December 13, 2013 online at www.uawlocal2250.com
From Chairman Mike Bullock: There is no truth to the rumor that we will be working more than 10 hour shifts today or more than 8 hours Saturday. I have not and would not agree to do this.
Reminder: UAW Legal Services will end Dec. 31 so this is your last opportunity to avail yourself of their assistance free of charge. Services include creating wills and trusts or executors of estates. There are 3 area offices: Lake St. Louis (636-561-2057); St. Ann (314-291-6868); Sunset Hills (800-582-6494). You can also go online for more information at www.uawlsp.com.
From the Detroit Free Press: General Motors has chosen to go bumper-to-bumper with Toyota for what’s left of a compact pickup market Ford and Chrysler have abandoned for the fatter profits of more massive trucks. Ford no longer makes its Ranger for North America and Chrysler’s Ram brand has shelved plans for a successor to the Dakota. “I can’t believe it. It’s wild. I’m loving it,” said Mark Reuss, GM North America president, with the excitement of a linebacker who just scooped up a fumble and is end zone bound.
Unlike full-size trucks, of which Americans will buy about 1.9 million this year, compact pickups are almost a niche market on pace to sell about 225,000 this year. Dominating the market is the Toyota Tacoma, which has sold 146,724 through November. “We have this diamond — a 150,000-unit annually pickup truck,” and it sells with zero incentives, said Bob Carter, Toyota senior vice president of automotive operations. “Our business hasn’t declined. It’s just that (nearly) everybody has pulled out.” The closest competitor is the Nissan Frontier, with less than 58,000 U.S. sales this year through November. Honda has sold 16,160 Ridgelines.
“The question is whether the segment will continue to be squeezed out by the advances in full-size trucks,” said Reid Bigland, head of Ram trucks. “Or is it a major growth segment?” Chrysler, so far, is betting the segment will shrink. But Jeep chief Mike Manley would love to see the return of a Jeep pickup. “Jeep has a history of pickups. I’m a fan of a pickup,” Manley said. “It’s something a number of people would like to see.” But not enough for Chrysler’s top management to approve a program.
Ford sells the Ranger everywhere but North America. Joe Hinrichs, Ford president of the Americas, said Ford is not re-evaluating its decision to stop selling the Ranger in the U.S. “With our fuel-efficient F-150 we can meet demand,” he said. “We think our strategy is working.” (continued on back)
GM sees an opportunity. Reuss recognizes the risk, but is betting new product will stimulate interest and sales. GM was unveiled a new Chevrolet Colorado last month at the Los Angeles auto show. Sometime in the next year or so it likely will add a ZR2 off-road version. Reuss said there is a lot of opportunity for special editions and accessories. The GMC Canyon, which has not been revealed yet, looks more like a full-size truck, Reuss said. Pricing of the small trucks’ top trim levels will overlap with entry-level full-size trucks. But Reuss said the small truck buyer appreciates its smaller dimensions and driving something almost 1,000 pounds lighter than a Chevy Silverado. Making a smaller, lighter and more fuel-efficient truck also helps GM bring down its corporate average fuel economy to meet regulations on the horizon, Reuss said.
Toyota welcomes the competition. “I actually believe that the Colorado creates more Tacoma business,” Carter said. “I really think some energy into the market is going to help.” The Tacoma was refreshed last year. “I would rather be a little smaller share of a growing segment than a big fat share of a declining segment,” said Bill Fay, Toyota division general manager.
Chrysler executives beg to differ. “The vision of a small pickup is easy to understand from a consumer point of view. It’s just hard to execute given how competitive full-size pickups have become,” Bigland said. Resources will focus instead on the full-size Ram lineup. Bigland said the dilemma is that to make a small truck distinctive, it would need to be priced below $20,000 and get more than 30 m.p.g. “When we have half-ton trucks that can get 27 miles to the gallon and be had for the low $20,000s, we are struggling with where that would fit,” Bigland said. “We need to make sure we’re investing in the places where we’re going to get the best return.”
