Feb 15, 2011 online at www.uawlocal2250.com
Reminder: The Election Committee election is today. Polls are open until 7 pm this evening at the Union Hall.
Union Meeting is tomorrow at 1 pm, 3 pm and 15 minutes after the longest first shift line time.
Raffle tickets are still being sold for the use of a VAP vehicle from Feb. 23 through Feb. 27. Tickets are $5 apiece or 3 for $10 and can be bought at Suggestions, Personnel or and VAP team member or PMN member. Proceeds will go to this year’s Make-A-Wish dream. Ticket sales will end this Friday, Feb. 18 and the drawing will be Monday, Feb. 21.
Nissan is revving up their marketing efforts for the NV full-size van. Wards Auto reports that Nissan is requiring 247 of its 1,058 U.S. dealers that have opted to sell the NV to meet a slew of prerequisites such as extended service hours, at least one 12,000 pound lift, a higher-than-average part-stocking level and priority service scheduling, in order to get the driver on his way as soon as possible. To get potential NV buyers into dealerships, Nissan – recognizing that people driving commercial vans spend a lot of time inside them – will advertise heavily on radio. The auto maker also is placing print ads in trade magazines, such as Plumbing Systems & Design and Builder, as well as in consumer magazines Entrepreneur, Smart Money and Fortune. NV buyers can design and submit a graphic for their van to Original Wraps via the dedicated website that’s been set up or opt for a no-charge upfit package. The latter includes shelving or a partition, or a partition and interior or exterior utility rack. Adrian Steel, in Adrian, MI, is Nissan’s partner for the no-charge upfit, which also can be configured via the dedicated website. Sales begin in March.
From Automotive News: Nissan Motor Corp.'s operating profits in North America slid 25 percent in the latest quarter despite a double-digit surge in new-car sales. Results were undercut by the Japanese yen's steady climb against the dollar and lower sales of returned leased vehicles in the United States. Operating profit fell to ¥48.9 billion, or about $599.7 million, in the fiscal third quarter ended Dec. 31, from $798.4 million a year earlier. North American sales, by contrast, climbed 21 percent to 310,430 vehicles in the period. In the United States, Nissan sold 234,869 units, 24 percent more than the year before.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Monday, February 14, 2011
State of the Union February 14, 2011
Feb 14, 2011 online at www.uawlocal2250.com
From Chairman Mike Bullock: Management has asked the union for a meeting at 2:30pm today to discuss the possibility of adding a 2nd shift partial crew to the body shop. These talks were initially held 6 months ago but management elected at that time not to proceed. There are many issues to be resolved before this could be implemented. More to follow. The shop committee was in Detroit, MI at the quarterly sub-council meetings of production and skilled trades. I will give a full report at the union meeting on Wednesday. The following is some of the info that came from these meetings: VP Joe Ashton said that an announcement of profit sharing will come today. He remarked several times that the amounts that have been rumored in the media was inaccurate, that the amount will “far exceed” what we received in 1999, which was $1775. It since has been announced the amount and the email is on the back. It will be paid on your weekly payroll check on March 25. It will be flat taxed at 20%. You had to have worked 1850 hours in 2010 for a full share and at least 1 week for a partial share. For those that have PSP accounts, the declaration that you previously made is still in effect, you will have until February 28 to change. It can be changed by going online at www.gmbenefits.comor calling 1-800-489-4646.
There are currently 51,166 union members working at GM facilities: 39,919 production and 9,895 skilled. If you know anyone who received a car voucher with their retirement attrition package and they have not used it, let them know that they expire at the end of February 2011.
This is how Short Work Week sub benefits were calculated for week ending February 6. All available hours for Monday, January 31, count towards the 40, along with 10.3 for Thursday and 10.3 Friday. Short Work Week makes up the rest.
Message from Joe Ashton and Cathy Clegg
Dear UAW-GM Team –
In 2010, we saw a lot of progress made by our company. During the year, we announced investments in 13 U.S. plants totaling more than $2.5 billion and we created or retained more than 4,500 jobs. We witnessed our company’s return to the New York Stock Exchange. We also saw products built by the UAW-GM team win awards for quality and steadily gain market share: the Buick LaCrosse, Chevy Traverse, Cadillac CTS Coupe, Chevy Silverado HD, Chevrolet Volt, Chevy Cruze and Chevy Suburban to name a few.
