Thursday, July 29, 2010

State of the Union July 28, 2010

July 28, 2010 online at www.uawlocal2250.com

From Chairman Mike Bullock: Congress finally passed a bill extending Unemployment benefits to the end of November on July 22, 2010. Republicans held up this funding for two weeks while many General Motors laid off employees were without benefits. Now that it has passed, laid off employees can apply for the extended benefits. What this has done for many of the GM laid off employees is left them without unemployment benefits or sub pay. Now that it has passed it will take several weeks for both the unemployment and sub to catch up. Any questions can be directed to benefits at 636-327-2112 or 2314.

Here are some common questions and answers regarding TAP:
Q. The guidelines state degree program classes are eligible. What degree programs?

A. Classes in a curriculum earning credit towards the following degrees are generally TAP eligible: GED, Associate’s Degree, Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree, Post Graduate Degree.

Q. The guidelines state sports, games and hobbies are no longer eligible. What personal enhancement classes are?

A. The classes that are designed to improve your skills and knowledge in applicable work related subject matter. A good example is computer related classes like learning Windows or various software products. Other classes could be test preparation or learning a language.

Examples of classes not eligible
include commercial driver license, cosmetology, financial planning, real estate, gaming, medical, bar tending and insurance.

Important: All classes must be approved by TAP administrators prior to start date even if seeking reimbursement. Tuition reimbursement is only available when the approved school does not accept a TAP voucher.

State of the Union July 29, 2010

July 29, 2010 online at www.uawlocal2250.com

From the Detroit Free Press: Toyota is recalling 412,000 passenger cars, mostly the Avalon model, in the U.S., and another 16,420 vehicles in Japan for steering problems, the automaker said Thursday. The 373,000 Avalons being recalled in the U.S. range from the 2000 model year through to 2004 and have improper casting of the steering lock bar - a component for the steering system - causing cracks to develop on the surface. In some cases, the crack can cause the lock bar to break, potentially leading to a crash if the steering wheel locks. Also being recalled in the U.S. are 39,000 Lexus luxury model LX 470s for the 2003-2007 model years because of a steering shaft problem, which is different from the Avalon steering problem, according to Toyota.

Financial results from the second quarter are coming out for various automakers. Volkswagon AG, who has set a goal of surpassing Toyota by 2018, made $1.63 billion, quadrupling the prior year’s profit. Nissan reported profits of $1.22 billion, which was double analysts estimate. And Hyundai Group said profits rose 71% to $1.17 billion. GM is expected to report second quarter results the second week of August.

Here’s Rush Limbaugh’s rambling from his radio show yesterday about the Chevy Volt and GM, with total disregard for the facts: "The charging station is your house, so that 40-mile range has gotta include you getting home and then staying home for three to four hours to charge the thing," Limbaugh said. "It's 20-mile range. So I'm saying to myself, I can't in good conscience recommend that." (actually, the Volt’s backup engine serves as a generator and will power the batteries for another 300 miles after the initial 40)

"...Why wouldn't you use the backup first and use the battery as the backup is the point? Well, because you're making a statement, you're out there saying you're better than everybody else." (interpret that drivel however you wish).

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

State of the Union July 27, 2010

July 27, 2010 online at www.uawlocal2250.com


From Chairman Mike Bullock: We all know the choices we have for meeting our schedule are not good except one – bringing back second shift. Unfortunately we are not at that point yet. It would take volume of 120,000 vans annually to support two shifts at a line speed of 32 an hour net. With the 700 additional vans we will reach 90,000 for this year. By month, that two-shift scenario produces 10,200, while the new line speed of 42 an hour, 10.5 hour shifts and every Friday would produce 8,820. And we have yet to top 10,000 vans in sales for even one month.

More information on TAP: Members who are on indefinite layoff, with a minimum of 1 year seniority as of the date of the layoff and have recall/rehire rights are eligible for tuition assistance under the ITAP for inactive workers. Maximum eligibility under this plan is $8400 for the duration of the layoff (not to exceed four years) for a member with 4 or more years seniority. Those with 3-4 years are eligible for $7400 and 1-3 years seniority is $6400. When returning from indefinite layoff, the active status maximum per calendar year ($5000) will apply.

From Automotive News: Nissan is recalling 51,100 Cube compacts in North America after U.S. safety regulators said a fuel leak could cause fire after a crash, the regulator and the automaker said on Monday. The chance that 2009 and 2010 model year Cubes could leak fuel if struck from the rear at 50 miles per hour led to the recall, documents from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show. Last week, Nissan suspended sales and shipments of Cubes from Japan to the United States and Canada.