From Automotive News: Despite slow sales, Honda is not giving up on the Ridgeline pickup. Honda Motor Co. said today it will launch an all-new second generation of the Ridgeline within two years. The vehicle will be new from the wheels up and built in Honda’s Lincoln, Ala., plant, home of the current model. Honda plans to end production of the first-generation Ridgeline in June, leaving a gap in production. Depending on demand for the current model, dealers may run out of Ridgelines before the new one is available. But Honda spokesman Steve Kinkade said if that does happen, dealers will not be out of the truck for an extended period of time. Honda did not release any technical details of the new Ridgeline or indicate whether it would remain the same size as the current model. There’s also no word on whether it will continue to be based on the Odyssey minivan platform or get unique underpinnings. The Ridgeline, facing full-size truck competitors from Ram, Ford, GM, Toyota and Nissan, is the segment’s lowest volume seller. Through November, Honda has sold 16,160 Ridgelines, up about 29 percent over last year. The company recently introduced a special edition model for 2014. The U.S. market for smaller pickups may gather momentum after GM unveiled its Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon pickups, said Karl Brauer, senior analyst at Kelley Blue Book. "It's likely Honda sees a potential second coming for the small/midsize truck segment," Brauer said in an e-mail. "And if you consider the potential for economic growth, along with lower gas prices, over the next few years they could be right. Between housing starts rising and more disposable income for 'lifestyle' activities and recreation the demand for compact trucks could grow substantially.
Friday, December 13, 2013
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
State of the Union December 10 2013
December 10, 2013 online at www.uawlocal2250.com
• From Chairman Mike Bullock: It has come to the attention of the Union that the Medical Department has been requiring some employees to give urine samples that were not required to do so by the contract. NO employees should give a urine sample without first speaking to their Union Representative or calling 636-327-2250. Any employees who have given a urine sample in the previous six months should contact their Union Representative.
All employees have the right to have their Union Representative present during any interviews with the Plant Doctor. The Union recommends that all employees have their Union Representative present for interviews with the Plant Doctor.
Your elected bargaining committee is participating in a 2 day SWE 2 workshop in the mezzanine. Every team leader and employee here at Wentzville Assembly Center may be going through this training eventually. By going through SWE 2 the committee was able to provide input in changes they wanted in the program before being rolled out to the membership. To clear up the major concern on the floor, your committee has not agreed to rotation. Rotation is voluntary at Wentzville Assembly Center. The language in our local contract says: “The Parties encourage and will support those teams that decide to rotate jobs voluntary. “ (Local Demand 106.)
In case you hadn’t heard, the US Government sold the last of their GM stock Monday. Here are President Barack Obama’s comments: "When I took office, the American auto industry -- the heartbeat of American manufacturing -- was on the verge of collapse. Two of the Big Three -- GM and Chrysler -- were on the brink of failure, threatening to take suppliers, distributors and entire communities down with them. In the midst of what was already the worst recession since the Great Depression, another one million Americans were in danger of losing their jobs.”
"As President, I refused to let that happen. I refused to walk away from American workers and an iconic American industry. But in exchange for rescuing and retooling GM and Chrysler with taxpayer dollars, we demanded responsibility and results. In 2011, we marked the end of an important chapter as Chrysler repaid every dime and more of what it owed the American taxpayers from the investment we made under my Administration's watch. Today, we're closing the book by selling the remaining shares of the federal government's investment in General Motors. GM has now repaid every taxpayer dollar my Administration committed to its rescue, plus billions invested by the previous Administration.”
"Less than five years later, each of the Big Three automakers is now strong enough to stand on its own. They're profitable for the first time in nearly a decade. The industry has added more than 372,000 new jobs -- its strongest growth since the 1990s. Thanks to the workers on our assembly lines, some of the most high-tech, fuel-efficient cars in the world are once again designed, engineered, and built right here in America – and the rest of the world is buying more of them than ever before.”
"When things looked darkest for our most iconic industry, we bet on what was true: the ingenuity and resilience of the proud, hardworking men and women who make this country strong. Today, that bet has paid off. The American auto industry is back. For our autoworkers and the communities that depend on them, the road we've taken these past five years has been a long and difficult one. But it's one we've traveled together. And as long as there's more work to do to restore opportunity and broad-based growth for all Americans, that's what we'll keep doing to reach the brighter days ahead."
A research study issued today by the Center for Automotive Research (CAR) suggests that the automotive bailout provided massive benefits to the U.S. economy and prevented a much more severe economic downturn. The study, “The Effect on the U.S. Economy of the Successful Restructuring of General Motors,” sought to evaluate the public benefits of government assistance to GM and Chrysler. Among the study’s findings:
While CAR projects that much of U.S. auto manufacturing employment would have recovered without U.S. government intervention by 2011 or sometime thereafter, there would have been a decided shift in the location of this employment to the southern portion of the United States resulting in severe effects for upper Midwest states such as Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana.