We all remember the extraordinary effort it took to help GM survive and recover from the global economic crisis. Restructuring our company and changing our business model was extremely difficult, but we are beginning to see that the hard work and dedication of this team is helping to create a healthier GM, which benefits employees, our customers and the many others who depend on our success.
Therefore, we are pleased to announce that our business results are expected to generate a profit-sharing payout of upwards of $4,000 per-employee for the GM plan, and $3,000 per-employee for the GM Component Holdings plan, as dictated by the formula in their respective national agreements. This payout is a good example of how we are sharing in the success of the New GM. The final average payout per-employee will be communicated during the earnings release in late February.
We know that 2011 is an important year for both the UAW and GM with contract talks approaching. We look forward to getting a contract that is beneficial to both employees and the company.
Thank you again for your efforts.
Cathy
Joe
From Chairman Mike Bullock: Management has asked the union for a meeting at 2:30pm today to discuss the possibility of adding a 2nd shift partial crew to the body shop. These talks were initially held 6 months ago but management elected at that time not to proceed. There are many issues to be resolved before this could be implemented. More to follow. The shop committee was in Detroit, MI at the quarterly sub-council meetings of production and skilled trades. I will give a full report at the union meeting on Wednesday. The following is some of the info that came from these meetings: VP Joe Ashton said that an announcement of profit sharing will come today. He remarked several times that the amounts that have been rumored in the media was inaccurate, that the amount will “far exceed” what we received in 1999, which was $1775. It since has been announced the amount and the email is on the back. It will be paid on your weekly payroll check on March 25. It will be flat taxed at 20%. You had to have worked 1850 hours in 2010 for a full share and at least 1 week for a partial share. For those that have PSP accounts, the declaration that you previously made is still in effect, you will have until February 28 to change. It can be changed by going online at www.gmbenefits.comor calling 1-800-489-4646.
There are currently 51,166 union members working at GM facilities: 39,919 production and 9,895 skilled. If you know anyone who received a car voucher with their retirement attrition package and they have not used it, let them know that they expire at the end of February 2011.
This is how Short Work Week sub benefits were calculated for week ending February 6. All available hours for Monday, January 31, count towards the 40, along with 10.3 for Thursday and 10.3 Friday. Short Work Week makes up the rest.
Message from Joe Ashton and Cathy Clegg
Dear UAW-GM Team –
In 2010, we saw a lot of progress made by our company. During the year, we announced investments in 13 U.S. plants totaling more than $2.5 billion and we created or retained more than 4,500 jobs. We witnessed our company’s return to the New York Stock Exchange. We also saw products built by the UAW-GM team win awards for quality and steadily gain market share: the Buick LaCrosse, Chevy Traverse, Cadillac CTS Coupe, Chevy Silverado HD, Chevrolet Volt, Chevy Cruze and Chevy Suburban to name a few.
We all remember the extraordinary effort it took to help GM survive and recover from the global economic crisis. Restructuring our company and changing our business model was extremely difficult, but we are beginning to see that the hard work and dedication of this team is helping to create a healthier GM, which benefits employees, our customers and the many others who depend on our success.
Therefore, we are pleased to announce that our business results are expected to generate a profit-sharing payout of upwards of $4,000 per-employee for the GM plan, and $3,000 per-employee for the GM Component Holdings plan, as dictated by the formula in their respective national agreements. This payout is a good example of how we are sharing in the success of the New GM. The final average payout per-employee will be communicated during the earnings release in late February.
We know that 2011 is an important year for both the UAW and GM with contract talks approaching. We look forward to getting a contract that is beneficial to both employees and the company.
Thank you again for your efforts.
Cathy
Joe
State of the Union February 10, 2011
Feb 10, 2011 online at www.uawlocal2250.com
The Election Committee election will be held Tuesday, Feb. 15. Polls will be open from 5 am to 7 pm at the Union Hall. If a runoff is needed it will be held Tuesday, Feb. 22 from 5 am to 7 pm.
From the Wall Street Journal: Ford Motor Co. on Thursday said it would take a charge to its first-quarter earnings and use cash or shares to shave $3 billion in debts as the auto maker takes another step toward its goal of regaining an investment-grade credit rating. The conversion, scheduled for March 15, could lower the company's outstanding automotive debt to $16.1 billion while reducing its annual interest rate expense by $190 million, the company said. It spent $1.8 billion on interest expense last year. Ford's total automotive debt at the end of 2009, excluding Ford Motor Credit Co., was $34.3 billion. The auto maker has since taken steps including redemptions and restructuring to pare its debt, leaving it with an automotive debt of $19.1 billion at the end of 2010. By comparison, General Motors had $8.6 billion in outstanding debt as of Sept. 30.
