December 18, 2013 online at www.uawlocal2250.com
• Reminder: UAW Legal Services will end Dec. 31 so this is your last opportunity to avail yourself of their assistance free of charge. Services include creating wills and trusts or executors of estates. There are 3 area offices: Lake St. Louis (636-561-2057); St. Ann (314-291-6868); Sunset Hills (800-582-6494). You can also go online for more information at www.uawlsp.com.
• From the Community Services Commiteee: A big thanks to everyone who participated in this year’s Adopt A Child program. This is arguably the biggest event we have during the year. A total of 152 needy children were “adopted” this year. Working in concert with local United Way personnel, all gifts were delivered by last Friday. From adopting children to buying baked goods or raffle tickets, virtually the entire plant was involved in making this a great success. A conservative estimate of the dollar amount of support for this program is $20,000! So feel good about what you’ve done to brighten Christmas for those less fortunate than us. Thanks again!
• This Friday, Dec. 20 is a VR blackout day and a holiday pay qualifying day.
• Yahoo recently identified the top 15 new vehicles to watch for next year. Number 5 on the list is our Chevrolet Colorado. Here’s what they had to say: “The combination of a stagnant midsize segment and the fact that many truck buyers want to buy domestic leaves Chevy in a position to strike while the iron is hot with its all-new Colorado. This truck's good looks, three powertrain options (including a turbodiesel for 2016) and three body configurations won't hurt, either. If there was ever a sure thing in truck sales, this appears to be it.”
• From Reuters: A top UAW official said the union wants to eliminate the two-tier wage system that pays new automotive workers at a lower rate than veterans. Norwood Jewell, nominated to serve as one of three vice presidents when the union meets next June to ratify its new leaders, said on Monday that the UAW wants to dump the two-tier scale that pays entry-level hires at slightly more than half the rate of veteran workers. "The international executive board hates two-tiers," he told reporters at a General Motors Co plant in Flint, Mich. Jewell is currently director of the region that includes the GM plant. "We didn't do two tiers because it's a wonderful thing," he added, saying they were a "financial unfortunate" caused by the weak industry in 2007. "We hate them. We intend to eliminate them over time." About 16 percent of GM's 51,500 hourly U.S. employees are second-tier workers, while 19 percent of Ford's 46,500 hourly workers are paid at that level. About a quarter of Chrysler's 32,000 hourly workers are entry-level. Jewell also said any move to raise union dues would be decided by the membership at the convention next June.
• From Automotive News: Chevrolet's redesigned Colorado debuted at the Los Angeles Auto Show amid plenty of anticipation -- and no small amount of skepticism. Hasn't the market already returned its verdict on small pickups? There's a reason, the pundits say, that sales have withered to one-quarter of their peak more than a decade ago: Buyers can get what they need from full-sized trucks. But General Motors believes it was automakers, not customers, who turned their backs on the segment by letting small trucks languish over the past decade. In a rare divergence in truck strategy among Detroit 3 rivals, GM is betting that it can revive the segment -- and take on the market-leading Toyota Tacoma -- with its 2015 mid-sized Colorado. The GMC Canyon is expected to debut at the Detroit auto show in January. "This is a white space for us," GM North America President Mark Reuss said. "There's some risk. But I love it because there's some risk. I think there's some great reward here."
Here are three ingredients that would help make that risk pay off:
1. Sporty sheet metal - Reaction at the show suggests Chevy has checked this box with the sort of stylish, rugged-looking pickup that has been missing from the market for years. By the time the Detroit 3 phased out small pickups, the Ford Ranger, Dodge Dakota, Colorado and Canyon had grown stale from years of underinvestment. The Tacoma is long in the tooth, too.
2. Pricing daylight - Price overlap with full-sized trucks is the reason cited most often for the demise of the small-pickup segment. Industry analysts and dealers say Chevy needs a consistent price gap, of at least $5,000 on a trim-level to trim-level basis, between the Colorado and full-sized pickups.
3. 30 mpg - Small pickups never have offered great fuel savings relative to big trucks. Even the Tacoma's estimated highway fuel economy rating on its base 2.7-liter four-cylinder model is only 25 mpg. A highway fuel economy rating of 30 mpg would be a marketable number that puts some meaningful distance between the Colorado and full-sized pickups.
• The all-new, high-tech Small Block 6.2L V8 powering the 2014 Corvette Stingray and the 2.0L turbo diesel for the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze are among Ward’s 10 Best Engines. WardsAuto reviewed 44 engines from 16 automakers in this year’s competition, which looked at power, fuel efficiency, new technology, refinement and compared it with data for similar engines. The all-new LT1 Small Block technologies contribute to making the new Corvette the quickest, most powerful and most fuel-efficient standard Corvette ever.
The engine delivers an SAE-certified 460 horsepower helping propel the car to a 0-60 time in 3.8 seconds while offering 29 EPA estimated mpg highway. The 2.0L turbo-diesel delivers an SAE-certified 151 horsepower and 264 lb-ft of torque. Notable is the engine’s high torque level of 250 lb-ft from 1750 - 3000 rpm. The rich torque provides for a sustained feeling of power on demand at almost all speeds – particularly when passing or entering a freeway onramp. The 2014 Cruze Turbo Diesel engine delivers a segment leading EPA-estimated 46 MPG on the highway and range of 717 highway miles on one tank of fuel, based on fuel tank capacity and EPA estimates. That is better than any non-hybrid passenger car in America.
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Friday, December 13, 2013
State of the Union December 13, 2013
December 13, 2013 online at www.uawlocal2250.com
From Chairman Mike Bullock: There is no truth to the rumor that we will be working more than 10 hour shifts today or more than 8 hours Saturday. I have not and would not agree to do this.