“It is important to note, that these companies are now poised to operate profitably even at lower levels of production and sales, for years to come,” wrote CAR researchers Sean McAlinden and Debra Maranger Menk. “CAR is confident that in the years ahead, this peacetime intervention in the private sector by the U.S. government will be seen as one of the most successful in U.S. economic history.”
• From Chairman Mike Bullock: It has come to the attention of the Union that the Medical Department has been requiring some employees to give urine samples that were not required to do so by the contract. NO employees should give a urine sample without first speaking to their Union Representative or calling 636-327-2250. Any employees who have given a urine sample in the previous six months should contact their Union Representative.
All employees have the right to have their Union Representative present during any interviews with the Plant Doctor. The Union recommends that all employees have their Union Representative present for interviews with the Plant Doctor.
Your elected bargaining committee is participating in a 2 day SWE 2 workshop in the mezzanine. Every team leader and employee here at Wentzville Assembly Center may be going through this training eventually. By going through SWE 2 the committee was able to provide input in changes they wanted in the program before being rolled out to the membership. To clear up the major concern on the floor, your committee has not agreed to rotation. Rotation is voluntary at Wentzville Assembly Center. The language in our local contract says: “The Parties encourage and will support those teams that decide to rotate jobs voluntary. “ (Local Demand 106.)
In case you hadn’t heard, the US Government sold the last of their GM stock Monday. Here are President Barack Obama’s comments: "When I took office, the American auto industry -- the heartbeat of American manufacturing -- was on the verge of collapse. Two of the Big Three -- GM and Chrysler -- were on the brink of failure, threatening to take suppliers, distributors and entire communities down with them. In the midst of what was already the worst recession since the Great Depression, another one million Americans were in danger of losing their jobs.”
"As President, I refused to let that happen. I refused to walk away from American workers and an iconic American industry. But in exchange for rescuing and retooling GM and Chrysler with taxpayer dollars, we demanded responsibility and results. In 2011, we marked the end of an important chapter as Chrysler repaid every dime and more of what it owed the American taxpayers from the investment we made under my Administration's watch. Today, we're closing the book by selling the remaining shares of the federal government's investment in General Motors. GM has now repaid every taxpayer dollar my Administration committed to its rescue, plus billions invested by the previous Administration.”
"Less than five years later, each of the Big Three automakers is now strong enough to stand on its own. They're profitable for the first time in nearly a decade. The industry has added more than 372,000 new jobs -- its strongest growth since the 1990s. Thanks to the workers on our assembly lines, some of the most high-tech, fuel-efficient cars in the world are once again designed, engineered, and built right here in America – and the rest of the world is buying more of them than ever before.”
"When things looked darkest for our most iconic industry, we bet on what was true: the ingenuity and resilience of the proud, hardworking men and women who make this country strong. Today, that bet has paid off. The American auto industry is back. For our autoworkers and the communities that depend on them, the road we've taken these past five years has been a long and difficult one. But it's one we've traveled together. And as long as there's more work to do to restore opportunity and broad-based growth for all Americans, that's what we'll keep doing to reach the brighter days ahead."
A research study issued today by the Center for Automotive Research (CAR) suggests that the automotive bailout provided massive benefits to the U.S. economy and prevented a much more severe economic downturn. The study, “The Effect on the U.S. Economy of the Successful Restructuring of General Motors,” sought to evaluate the public benefits of government assistance to GM and Chrysler. Among the study’s findings:
- The shutdown of GM and Chrysler would have reduced U.S. employment by 2.6 million jobs in 2009 and reduced U.S. personal income by $285 billion in 2009 and 2010.
- The U.S. government saved or avoided the loss of $105.3 billion in transfer payments and the loss of personal and social insurance tax collections, far more than any anticipated shortfall in TARP investment returns.
- The U.S. government bailout of General Motors spared 1.2 million jobs in 2009 and preserved $39.4 billion in personal and social insurance tax collections in 2009 and 2010.
- Almost 600,000 existing GM and Chrysler retirees would have certainly seen their company pensions delayed and reduced and their retiree health benefits cancelled had GM and Chrysler closed permanently. The economic impact on the retiree states in the Midwest, Arizona and Florida would have been catastrophic.
