Our fascination with trucks is hardwired into our DNA. Trucks take you places. We’re not just talking about places on a map, we’re talking about places deep inside you. With one turn of a key, a truck changes you. You sit differently, you walk differently. And suddenly the world is different. Suddenly the world is yours for the taking.
On Super Bowl Sunday, we show the world why. In a big way. And on the biggest stage.
With 100 million people hanging on every second of the broadcast, we have a never-before-attempted surprise right before kickoff. This is truly innovative, disruptive and most certainly: ingenious. The spots running pre- and post-game are new edits of our Focus Group work (already over 3 MM views on Youtube); “Focus Group” – “Rugged,” “Sexier,” “Pets.” We’ll also run the 45/15 of “Theme Song.” All of the spots are a part of the Colorado’s “You Know You Want a Truck” campaign. You will see Colorado mentions throughout the game – it’s also the first time a nameplate owns the Post Game. At the conclusion, the Super Bowl Most Valuable Player also will receive an all-new 2015 Chevrolet Colorado.
We’ve Found New Roads and each and every one of you have helped pave those along the way. Be proud. Perceptions are sure to be shattered.
Be sure to tune in for the pre-game show to enjoy Chevrolet’s content. Share the spots with your friends and family on social media. Follow @ChevyTrucks on Twitter, Chevy Trucks on Facebook and #ChevyColorado to learn more.
See the NEW Focus Group Work
Brian Sweeney
Vice President, Chevrolet
Paul Edwards
Vice President, Chevrolet Marketing
Friday, January 30, 2015
Thursday, January 29, 2015
State of the Union January 27, 2015
January 27, 2015 online at www.uawlocal2250.com
• From Chairman Mike Bullock: The Shop Committee and myself went to the Sub Council meeting last week. Sub Council consists of all the Chairman, Presidents, and Shop Committeeman from all GM locations. All resolutions submitted to the council were read and approved by the council to send forward to the bargaining table at the National Negotiations. The Division 1 Resolutions submitted covered additions or changes to 35 Paragraphs, 13 documents and 4 appendixes of the National Agreement. The Division 2 resolutions were all accepted also.
Last week 10 temps quit and one was released. I was told that someone had posted on Facebook that 45 were fired and 20 walked. I believe irresponsible postings like that do nothing but harm to our Union. Before any temp is released, a member of the Union is involved with the employee and labor. Most of the time, some counseling is all that is required to return the temp to the line. But to say that 45 were fired makes everyone believe that we as a Union are letting that happen. That is far from the case. A temp is still our brother or sister. In most cases that temp is a referral from someone who works here. That employee is expecting us as Union members to guide and assist their referral in working here at Wentzville. Open your arms and your mind and do that. Share with the temp all the knowledge you have gained while working here. United we win.
I have had long discussions with management about temporary employees going to medical. We are in agreement, that if an employee has a work related injury they should report it immediately to their Group Leader. This goes for all employees, seniority or temporary. The Group Leader will give you a pass to go to medical for treatment of that injury. This reporting helps in several ways. If the injury could have been prevented, a near miss report would be generated, an immediate corrective action is put in place and a long term corrective action is formulated. If in the case of a repetitive injury, the Group Leader should initiate a QRP ( Quick Response Program) to Ergonomics and give the employee a pass to medical. Management and the Union are in agreement to this.
Management has announced that the 6th and final Saturday under Plan B of the MOU on Overtime will be February 21. Again to quiet all the Facebook posts, February 7th is not scheduled, February 14th is not scheduled, February 21st is scheduled.
Finally, the shop committee and myself are still discussing options for shift times, lunches and breaks for when we start 3 separate shifts on March 9th. The shift times for February are on the back. If you have any questions contact your committee person.
Under current conditions we are planning that effective February 9, 2015 we will begin transitioning to the new shift arrangement and hours. It is anticipated that we will be running 10 hour shifts through February and during this time all shifts will have a Monday start (except those currently starting on Sunday). The start times will change throughout the month of February as detailed below for production (Division 1) employees. Exceptions will be handled on an individual basis. February 9, 2015
1st shift 6:30 am – 5 pm
2nd shift 4:00 pm – 2:30 am
3rd shift 6:00 pm – 4:30 am
February 16, 2015
1st shift 6:30 am – 5 pm
2nd shift 4:00 pm – 2:30 am
3rd shift 8:00 pm – 6:30 am
February 23, 2015 1st shift 6:30 am – 5 pm
2nd shift 2:30 pm – 1 am
3rd shift 10:30 pm – 9 am
• There will be a Community Services committee meeting Thursday, Jan. 29 between shifts in the cafeteria. All are welcome to attend.
• It is almost February and that means the annual Polar Bear Plunge for Missouri Special Olympics is just around the corner. Once again our own David Hurst will be taking the plunge. You may recall that David, after narrowly missing out his first year, was last year’s top individual fundraiser, collecting $5400. Most of that was due to your generosity at the gate drive. This year we will again have a gate drive to support Missouri Special Olympics and David has set an ambitious goal of $7500. The gate drive will be this Friday, Jan. 30 before the shifts. We know that you will be generous in your support. You can also go to David’s web page to make a donation by going to www.somo/PolarPlunge and scroll down to the Lake St. Louis picture. Click on that and select “donate to a participant”. Enter David Hurst in the box and it will take you to his page. The plunge will be Saturday, Feb. 7 at Lake St. Louise (the smaller lake). If you wish to plunge with David contact Tom Brune at x2119 (serious plungers only please).