In covering Chrysler Group’s future product plans, Automotive News reports that two different vans will be offered starting in 2012 under the Ram truck brand. First will be a Fiat-sourced full-size van that will be either a unibody, a la Sprinter, or a body-on-frame and will be assembled in an unidentified plant in North America. The second will be a re-badged version of the Fiat Doblo, a small Transit Connect type van that will be imported from Turkey (just like the Transit) and be sold as a 2013 model.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

State of the Union July 26, 2010

July 26, 2010 online at www.uawlocal2250.com

From Chairman Mike Bullock: Management has informed the union of the need for an additional 700 vans between Labor Day and Christmas. This order came from one of our bigger customers. Our current production schedule is 10.5 hours off K-line and 2 out of three Fridays at 10.5 hours off K-line. Management has proposed two change options to our production schedule to build these vans. One, they are requesting we agree to work three additional Fridays at 8 hours each day, The available "off" Fridays for them to choose from are September 24, October 15, November 5 and December 17. Or two, revert back to Plan B of the Overtime Memorandum and work up to six Saturdays. We will be taking questions or comments to this schedule change all week.

We have been told that there is enough material to run through Wednesday.

We will be going over some of the details regarding the Tuition Assistance Plan (TAP) that was recently reinstated. To be eligible an active worker must be UAW represented and either active or on temporary layoff (entry-level and medical leaves are not eligible). The benefit levels are $5000 per calendar year with up to $200 for books for degree-related courses at accredited colleges. Up to $2200 is available per year for other job related courses and $1450 per year for skill enhancement courses (all classes related to sports, games and hobbies are no longer eligible). Each course will be reviewed and categorized as well as approved before the start date of the course. At this time, all TAP applications must be mailed or faxed to the UAW-GM Center for Human Resources no later than 21 days but no earlier than 90 days to the start of the class. Forms are available at Personnel. All schools or institutions participating in this plan must be approved the UAW-GM TAP administration and must be accredited, licensed by the state in which they operate or approved by government education or training programs.

Friday, July 23, 2010

State of the Union July 23, 2010

July 23, 2010 online at www.uawlocal2250.com

From Chairman Mike Bullock: We are now supplied with enough material to run through Tuesday. Also, an additional 4 members will be temporarily recalled Monday, July 26, which makes a total of 10. The seniority date to hold the plant is 2-16-2000 with a last four of 8400.

The 5th annual "Support our Soldiers" or SOS motorcycle ride will be Saturday,Aug. 14. Registration begins at 9 am at the Union Hall and the last bike will be out by 11 am. Cost is $20 per bike, $5 per passenger and $5 for each extra hand. The proceeds will benefit Care Packages by DRU and Operation Undergarment. For more information contact Mike Goodin at 636-327-5796.

From Automotive News: General Motors plans to file its registration for an initial public offering during the week of August 16, just after the expected date for its second quarter results, according to two people with direct knowledge of the preparations. By filing with the SEC in August, GM is aiming to complete its IPO before the November U.S. elections, according to the sources, who asked not to be named because the closed-door preparations remain confidential.

From Automotive News: Ford Motor Co. reported a second-quarter profit of $2.6 billion as U.S. vehicle sales rose 20 percent and the automaker continued to gain market share. Ford earned $2.1 billion on its core automotive operations during the latest period,compared with a year-earlier loss of $1.1 billion on that basis. In North America,Ford's automotive business earned a pre-tax operating profit of $1.9 billion, compared to a loss of $899 million a year ago. Ford cited higher sales and favorable pricing for the $2.8 billion swing in North American results. Ford ended the quarter with automotive gross cash of $21.9 billion, down from $25.3 billion at the end of the first quarter. The company attributed the decline to debt-reduction efforts and product-launch costs. Ford said its automotive debt fell to $27.3 billion from $34.3 billion at the end of the first quarter.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

State of the Union July 22, 2010

July 22, 2010 online at www.uawlocal2250.com

From Chairman Mike Bullock: We have been told that 5 trucks and one rail car made it across the border yesterday and there is enough material to run through Monday.

The Women’s Committee Annual Golf Tournament will be Saturday, Aug. 28 at Bear Creek Golf Course in Wentzville. This is a 3-person scramble with a 1:30 shotgun start. The cost is $70 a person or $210 a team and includes food and beer served after the tournament, longest drive and closest to the pin prizes. Proceeds from the tournament will be donated to “Village of the Blue Rose”, an organization that provides job training for special needs teens and young adults. Deadline for signups is Aug. 16. Entry forms are available at the entrances.

From the Detroit News: Striking workers at a factory in China that supplies Honda Motor Co. went back to work yesterday after agreeing to a 47 percent pay hike, an employee said. Atsumitec's 200 employees resumed work after accepting a 500 yuan ($74) increase in monthly salaries that start at 1,070 yuan ($158), the employee said by phone from the factory office. The strike began July 12 at the factory, which supplies gearshift levels to Honda assembly plants in China.

From Automotive News: Workers at Japanese electronics maker Omron's southern China factory have gone on strike, the latest disruption in the manufacturing hub over demands for better wages and working conditions. The Omron strikers, who walked off the job on Wednesday morning, are demanding a pay raise of at least 40 percent from their current salary of 1,270 yuan, with some workers saying they want an increase of 500 yuan ($74) per month and another saying the demand is for 800 yuan more. One of the strikers, who declined to give their names because of concerns about retribution, said the factory makes mainly switches and ignition keys for Honda Motor, Ford, BMW and other car makers.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

State of the Union July 21, 2010

July 21, 2010 online at www.uawlocal2250.com

Union meeting today at 1 pm, 3 pm and 15 minutes after the longest first shift line time.