While CAR projects that much of U.S. auto manufacturing employment would have recovered without U.S. government intervention by 2011 or sometime thereafter, there would have been a decided shift in the location of this employment to the southern portion of the United States resulting in severe effects for upper Midwest states such as Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana.
“It is important to note, that these companies are now poised to operate profitably even at lower levels of production and sales, for years to come,” wrote CAR researchers Sean McAlinden and Debra Maranger Menk. “CAR is confident that in the years ahead, this peacetime intervention in the private sector by the U.S. government will be seen as one of the most successful in U.S. economic history.”
Friday, December 6, 2013
State of the Union December 6, 2013
December 6, 2013 online at www.uawlocal2250.com
• From Chairman Mike Bullock: It has come to the attention of the Union that the Medical Department has been requiring some employees to give urine samples that were not required to do so by the contract. NO employees should give a urine sample without first speaking to their Union Representative or calling 636-327-2250. Any employees who have given a urine sample in the previous six months should contact their Union Representative. All employees have the right to have their Union Representative present during any interviews with the Plant Doctor. The Union recommends that all employees have their Union Representative present for interviews with the Plant Doctor. On a different note, I want to remind everyone about the 2 events at the Union Hall Saturday. First, Santa is at the hall from noon to 2 pm for all your children and grandchildren. Second, the annual Christmas Celebration will kick off at 6:30 pm with dinner served at 7 pm along with music provided by Brother Ken Wikoff from 7 until midnight. And finally, don’t forget today’s annual Chassis Christmas Party after 1st shift at Maggie Malones (990 Wentzville Parkway).
• The annual Pre-Trim Bake Sale is Monday, Dec. 9 beginning at 8 am and continuing until they are sold out. It is located at the team center, column N-32. If you wish to donate baked goods you can drop them off at that team center Monday morning. All donations are appreciated. Proceeds go to support Adopt A Child.
Reminder: This is the last day to buy raffle tickets to support the Women’s Committee.
• November van sales remained steady, up 4.1% but down slightly from October. Here’s how the rest of the segment shook out:
Field supplies as measured by days rose from 60 to 68. Overall net field stock was up 2200 units, with the biggest gains (1740) in cargo vans. Cutaways basically accounted for the rest of the build. Looking at midsize pickups, Toyota sold 12,601 Tacomas, up 2.7% while Nissan sold 6003 Frontiers, up 54.6%.
• UAW statement on the passing of Nelson Mandela: “The UAW deeply mourns the loss of Nelson Mandela, one of the most influential civil rights and social justice leaders of our time. Nelson Mandela demonstrated how commitment to core principles and social justice can change the world. His actions freed millions from the chains of racism. From his humble beginnings to his imprisonment for fighting against the apartheid system in South Africa, Nelson Mandela was an inspiration to the world. It was an incredible honor for the UAW, through the leadership of then-President Owen Bieber, to play a role in supporting Mandela and other anti-apartheid activists in the 1980s. President Bieber traveled to South Africa to support Mandela and other activists, and when Mandela toured the United States in 1990 after his release from prison, he insisted on celebrating with UAW Local 600 in Dearborn, Mich. During that trip, Mandela invited Bieber to be at his side during a rally at Tiger Stadium. Nelson Mandela will be missed by those who believe in civil and human rights for all people. The best way to honor his passing is to continue to work for his ideals. We are committed to doing so.”
General Motors has generated a lot of news the last few days. First, the US Government announced they will be selling their remaining GM shares by the end of the year. Then, CEO Dan Akerson said that GM will no longer sell Chevrolet vehicles (save the occasional Corvette) in Europe, leaving the continent to the established brands of Opel and Vauxhaull. Continuing, a report from IHS Automotive said GM would reduce production in South Korea by nearly 20% by 2015 (GM spokesman Park Hae-ho declined to comment). And finally, a report out of Australia said that GM was ending vehicle production there by 2016 (Ford announced in May that they would close their 2 assembly plants there by 2016). That would spell the end of Holden, supplier of the just-launched Chevrolet SS sedan. Once again, no comment from GM.