• Kelley Blue Book recently released their top 10 vehicles with the best resale value after a 5-year period. Keep in mind this covers all vehicles, from luxury cars to pickups to compact cars. Coming in at #4 was the Chevrolet Colorado, which is projected to retain 58.3% of its value after 5 years. It is also the highest rated GM vehicle. At #5 is the GMC Canyon, which is expected to retain 57.5% of its original value. The GMC Sierra was 6th (55.6%) and the Chevrolet Silverado was 7th (54.7%). This is one of the most important 3rd party views of our product, as customers will tend to choose the vehicle with the highest resale value. It also allows GM to offer more attractive lease rates because the value of the vehicle when it comes off lease will be higher.
Tom Brune
UAW Communications Coordinator
Wentzville Assembly
636-327-2119
• From Chairman Mike Bullock: The Shop Committee and myself went to the Sub Council meeting last week. Sub Council consists of all the Chairman, Presidents, and Shop Committeeman from all GM locations. All resolutions submitted to the council were read and approved by the council to send forward to the bargaining table at the National Negotiations. The Division 1 Resolutions submitted covered additions or changes to 35 Paragraphs, 13 documents and 4 appendixes of the National Agreement. The Division 2 resolutions were all accepted also.
Last week 10 temps quit and one was released. I was told that someone had posted on Facebook that 45 were fired and 20 walked. I believe irresponsible postings like that do nothing but harm to our Union. Before any temp is released, a member of the Union is involved with the employee and labor. Most of the time, some counseling is all that is required to return the temp to the line. But to say that 45 were fired makes everyone believe that we as a Union are letting that happen. That is far from the case. A temp is still our brother or sister. In most cases that temp is a referral from someone who works here. That employee is expecting us as Union members to guide and assist their referral in working here at Wentzville. Open your arms and your mind and do that. Share with the temp all the knowledge you have gained while working here. United we win.
I have had long discussions with management about temporary employees going to medical. We are in agreement, that if an employee has a work related injury they should report it immediately to their Group Leader. This goes for all employees, seniority or temporary. The Group Leader will give you a pass to go to medical for treatment of that injury. This reporting helps in several ways. If the injury could have been prevented, a near miss report would be generated, an immediate corrective action is put in place and a long term corrective action is formulated. If in the case of a repetitive injury, the Group Leader should initiate a QRP ( Quick Response Program) to Ergonomics and give the employee a pass to medical. Management and the Union are in agreement to this.
Management has announced that the 6th and final Saturday under Plan B of the MOU on Overtime will be February 21. Again to quiet all the Facebook posts, February 7th is not scheduled, February 14th is not scheduled, February 21st is scheduled.
Finally, the shop committee and myself are still discussing options for shift times, lunches and breaks for when we start 3 separate shifts on March 9th. The shift times for February are on the back. If you have any questions contact your committee person.
Under current conditions we are planning that effective February 9, 2015 we will begin transitioning to the new shift arrangement and hours. It is anticipated that we will be running 10 hour shifts through February and during this time all shifts will have a Monday start (except those currently starting on Sunday). The start times will change throughout the month of February as detailed below for production (Division 1) employees. Exceptions will be handled on an individual basis. February 9, 2015
1st shift 6:30 am – 5 pm
2nd shift 4:00 pm – 2:30 am
3rd shift 6:00 pm – 4:30 am
February 16, 2015
1st shift 6:30 am – 5 pm
2nd shift 4:00 pm – 2:30 am
3rd shift 8:00 pm – 6:30 am
February 23, 2015 1st shift 6:30 am – 5 pm
2nd shift 2:30 pm – 1 am
3rd shift 10:30 pm – 9 am
• There will be a Community Services committee meeting Thursday, Jan. 29 between shifts in the cafeteria. All are welcome to attend.
• It is almost February and that means the annual Polar Bear Plunge for Missouri Special Olympics is just around the corner. Once again our own David Hurst will be taking the plunge. You may recall that David, after narrowly missing out his first year, was last year’s top individual fundraiser, collecting $5400. Most of that was due to your generosity at the gate drive. This year we will again have a gate drive to support Missouri Special Olympics and David has set an ambitious goal of $7500. The gate drive will be this Friday, Jan. 30 before the shifts. We know that you will be generous in your support. You can also go to David’s web page to make a donation by going to www.somo/PolarPlunge and scroll down to the Lake St. Louis picture. Click on that and select “donate to a participant”. Enter David Hurst in the box and it will take you to his page. The plunge will be Saturday, Feb. 7 at Lake St. Louise (the smaller lake). If you wish to plunge with David contact Tom Brune at x2119 (serious plungers only please).
• Kelley Blue Book recently released their top 10 vehicles with the best resale value after a 5-year period. Keep in mind this covers all vehicles, from luxury cars to pickups to compact cars. Coming in at #4 was the Chevrolet Colorado, which is projected to retain 58.3% of its value after 5 years. It is also the highest rated GM vehicle. At #5 is the GMC Canyon, which is expected to retain 57.5% of its original value. The GMC Sierra was 6th (55.6%) and the Chevrolet Silverado was 7th (54.7%). This is one of the most important 3rd party views of our product, as customers will tend to choose the vehicle with the highest resale value. It also allows GM to offer more attractive lease rates because the value of the vehicle when it comes off lease will be higher.