The Election Committee election will be held Tuesday, Feb. 15. Polls will be open from 5 am to 7 pm at the Union Hall. If a runoff is needed it will be held Tuesday, Feb. 22 from 5 am to 7 pm.
From the Wall Street Journal: Ford Motor Co. on Thursday said it would take a charge to its first-quarter earnings and use cash or shares to shave $3 billion in debts as the auto maker takes another step toward its goal of regaining an investment-grade credit rating. The conversion, scheduled for March 15, could lower the company's outstanding automotive debt to $16.1 billion while reducing its annual interest rate expense by $190 million, the company said. It spent $1.8 billion on interest expense last year. Ford's total automotive debt at the end of 2009, excluding Ford Motor Credit Co., was $34.3 billion. The auto maker has since taken steps including redemptions and restructuring to pare its debt, leaving it with an automotive debt of $19.1 billion at the end of 2010. By comparison, General Motors had $8.6 billion in outstanding debt as of Sept. 30.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
State of the Union February 10, 2011
Feb 10, 2011 online at www.uawlocal2250.com
Reminder: There is a Women’s Committee meeting and a Veteran’s Committee meeting today after first shift at the Union Hall. And remember, tomorrow is “White Shirt Day” so wear your white shirts to commemorate the first UAW contract with GM.
We have been informed by management that there will be no layoffs this Friday due to fluctuations in manpower.
Raffle tickets are still being sold for the use of a VAP vehicle from Feb. 23 through Feb. 27. Tickets are $5 apiece or 3 for $10 and can be bought at Suggestions, Personnel or and VAP team member or PMN member. Proceeds will go to this year’s Make-A-Wish dream.
You may have noticed some large numbers for the days supply of vans in the field. Overall field supplies are indeed up in total stock (+ 794) but net field stock is down. Within those numbers, the GMC cutaway has a 488 day supply, but this number is impacted by a near doubling of the number of those cutaways – from 789 to 1417 – as well as a slow month for that particular model ( 90 units). Marketing Manager Andrew Reyntjes said, “We know that some large GMC customer’s cutaways are having bodies fitted and we therefore expect a strong GMC Fleet delivery result in February as these bodies are fitted and officially recorded as deliveries for February.” Another oddity with this month’s numbers is GMC cargo vans. While net field stock is down 68 units, the days supply has gone from 75 to 111. This is once again due to a low month for that particular model. These are reasons why the days supply numbers are not the best indicator of field supplies for our van.
From Automotive News: The long-rumored high-performance Chevrolet Camaro -- wearing the ZL1 badge -- made its debut yesterday at the Chicago Auto Show. The Camaro ZL1 packs GM's supercharged 6.2-liter V-8, rated at 550 hp. It's mated to a six-speed manual transmission with dual-disc clutch system. Other goodies include a magnetic ride control system and a hood with carbon fiber vents. The ZL1 also marks the introduction of a new electric power steering system to the Camaro, Chevrolet said in a release. Development of the Camaro ZL1 will continue through 2011 with a launch intended for January 2012.
Reminder: There is a Women’s Committee meeting and a Veteran’s Committee meeting today after first shift at the Union Hall. And remember, tomorrow is “White Shirt Day” so wear your white shirts to commemorate the first UAW contract with GM.
We have been informed by management that there will be no layoffs this Friday due to fluctuations in manpower.
Raffle tickets are still being sold for the use of a VAP vehicle from Feb. 23 through Feb. 27. Tickets are $5 apiece or 3 for $10 and can be bought at Suggestions, Personnel or and VAP team member or PMN member. Proceeds will go to this year’s Make-A-Wish dream.
You may have noticed some large numbers for the days supply of vans in the field. Overall field supplies are indeed up in total stock (+ 794) but net field stock is down. Within those numbers, the GMC cutaway has a 488 day supply, but this number is impacted by a near doubling of the number of those cutaways – from 789 to 1417 – as well as a slow month for that particular model ( 90 units). Marketing Manager Andrew Reyntjes said, “We know that some large GMC customer’s cutaways are having bodies fitted and we therefore expect a strong GMC Fleet delivery result in February as these bodies are fitted and officially recorded as deliveries for February.” Another oddity with this month’s numbers is GMC cargo vans. While net field stock is down 68 units, the days supply has gone from 75 to 111. This is once again due to a low month for that particular model. These are reasons why the days supply numbers are not the best indicator of field supplies for our van.