From Automotive News: Big tax breaks for many buyers of commercial vehicles are scheduled to expire at year end, so automakers and dealers are scrambling to get the word out to small businesses to buy now. The tax breaks, part of federal stimulus legislation spurred by the recession, dramatically front load the depreciation schedules for many large assets, particularly for vehicles of more than 6,000 pounds, such as heavy-duty pickups. Mitchell Dale, owner of McRee Ford in Dickinson, Texas, said one customer who runs a fleet of about 50 vehicles was scheduled to replace two pickups; instead, he bought seven. "He bought five additional vehicles so he could take advantage of the tax benefits" because his accountant told him to, Dale said. "It is clearly stimulating some business on the commercial side." The tax breaks available this year can mean first-year depreciation of as much as $46,000 on a $60,000 heavy-duty pickup if a customer takes delivery before Dec. 31. The extra depreciation can reduce business tax bills by lowering taxable income.
From the Columbia Daily Herald: United Auto Workers Local 1853 members ratified a new agreement with General Motors that includes adding about 400 jobs at the Spring Hill facility. UAW Local 1853 Chairman Mike Herron said the agreement was approved Wednesday by 63 percent of the membership. There will be 384 new jobs — in addition to the 1,800 jobs announced in August when GM officials revealed Spring Hill’s facility would produce two new vehicles by 2016. UAW and GM officials have been tight-lipped about which new vehicles would be made at the local plant. When those new jobs would be added remains unknown and is GM’s decision, Herron said. “When GM feels that the timing is right from the overall product portfolio strategy standpoint in terms of making the announcement to the public, they will go ahead and make the announcement of the specific products,” Herron said. “I’m not sure when it’s going to be. The specific product announcement, we hope, is forthcoming in the very near future.”
• From Chairman Mike Bullock: It has come to the attention of the Union that the Medical Department has been requiring some employees to give urine samples that were not required to do so by the contract. NO employees should give a urine sample without first speaking to their Union Representative or calling 636-327-2250. Any employees who have given a urine sample in the previous six months should contact their Union Representative. All employees have the right to have their Union Representative present during any interviews with the Plant Doctor. The Union recommends that all employees have their Union Representative present for interviews with the Plant Doctor. On a different note, I want to remind everyone about the 2 events at the Union Hall Saturday. First, Santa is at the hall from noon to 2 pm for all your children and grandchildren. Second, the annual Christmas Celebration will kick off at 6:30 pm with dinner served at 7 pm along with music provided by Brother Ken Wikoff from 7 until midnight. And finally, don’t forget today’s annual Chassis Christmas Party after 1st shift at Maggie Malones (990 Wentzville Parkway).
• The annual Pre-Trim Bake Sale is Monday, Dec. 9 beginning at 8 am and continuing until they are sold out. It is located at the team center, column N-32. If you wish to donate baked goods you can drop them off at that team center Monday morning. All donations are appreciated. Proceeds go to support Adopt A Child.
Reminder: This is the last day to buy raffle tickets to support the Women’s Committee.
• November van sales remained steady, up 4.1% but down slightly from October. Here’s how the rest of the segment shook out:
| 2013 | 2012 | Change | Share | |
| Ford Econoline | 10,145 | 8400 | +20.8% | 47.7% |
| GM | 7,311 | 7021 | +4.1% | 34.3% |
| Mercedes Sprinter | 2010 | 1630 | +23.3% | 9.4% |
| Nissan NV | 990 | 1042 | -5.0% | 4.7% |
| Ram Promaster | 828 | ---- | ---- | 3.9% |
| Ford Transit Connect | 2303 | 2853 | -19.3% | ---- |
| Nissan NV200 | 621 | ---- | ---- | ---- |
Field supplies as measured by days rose from 60 to 68. Overall net field stock was up 2200 units, with the biggest gains (1740) in cargo vans. Cutaways basically accounted for the rest of the build. Looking at midsize pickups, Toyota sold 12,601 Tacomas, up 2.7% while Nissan sold 6003 Frontiers, up 54.6%.
• UAW statement on the passing of Nelson Mandela: “The UAW deeply mourns the loss of Nelson Mandela, one of the most influential civil rights and social justice leaders of our time. Nelson Mandela demonstrated how commitment to core principles and social justice can change the world. His actions freed millions from the chains of racism. From his humble beginnings to his imprisonment for fighting against the apartheid system in South Africa, Nelson Mandela was an inspiration to the world. It was an incredible honor for the UAW, through the leadership of then-President Owen Bieber, to play a role in supporting Mandela and other anti-apartheid activists in the 1980s. President Bieber traveled to South Africa to support Mandela and other activists, and when Mandela toured the United States in 1990 after his release from prison, he insisted on celebrating with UAW Local 600 in Dearborn, Mich. During that trip, Mandela invited Bieber to be at his side during a rally at Tiger Stadium. Nelson Mandela will be missed by those who believe in civil and human rights for all people. The best way to honor his passing is to continue to work for his ideals. We are committed to doing so.”