Tom Brune
UAW Communications Coordinator
Wentzville Assembly
636-327-2119
State of the Union January 29, 2015
January 29, 2015 online at www.uawlocal2250.com
• Reminder: Tomorrow is the gate drive to support Missouri Special Olympics and David Hurst, who will once again do the Polar Bear Plunge. He has set an ambitious goal of $7500 and intends to repeat as the top individual fundraiser. We know that you will be generous in your support. You can also go to David’s web page to make a donation by going to PolarPlunge and scroll down to the Lake St. Louis picture. Click on that and select “donate to a participant”. Enter David Hurst in the box and it will take you to his page. The plunge will be Saturday, Feb. 7 at Lake St. Louise (the smaller lake). If you wish to plunge with David contact Tom Brune at x2119 (serious plungers only please).
• Ford reported 4th quarter and full year earnings today. We’ll cut to the chase and tell you that North American profits for the full year were $6.9 billion, which equals $6900 in profit sharing under their formula. This is a 22% decrease from last year’s payout of $8800 as sales fell and expenses increased, ostensibly due to the launch of the F-150 and the downtime associated with it. In particular, their 4th quarter was below expectations despite claims of the launch being ahead of schedule, trucks are flying off the lots, pricing is “very, very strong” etc.
• Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) also reported earnings, yesterday. Results for jsut Chrysler in North America, which drives their profit sharing, were not broken out, but overall FCA profits in NA for the year were 1.647 billion euros (about $1.85 billion). That was down 643 billion euros ($725 million) from 2013, despite big sales increases for Ram pickups and all things Jeep. But you’ve probably noticed some of the huge incentives FCA is using to push the metal, especially on the Ram pickup. Profit margin in NAFTA was a meager 3.1% (for GM last quarter is was 9.6%). On top of that, the Detroit Free Press reports that over 42% of FCA workers UAW workers are tier 2.
• From the Wall Street Journal: GM is considering adding a rugged SUV to its GMC brand in an effort to compete with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV’s Jeep Wrangler, according to several people briefed on the matter. The move, discussed with dealers, would expand a GMC brand that is considered to be the strongest of GM’s four U.S. brands. In the discussion with dealers, GM executives said the new product would borrow cues and capability from a Hummer brand that appealed to off-road enthusiasts but went by the wayside amid GM’s financial crisis in 2009 and waning support for vehicles perceived as gas guzzlers. The U.S. market has seen a revival in SUV demand in recent years as models get more fuel efficient and the economy stabilizes. With gasoline prices near $2 per gallon, that demand has accelerated.
• While GM has multiple SUVs in its lineup, including a popular set of full-size models, it doesn't have an offering suitable for competing with Jeep’s popular Wrangler. Wrangler sales have sizzled in recent years, growing 13% to 175,000 in 2014. GM hasn’t given the new unnamed model the green light yet and plans are still in the discussion phase, these people said. GM tapped dealers for feedback and to evaluate the market viability for such a vehicle. GM spokesman Brian Goebel declined to comment on the vehicle. However, he added that GMC’s U.S. Chief Duncan Aldred has been vocal on the need to capitalize on the brand’s growing momentum by expanding and strengthening its portfolio. “The idea is being kicked around real hard,” said one person briefed on the plan, noting that GM is looking at success of the Wrangler, some of which are fetching more than $50,000 new. Wranglers enjoy some of the highest resale values in the market.
• Edmunds is putting a long-term Colorado through its paces as they drive and evaluate it. Here are some of the comments from various editors:
Do you really need more capability from your truck than the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado provides? Do you need a 5- or 6-passenger cabin capacity for your family? Do you need to tow more than 7,000 pounds? Do you need a bed bigger than the Colorado's? And most importantly, do you need them on a regular basis. Sure, there's a $9,500 incentive on the Silverado at the moment (December) and such discounts are hardly uncommon, but nevertheless, the fact that the Colorado is now so good means people who don't really need the Silverado's capabilities have a viable alternative.
Tom Brune
UAW Communications Coordinator
Wentzville Assembly
636-327-2119
• Reminder: Tomorrow is the gate drive to support Missouri Special Olympics and David Hurst, who will once again do the Polar Bear Plunge. He has set an ambitious goal of $7500 and intends to repeat as the top individual fundraiser. We know that you will be generous in your support. You can also go to David’s web page to make a donation by going to PolarPlunge and scroll down to the Lake St. Louis picture. Click on that and select “donate to a participant”. Enter David Hurst in the box and it will take you to his page. The plunge will be Saturday, Feb. 7 at Lake St. Louise (the smaller lake). If you wish to plunge with David contact Tom Brune at x2119 (serious plungers only please).
• Ford reported 4th quarter and full year earnings today. We’ll cut to the chase and tell you that North American profits for the full year were $6.9 billion, which equals $6900 in profit sharing under their formula. This is a 22% decrease from last year’s payout of $8800 as sales fell and expenses increased, ostensibly due to the launch of the F-150 and the downtime associated with it. In particular, their 4th quarter was below expectations despite claims of the launch being ahead of schedule, trucks are flying off the lots, pricing is “very, very strong” etc.
• Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) also reported earnings, yesterday. Results for jsut Chrysler in North America, which drives their profit sharing, were not broken out, but overall FCA profits in NA for the year were 1.647 billion euros (about $1.85 billion). That was down 643 billion euros ($725 million) from 2013, despite big sales increases for Ram pickups and all things Jeep. But you’ve probably noticed some of the huge incentives FCA is using to push the metal, especially on the Ram pickup. Profit margin in NAFTA was a meager 3.1% (for GM last quarter is was 9.6%). On top of that, the Detroit Free Press reports that over 42% of FCA workers UAW workers are tier 2.
• From the Wall Street Journal: GM is considering adding a rugged SUV to its GMC brand in an effort to compete with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV’s Jeep Wrangler, according to several people briefed on the matter. The move, discussed with dealers, would expand a GMC brand that is considered to be the strongest of GM’s four U.S. brands. In the discussion with dealers, GM executives said the new product would borrow cues and capability from a Hummer brand that appealed to off-road enthusiasts but went by the wayside amid GM’s financial crisis in 2009 and waning support for vehicles perceived as gas guzzlers. The U.S. market has seen a revival in SUV demand in recent years as models get more fuel efficient and the economy stabilizes. With gasoline prices near $2 per gallon, that demand has accelerated.
• While GM has multiple SUVs in its lineup, including a popular set of full-size models, it doesn't have an offering suitable for competing with Jeep’s popular Wrangler. Wrangler sales have sizzled in recent years, growing 13% to 175,000 in 2014. GM hasn’t given the new unnamed model the green light yet and plans are still in the discussion phase, these people said. GM tapped dealers for feedback and to evaluate the market viability for such a vehicle. GM spokesman Brian Goebel declined to comment on the vehicle. However, he added that GMC’s U.S. Chief Duncan Aldred has been vocal on the need to capitalize on the brand’s growing momentum by expanding and strengthening its portfolio. “The idea is being kicked around real hard,” said one person briefed on the plan, noting that GM is looking at success of the Wrangler, some of which are fetching more than $50,000 new. Wranglers enjoy some of the highest resale values in the market.
• Edmunds is putting a long-term Colorado through its paces as they drive and evaluate it. Here are some of the comments from various editors:
- "This thing rides pretty good for a pickup," my friends nearly echoed as we headed to the Laguna Beach Playhouse. I agree with my friends, this new midsize Chevy truck does ride nicely. It's no cushy luxury car by any stretch of the imagination, but for an unladen pickup it's certainly tolerable.
- There's a lot to like about the new 2015 Chevrolet Colorado Crew Cab, not the least of which is its ruggedly handsome styling. But even though the new Colorado is the best midsize pickup you can get right now, the V6 is a bit disappointing. Sure, it has good power and all, with 305 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, but it's just not all that pleasant of an experience, especially at full throttle.
- I bought another go-kart. Please don't tell my wife. After much debate (Edmunds) bought a short bed version of the Colorado. Despite that questionable decision, it handled my air compressor, gas can, toolkit, go-kart, gear bag and a few chairs for me and my kids. Personal use pickups are bought with this type of task in mind. Hauling toys to the track, or the desert, or the land's end. I continue to be impressed with the Colorado.
- I found the seats pretty comfortable over the long haul. A bit more thigh support wouldn't be unwelcome, but otherwise the seat proved comfy with only a hint of road butt after three hours. The Colorado settles in nicely at speed, with low noise levels for a truck and good straightline stability. And really, when you're plodding up Interstate 5, those two attributes are key. A trip like this in a current Toyota Tacoma would probably be considerably more fatiguing, as even a new Taco is an old truck in the context of model changeovers.
Do you really need more capability from your truck than the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado provides? Do you need a 5- or 6-passenger cabin capacity for your family? Do you need to tow more than 7,000 pounds? Do you need a bed bigger than the Colorado's? And most importantly, do you need them on a regular basis. Sure, there's a $9,500 incentive on the Silverado at the moment (December) and such discounts are hardly uncommon, but nevertheless, the fact that the Colorado is now so good means people who don't really need the Silverado's capabilities have a viable alternative.
Tom Brune
UAW Communications Coordinator
Wentzville Assembly
636-327-2119
Monday, January 26, 2015
State of the Union January 24, 2015
January 24, 2015 online at www.uawlocal2250.com
• There will be a Civil and Human Rights Committee meeting Monday, Jan. 26 between shifts in the cafeteria. All are welcome to attend. • In the event that there is a payout under the Profit Sharing Plan, you will have the opportunity to contribute all or a portion of your payout in one percent increments, up to 100 percent, to your Personal Savings Plan (PSP) on a pre-tax basis, subject to tax law limitations. Deferral contribution elections will be accepted between 8:00 a.m. EST on January 29, 2015 and 4 p.m. EST on February 12, 2015. Elections can be made online at gmbenefits.com or by calling the GM Benefits & Services Center at 1-800-489-4646. If you are considering deferring all or a portion of your Profit Sharing payout into your PSP account, please consider the following:
For more details and deferral examples, please refer to the Profit Sharing communication that will be sent to your address of record beginning January 28, 2015. (GM will report 4th quarter and full year earnings, along with profit share payout, on Wednesday Feb. 4. We have accumulated $4250 through the first 3 quarters)
• The 2014 W2’s are now available on the ADP iPay portal. Hardcopy W2 forms are also being mailed to employees at their residential address and should be received in the next week to 10 days
• Lake Orion Assembly (Buick Verano, Chevy Sonic) will be taking 2 down weeks and will be derating from 45 mph to 38 mph, according to Automotive News.