Reminder: UAW Legal Services will end Dec. 31 so this is your last opportunity to avail yourself of their assistance free of charge. Services include creating wills and trusts or executors of estates. There are 3 area offices: Lake St. Louis (636-561-2057); St. Ann (314-291-6868); Sunset Hills (800-582-6494). You can also go online for more information at www.uawlsp.com.
From the Detroit Free Press: General Motors has chosen to go bumper-to-bumper with Toyota for what’s left of a compact pickup market Ford and Chrysler have abandoned for the fatter profits of more massive trucks. Ford no longer makes its Ranger for North America and Chrysler’s Ram brand has shelved plans for a successor to the Dakota. “I can’t believe it. It’s wild. I’m loving it,” said Mark Reuss, GM North America president, with the excitement of a linebacker who just scooped up a fumble and is end zone bound.
Unlike full-size trucks, of which Americans will buy about 1.9 million this year, compact pickups are almost a niche market on pace to sell about 225,000 this year. Dominating the market is the Toyota Tacoma, which has sold 146,724 through November. “We have this diamond — a 150,000-unit annually pickup truck,” and it sells with zero incentives, said Bob Carter, Toyota senior vice president of automotive operations. “Our business hasn’t declined. It’s just that (nearly) everybody has pulled out.” The closest competitor is the Nissan Frontier, with less than 58,000 U.S. sales this year through November. Honda has sold 16,160 Ridgelines.
“The question is whether the segment will continue to be squeezed out by the advances in full-size trucks,” said Reid Bigland, head of Ram trucks. “Or is it a major growth segment?” Chrysler, so far, is betting the segment will shrink. But Jeep chief Mike Manley would love to see the return of a Jeep pickup. “Jeep has a history of pickups. I’m a fan of a pickup,” Manley said. “It’s something a number of people would like to see.” But not enough for Chrysler’s top management to approve a program.
Ford sells the Ranger everywhere but North America. Joe Hinrichs, Ford president of the Americas, said Ford is not re-evaluating its decision to stop selling the Ranger in the U.S. “With our fuel-efficient F-150 we can meet demand,” he said. “We think our strategy is working.” (continued on back)
GM sees an opportunity. Reuss recognizes the risk, but is betting new product will stimulate interest and sales. GM was unveiled a new Chevrolet Colorado last month at the Los Angeles auto show. Sometime in the next year or so it likely will add a ZR2 off-road version. Reuss said there is a lot of opportunity for special editions and accessories. The GMC Canyon, which has not been revealed yet, looks more like a full-size truck, Reuss said. Pricing of the small trucks’ top trim levels will overlap with entry-level full-size trucks. But Reuss said the small truck buyer appreciates its smaller dimensions and driving something almost 1,000 pounds lighter than a Chevy Silverado. Making a smaller, lighter and more fuel-efficient truck also helps GM bring down its corporate average fuel economy to meet regulations on the horizon, Reuss said.
Toyota welcomes the competition. “I actually believe that the Colorado creates more Tacoma business,” Carter said. “I really think some energy into the market is going to help.” The Tacoma was refreshed last year. “I would rather be a little smaller share of a growing segment than a big fat share of a declining segment,” said Bill Fay, Toyota division general manager. Chrysler executives beg to differ. “The vision of a small pickup is easy to understand from a consumer point of view. It’s just hard to execute given how competitive full-size pickups have become,” Bigland said. Resources will focus instead on the full-size Ram lineup. Bigland said the dilemma is that to make a small truck distinctive, it would need to be priced below $20,000 and get more than 30 m.p.g. “When we have half-ton trucks that can get 27 miles to the gallon and be had for the low $20,000s, we are struggling with where that would fit,” Bigland said. “We need to make sure we’re investing in the places where we’re going to get the best return.”
From Automotive News: Despite slow sales, Honda is not giving up on the Ridgeline pickup. Honda Motor Co. said today it will launch an all-new second generation of the Ridgeline within two years. The vehicle will be new from the wheels up and built in Honda’s Lincoln, Ala., plant, home of the current model. Honda plans to end production of the first-generation Ridgeline in June, leaving a gap in production. Depending on demand for the current model, dealers may run out of Ridgelines before the new one is available. But Honda spokesman Steve Kinkade said if that does happen, dealers will not be out of the truck for an extended period of time. Honda did not release any technical details of the new Ridgeline or indicate whether it would remain the same size as the current model. There’s also no word on whether it will continue to be based on the Odyssey minivan platform or get unique underpinnings. The Ridgeline, facing full-size truck competitors from Ram, Ford, GM, Toyota and Nissan, is the segment’s lowest volume seller. Through November, Honda has sold 16,160 Ridgelines, up about 29 percent over last year. The company recently introduced a special edition model for 2014. The U.S. market for smaller pickups may gather momentum after GM unveiled its Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon pickups, said Karl Brauer, senior analyst at Kelley Blue Book. "It's likely Honda sees a potential second coming for the small/midsize truck segment," Brauer said in an e-mail. "And if you consider the potential for economic growth, along with lower gas prices, over the next few years they could be right. Between housing starts rising and more disposable income for 'lifestyle' activities and recreation the demand for compact trucks could grow substantially.
From Chairman Mike Bullock: There is no truth to the rumor that we will be working more than 10 hour shifts today or more than 8 hours Saturday. I have not and would not agree to do this.
Reminder: UAW Legal Services will end Dec. 31 so this is your last opportunity to avail yourself of their assistance free of charge. Services include creating wills and trusts or executors of estates. There are 3 area offices: Lake St. Louis (636-561-2057); St. Ann (314-291-6868); Sunset Hills (800-582-6494). You can also go online for more information at www.uawlsp.com.
