• From Chairman Mike Bullock: Management announced last week the operating hours for Wentzville Assembly Center when we go to three shifts. A start date of 3rd shift has not yet been finalized, but will be late in 1st quarter of 2015.
A ‘Special Application” for Shift Preference/63b transfers will tentatively be distributed November 12 to all employees. A 63b transfer is a transfer to a different classification in the plant than what you currently have, it could be in the same department or in a different department. There will be 19 different classifications available to choose from. Keep in mind if choosing a different classification it may not be available on the shift you chose. Special applications for 63b transfers and shift preferences were distributed in Paint and Body last week. We started with Paint and Body because of the long lead time necessary to train on some operations in Paint and Body.
All employees who will have seniority by December 23, 2014 are eligible to apply for a Shift Preference and Par. 63b transfer. Almost all classifications in the plant will be open for bid. The repair openings in Final Process were bid 30 days ago and filled, but there are additional openings for Utility Roll Test and Utility Drivers. The number of openings in each classification is on the back of the application next to the classification. When bidding on a classification keep in mind a shift cannot be guaranteed. Indicate on the application in priority order (1,2,3) which classification you want to transfer to, however the shift cannot be guaranteed. If your seniority will get you to the shift you prefer, it will be granted, otherwise you will go to your next priority preference. All 63b openings will be filled by those applicants wanting to change classification in seniority order.
Shift preferences are also on this application. If you wish to stay in your current department and classification you can request a change in shift on this application. If you want to go to a different classification and shift, indicate that on the special application. Those wishing to go to 3rd shift in the same department and classification will be offered those openings in seniority order before the 63b’s are offered. Again a shift cannot be guaranteed, only if your seniority will get you to an opening, and can hold the shift with your seniority date.
On both 63b transfers and shift preferences, indicate your choice by priority, i.e. 1, 2, 3. An employee’s shift choice will take priority over a classification change. For example, an employee puts in for Material and Quality. Their shift priority is 1st shift first, 3rd shift second, 2nd shift third. His/Her seniority will hold 1st shift in Material but not Quality, he/she will have their transfer to Material honored.
- Shift preferences honored will be locked in until August 10, 2015
- Par. 63b transfers honored will be locked in until August 10, 2015
- Shift preference applications will be frozen from November 19th until April 1, 2015.
- If you have shift referenced since May 19th, you are ineligible to shift preference until after April 1, 2015
- If you have moved per Par. 63b since May 19th you are ineligible to apply for a Par. 63b transfer until after November 19th.
- Job selection on 3rd shift is by seniority, you cannot follow your job from 1st shift or 2nd shift to 3rd shift., unless seniority permits.
- Time limits on Par. 63b transfers, Primary bids, secondary bids, and shift preferences have been suspended
- When an employee’s shift preference application is honored under these provisions it is ounderstood that it will be to the shift of the employee’s choice, without refusal, provided the employee would otherwise be eligible for such shift in the new classification and/or department under the terms of the Local Shift Preference Agreement.
- Some manpower moves may be made out of line of seniority, all attempts will be made so as no employee is disadvantaged.
• The following rules have been established for this special application per Document 70 of the National Agreement:
• Happy Veterans Day to all of our veterans here! Nearly 1000 past and current employees here are veterans. They all deserve our respect and gratitude for their service to our country. Our Veterans Day observance will be Friday, Nov. 14. Thursday Nov. 13 is a holiday pay qualifying day and a VR blackout day. Monday Nov. 17 is a VR blackout day.
• Reminder: The deadline for non-seniority employees and non-GM people to submit requests for information and qualify for the random drawing for the Apprentice Program is this Friday, Nov. 14. All requests must be postmarked by then.
• There will be a Civil Rights Committee meeting Wednesday, Nov. 12 between shifts in the cafeteria. There will be a Community Services Committee meeting Thursday, Nov. 13 between shifts in the cafeteria. There will also be a Veterans Committee meeting Thursday, Nov. 13 between shifts at the Union Hall. Anyone wishing to attend any of these meetings is welcome.
• The “Poppy Drive” to support Veteran’s activities is off to a great start - $2335 was collected at the first shift gate drive! Thanks to everyone who gave so generously
• From the Women’s Committee: Thanks to everyone who donated or purchased items at the bake sale yesterday. We collected over $1000 for Habitat for Humanity – the largest sum ever for a bake sale! We still need donations of baskets or items for a basket. You can bring them to the Suggestions office. Thanks for all your support.
• From UAW President Dennis Williams: I want to thank all the members of the UAW who took the time to go vote last week. Our union has faced many challenges over the past several years and we will face many more in the future and voting is the surest way to change the environment in our states and nation. The stark fact that so many others stayed home and did not vote is a reflection that too many Americans are being left out of an economy that promotes the success of a few, while leaving the rest of us behind. While the Republicans now have gained control of the U.S. Senate and House they also have gained responsibility for representing all Americans, not just the wealthiest among us, but also those who spoke through their silence last Tuesday. If not, they misread the Election returns and will pay a price in 2016 as the loudest voice this election was the silence of many frustrated voters who stayed home. For those of you who volunteered, did GOTV (get out the vote), knocked on doors, dropped leaflets and did tireless work a special thank you and please don't be discouraged. For every valley there is a mountaintop. See you there in 2016!
Tom Brune
UAW Communications Coordinator
Wentzville Assembly
636-327-2119