• One of the great mysteries that have perplexed economists is why, with the so-called recovery lowering unemployment rates to pre-recession levels, that there has been virtually no wage growth for the middle class. How about the fact that the percentage of unionized workers nationwide fell from 11.3 percent in 2013 to 11.1 percent in 2014 — the lowest level since before the Great Depression. This is due in no small part to the increase in right-to-work laws being passed in more states. UAW President Dennis Williams said Friday that on average, states with right-to-work laws have "$6,400 less in salary to union members, fewer benefits, less retirement and reduced consumer spending money. So the practical impact on (the) economy from today's numbers are that consumers have less money to spend in stores, with small businesses, and yes, even on cars." Roland Zullo, an assistant research scientist at the University of Michigan Institute of Labor and Industrial Relations, said the impact of right-to-work legislation has been to weaken unions.
"Unions are weaker because of the law, and some close down and/or new organizing stalls, and former members of unions choose to become free-riders — i.e., are covered but are not dues-payers," Zullo said. Michigan is a prime example, having passed right-to-work in 2012. Just last year, the headcount of union members in Michigan fell by 48,000, even as the workforce grew by 44,000.
A spokeswoman for Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder, Sara Wurfel, said right-to-work wasn't aimed at reducing membership. "It was never about union membership numbers — in fact, it preserved the role of unions and collective bargaining. It was simply about (allowing) every worker to choose for themselves whether to join a union or not was right for and benefits them, and giving Michigan an additional tool to help ensure our state's economic competitiveness." And footballs just magically deflate themselves…..
• From Automotive News: The Missouri Automobile Dealers Association on Thursday filed a lawsuit in a state court, accusing the Department of Revenue and its director, Nia Ray, of violating Missouri law by allowing Tesla to sell its vehicles without a franchise dealer. MADA is asking the court to stop the state department of revenue from renewing Tesla’s license for its University City, Mo., store and from granting Tesla other dealer licenses throughout Missouri. “For many years, new motor vehicles have been sold in Missouri using a tried-and-true structure: manufacturers do not sell cars themselves, but do so through a network of licensed dealers,” the lawsuit said. “This structure of separate roles for manufacturers and dealers is established by statute and reflects wise public policy.”
Missouri law says that automotive manufacturers can only sell cars through dealers. When the department of revenue issued Tesla a dealer license, it “violated both the law and the structure that’s been in place for many years,” said Lowell Pearson, attorney for MADA and former deputy director of the department of revenue. “Missouri requires any state agency to change policy through formal rule making process… the department didn’t do any of that here,” he added. “It created a new public policy for the state by issuing a license to Tesla.” Tesla opened its store in University City, Mo. in June 2013 after it was issued a dealer license by the revenue department. The automaker also has multiple charging stations in the state, according to its website (bet you didn’t know that). Tom Brune
UAW Communications Coordinator
Wentzville Assembly
636-327-2119
• There will be a Civil and Human Rights Committee meeting Monday, Jan. 26 between shifts in the cafeteria. All are welcome to attend. • In the event that there is a payout under the Profit Sharing Plan, you will have the opportunity to contribute all or a portion of your payout in one percent increments, up to 100 percent, to your Personal Savings Plan (PSP) on a pre-tax basis, subject to tax law limitations. Deferral contribution elections will be accepted between 8:00 a.m. EST on January 29, 2015 and 4 p.m. EST on February 12, 2015. Elections can be made online at gmbenefits.com or by calling the GM Benefits & Services Center at 1-800-489-4646. If you are considering deferring all or a portion of your Profit Sharing payout into your PSP account, please consider the following:
- You must make a new deferral election during the window period.
- The payout will be subject to FICA taxes and Union dues.
- For active employees receiving wages, your profit sharing contribution will be the percentage you elected, provided your other wages are enough to satisfy the FICA and Union dues obligations.
- For active employees not receiving wages, your profit sharing contribution will be after FICA taxes and Union dues are deducted.
- Any outstanding payroll or benefit overpayments, special court orders for child support arrearages, tax levies or similar obligations will have these obligations paid before any contributions are made to the PSP.
- You must be eligible to accumulate savings in the PSP for your contribution election to be effective.
For more details and deferral examples, please refer to the Profit Sharing communication that will be sent to your address of record beginning January 28, 2015. (GM will report 4th quarter and full year earnings, along with profit share payout, on Wednesday Feb. 4. We have accumulated $4250 through the first 3 quarters)
• The 2014 W2’s are now available on the ADP iPay portal. Hardcopy W2 forms are also being mailed to employees at their residential address and should be received in the next week to 10 days
• Lake Orion Assembly (Buick Verano, Chevy Sonic) will be taking 2 down weeks and will be derating from 45 mph to 38 mph, according to Automotive News.
• One of the great mysteries that have perplexed economists is why, with the so-called recovery lowering unemployment rates to pre-recession levels, that there has been virtually no wage growth for the middle class. How about the fact that the percentage of unionized workers nationwide fell from 11.3 percent in 2013 to 11.1 percent in 2014 — the lowest level since before the Great Depression. This is due in no small part to the increase in right-to-work laws being passed in more states. UAW President Dennis Williams said Friday that on average, states with right-to-work laws have "$6,400 less in salary to union members, fewer benefits, less retirement and reduced consumer spending money. So the practical impact on (the) economy from today's numbers are that consumers have less money to spend in stores, with small businesses, and yes, even on cars." Roland Zullo, an assistant research scientist at the University of Michigan Institute of Labor and Industrial Relations, said the impact of right-to-work legislation has been to weaken unions.