From the Detroit Free Press: General Motors has chosen to go bumper-to-bumper with Toyota for what’s left of a compact pickup market Ford and Chrysler have abandoned for the fatter profits of more massive trucks. Ford no longer makes its Ranger for North America and Chrysler’s Ram brand has shelved plans for a successor to the Dakota. “I can’t believe it. It’s wild. I’m loving it,” said Mark Reuss, GM North America president, with the excitement of a linebacker who just scooped up a fumble and is end zone bound.
Unlike full-size trucks, of which Americans will buy about 1.9 million this year, compact pickups are almost a niche market on pace to sell about 225,000 this year. Dominating the market is the Toyota Tacoma, which has sold 146,724 through November. “We have this diamond — a 150,000-unit annually pickup truck,” and it sells with zero incentives, said Bob Carter, Toyota senior vice president of automotive operations. “Our business hasn’t declined. It’s just that (nearly) everybody has pulled out.” The closest competitor is the Nissan Frontier, with less than 58,000 U.S. sales this year through November. Honda has sold 16,160 Ridgelines.
“The question is whether the segment will continue to be squeezed out by the advances in full-size trucks,” said Reid Bigland, head of Ram trucks. “Or is it a major growth segment?” Chrysler, so far, is betting the segment will shrink. But Jeep chief Mike Manley would love to see the return of a Jeep pickup. “Jeep has a history of pickups. I’m a fan of a pickup,” Manley said. “It’s something a number of people would like to see.” But not enough for Chrysler’s top management to approve a program.
Ford sells the Ranger everywhere but North America. Joe Hinrichs, Ford president of the Americas, said Ford is not re-evaluating its decision to stop selling the Ranger in the U.S. “With our fuel-efficient F-150 we can meet demand,” he said. “We think our strategy is working.” (continued on back)
GM sees an opportunity. Reuss recognizes the risk, but is betting new product will stimulate interest and sales. GM was unveiled a new Chevrolet Colorado last month at the Los Angeles auto show. Sometime in the next year or so it likely will add a ZR2 off-road version. Reuss said there is a lot of opportunity for special editions and accessories. The GMC Canyon, which has not been revealed yet, looks more like a full-size truck, Reuss said. Pricing of the small trucks’ top trim levels will overlap with entry-level full-size trucks. But Reuss said the small truck buyer appreciates its smaller dimensions and driving something almost 1,000 pounds lighter than a Chevy Silverado. Making a smaller, lighter and more fuel-efficient truck also helps GM bring down its corporate average fuel economy to meet regulations on the horizon, Reuss said.
Toyota welcomes the competition. “I actually believe that the Colorado creates more Tacoma business,” Carter said. “I really think some energy into the market is going to help.” The Tacoma was refreshed last year. “I would rather be a little smaller share of a growing segment than a big fat share of a declining segment,” said Bill Fay, Toyota division general manager. Chrysler executives beg to differ. “The vision of a small pickup is easy to understand from a consumer point of view. It’s just hard to execute given how competitive full-size pickups have become,” Bigland said. Resources will focus instead on the full-size Ram lineup. Bigland said the dilemma is that to make a small truck distinctive, it would need to be priced below $20,000 and get more than 30 m.p.g. “When we have half-ton trucks that can get 27 miles to the gallon and be had for the low $20,000s, we are struggling with where that would fit,” Bigland said. “We need to make sure we’re investing in the places where we’re going to get the best return.”
From Automotive News: Despite slow sales, Honda is not giving up on the Ridgeline pickup. Honda Motor Co. said today it will launch an all-new second generation of the Ridgeline within two years. The vehicle will be new from the wheels up and built in Honda’s Lincoln, Ala., plant, home of the current model. Honda plans to end production of the first-generation Ridgeline in June, leaving a gap in production. Depending on demand for the current model, dealers may run out of Ridgelines before the new one is available. But Honda spokesman Steve Kinkade said if that does happen, dealers will not be out of the truck for an extended period of time. Honda did not release any technical details of the new Ridgeline or indicate whether it would remain the same size as the current model. There’s also no word on whether it will continue to be based on the Odyssey minivan platform or get unique underpinnings. The Ridgeline, facing full-size truck competitors from Ram, Ford, GM, Toyota and Nissan, is the segment’s lowest volume seller. Through November, Honda has sold 16,160 Ridgelines, up about 29 percent over last year. The company recently introduced a special edition model for 2014. The U.S. market for smaller pickups may gather momentum after GM unveiled its Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon pickups, said Karl Brauer, senior analyst at Kelley Blue Book. "It's likely Honda sees a potential second coming for the small/midsize truck segment," Brauer said in an e-mail. "And if you consider the potential for economic growth, along with lower gas prices, over the next few years they could be right. Between housing starts rising and more disposable income for 'lifestyle' activities and recreation the demand for compact trucks could grow substantially.
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
State of the Union December 10 2013
December 10, 2013 online at www.uawlocal2250.com
• From Chairman Mike Bullock: It has come to the attention of the Union that the Medical Department has been requiring some employees to give urine samples that were not required to do so by the contract. NO employees should give a urine sample without first speaking to their Union Representative or calling 636-327-2250. Any employees who have given a urine sample in the previous six months should contact their Union Representative.
All employees have the right to have their Union Representative present during any interviews with the Plant Doctor. The Union recommends that all employees have their Union Representative present for interviews with the Plant Doctor.
Your elected bargaining committee is participating in a 2 day SWE 2 workshop in the mezzanine. Every team leader and employee here at Wentzville Assembly Center may be going through this training eventually. By going through SWE 2 the committee was able to provide input in changes they wanted in the program before being rolled out to the membership. To clear up the major concern on the floor, your committee has not agreed to rotation. Rotation is voluntary at Wentzville Assembly Center. The language in our local contract says: “The Parties encourage and will support those teams that decide to rotate jobs voluntary. “ (Local Demand 106.)
