Wednesday, September 9, 2015

State of the Union for September 9, 2015

September 9, 2015 online at www.uawlocal2250.com

Your National Bargaining Committee sincerely appreciates the overwhelming support you have given us during our current negotiations. The results of the strike authorization votes that were announced last week are indicative of that support. Receiving 97 percent of votes authorizing a strike if necessary was a powerful showing of unity. Make no mistake, the message is clear: UAW-GM members are committed to stand together and win the justice we deserve.

This is OUR TIME! For the past two bargaining sessions our members have faced the most ominous of circumstances. We stood up to the terrifying challenge of bankruptcy and made tremendous sacrifices. We put the long-term future ahead of short-term pain. Faced with decisions that were not good, we bet on ourselves to turn around our industry and WE became the solution that resurrected the industry and saved GM. And for that we can be proud! Now it is OUR TIME. We have made it crystal clear that the proposed contract we bring back to you must address current wage inequities, ensure that all UAW-GM members get a share of the wealth we are creating, and provide for the greatest measure of job security.

To achieve our just demands, your continued solidarity will be needed in the days that lie ahead. Unfortunately, the rumor mill will test that solidarity. As the deadline approaches, we expect the conversations on the shop floor to pick up, and public media reporting to intensify. Don’t believe everything you hear or read! The fact is, even though we are making progress in the negotiations, nothing is settled until the entire agreement is settled. These are important issues, and we are taking great care to ensure that all possible options are explored. For that reason, it is impossible for your negotiating team to accurately report to you the specifics of our daily conversations, or any tentative agreements that we have reached. However, you can be assured that each day we are meeting and striving to find the best possible outcomes. The solutions we may be discussing can be complex and have implications beyond what is most apparent, and as our discussions continue, the proposed solutions may change. In short, negotiating a contract covering tens of thousands of workers employed at diverse locations across the country is a very complex and fluid process. What is most important is that as strong, committed union members we “keep our eye on the prize” and stay focused on winning a fair contract. And to accomplish that, we need to ignore the rumors and distractions and keep faith in the leadership you have selected.

We do, however, recognize the need to share as much information as possible and provide updates as needed. To get this important information and our updates, we have created a website for your use. You may go to uaw.org/big3, then click on the GM icon. You may also receive updates by text message. To receive text messaging updates, simply text big 3 to the number 99795 on your cell phone. The website and texting service offers timely information on negotiations and was created to better serve you. We strongly encourage you and your membership to utilize these communication channels. As the deadline approaches, you can be assured that we are focused on bargaining the best possible contract for you and your family. Together we are “going all the way to a better day with the UAW”!
In solidarity,
Cindy Estrada, UAW Vice President and Director, and the 2015 National Bargaining Team

• Vice President Estrada also gave us two more ways to check for updates on negotiations: the Facebook pages of “UAWGMTalks” and “UAWGMCHR”.

• Teams Needed: The annual Women’s Committee Benefit Golf Tournament will be Sunday, September 20. It will be held at Country Lake golf course in Warrenton. It is a three person scramble with a 12 noon shotgun start. Cost is $210 per team/$70 per person. The first 3 places in 3 flights will be paid and there will be longest drive and closest to the pin contests along with a skin game. Food and beer will be served after the tournament. Proceeds will go to St. Joachim & Anne Care Services of St. Charles. Entry forms are available at the entrances.

• From the Veterans Committee: The 10th Annual SOS (Support Our Soldiers) Poker Run will be Sunday, October 4. Registration will be at the Union Hall from 10:00 am to 12 noon. Last bike in at 4:00 pm. First poker hand/person is $10 and $5 for each additional hand/person. There will be cash prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place as well as a 50/50 drawing, door prizes and raffle items. All bikes and cages (cars) are welcome. Proceeds benefit the St. Louis Fisher House. Make checks payable to UAW-2250. Volunteers will be needed. For more information contact Steve Melson at 636-262-1234. You can also attend the Veterans Committee meetings Thursday, Sept. 10 at one of the following times: 1:30 pm for 2nd shift at the Union Hall; 2:45 pm for 1st shift at the Union Hall and 9:30 pm for 3rd shift in the plant cafeteria.

• From Automotive News: Fiat Chrysler has decided to keep making the Jeep Wrangler in Toledo, Ohio, move production of the Jeep Cherokee to a nearby state and build a Jeep pickup. The news comes after 11 months of uncertainty about the fate of Wrangler production in its historic home. Details about the Wrangler and Cherokee were shared with Toledo plant management in response to inquiries from Automotive News, based on an exclusive interview with CEO Sergio Marchionne on Aug. 21. Automotive News has learned independently that Jeep will make a Wrangler-based pickup in Toledo, a move that will soften the blow of a transferred Cherokee -- Jeep’s best-selling vehicle.
Details of the plan will be announced after FCA’s contract talks with the UAW conclude; the contract expires Sept. 14. Separately, Automotive News has confirmed that the plan includes building a long-sought Wrangler-based pickup, likely in 2017 or 2018. That vehicle is under development. Production of the redesigned Wrangler and pickup is planned to reach 350,000 per year, according to suppliers briefed on the plan. A Wrangler-based pickup has been on Jeep enthusiasts’ wish list since the brand showed the Jeep Gladiator concept in 2005. The Gladiator was built on a Ram 1500 frame and shared Wrangler styling. It is unknown whether the Wrangler-based pickup would be Gladiator-sized or smaller, to compete with the redesigned Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon, as well as a potential Ford Ranger pickup. Either way, the Jeep badge and underpinnings should allow it to sell at a premium above those offerings.

Tom Brune
UAW Communications Coordinator
Wentzville Assembly
636-327-2119

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