"Unions are weaker because of the law, and some close down and/or new organizing stalls, and former members of unions choose to become free-riders — i.e., are covered but are not dues-payers," Zullo said. Michigan is a prime example, having passed right-to-work in 2012. Just last year, the headcount of union members in Michigan fell by 48,000, even as the workforce grew by 44,000.
A spokeswoman for Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder, Sara Wurfel, said right-to-work wasn't aimed at reducing membership. "It was never about union membership numbers — in fact, it preserved the role of unions and collective bargaining. It was simply about (allowing) every worker to choose for themselves whether to join a union or not was right for and benefits them, and giving Michigan an additional tool to help ensure our state's economic competitiveness." And footballs just magically deflate themselves…..
• From Automotive News: The Missouri Automobile Dealers Association on Thursday filed a lawsuit in a state court, accusing the Department of Revenue and its director, Nia Ray, of violating Missouri law by allowing Tesla to sell its vehicles without a franchise dealer. MADA is asking the court to stop the state department of revenue from renewing Tesla’s license for its University City, Mo., store and from granting Tesla other dealer licenses throughout Missouri. “For many years, new motor vehicles have been sold in Missouri using a tried-and-true structure: manufacturers do not sell cars themselves, but do so through a network of licensed dealers,” the lawsuit said. “This structure of separate roles for manufacturers and dealers is established by statute and reflects wise public policy.”
Missouri law says that automotive manufacturers can only sell cars through dealers. When the department of revenue issued Tesla a dealer license, it “violated both the law and the structure that’s been in place for many years,” said Lowell Pearson, attorney for MADA and former deputy director of the department of revenue. “Missouri requires any state agency to change policy through formal rule making process… the department didn’t do any of that here,” he added. “It created a new public policy for the state by issuing a license to Tesla.” Tesla opened its store in University City, Mo. in June 2013 after it was issued a dealer license by the revenue department. The automaker also has multiple charging stations in the state, according to its website (bet you didn’t know that). Tom Brune
UAW Communications Coordinator
Wentzville Assembly
636-327-2119
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
State of the Union, January 21, 2015
January 21, 2015 online at www.uawlocal2250.com
• The Community Services meeting is rescheduled for Thursday, Jan. 29. It will be in the cafeteria between shifts.
• There will be a Civil and Human Rights Committee meeting Monday, Jan. 26 between shifts in the cafeteria. All are welcome to attend.
• From the Benefits Department: Employees who have recently gotten health insurance coverage need to call 1-800-489-4646 as soon as possible to add dependents. If you need to, you can bring appropriate documentation to the benefits office to fax.
• From the International Union UAW: We need your help now. Congress is considering a bill that will allow trade bills to quickly become law without traditional debate and an amendment process. Tell your elected representative that this is a bad deal for American workers and the domestic auto industry.
CALL 1-855-712-8441. You will be asked to enter your zip code and then you will be connected with your representative.
THE UAW does not support a FAST TRACK bill.
Visit Fast Track for more information. visit http://www.nofasttrack.com.
• GM will not be advertising in this year’s Super Bowl, but once again the MVP of a premier sporting event will be receiving a Chevrolet Colorado. We’re assuming that Rick “Chevy Guy” Wilde will not be doing the presenting. We're also assuming that the person who will be presenting will have practiced their statement until exhaustion. So even though the matchup of teams is less than desirable, you may want to tune in at the end of the game for the presentation.
From Reuters: General Motors has received 108 claims for compensation for ignition switch defects in its cars in the past week, bringing the total to 2,818, according to the official administering the compensation program. Through Friday, GM received 311 claims for death, 207 for catastrophic injuries and 2,300 for less-serious injuries requiring hospitalization, according to the report from lawyer Kenneth Feinberg, hired by GM to administer the program. The number of claims found eligible for compensation rose to 121 from 112, according to the report. The company's compensation program has so far determined that 49 deaths, seven severe injuries and 65 other injuries were eligible to be compensated. The report said 320 claims had been deemed ineligible, while 857 were under review. Another 757 lacked sufficient paperwork or evidence and 763 had no documentation at all. GM has set aside an initial $400 million to cover its costs of compensation for claims on behalf of people injured or killed because of the faulty switches.
From President Barack Obama: Earlier this month, I visited metro Detroit, where the auto industry has made a historic rebound, proving that America can enter this new year with new confidence that we are coming back. Thanks to the hard work of Americans across the country and the steps we took early on to rescue our economy and rebuild it on a new foundation, we've made real progress. Last year was the strongest year for job growth since the 1990s. Over a 57-month streak, our businesses have created nearly 11 million jobs. After a decade of decline, American manufacturing is in its best stretch of job growth since the 1990s.
The year before I took office, 400,000 jobs across the auto industry vanished. Sales plunged 40%. With the financial crisis hitting with its full fury, two of the Detroit Three automakers — GM and Chrysler — were on the brink of failure. As the heartbeat of American manufacturing was flatlining, America had a choice to make. We could have kept giving billions of taxpayer dollars to the auto industry without demanding real accountability or change in return. But that would have just kicked the problem further down the road.