In case you hadn’t heard, the US Government sold the last of their GM stock Monday. Here are President Barack Obama’s comments: "When I took office, the American auto industry -- the heartbeat of American manufacturing -- was on the verge of collapse. Two of the Big Three -- GM and Chrysler -- were on the brink of failure, threatening to take suppliers, distributors and entire communities down with them. In the midst of what was already the worst recession since the Great Depression, another one million Americans were in danger of losing their jobs.”
"As President, I refused to let that happen. I refused to walk away from American workers and an iconic American industry. But in exchange for rescuing and retooling GM and Chrysler with taxpayer dollars, we demanded responsibility and results. In 2011, we marked the end of an important chapter as Chrysler repaid every dime and more of what it owed the American taxpayers from the investment we made under my Administration's watch. Today, we're closing the book by selling the remaining shares of the federal government's investment in General Motors. GM has now repaid every taxpayer dollar my Administration committed to its rescue, plus billions invested by the previous Administration.”
"Less than five years later, each of the Big Three automakers is now strong enough to stand on its own. They're profitable for the first time in nearly a decade. The industry has added more than 372,000 new jobs -- its strongest growth since the 1990s. Thanks to the workers on our assembly lines, some of the most high-tech, fuel-efficient cars in the world are once again designed, engineered, and built right here in America – and the rest of the world is buying more of them than ever before.”
"When things looked darkest for our most iconic industry, we bet on what was true: the ingenuity and resilience of the proud, hardworking men and women who make this country strong. Today, that bet has paid off. The American auto industry is back. For our autoworkers and the communities that depend on them, the road we've taken these past five years has been a long and difficult one. But it's one we've traveled together. And as long as there's more work to do to restore opportunity and broad-based growth for all Americans, that's what we'll keep doing to reach the brighter days ahead."
A research study issued today by the Center for Automotive Research (CAR) suggests that the automotive bailout provided massive benefits to the U.S. economy and prevented a much more severe economic downturn. The study, “The Effect on the U.S. Economy of the Successful Restructuring of General Motors,” sought to evaluate the public benefits of government assistance to GM and Chrysler. Among the study’s findings:
While CAR projects that much of U.S. auto manufacturing employment would have recovered without U.S. government intervention by 2011 or sometime thereafter, there would have been a decided shift in the location of this employment to the southern portion of the United States resulting in severe effects for upper Midwest states such as Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana.
“It is important to note, that these companies are now poised to operate profitably even at lower levels of production and sales, for years to come,” wrote CAR researchers Sean McAlinden and Debra Maranger Menk. “CAR is confident that in the years ahead, this peacetime intervention in the private sector by the U.S. government will be seen as one of the most successful in U.S. economic history.”
• From Chairman Mike Bullock: It has come to the attention of the Union that the Medical Department has been requiring some employees to give urine samples that were not required to do so by the contract. NO employees should give a urine sample without first speaking to their Union Representative or calling 636-327-2250. Any employees who have given a urine sample in the previous six months should contact their Union Representative.
All employees have the right to have their Union Representative present during any interviews with the Plant Doctor. The Union recommends that all employees have their Union Representative present for interviews with the Plant Doctor.
Your elected bargaining committee is participating in a 2 day SWE 2 workshop in the mezzanine. Every team leader and employee here at Wentzville Assembly Center may be going through this training eventually. By going through SWE 2 the committee was able to provide input in changes they wanted in the program before being rolled out to the membership. To clear up the major concern on the floor, your committee has not agreed to rotation. Rotation is voluntary at Wentzville Assembly Center. The language in our local contract says: “The Parties encourage and will support those teams that decide to rotate jobs voluntary. “ (Local Demand 106.)
In case you hadn’t heard, the US Government sold the last of their GM stock Monday. Here are President Barack Obama’s comments: "When I took office, the American auto industry -- the heartbeat of American manufacturing -- was on the verge of collapse. Two of the Big Three -- GM and Chrysler -- were on the brink of failure, threatening to take suppliers, distributors and entire communities down with them. In the midst of what was already the worst recession since the Great Depression, another one million Americans were in danger of losing their jobs.”
"As President, I refused to let that happen. I refused to walk away from American workers and an iconic American industry. But in exchange for rescuing and retooling GM and Chrysler with taxpayer dollars, we demanded responsibility and results. In 2011, we marked the end of an important chapter as Chrysler repaid every dime and more of what it owed the American taxpayers from the investment we made under my Administration's watch. Today, we're closing the book by selling the remaining shares of the federal government's investment in General Motors. GM has now repaid every taxpayer dollar my Administration committed to its rescue, plus billions invested by the previous Administration.”
"Less than five years later, each of the Big Three automakers is now strong enough to stand on its own. They're profitable for the first time in nearly a decade. The industry has added more than 372,000 new jobs -- its strongest growth since the 1990s. Thanks to the workers on our assembly lines, some of the most high-tech, fuel-efficient cars in the world are once again designed, engineered, and built right here in America – and the rest of the world is buying more of them than ever before.”
"When things looked darkest for our most iconic industry, we bet on what was true: the ingenuity and resilience of the proud, hardworking men and women who make this country strong. Today, that bet has paid off. The American auto industry is back. For our autoworkers and the communities that depend on them, the road we've taken these past five years has been a long and difficult one. But it's one we've traveled together. And as long as there's more work to do to restore opportunity and broad-based growth for all Americans, that's what we'll keep doing to reach the brighter days ahead."
A research study issued today by the Center for Automotive Research (CAR) suggests that the automotive bailout provided massive benefits to the U.S. economy and prevented a much more severe economic downturn. The study, “The Effect on the U.S. Economy of the Successful Restructuring of General Motors,” sought to evaluate the public benefits of government assistance to GM and Chrysler. Among the study’s findings:
- The shutdown of GM and Chrysler would have reduced U.S. employment by 2.6 million jobs in 2009 and reduced U.S. personal income by $285 billion in 2009 and 2010.