From Automotive News: The long-rumored high-performance Chevrolet Camaro -- wearing the ZL1 badge -- made its debut yesterday at the Chicago Auto Show. The Camaro ZL1 packs GM's supercharged 6.2-liter V-8, rated at 550 hp. It's mated to a six-speed manual transmission with dual-disc clutch system. Other goodies include a magnetic ride control system and a hood with carbon fiber vents. The ZL1 also marks the introduction of a new electric power steering system to the Camaro, Chevrolet said in a release. Development of the Camaro ZL1 will continue through 2011 with a launch intended for January 2012.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
State of the Union February 9, 2011
Feb 9, 2011 online at www.uawlocal2250.com
February is Women’s Heart Health month. There is a Women’s Committee meeting Thursday, Feb. 10 after first shift at the Union Hall. There is also a Veteran’s Committee meeting Thursday, Feb. 10 after first shift at the Union Hall.
From the Education Committee: Let us not forget that this Friday, Feb. 11 is “White Shirt Day”. This is the day back in 1937 that GM and the UAW negotiated our first contract. Be sure to wear your white shirt or white T-shirt.
Reports of potential profit sharing payouts are sprouting up all over the media. The familiar “unnamed sources” are providing the information. The Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg reported $3000 or more. A Detroit Free Press article raised that to $3200. UAW Vice President Joe Ashton said yesterday that this year’s payment will “far exceed” any payment we have gotten before. GM spokeswoman Kim Carpentersaid the automaker has to complete its 2010 accounting before it can finalize its profit-sharing amount. Due to SEC regulations regarding “quiet periods” prior to earnings reports, no one can officially state the amount. We should get the official word next Monday, Feb. 14, and we will communicate the amount as soon as it is announced. We should also get word then about the possibility of putting any or all of the amount in your PSP.
There has been a lot of Toyota news lately. As most of you have already heard, the NHTSA was unable to find any evidence that electronics were at fault in sudden unintended acceleration events in Toyota vehicles. They continue to blame floor mats and faulty accelerator pedals. Earlier this week, Toyota reported quarterly operating profit that was down 48 % versus last year, even as other makers report improved earnings (Honda is expected to out earn Toyota for a third straight year and Nissan profits are up 78% and within spitting distance of the much larger Toyota). Once again the strong yen is a major culprit in falling earnings as Toyota imports far more vehicles into the U.S. than either Honda or Nissan. With each one yen of appreciation Toyota loses over $350 million. They are using a target of 86 yen per dollar, even though it is trading at 82 and has gotten as strong as 80. And one more thing – almost three-fourths of Toyota’s earnings are coming from the finance side…
February is Women’s Heart Health month. There is a Women’s Committee meeting Thursday, Feb. 10 after first shift at the Union Hall. There is also a Veteran’s Committee meeting Thursday, Feb. 10 after first shift at the Union Hall.
From the Education Committee: Let us not forget that this Friday, Feb. 11 is “White Shirt Day”. This is the day back in 1937 that GM and the UAW negotiated our first contract. Be sure to wear your white shirt or white T-shirt.
Reports of potential profit sharing payouts are sprouting up all over the media. The familiar “unnamed sources” are providing the information. The Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg reported $3000 or more. A Detroit Free Press article raised that to $3200. UAW Vice President Joe Ashton said yesterday that this year’s payment will “far exceed” any payment we have gotten before. GM spokeswoman Kim Carpentersaid the automaker has to complete its 2010 accounting before it can finalize its profit-sharing amount. Due to SEC regulations regarding “quiet periods” prior to earnings reports, no one can officially state the amount. We should get the official word next Monday, Feb. 14, and we will communicate the amount as soon as it is announced. We should also get word then about the possibility of putting any or all of the amount in your PSP.
There has been a lot of Toyota news lately. As most of you have already heard, the NHTSA was unable to find any evidence that electronics were at fault in sudden unintended acceleration events in Toyota vehicles. They continue to blame floor mats and faulty accelerator pedals. Earlier this week, Toyota reported quarterly operating profit that was down 48 % versus last year, even as other makers report improved earnings (Honda is expected to out earn Toyota for a third straight year and Nissan profits are up 78% and within spitting distance of the much larger Toyota). Once again the strong yen is a major culprit in falling earnings as Toyota imports far more vehicles into the U.S. than either Honda or Nissan. With each one yen of appreciation Toyota loses over $350 million. They are using a target of 86 yen per dollar, even though it is trading at 82 and has gotten as strong as 80. And one more thing – almost three-fourths of Toyota’s earnings are coming from the finance side…
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
State of the Union February 9, 2011
Feb 8, 2011 online at www.uawlocal2250.com
There is a Veteran’s Committee meeting Thursday, Feb. 10 after first shift at the Union Hall.