We could have done nothing, and let those companies fail. But that would have meant a massive loss of jobs, the failure of suppliers and dealerships, and terrible consequences for the communities that depend on them. In exchange for helping out the auto companies, we demanded accountability and responsibility. We rejected the false choice that either unions or businesses could succeed, but not both — because America is at its best when workers and businesses work together. Shared sacrifice, we believed, would lead to shared prosperity.
That bet paid off. Today, the American auto industry is back and well-positioned for the future, creating about 500,000 new jobs in the last five years. And with the auto industry rescue officially over, taxpayers have been paid back more than what my administration invested. Last year, American autoworkers churned out cars faster than any year since 2005.
Thanks to the resilience, determination and grit of the American people, we are coming back stronger than ever. And if we all do our part, together, we can build a stronger middle class and ensure that all Americans share in our recovery.
Tom Brune
UAW Communications Coordinator
Wentzville Assembly
636-327-2119
• The Community Services meeting is rescheduled for Thursday, Jan. 29. It will be in the cafeteria between shifts.
• There will be a Civil and Human Rights Committee meeting Monday, Jan. 26 between shifts in the cafeteria. All are welcome to attend.
• From the Benefits Department: Employees who have recently gotten health insurance coverage need to call 1-800-489-4646 as soon as possible to add dependents. If you need to, you can bring appropriate documentation to the benefits office to fax.
• From the International Union UAW: We need your help now. Congress is considering a bill that will allow trade bills to quickly become law without traditional debate and an amendment process. Tell your elected representative that this is a bad deal for American workers and the domestic auto industry.
CALL 1-855-712-8441. You will be asked to enter your zip code and then you will be connected with your representative.
THE UAW does not support a FAST TRACK bill.
- Fast Track severely limits the ability of Congress to amend pending and future trade agreements.
- Fast Track is un-democratic.
- Fast Track keeps Congress from doing its job: shaping and debating legislation and only gives elected leaders an up or down vote.
- Fast Track puts US workers and companies at a competitive disadvantage internationally. Please call now. It will take less than 5 minutes. CALL 1-855-712-8441.
Visit Fast Track for more information. visit http://www.nofasttrack.com.
• GM will not be advertising in this year’s Super Bowl, but once again the MVP of a premier sporting event will be receiving a Chevrolet Colorado. We’re assuming that Rick “Chevy Guy” Wilde will not be doing the presenting. We're also assuming that the person who will be presenting will have practiced their statement until exhaustion. So even though the matchup of teams is less than desirable, you may want to tune in at the end of the game for the presentation.
From Reuters: General Motors has received 108 claims for compensation for ignition switch defects in its cars in the past week, bringing the total to 2,818, according to the official administering the compensation program. Through Friday, GM received 311 claims for death, 207 for catastrophic injuries and 2,300 for less-serious injuries requiring hospitalization, according to the report from lawyer Kenneth Feinberg, hired by GM to administer the program. The number of claims found eligible for compensation rose to 121 from 112, according to the report. The company's compensation program has so far determined that 49 deaths, seven severe injuries and 65 other injuries were eligible to be compensated. The report said 320 claims had been deemed ineligible, while 857 were under review. Another 757 lacked sufficient paperwork or evidence and 763 had no documentation at all. GM has set aside an initial $400 million to cover its costs of compensation for claims on behalf of people injured or killed because of the faulty switches.
From President Barack Obama: Earlier this month, I visited metro Detroit, where the auto industry has made a historic rebound, proving that America can enter this new year with new confidence that we are coming back. Thanks to the hard work of Americans across the country and the steps we took early on to rescue our economy and rebuild it on a new foundation, we've made real progress. Last year was the strongest year for job growth since the 1990s. Over a 57-month streak, our businesses have created nearly 11 million jobs. After a decade of decline, American manufacturing is in its best stretch of job growth since the 1990s.
The year before I took office, 400,000 jobs across the auto industry vanished. Sales plunged 40%. With the financial crisis hitting with its full fury, two of the Detroit Three automakers — GM and Chrysler — were on the brink of failure. As the heartbeat of American manufacturing was flatlining, America had a choice to make. We could have kept giving billions of taxpayer dollars to the auto industry without demanding real accountability or change in return. But that would have just kicked the problem further down the road.
We could have done nothing, and let those companies fail. But that would have meant a massive loss of jobs, the failure of suppliers and dealerships, and terrible consequences for the communities that depend on them. In exchange for helping out the auto companies, we demanded accountability and responsibility. We rejected the false choice that either unions or businesses could succeed, but not both — because America is at its best when workers and businesses work together. Shared sacrifice, we believed, would lead to shared prosperity.
That bet paid off. Today, the American auto industry is back and well-positioned for the future, creating about 500,000 new jobs in the last five years. And with the auto industry rescue officially over, taxpayers have been paid back more than what my administration invested. Last year, American autoworkers churned out cars faster than any year since 2005.
Thanks to the resilience, determination and grit of the American people, we are coming back stronger than ever. And if we all do our part, together, we can build a stronger middle class and ensure that all Americans share in our recovery.
Tom Brune
UAW Communications Coordinator
Wentzville Assembly
636-327-2119
Monday, January 12, 2015
State of the Union January 9, 2015
· From Chairman Mike Bullock: Good news: After weeks of discussions, management has agreed to another round of referrals. The referral window will open next Monday, Jan. 12 and will be open for 2 weeks. Once again, you will refer people online through mysocrates under the “workplace” tab. Instruction sheets will be available at the entrances and personnel.