- The U.S. government saved or avoided the loss of $105.3 billion in transfer payments and the loss of personal and social insurance tax collections, far more than any anticipated shortfall in TARP investment returns.
- The U.S. government bailout of General Motors spared 1.2 million jobs in 2009 and preserved $39.4 billion in personal and social insurance tax collections in 2009 and 2010.
- Almost 600,000 existing GM and Chrysler retirees would have certainly seen their company pensions delayed and reduced and their retiree health benefits cancelled had GM and Chrysler closed permanently. The economic impact on the retiree states in the Midwest, Arizona and Florida would have been catastrophic.
While CAR projects that much of U.S. auto manufacturing employment would have recovered without U.S. government intervention by 2011 or sometime thereafter, there would have been a decided shift in the location of this employment to the southern portion of the United States resulting in severe effects for upper Midwest states such as Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana.
“It is important to note, that these companies are now poised to operate profitably even at lower levels of production and sales, for years to come,” wrote CAR researchers Sean McAlinden and Debra Maranger Menk. “CAR is confident that in the years ahead, this peacetime intervention in the private sector by the U.S. government will be seen as one of the most successful in U.S. economic history.”
Friday, December 6, 2013
State of the Union December 6, 2013
December 6, 2013 online at www.uawlocal2250.com
• From Chairman Mike Bullock: It has come to the attention of the Union that the Medical Department has been requiring some employees to give urine samples that were not required to do so by the contract. NO employees should give a urine sample without first speaking to their Union Representative or calling 636-327-2250. Any employees who have given a urine sample in the previous six months should contact their Union Representative. All employees have the right to have their Union Representative present during any interviews with the Plant Doctor. The Union recommends that all employees have their Union Representative present for interviews with the Plant Doctor. On a different note, I want to remind everyone about the 2 events at the Union Hall Saturday. First, Santa is at the hall from noon to 2 pm for all your children and grandchildren. Second, the annual Christmas Celebration will kick off at 6:30 pm with dinner served at 7 pm along with music provided by Brother Ken Wikoff from 7 until midnight. And finally, don’t forget today’s annual Chassis Christmas Party after 1st shift at Maggie Malones (990 Wentzville Parkway).
• The annual Pre-Trim Bake Sale is Monday, Dec. 9 beginning at 8 am and continuing until they are sold out. It is located at the team center, column N-32. If you wish to donate baked goods you can drop them off at that team center Monday morning. All donations are appreciated. Proceeds go to support Adopt A Child.
Reminder: This is the last day to buy raffle tickets to support the Women’s Committee.
• November van sales remained steady, up 4.1% but down slightly from October. Here’s how the rest of the segment shook out:
Field supplies as measured by days rose from 60 to 68. Overall net field stock was up 2200 units, with the biggest gains (1740) in cargo vans. Cutaways basically accounted for the rest of the build. Looking at midsize pickups, Toyota sold 12,601 Tacomas, up 2.7% while Nissan sold 6003 Frontiers, up 54.6%.
• UAW statement on the passing of Nelson Mandela: “The UAW deeply mourns the loss of Nelson Mandela, one of the most influential civil rights and social justice leaders of our time. Nelson Mandela demonstrated how commitment to core principles and social justice can change the world. His actions freed millions from the chains of racism. From his humble beginnings to his imprisonment for fighting against the apartheid system in South Africa, Nelson Mandela was an inspiration to the world. It was an incredible honor for the UAW, through the leadership of then-President Owen Bieber, to play a role in supporting Mandela and other anti-apartheid activists in the 1980s. President Bieber traveled to South Africa to support Mandela and other activists, and when Mandela toured the United States in 1990 after his release from prison, he insisted on celebrating with UAW Local 600 in Dearborn, Mich. During that trip, Mandela invited Bieber to be at his side during a rally at Tiger Stadium. Nelson Mandela will be missed by those who believe in civil and human rights for all people. The best way to honor his passing is to continue to work for his ideals. We are committed to doing so.”
General Motors has generated a lot of news the last few days. First, the US Government announced they will be selling their remaining GM shares by the end of the year. Then, CEO Dan Akerson said that GM will no longer sell Chevrolet vehicles (save the occasional Corvette) in Europe, leaving the continent to the established brands of Opel and Vauxhaull. Continuing, a report from IHS Automotive said GM would reduce production in South Korea by nearly 20% by 2015 (GM spokesman Park Hae-ho declined to comment). And finally, a report out of Australia said that GM was ending vehicle production there by 2016 (Ford announced in May that they would close their 2 assembly plants there by 2016). That would spell the end of Holden, supplier of the just-launched Chevrolet SS sedan. Once again, no comment from GM.
From Automotive News: Big tax breaks for many buyers of commercial vehicles are scheduled to expire at year end, so automakers and dealers are scrambling to get the word out to small businesses to buy now. The tax breaks, part of federal stimulus legislation spurred by the recession, dramatically front load the depreciation schedules for many large assets, particularly for vehicles of more than 6,000 pounds, such as heavy-duty pickups. Mitchell Dale, owner of McRee Ford in Dickinson, Texas, said one customer who runs a fleet of about 50 vehicles was scheduled to replace two pickups; instead, he bought seven. "He bought five additional vehicles so he could take advantage of the tax benefits" because his accountant told him to, Dale said. "It is clearly stimulating some business on the commercial side." The tax breaks available this year can mean first-year depreciation of as much as $46,000 on a $60,000 heavy-duty pickup if a customer takes delivery before Dec. 31. The extra depreciation can reduce business tax bills by lowering taxable income.