The Vehicle Advocate Program (VAP) starts tomorrow. If you were drawn to drive a vehicle, you need to go to the main security gate after your shift. They will have the vehicle pass and the keys to your vehicle. You will need to write the beginning and ending mileage on the vehicle pass form and you are encouraged to fill out the survey. When you return the vehicle it should be full of gas and as clean as can be expected. Then return the keys and the vehicle pass to main security. Even though drivers will have the vehicles multiple days, they need to return the keys every day as there are drive events scheduled during the day.
Reminder: Raffle tickets for the VAP vehicles from Feb. 23 – 27 are on sale and available from any VAP team member, PMN member or at Suggestion, Benefits or Personnel. Tickets are $5 apiece or 3 for $10 and the proceeds will go to this year’s Make-A-Wish dream.
From the Detroit News: General Motors Co.'s hourly workers can expect some of the largest profit-sharing checks ever, when the automaker pays bonuses for the money earned in 2010, a top union official said Monday. United AutoWorkers' Vice President Joe Ashton, who oversees the union's labor relations with GM, said the bonuses are likely to top the average $1,775 workers got for 1999, the company's biggest payout to date. "I would think so," he said. The union's leadership should get an exact amount around Feb.14, Ashton said, when the automaker is required by the UAW contract to report a figure to its top officials. GM officials will announce the final figure to rank-and-file workers separately. GM hasn't set a date for the announcement. "We don't have an exact number yet," said Ashton, speaking at an event held for U.S. Labor Secretary Hilda Solis at GM's Detroit Hamtramck plant. But when it's announced, it "will be one of the bigger ones, I'm sure." GM could top off the bonuses with incentive pay not required by the contract, but Ashton declined to say if that's been decided. "We've had conversations with GM, and I'm sure GM is looking at any opportunity to reward their workers," he said. The size of the bonuses, Ashton noted, could "set the tone" for the contract talks that begin this summer. The contract expires in September.
Here is the January sales report from Marketing Manager Andrew Reyntjes:
It is worth noting that this was our best G-Van January since 2008. We are also showing a dramatic 83.5% volume increase vs last January and more importantly a share increase of 7.58% vs our performance in January of 2010. Our segment share is currently at just over 40% so we are gaining ground on Ford. With two main players in the segment share swings are more volatile and given the fact that this is a strong commercial fleet vehicle a large delivery to a big customer can swing share results substantially. To this end we are going to be paying a lot of attention to large profitable commercial fleet customers this year and do whatever we can to win their business. As we enter 2011 we are going to be facing a new competitive entry. Nissan is launching its NPV van. Nissan is entering the commercial space with this entry. While not as capable as our offering in many areas it is new, with a fresh design, has a high roof and will have significant resources put behind it as Nissan breaks into the commercial business. In this month’s sales reporting presentation I have included pictures of a Nissan van that was on display at one of our largest customer's annual convention. The customer, Belron/Safelite, is a large volume customer and we work very hard to keep them happy whenever we can. Unfortunately we are not yet able to offer rear backup cameras or sensors on our G-van. While it is in the GM plan until 2013 or 2014 Nissan has it now and is exploiting this competitive advantage as it tries to break its way into the market. We need to be very careful and do whatever we can to prevent the defection of key commercial customers to Nissan.
In 2011 we have identified some areas of opportunity to increase our sales and share in the commercial passenger van market. Working with our Engineering partners we are hopeful of timely implementation of a running board solution and we are looking forward to leveraging our relationship with NHTSA to overturn a stigma on 15 Passenger vans that has been adopted from a NHTSA white paper on an unsafe competitive vehicle from a decade ago. Both of these initiatives will help us capture customers in the van pool, hospital, hospitality, residential care, ground transportation, family services, school & university, elderly care and municipal transport vocations. We are currently not performing very well in these vocations.
