Toyota turned over to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for its examination of three recalls. Investigators spent Tuesday reviewing the documents. Even though Toyota hasn't yet decided whether to appeal the fine, the congressional committee is taking the unusual step of moving ahead with its own investigation. The review of documents might lead to hearings similar to those involving Toyota and NHTSA officials in February and March.
• There is a Women’s Committee meeting Thursday, April 8 after first shift at the Union Hall.
• From the Detroit Free Press: General Motors today posted a $4.3-billion loss for the nearly six-month period following its emergence from bankruptcy last summer as a new company largely owned by the U.S. government. The loss for the fourth quarter was $3.4 billion. GM said it generated $1 billion in cash on operations from July 10 until Dec. 31. The company said it generated $57.5 billion in revenue during that period. The net loss of $4.3 billion includes the pretax impact of a $2.6-billion payment to the UAW for its retiree health care trust fund and a $1.3 billion foreign currency re-measurement loss.
• From the Detroit News: Congressional investigators began ramping up a probe of Toyota Motor Corp. on Tuesday, a day after federal regulators sought a $16.4 million fine against the automaker. Lawmakers are taking action because regulators said documents from Toyota prove it knowingly failed to quickly recall vehicles with possibly sticky gas pedals, justifying the fine. The House Energy and Commerce Committee and its oversight subcommittee received most of the 70,000 pages Toyota turned over to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for its examination of three recalls. Investigators spent Tuesday reviewing the documents. Even though Toyota hasn't yet decided whether to appeal the fine, the congressional committee is taking the unusual step of moving ahead with its own investigation. The review of documents might lead to hearings similar to those involving Toyota and NHTSA officials in February and March.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
State of the Union April 6, 2010
There has been a change in the calculations for hours regarding full weeks of vacation. If this has the potential to impact you contact your supervisor for an explanation.
• We have been informed that we will be receiving stamping dies for door rings for Chevy Tahoes built in Arlington. This will be around 800 pieces per day. More details to come.
• Here are the top 20 selling vehicles for April:
Vehicle March 2010 % change YTD 2010 % change
1. Ford F-Series 42,514 29.9% 103,039 26.3%
2. ToyotaCamry 36,251 40.6% 68,595 2.1%
3. ChevroletSilverado 29,886 27.1% 72,480 7.7%
4. Toyota Corolla/ Matrix 29,623 33.1% 63,740 6.9%
5. Honda Accord 26,533 16.8% 65,579 18.6%
6. Toyota RAV4 25,781 116.7% 40,474 42.9%
7. Nissan Altima 24,649 26.3% 59,483 19.8%
8. Ford Fusion 22,773 79% 51,411 80.5%
9. Honda Civic 22,463 8.8% 53,627 6.1%
10. Ford Focus 19,500 57.5% 43,597 45.1%
11. Ford Escape 19,182 52.5% 45,091 45.3%
12. Hyundai Sonata 18,935 52.6% 31,747 23.7%
13. Dodge RamPU 17,818 -7.8% 38,042 -18.4%
14. Chevrolet Malibu 17,750 20.2% 49,339 38.6%
15. Chevrolet Impala 15,594 23.3% 38,273 39.1%
16. Honda CR-V 14,848 14.6% 36,348 -5.5%
17. Nissan Versa 13,811 105.1% 31,334 86.7%
18. Chevrolet Equinox 12,805 193.6% 30,379 129.7%
19. Toyota Highlander 11,953 121.2% 20,046 24%
20. Toyota Prius 11,786 32.1% 28,238 16.3%
Source: Autodata
• We have been informed that we will be receiving stamping dies for door rings for Chevy Tahoes built in Arlington. This will be around 800 pieces per day. More details to come.