From the Columbia Daily Herald: United Auto Workers Local 1853 members ratified a new agreement with General Motors that includes adding about 400 jobs at the Spring Hill facility. UAW Local 1853 Chairman Mike Herron said the agreement was approved Wednesday by 63 percent of the membership. There will be 384 new jobs — in addition to the 1,800 jobs announced in August when GM officials revealed Spring Hill’s facility would produce two new vehicles by 2016. UAW and GM officials have been tight-lipped about which new vehicles would be made at the local plant. When those new jobs would be added remains unknown and is GM’s decision, Herron said. “When GM feels that the timing is right from the overall product portfolio strategy standpoint in terms of making the announcement to the public, they will go ahead and make the announcement of the specific products,” Herron said. “I’m not sure when it’s going to be. The specific product announcement, we hope, is forthcoming in the very near future.”
• From Chairman Mike Bullock: It has come to the attention of the Union that the Medical Department has been requiring some employees to give urine samples that were not required to do so by the contract. NO employees should give a urine sample without first speaking to their Union Representative or calling 636-327-2250. Any employees who have given a urine sample in the previous six months should contact their Union Representative. All employees have the right to have their Union Representative present during any interviews with the Plant Doctor. The Union recommends that all employees have their Union Representative present for interviews with the Plant Doctor. On a different note, I want to remind everyone about the 2 events at the Union Hall Saturday. First, Santa is at the hall from noon to 2 pm for all your children and grandchildren. Second, the annual Christmas Celebration will kick off at 6:30 pm with dinner served at 7 pm along with music provided by Brother Ken Wikoff from 7 until midnight. And finally, don’t forget today’s annual Chassis Christmas Party after 1st shift at Maggie Malones (990 Wentzville Parkway).
• The annual Pre-Trim Bake Sale is Monday, Dec. 9 beginning at 8 am and continuing until they are sold out. It is located at the team center, column N-32. If you wish to donate baked goods you can drop them off at that team center Monday morning. All donations are appreciated. Proceeds go to support Adopt A Child.
Reminder: This is the last day to buy raffle tickets to support the Women’s Committee.
• November van sales remained steady, up 4.1% but down slightly from October. Here’s how the rest of the segment shook out:
| 2013 | 2012 | Change | Share | |
| Ford Econoline | 10,145 | 8400 | +20.8% | 47.7% |
| GM | 7,311 | 7021 | +4.1% | 34.3% |
| Mercedes Sprinter | 2010 | 1630 | +23.3% | 9.4% |
| Nissan NV | 990 | 1042 | -5.0% | 4.7% |
| Ram Promaster | 828 | ---- | ---- | 3.9% |
| Ford Transit Connect | 2303 | 2853 | -19.3% | ---- |
| Nissan NV200 | 621 | ---- | ---- | ---- |
Field supplies as measured by days rose from 60 to 68. Overall net field stock was up 2200 units, with the biggest gains (1740) in cargo vans. Cutaways basically accounted for the rest of the build. Looking at midsize pickups, Toyota sold 12,601 Tacomas, up 2.7% while Nissan sold 6003 Frontiers, up 54.6%.
• UAW statement on the passing of Nelson Mandela: “The UAW deeply mourns the loss of Nelson Mandela, one of the most influential civil rights and social justice leaders of our time. Nelson Mandela demonstrated how commitment to core principles and social justice can change the world. His actions freed millions from the chains of racism. From his humble beginnings to his imprisonment for fighting against the apartheid system in South Africa, Nelson Mandela was an inspiration to the world. It was an incredible honor for the UAW, through the leadership of then-President Owen Bieber, to play a role in supporting Mandela and other anti-apartheid activists in the 1980s. President Bieber traveled to South Africa to support Mandela and other activists, and when Mandela toured the United States in 1990 after his release from prison, he insisted on celebrating with UAW Local 600 in Dearborn, Mich. During that trip, Mandela invited Bieber to be at his side during a rally at Tiger Stadium. Nelson Mandela will be missed by those who believe in civil and human rights for all people. The best way to honor his passing is to continue to work for his ideals. We are committed to doing so.”
General Motors has generated a lot of news the last few days. First, the US Government announced they will be selling their remaining GM shares by the end of the year. Then, CEO Dan Akerson said that GM will no longer sell Chevrolet vehicles (save the occasional Corvette) in Europe, leaving the continent to the established brands of Opel and Vauxhaull. Continuing, a report from IHS Automotive said GM would reduce production in South Korea by nearly 20% by 2015 (GM spokesman Park Hae-ho declined to comment). And finally, a report out of Australia said that GM was ending vehicle production there by 2016 (Ford announced in May that they would close their 2 assembly plants there by 2016). That would spell the end of Holden, supplier of the just-launched Chevrolet SS sedan. Once again, no comment from GM.
From Automotive News: Big tax breaks for many buyers of commercial vehicles are scheduled to expire at year end, so automakers and dealers are scrambling to get the word out to small businesses to buy now. The tax breaks, part of federal stimulus legislation spurred by the recession, dramatically front load the depreciation schedules for many large assets, particularly for vehicles of more than 6,000 pounds, such as heavy-duty pickups. Mitchell Dale, owner of McRee Ford in Dickinson, Texas, said one customer who runs a fleet of about 50 vehicles was scheduled to replace two pickups; instead, he bought seven. "He bought five additional vehicles so he could take advantage of the tax benefits" because his accountant told him to, Dale said. "It is clearly stimulating some business on the commercial side." The tax breaks available this year can mean first-year depreciation of as much as $46,000 on a $60,000 heavy-duty pickup if a customer takes delivery before Dec. 31. The extra depreciation can reduce business tax bills by lowering taxable income.