Continuing in 2011 will be our grassroots promotions aimed at small and medium businesses, as we create photographic and video assets we will utilize them internally but also offer them as a goodwill gesture to our commercial customers and dealers who may then use them in their advertising. We are continuing to push to include the Express with Chevrolet divisional incentives, promotions and advertising. Wherever possible we will involve our GM Media team. GM Media and Communications will be a valuable partner as we try to raise brand awareness and opinion. We will utilize them as we launch CNG, make use of our assets at trade shows, promotional and community events and for any awards such as our 2010 IntelliChoice Full-Size Van Best overall value award for the Express 1500.
There is a Veteran’s Committee meeting Thursday, Feb. 10 after first shift at the Union Hall.
The Vehicle Advocate Program (VAP) starts tomorrow. If you were drawn to drive a vehicle, you need to go to the main security gate after your shift. They will have the vehicle pass and the keys to your vehicle. You will need to write the beginning and ending mileage on the vehicle pass form and you are encouraged to fill out the survey. When you return the vehicle it should be full of gas and as clean as can be expected. Then return the keys and the vehicle pass to main security. Even though drivers will have the vehicles multiple days, they need to return the keys every day as there are drive events scheduled during the day.
Reminder: Raffle tickets for the VAP vehicles from Feb. 23 – 27 are on sale and available from any VAP team member, PMN member or at Suggestion, Benefits or Personnel. Tickets are $5 apiece or 3 for $10 and the proceeds will go to this year’s Make-A-Wish dream.
From the Detroit News: General Motors Co.'s hourly workers can expect some of the largest profit-sharing checks ever, when the automaker pays bonuses for the money earned in 2010, a top union official said Monday. United AutoWorkers' Vice President Joe Ashton, who oversees the union's labor relations with GM, said the bonuses are likely to top the average $1,775 workers got for 1999, the company's biggest payout to date. "I would think so," he said. The union's leadership should get an exact amount around Feb.14, Ashton said, when the automaker is required by the UAW contract to report a figure to its top officials. GM officials will announce the final figure to rank-and-file workers separately. GM hasn't set a date for the announcement. "We don't have an exact number yet," said Ashton, speaking at an event held for U.S. Labor Secretary Hilda Solis at GM's Detroit Hamtramck plant. But when it's announced, it "will be one of the bigger ones, I'm sure." GM could top off the bonuses with incentive pay not required by the contract, but Ashton declined to say if that's been decided. "We've had conversations with GM, and I'm sure GM is looking at any opportunity to reward their workers," he said. The size of the bonuses, Ashton noted, could "set the tone" for the contract talks that begin this summer. The contract expires in September.
Here is the January sales report from Marketing Manager Andrew Reyntjes:
It is worth noting that this was our best G-Van January since 2008. We are also showing a dramatic 83.5% volume increase vs last January and more importantly a share increase of 7.58% vs our performance in January of 2010. Our segment share is currently at just over 40% so we are gaining ground on Ford. With two main players in the segment share swings are more volatile and given the fact that this is a strong commercial fleet vehicle a large delivery to a big customer can swing share results substantially. To this end we are going to be paying a lot of attention to large profitable commercial fleet customers this year and do whatever we can to win their business. As we enter 2011 we are going to be facing a new competitive entry. Nissan is launching its NPV van. Nissan is entering the commercial space with this entry. While not as capable as our offering in many areas it is new, with a fresh design, has a high roof and will have significant resources put behind it as Nissan breaks into the commercial business. In this month’s sales reporting presentation I have included pictures of a Nissan van that was on display at one of our largest customer's annual convention. The customer, Belron/Safelite, is a large volume customer and we work very hard to keep them happy whenever we can. Unfortunately we are not yet able to offer rear backup cameras or sensors on our G-van. While it is in the GM plan until 2013 or 2014 Nissan has it now and is exploiting this competitive advantage as it tries to break its way into the market. We need to be very careful and do whatever we can to prevent the defection of key commercial customers to Nissan.
In 2011 we have identified some areas of opportunity to increase our sales and share in the commercial passenger van market. Working with our Engineering partners we are hopeful of timely implementation of a running board solution and we are looking forward to leveraging our relationship with NHTSA to overturn a stigma on 15 Passenger vans that has been adopted from a NHTSA white paper on an unsafe competitive vehicle from a decade ago. Both of these initiatives will help us capture customers in the van pool, hospital, hospitality, residential care, ground transportation, family services, school & university, elderly care and municipal transport vocations. We are currently not performing very well in these vocations.
