State of the Union December 7, 2010

Dec. 6, 2010 online at www.uawlocal2250.com

Rumor control: The Park Avenue in the main lobby and the red, white and blue van parked a the main entrance has been taken to a museum in Michigan for display. The plan for the van display is to rotate various models throughout the year.

The Education Committee will be having a meeting Tuesday, Dec. 7 at the Union Hall 15 minutes after the longest first shift line time. The Committee is looking for a secretary so if you are interested please plan on attending.

Field supplies of the van rose slightly once again in November. Total stock stood at 22,516 up less than 200 from October. However passenger van supplies went down. Net field stock is 14,253, good for a 75 day supply and up about 400 from October.

Adopt-A-Child names have all been taken. Collections will be taken up on the floor throughout the next week and a half and the deadline for donations of gifts or cash will be Friday, Dec. 17. Thanks for your generosity!

From the Detroit Free Press: The UAW today said it supports the rights of workers who are on strike in Korea against Hyundai and said it plans to hold a rally for those workers on Monday near Ann Arbor. Hyundai’s temporary and contract workers — known in Korea as Precarious workers — have been on strike since Nov. 15 and have shut down production at a plant. According to the UAW, over one-fifth of Hyundai workers are hired on a temporary basis, often by false subcontractors, and receive lower pay and benefits than those employed directly by Hyundai. “Precarious workers should be treated in the same manner and have the full rights of regular Hyundai workers,” UAW President Bob King said in a statement. “The UAW and our sister unions around the globe will be standing with these workers until Hyundai stops the violence and repression of these workers and recognizes them as regular Hyundai workers.”

From Automotive News: American Honda Motor Co. will kill the Element -- a quirky, boxy crossover designed to attract young buyers -- following seven straight years of declining U.S. sales. Annual U.S. sales peaked at 67,478 in 2003, the Element's first full year on the market, then hovered in the mid-50,000 range through 2006. Last year they dropped to 14,884, and this year's volume through November is down 4 percent in a U.S. market that's up 11 percent.