· December was a blowout sales month for GM. Market share came in at 18.2% for the month. As expected, our van sales dropped for the month as we cut back production. For the 2014 calendar year we sold 105,993 vans. Here’s a look at both the van and pickup numbers for December:
· Field supplies for the van reflect the reduced production numbers. Net field stock dropped to a 37 day supply from 62 at the end of November. Total stock stands at 10,560 at the end of the year. That compares to 18,189 at the end of 2013. Cargo van supply is barely a third of what it was then, passenger vans less than half. Pickup supplies are also very tight. The Colorado stands at 19 days and the Canyon at 37 days (60 – 70 days is considered ideal). The plant will continue to be under pressure to produce both vans and pickups for the foreseeable future.
· Mark your calendars: First up, next Monday, Jan. 12, is the announcement of the North American Truck of the Year at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The Colorado is a finalist along with the Ford F150 and the Lincoln MKC.
· Next up: GM is reporting 4th quarter and full year earnings Wednesday, Feb. 4, at which time we will learn what the profit share payout will be (profit share currently stands at $4250). The contract states payment is due “no later than the end of the 3rd month following the end of the plan year.” This translates to the end of March. However, last year payment was made Feb. 28.
· UAW President Dennis Williams on President Obama’s auto plant tour marking the auto sector's successful turnaround and the end of the government's historic efforts to save the auto industry: "Together, the members of the UAW, government officials of all parties led by the Obama White House, and the auto companies have shown how cooperation and shared sacrifice could take an industry from its darkest day to the economic bright spot of the international economy. Through shared sacrifice members and consumers can benefit and it is our hope that both members and consumers can continue to reap the significant benefits of a prosperous industry that drives our economy." The remarks come as President Obama stopped in at Ford's Michigan Assembly plant as part of a multicity tour to highlight his administration's successes in preparation for his Jan. 20 State of the Union address. The remarks also come on the heels of the Dec. 22 announcement by U.S. Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew of the final sale of Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP) stock involved in the rejuvenation of the U.S. auto industry. In all, the unprecedented work of the UAW, the auto companies and the U.S. government yielded $15.35 billion in profit. It also saved 1.5 million jobs and preserved $105.3 billion in personal and social insurance tax collections, according to a 2013 study by the Center for Automotive Research.
· Sporting a face only a mother could love, the redesigned 2016 Toyota Tacoma broke cover yesterday in advance of the Detroit Auto Show. Initial reports were thin on details, but we know that it will have a new frame, interior and obviously sheet metal. It will have both 4 and 6 cylinder engines, neither of which were identified, never mind the specifications. Ditto any transmission choices.
Tom Brune
UAW Communications Coordinator
Wentzville Assembly
636-327-2119
· December was a blowout sales month for GM. Market share came in at 18.2% for the month. As expected, our van sales dropped for the month as we cut back production. For the 2014 calendar year we sold 105,993 vans. Here’s a look at both the van and pickup numbers for December:
· Field supplies for the van reflect the reduced production numbers. Net field stock dropped to a 37 day supply from 62 at the end of November. Total stock stands at 10,560 at the end of the year. That compares to 18,189 at the end of 2013. Cargo van supply is barely a third of what it was then, passenger vans less than half. Pickup supplies are also very tight. The Colorado stands at 19 days and the Canyon at 37 days (60 – 70 days is considered ideal). The plant will continue to be under pressure to produce both vans and pickups for the foreseeable future.
· Mark your calendars: First up, next Monday, Jan. 12, is the announcement of the North American Truck of the Year at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The Colorado is a finalist along with the Ford F150 and the Lincoln MKC.
· Next up: GM is reporting 4th quarter and full year earnings Wednesday, Feb. 4, at which time we will learn what the profit share payout will be (profit share currently stands at $4250). The contract states payment is due “no later than the end of the 3rd month following the end of the plan year.” This translates to the end of March. However, last year payment was made Feb. 28.
· UAW President Dennis Williams on President Obama’s auto plant tour marking the auto sector's successful turnaround and the end of the government's historic efforts to save the auto industry: "Together, the members of the UAW, government officials of all parties led by the Obama White House, and the auto companies have shown how cooperation and shared sacrifice could take an industry from its darkest day to the economic bright spot of the international economy. Through shared sacrifice members and consumers can benefit and it is our hope that both members and consumers can continue to reap the significant benefits of a prosperous industry that drives our economy." The remarks come as President Obama stopped in at Ford's Michigan Assembly plant as part of a multicity tour to highlight his administration's successes in preparation for his Jan. 20 State of the Union address. The remarks also come on the heels of the Dec. 22 announcement by U.S. Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew of the final sale of Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP) stock involved in the rejuvenation of the U.S. auto industry. In all, the unprecedented work of the UAW, the auto companies and the U.S. government yielded $15.35 billion in profit. It also saved 1.5 million jobs and preserved $105.3 billion in personal and social insurance tax collections, according to a 2013 study by the Center for Automotive Research.
· Sporting a face only a mother could love, the redesigned 2016 Toyota Tacoma broke cover yesterday in advance of the Detroit Auto Show. Initial reports were thin on details, but we know that it will have a new frame, interior and obviously sheet metal. It will have both 4 and 6 cylinder engines, neither of which were identified, never mind the specifications. Ditto any transmission choices.
Tom Brune
UAW Communications Coordinator
Wentzville Assembly
636-327-2119
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