From the Columbia Daily Herald: United Auto Workers Local 1853 members ratified a new agreement with General Motors that includes adding about 400 jobs at the Spring Hill facility. UAW Local 1853 Chairman Mike Herron said the agreement was approved Wednesday by 63 percent of the membership. There will be 384 new jobs — in addition to the 1,800 jobs announced in August when GM officials revealed Spring Hill’s facility would produce two new vehicles by 2016. UAW and GM officials have been tight-lipped about which new vehicles would be made at the local plant. When those new jobs would be added remains unknown and is GM’s decision, Herron said. “When GM feels that the timing is right from the overall product portfolio strategy standpoint in terms of making the announcement to the public, they will go ahead and make the announcement of the specific products,” Herron said. “I’m not sure when it’s going to be. The specific product announcement, we hope, is forthcoming in the very near future.”
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
State of the Union December 3 2013
December 3, 2013 online at www.uawlocal2250.com
This Saturday, Dec. 7, is a big day at the Union Hall. First, from noon to 2 pm Santa Claus will be at the hall to meet with future members of the UAW. There will be hot dogs, popcorn and soda. Bring your children and grandchildren and don’t forget your cameras. Then the annual Christmas Celebration will be that evening. Doors open at 6:30 pm with dinner served at 7 pm. Snacks, beer and setups will be provided and there will be music by member Ken Wikoff from 7 pm to 11 pm. Make plans to share some fellowship with your Union brothers and sisters.
The Women’s Committee is selling raffle tickets to raise money for their many activities. First prize is a “Million Dollar Board” of lottery scratch-off tickets. Second prize is a $50 gas card and 3rd prize is a mystery basket. Tickets are $1 apiece or 6 for $5 and can be bought from any committee member. Drawing will be Saturday, Dec. 7 at the Christmas party at the Union Hall. Thanks for your support.
Three questions with UAW President Bob King:
Question: In Chattanooga, the UAW is making progress in talks with Volkswagen and its workers for a German-style works council. Can a German style works council really be an effective structure in the U.S.?
Answer: “I would say yes, it definitely can work … it is not that different than what we have bargained with the auto companies. Just look at all of the joint programs we have with management and leadership on quality and productivity and training. There are 13 or 14 areas of our agreement where we jointly run programs together.”
Q: Your approach with Nissan has been very different than at Volkswagen. You have enlisted community and global allies to put public pressure on Nissan. Do you believe that public pressure will lead to an organizing success?
A. “There has been a tremendous outpouring of support from all over the world … .I think the global pressure builds every day at Nissan to respect workers’ rights…I think that we will be successful.”
Q. As you get closer toward the end of your tenure, what do you hope your legacy will be as UAW president?
A. “You know, I ever really have thought about it in terms of legacy. I just thought about can we collectively move forward with the best possible wages, benefits and security for our membership. And I think we have been innovative and creative as a whole team.
We’ve won some significant victories organizing in the South where people say workers don’t want unions, and we’ve done gaming organizing and continued with higher organizing. As a result of the 2011 Big Three bargaining, the amount of income that will be generated for our membership is maybe greater than any contract we have negotiated in the past. . So I think we have moved the union forward in a number of areas, including organizing, political and bargaining.”
General Motors Co. dealers delivered 212,060 vehicles in the United States in November, up 14 percent versus a year ago and the highest November sales in six years. Retail sales were up 19 percent and fleet sales were down 3 percent. “November sales were strong at all four of our brands, and demand was robust for everything from cars to crossovers to the industry’s newest and best full-size pickups,” said Kurt McNeil, vice president, U.S. sales operations. “The sheer number of award winning new models we have helped us grow faster than the industry for the second month in a row.” GM’s product momentum will continue unabated. For example, the all-new 2014 Cadillac CTS, which is building availability, was recently named Motor Trend’s Car of the Year, an Automobile Magazine “All Star” and one of Car and Driver’s 10 Best cars. Cadillac will also launch an all-new Escalade and the ELR in early 2014. In addition, Chevrolet and GMC are launching all-new heavy-duty pickups and large SUVs in the first quarter. Chevrolet also unveiled the Colorado, its new, highly acclaimed midsize pickup, at the Los Angeles International Auto Show. The Colorado goes on sale in the fall of 2014.
November Sales Highlights (vs. 2012)
o Chevrolet sales were up 13 percent and retail deliveries were up 20 percent.
o Sales of Chevrolet cars increased 19 percent, with Malibu up 41 percent, Volt up 26 percent, Impala up 20 percent and Camaro up 14 percent. Retail deliveries of the Cruze were up 39 percent and Impala more than doubled.
o The Chevrolet Cruze, Equinox and Volt had their best November sales ever.
o Sales of the Chevrolet Tahoe were up 23 percent, the Traverse was up 21 percent and the Silverado was up 12 percent.
o GMC sales were up 20 percent, with the Sierra up 22 percent and the Acadia crossover up 108 percent, which keeps it on track for its best year ever.
o Small business sales were up 38 percent, including a 76-percent increase in pickup deliveries. Commercial fleet deliveries increased 18 percent.
o Van sales came in at 7311, up 4.1% over last November
o Buick deliveries increased 13 percent and the brand is on track for its best year since 2005. November was Buick’s 19th consecutive month of year-over-year retail sales growth.
o Cadillac sales increased 11 percent and retail sales have grown in each of the past 18 months, driven by the success of the new XTS and ATS.
“We feel good about the direction of the economy and our own momentum,” McNeil said. “The economy is creating jobs and household wealth. Energy costs are dropping and credit is available and affordable. All of this bodes well for future growth.”
Here is what some auto industry observers are saying about the Colorado:
o Mark Phelan (Detroit Free Press): “The Colorado looks terrific, and its crew cab four-door model should offer more passenger space than many midsize sedans. If GM pairs those factors with good fuel economy and an attractive price, it could be onto something.”
o Edmunds.com senior analyst Michelle Krebs: “It’s probably not a huge market, but Toyota’s done extremely well with the Tacoma. The Colorado and Canyon are an interesting play. They could do well for GM….The pricing will be key. People are willing to pay more for well-equipped small cars today than in the past. That may be true for trucks, too.”
o IHS automotive analyst Stephanie Brinley: “The average pickup on the road today is more than 11 years old. A lot of people who have been out of the market since the recession may be willing to consider a smaller pickup.”