Continuing in 2011 will be our grassroots promotions aimed at small and medium businesses, as we create photographic and video assets we will utilize them internally but also offer them as a goodwill gesture to our commercial customers and dealers who may then use them in their advertising. We are continuing to push to include the Express with Chevrolet divisional incentives, promotions and advertising. Wherever possible we will involve our GM Media team. GM Media and Communications will be a valuable partner as we try to raise brand awareness and opinion. We will utilize them as we launch CNG, make use of our assets at trade shows, promotional and community events and for any awards such as our 2010 IntelliChoice Full-Size Van Best overall value award for the Express 1500.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
State of the Union February 3, 2011
Feb 3, 2011 online at www.uawlocal2250.com
From Chairman Mike Bullock: Welcome back brothers and sisters. The last two days have seen unprecedented weather in our area. A decision was made to cancel production Tuesday and Wednesday to ensure the safety of the employees of Wentzville Assembly Center. To understand the severity of the situation, I-70 was closed on Tuesday from Wentzville to Kansas City. There were 9 General Motors facilities closed because of this storm. Section 12 of the Memorandum of Understanding on Overtime is as follows: “The provisions of this Memorandum of Understanding that limit or restrict the right of Management to require employees to work daily overtime or Saturdays or Sundays shall be suspended in any plant whose operations are interrupted by emergency situations, such as single breakdowns of four hours or more, government mandated work, power shortages, strike, fire, tornado, flood or acts of God, for a period of time necessary to overcome such emergencies.”
Management has informed the union that the production lost on Tuesday February 1 will be made up on Friday February 4. Short work week benefits will be paid to all eligible employees, I.E. those employees working less than 40 hours for this week, production and skilled.
Production lost on Wednesday, February 2 will be made up on Friday, February 25 instead of this Saturday, February 5. The closing of Wentzville Assembly Center for the last two days because of weather was a first in our history. I hope everyone was able to enjoy the two days with their families and loved ones.
In solidarity,
Mike
The winners of the VAP (overnight drive) program have been selected:
David Lee/ 25-1 Larry Boutin/ 50-1
John Etherton/ 25-1 Willie Ivy/ 11-1
Lori Reed/ 90-1 John Langford/ 25-1
Jerry Bizell/ 50-1 Bruce Burrows/ 44-2
M.V. Weber/ 50-1 Kelly Peters/ 42-1
Terry Huxel/ 25-1 Dale Meyer/ 25-1
Pam Emery/ 19-1 Larry Nettles/ 25-1
Roger Spradley/ 19-1 Willie Gates/ 19-1
Ron Vanderbos/ 11-1 Rich Lovell/ 25-1
Jim Hislope/ 19-1 Angela Harper/ 15-1
Mike O’Heron/ 19-1 William Smith/ 44-2
Achim Fisher/ 27-1 Regan Brand/ 25-1
Philip White/ 50-1 Tom Larko/ 40-2
John Weber/ 45-3 Mario Ammons/ 19-1
Steve Thomas/ 25-1 Jeff Futhey/ 25-1
Dirk Sutton/ 79-1 Rodney Thompson/ 50-1
Rowena Dowell/ 11-1 B.J. Brown/ 25-1
Robert Becker/ 25-1 William Chancellor/ 40-1
Dennis Boyet/ 44-1 Jacqueline Bass/ 19-1
Gary Williams/ 50-1 Aaron Umbach/ 19-1
Ralph Sharp/ 45-3 Dennis Streibel/ 45-3
Leo Yeakey/ 40-1 Tommy Spraggins/ 19-1
Cliff Hodge/ 40-2 Robert Dunston/ 44-1
Tim Wakeland/ 40-2 Rich Sommer/ 50-1
Debra Buchanan/ 25-1 Steve Rae/ 46-1
Michelle Rodamaker/ 11-1 Renee Wright/ 40-1
Valencia Tiggs-Watson/ 11-1 Cindy Sloan/ 15-1
Dave Sherry/ 03-1 Robert Baltimore/ 25-1
Jim Miller/ 19-1 Bey-Miller Bey/ 25-1
David Smith/ 40-2 Gary Shockley/ 19-1
Robert Hiatt/ 45-2 Kevin Dhur/ 25-1
Dave Tolbert/ 25-1
The drive schedule will be posted in the Cafeteria. Starting today, the winners can go to Suggestions to sign up (you will need your driver’s license to sign up). There will be a sign-up meeting Monday, Feb. 7 after first shift for those of you who have not signed up by then (bring driver’s license) and the program will kick off Wednesday, Feb. 9. Tickets are now available for sale to drive one of the vehicles from 2/23 through 2/27. They are $5 apiece or 3 for $10 and can be bought from any VAP team member, PMN members, Personnel or Suggestions. Proceeds will go for this year’s Make-A-Wish dream.