• Here are the top 20 selling vehicles for April:
Vehicle March 2010 % change YTD 2010 % change
1. Ford F-Series 42,514 29.9% 103,039 26.3%
2. ToyotaCamry 36,251 40.6% 68,595 2.1%
3. ChevroletSilverado 29,886 27.1% 72,480 7.7%
4. Toyota Corolla/ Matrix 29,623 33.1% 63,740 6.9%
5. Honda Accord 26,533 16.8% 65,579 18.6%
6. Toyota RAV4 25,781 116.7% 40,474 42.9%
7. Nissan Altima 24,649 26.3% 59,483 19.8%
8. Ford Fusion 22,773 79% 51,411 80.5%
9. Honda Civic 22,463 8.8% 53,627 6.1%
10. Ford Focus 19,500 57.5% 43,597 45.1%
11. Ford Escape 19,182 52.5% 45,091 45.3%
12. Hyundai Sonata 18,935 52.6% 31,747 23.7%
13. Dodge RamPU 17,818 -7.8% 38,042 -18.4%
14. Chevrolet Malibu 17,750 20.2% 49,339 38.6%
15. Chevrolet Impala 15,594 23.3% 38,273 39.1%
16. Honda CR-V 14,848 14.6% 36,348 -5.5%
17. Nissan Versa 13,811 105.1% 31,334 86.7%
18. Chevrolet Equinox 12,805 193.6% 30,379 129.7%
19. Toyota Highlander 11,953 121.2% 20,046 24%
20. Toyota Prius 11,786 32.1% 28,238 16.3%
Source: Autodata
State of the Union April 5, 2010
Beginning today, anyone can accept nomination for Vice President or Constitutional/Bargaining convention delegate at the Union Hall, which will be open until 6 pm through Wednesday to accommodate the later line times.
• Wentzville Assembly is the first North American plant to achieve Quality Network Planned Maintenance (QNPM) Phase III Status. Auditors Wes Bunch, UAW, and Marcus Sims, GM, were here March 30 & 31 along with key contacts Ken Phillips and Jeanne Henderson to assess our maintenance program. The auditors were very pleased, not only with what they saw, but with all the information that they heard from the skilled tradespersons and production people that they talked with on their tour. The final audit score is an excellent 1480 out of a possible 1500 points, awarding Wentzville QNPM Phase III status. Congratulations and thanks to the QNPM group, Skilled Trades, and all of Wentzville on this great accomplishment.
• Here are the van sales results for March:
2010 2009 Change Share
Ford 10,470 7831 +33.7% 65.7%
GM 5,456 5899 - 7.5% 34.2%
Ford Transit 1,836 --- --- ---
Sprinter 17 435 - 96% .1%
• From the Wall Street Journal: Tucked inside the auto industry's strong U.S. sales report for March last week was a little-noticed portent for the broader economy: Full-sized pickup trucks outperformed the overall automotive industry, according to Autodata Corp. General Motors Co.'s two full-sized pickups, the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra, posted March sales jumps of 27% and 22%. To be sure, the category remains weaker than during its mid-decade heydays, when full-size pickups accounted for about 15% of total U.S. industry sales. After slipping into single digits amid the worst of the recession, the percentage last year climbed back to about 10% - before jumping this March to 11.5%, said Doug Scott, truck group marketing manager for Ford. Any climb above 12% market share will likely require a stronger recovery of the housing market, said Mr. Scott.
• Wentzville Assembly is the first North American plant to achieve Quality Network Planned Maintenance (QNPM) Phase III Status. Auditors Wes Bunch, UAW, and Marcus Sims, GM, were here March 30 & 31 along with key contacts Ken Phillips and Jeanne Henderson to assess our maintenance program. The auditors were very pleased, not only with what they saw, but with all the information that they heard from the skilled tradespersons and production people that they talked with on their tour. The final audit score is an excellent 1480 out of a possible 1500 points, awarding Wentzville QNPM Phase III status. Congratulations and thanks to the QNPM group, Skilled Trades, and all of Wentzville on this great accomplishment.
• Here are the van sales results for March:
2010 2009 Change Share
Ford 10,470 7831 +33.7% 65.7%
GM 5,456 5899 - 7.5% 34.2%
Ford Transit 1,836 --- --- ---
Sprinter 17 435 - 96% .1%
• From the Wall Street Journal: Tucked inside the auto industry's strong U.S. sales report for March last week was a little-noticed portent for the broader economy: Full-sized pickup trucks outperformed the overall automotive industry, according to Autodata Corp. General Motors Co.'s two full-sized pickups, the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra, posted March sales jumps of 27% and 22%. To be sure, the category remains weaker than during its mid-decade heydays, when full-size pickups accounted for about 15% of total U.S. industry sales. After slipping into single digits amid the worst of the recession, the percentage last year climbed back to about 10% - before jumping this March to 11.5%, said Doug Scott, truck group marketing manager for Ford. Any climb above 12% market share will likely require a stronger recovery of the housing market, said Mr. Scott.
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