Tom Brune, President
This Saturday, Dec. 7, is a big day at the Union Hall. First, from noon to 2 pm Santa Claus will be at the hall to meet with future members of the UAW. There will be hot dogs, popcorn and soda. Bring your children and grandchildren and don’t forget your cameras. Then the annual Christmas Celebration will be that evening. Doors open at 6:30 pm with dinner served at 7 pm. Snacks, beer and setups will be provided and there will be music by member Ken Wikoff from 7 pm to 11 pm. Make plans to share some fellowship with your Union brothers and sisters.
The Women’s Committee is selling raffle tickets to raise money for their many activities. First prize is a “Million Dollar Board” of lottery scratch-off tickets. Second prize is a $50 gas card and 3rd prize is a mystery basket. Tickets are $1 apiece or 6 for $5 and can be bought from any committee member. Drawing will be Saturday, Dec. 7 at the Christmas party at the Union Hall. Thanks for your support.
Three questions with UAW President Bob King:
Question: In Chattanooga, the UAW is making progress in talks with Volkswagen and its workers for a German-style works council. Can a German style works council really be an effective structure in the U.S.?
Answer: “I would say yes, it definitely can work … it is not that different than what we have bargained with the auto companies. Just look at all of the joint programs we have with management and leadership on quality and productivity and training. There are 13 or 14 areas of our agreement where we jointly run programs together.”
Q: Your approach with Nissan has been very different than at Volkswagen. You have enlisted community and global allies to put public pressure on Nissan. Do you believe that public pressure will lead to an organizing success?
A. “There has been a tremendous outpouring of support from all over the world … .I think the global pressure builds every day at Nissan to respect workers’ rights…I think that we will be successful.”
Q. As you get closer toward the end of your tenure, what do you hope your legacy will be as UAW president?
A. “You know, I ever really have thought about it in terms of legacy. I just thought about can we collectively move forward with the best possible wages, benefits and security for our membership. And I think we have been innovative and creative as a whole team.
We’ve won some significant victories organizing in the South where people say workers don’t want unions, and we’ve done gaming organizing and continued with higher organizing. As a result of the 2011 Big Three bargaining, the amount of income that will be generated for our membership is maybe greater than any contract we have negotiated in the past. . So I think we have moved the union forward in a number of areas, including organizing, political and bargaining.”
General Motors Co. dealers delivered 212,060 vehicles in the United States in November, up 14 percent versus a year ago and the highest November sales in six years. Retail sales were up 19 percent and fleet sales were down 3 percent. “November sales were strong at all four of our brands, and demand was robust for everything from cars to crossovers to the industry’s newest and best full-size pickups,” said Kurt McNeil, vice president, U.S. sales operations. “The sheer number of award winning new models we have helped us grow faster than the industry for the second month in a row.” GM’s product momentum will continue unabated. For example, the all-new 2014 Cadillac CTS, which is building availability, was recently named Motor Trend’s Car of the Year, an Automobile Magazine “All Star” and one of Car and Driver’s 10 Best cars. Cadillac will also launch an all-new Escalade and the ELR in early 2014. In addition, Chevrolet and GMC are launching all-new heavy-duty pickups and large SUVs in the first quarter. Chevrolet also unveiled the Colorado, its new, highly acclaimed midsize pickup, at the Los Angeles International Auto Show. The Colorado goes on sale in the fall of 2014.
November Sales Highlights (vs. 2012)
o Chevrolet sales were up 13 percent and retail deliveries were up 20 percent.
o Sales of Chevrolet cars increased 19 percent, with Malibu up 41 percent, Volt up 26 percent, Impala up 20 percent and Camaro up 14 percent. Retail deliveries of the Cruze were up 39 percent and Impala more than doubled.
o The Chevrolet Cruze, Equinox and Volt had their best November sales ever.
o Sales of the Chevrolet Tahoe were up 23 percent, the Traverse was up 21 percent and the Silverado was up 12 percent.
o GMC sales were up 20 percent, with the Sierra up 22 percent and the Acadia crossover up 108 percent, which keeps it on track for its best year ever.
o Small business sales were up 38 percent, including a 76-percent increase in pickup deliveries. Commercial fleet deliveries increased 18 percent.
o Van sales came in at 7311, up 4.1% over last November
o Buick deliveries increased 13 percent and the brand is on track for its best year since 2005. November was Buick’s 19th consecutive month of year-over-year retail sales growth.
o Cadillac sales increased 11 percent and retail sales have grown in each of the past 18 months, driven by the success of the new XTS and ATS.
“We feel good about the direction of the economy and our own momentum,” McNeil said. “The economy is creating jobs and household wealth. Energy costs are dropping and credit is available and affordable. All of this bodes well for future growth.”
Here is what some auto industry observers are saying about the Colorado:
o Mark Phelan (Detroit Free Press): “The Colorado looks terrific, and its crew cab four-door model should offer more passenger space than many midsize sedans. If GM pairs those factors with good fuel economy and an attractive price, it could be onto something.”
o Edmunds.com senior analyst Michelle Krebs: “It’s probably not a huge market, but Toyota’s done extremely well with the Tacoma. The Colorado and Canyon are an interesting play. They could do well for GM….The pricing will be key. People are willing to pay more for well-equipped small cars today than in the past. That may be true for trucks, too.”
o IHS automotive analyst Stephanie Brinley: “The average pickup on the road today is more than 11 years old. A lot of people who have been out of the market since the recession may be willing to consider a smaller pickup.”
Tom Brune, President
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