From Chairman Mike Bullock: Welcome back brothers and sisters. The last two days have seen unprecedented weather in our area. A decision was made to cancel production Tuesday and Wednesday to ensure the safety of the employees of Wentzville Assembly Center. To understand the severity of the situation, I-70 was closed on Tuesday from Wentzville to Kansas City. There were 9 General Motors facilities closed because of this storm. Section 12 of the Memorandum of Understanding on Overtime is as follows: “The provisions of this Memorandum of Understanding that limit or restrict the right of Management to require employees to work daily overtime or Saturdays or Sundays shall be suspended in any plant whose operations are interrupted by emergency situations, such as single breakdowns of four hours or more, government mandated work, power shortages, strike, fire, tornado, flood or acts of God, for a period of time necessary to overcome such emergencies.”
Management has informed the union that the production lost on Tuesday February 1 will be made up on Friday February 4. Short work week benefits will be paid to all eligible employees, I.E. those employees working less than 40 hours for this week, production and skilled.
Production lost on Wednesday, February 2 will be made up on Friday, February 25 instead of this Saturday, February 5. The closing of Wentzville Assembly Center for the last two days because of weather was a first in our history. I hope everyone was able to enjoy the two days with their families and loved ones.
In solidarity,
Mike
The winners of the VAP (overnight drive) program have been selected:
David Lee/ 25-1 Larry Boutin/ 50-1
John Etherton/ 25-1 Willie Ivy/ 11-1
Lori Reed/ 90-1 John Langford/ 25-1
Jerry Bizell/ 50-1 Bruce Burrows/ 44-2
M.V. Weber/ 50-1 Kelly Peters/ 42-1
Terry Huxel/ 25-1 Dale Meyer/ 25-1
Pam Emery/ 19-1 Larry Nettles/ 25-1
Roger Spradley/ 19-1 Willie Gates/ 19-1
Ron Vanderbos/ 11-1 Rich Lovell/ 25-1
Jim Hislope/ 19-1 Angela Harper/ 15-1
Mike O’Heron/ 19-1 William Smith/ 44-2
Achim Fisher/ 27-1 Regan Brand/ 25-1
Philip White/ 50-1 Tom Larko/ 40-2
John Weber/ 45-3 Mario Ammons/ 19-1
Steve Thomas/ 25-1 Jeff Futhey/ 25-1
Dirk Sutton/ 79-1 Rodney Thompson/ 50-1
Rowena Dowell/ 11-1 B.J. Brown/ 25-1
Robert Becker/ 25-1 William Chancellor/ 40-1
Dennis Boyet/ 44-1 Jacqueline Bass/ 19-1
Gary Williams/ 50-1 Aaron Umbach/ 19-1
Ralph Sharp/ 45-3 Dennis Streibel/ 45-3
Leo Yeakey/ 40-1 Tommy Spraggins/ 19-1
Cliff Hodge/ 40-2 Robert Dunston/ 44-1
Tim Wakeland/ 40-2 Rich Sommer/ 50-1
Debra Buchanan/ 25-1 Steve Rae/ 46-1
Michelle Rodamaker/ 11-1 Renee Wright/ 40-1
Valencia Tiggs-Watson/ 11-1 Cindy Sloan/ 15-1
Dave Sherry/ 03-1 Robert Baltimore/ 25-1
Jim Miller/ 19-1 Bey-Miller Bey/ 25-1
David Smith/ 40-2 Gary Shockley/ 19-1
Robert Hiatt/ 45-2 Kevin Dhur/ 25-1
Dave Tolbert/ 25-1
The drive schedule will be posted in the Cafeteria. Starting today, the winners can go to Suggestions to sign up (you will need your driver’s license to sign up). There will be a sign-up meeting Monday, Feb. 7 after first shift for those of you who have not signed up by then (bring driver’s license) and the program will kick off Wednesday, Feb. 9. Tickets are now available for sale to drive one of the vehicles from 2/23 through 2/27. They are $5 apiece or 3 for $10 and can be bought from any VAP team member, PMN members, Personnel or Suggestions. Proceeds will go for this year’s Make-A-Wish dream.
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