From Chairman Mike Bullock: We have been told that there are enough parts available to run through Thursday but we still need parts for Friday. Parts we are running day-to-day on are transmissions, axles, prop shafts and headlights. Also, there will be 6 members recalled Monday, July 26. These are temporary jobs due to the increased diesel build. The seniority date to hold the plant will be 2-16-2000 with last four social security of 5000. That will leave 179 members still on layoff.

There were no plants down yesterday due to parts shortages. So far this month, more than 14,600 units have been lost to schedule with nine assembly plants accounting for nearly all of the losses. The Ford SUV plant in Oakville, Ontario and the Chrysler Jeep plant in Toledo have also cancelled shifts due to the flooding.

From Automotive News: Owner delight with import vehicles is falling, and Detroit 3 brands are more appealing than European and Asian rivals for the first time in 13 years, according to a study measuring owner enthusiasm and satisfaction. The J.D. Power APEAL Study examines how gratifying a new vehicle is to own and drive, based on owner evaluations of more than 80 vehicle attributes. The 2010 APEAL Study is based on responses gathered between February and May 2010 from more than 76,000 purchasers and lessees of new 2010 model-year cars and trucks who were surveyed after the first 90 days of ownership. There were no GM brands below the industry average. The Toyota brand finished second from the bottom out of 33 brands ranked.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

State of the Union July 13, 2010

From Chairman Mike Bullock: We have been informed that there are multiple supplier issues in Mexico due to flooding from Hurricane Alex. As a result, the potential exists that our schedule could be impacted later this week. We will communicate any changes as soon as we are aware of them.

From President Dan Howell: This month there will be a Union meeting for 2nd shift skilled trades so the meeting times for Wed. July 21 are 1 pm, 3 pm, and 15 minutes after the longest line time.

Ford is recalling 33,700 Transit Connect vans (every one sold to date) and issued a stop delivery order due to faulty push pins in the headliner that do not pass safety regulations for head protection.

From Automotive News: UAW President Bob King said Monday that members and retirees of the union have started demonstrating at Toyota dealerships to pressure the automaker to allow the unionization of its U.S. plants and to protest Toyota's closing this year of the NUMMI plant in Fremont, Calif. Speaking on the sidelines of a press conference in Detroit with the Rev. Jesse Jackson and several Detroit area pastors, King said the informational pickets have begun at Toyota dealerships in California and New York. King said community support for the UAW's organizing campaigns would be a byproduct of the broader campaign for jobs and social justice.

From the Detroit Free Press: Toyota has told U.S. auto safety officials that a steering problem that could affect 749,685 Corolla and Matrix models isn't a safety defect -- but it will offer free repairs to owners who complain. Toyota took the steps after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in February opened a defect probe into 2009 and 2010 Corolla and Matrix models, following 168 reports that the electric power steering in the vehicles was prone to drifting or locking up, especially at highway speeds. In response to questions from the agency, Toyota said in documents obtained by the Free Press it had received 437 reports of steering problems covering 395 vehicles, including 11 injuries in 18 crashes. The documents show Toyota dealers were fielding complaints about the vehicles as early as 2008 (and this is not a safety issue??) Toyota spokesman Brian Lyons: "We see this as a customer-satisfaction issue."

Thursday, July 8, 2010

State of the Union July 2-13

No posts July 2 - 13, 2010. On Vacation.

Thursday, July 1, 2010

State of the Union July 1, 2010

From Chairman Mike Bullock:
Since there is still some confusion about the amendment to freeze salaries that was passed at the Constitutional Convention, I will explain it further. The document that detailed the amendments is four pages with three columns. The first column has the current language, which was adopted in March 2006. The second column is the proposed change to the current language with the change being in bold and underlined and the current language that will be replaced crossed through, which is typical of contract changes. The third column is the result of the changes with the new language once again in bold. On the first page, Section 1, the first column’s language from 2006 on salaries provides a 3% increase in base salary effective March 2007 along with quarterly COLA increases. Going to page three, Section 3, in the first column you see the salaries for various positions as they were at the beginning of the 2006 agreement. For example, the President’s salary stood at $144,733 in 2006. On that same page the proposed change in the second column shows what the salaries for these positions are now – after the 3% raise and 16 COLA raises. As a result the President’s salary is now up to $153,248. And this is where the President’s salary will remain for the next four years: "Consistent with the bargaining between the UAW and the Staff Council of International Representatives, both the scheduled Lump Sum Payment and the Cost of Living provisions have been eliminated and the salaries shall therefore remainat the level set forth in Section 3, subject to bargaining as described in Section 13."
This applies to all International positions, along with new International Representatives starting at 70% and reaching full pay after 6 years. A vote against this amendment was a vote to continue the current language with a 3% raise and COLA increases. Copies of the amendment are available at the work center.