General Motors has generated a lot of news the last few days. First, the US Government announced they will be selling their remaining GM shares by the end of the year. Then, CEO Dan Akerson said that GM will no longer sell Chevrolet vehicles (save the occasional Corvette) in Europe, leaving the continent to the established brands of Opel and Vauxhaull. Continuing, a report from IHS Automotive said GM would reduce production in South Korea by nearly 20% by 2015 (GM spokesman Park Hae-ho declined to comment). And finally, a report out of Australia said that GM was ending vehicle production there by 2016 (Ford announced in May that they would close their 2 assembly plants there by 2016). That would spell the end of Holden, supplier of the just-launched Chevrolet SS sedan. Once again, no comment from GM.
From Automotive News: Big tax breaks for many buyers of commercial vehicles are scheduled to expire at year end, so automakers and dealers are scrambling to get the word out to small businesses to buy now. The tax breaks, part of federal stimulus legislation spurred by the recession, dramatically front load the depreciation schedules for many large assets, particularly for vehicles of more than 6,000 pounds, such as heavy-duty pickups. Mitchell Dale, owner of McRee Ford in Dickinson, Texas, said one customer who runs a fleet of about 50 vehicles was scheduled to replace two pickups; instead, he bought seven. "He bought five additional vehicles so he could take advantage of the tax benefits" because his accountant told him to, Dale said. "It is clearly stimulating some business on the commercial side." The tax breaks available this year can mean first-year depreciation of as much as $46,000 on a $60,000 heavy-duty pickup if a customer takes delivery before Dec. 31. The extra depreciation can reduce business tax bills by lowering taxable income.
From the Columbia Daily Herald: United Auto Workers Local 1853 members ratified a new agreement with General Motors that includes adding about 400 jobs at the Spring Hill facility. UAW Local 1853 Chairman Mike Herron said the agreement was approved Wednesday by 63 percent of the membership. There will be 384 new jobs — in addition to the 1,800 jobs announced in August when GM officials revealed Spring Hill’s facility would produce two new vehicles by 2016. UAW and GM officials have been tight-lipped about which new vehicles would be made at the local plant. When those new jobs would be added remains unknown and is GM’s decision, Herron said. “When GM feels that the timing is right from the overall product portfolio strategy standpoint in terms of making the announcement to the public, they will go ahead and make the announcement of the specific products,” Herron said. “I’m not sure when it’s going to be. The specific product announcement, we hope, is forthcoming in the very near future.”
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
State of the Union December 3 2013
December 3, 2013 online at www.uawlocal2250.com
This Saturday, Dec. 7, is a big day at the Union Hall. First, from noon to 2 pm Santa Claus will be at the hall to meet with future members of the UAW. There will be hot dogs, popcorn and soda. Bring your children and grandchildren and don’t forget your cameras. Then the annual Christmas Celebration will be that evening. Doors open at 6:30 pm with dinner served at 7 pm. Snacks, beer and setups will be provided and there will be music by member Ken Wikoff from 7 pm to 11 pm. Make plans to share some fellowship with your Union brothers and sisters.
The Women’s Committee is selling raffle tickets to raise money for their many activities. First prize is a “Million Dollar Board” of lottery scratch-off tickets. Second prize is a $50 gas card and 3rd prize is a mystery basket. Tickets are $1 apiece or 6 for $5 and can be bought from any committee member. Drawing will be Saturday, Dec. 7 at the Christmas party at the Union Hall. Thanks for your support.
Three questions with UAW President Bob King:
Question: In Chattanooga, the UAW is making progress in talks with Volkswagen and its workers for a German-style works council. Can a German style works council really be an effective structure in the U.S.?
Answer: “I would say yes, it definitely can work … it is not that different than what we have bargained with the auto companies. Just look at all of the joint programs we have with management and leadership on quality and productivity and training. There are 13 or 14 areas of our agreement where we jointly run programs together.”
Q: Your approach with Nissan has been very different than at Volkswagen. You have enlisted community and global allies to put public pressure on Nissan. Do you believe that public pressure will lead to an organizing success?
A. “There has been a tremendous outpouring of support from all over the world … .I think the global pressure builds every day at Nissan to respect workers’ rights…I think that we will be successful.”
Q. As you get closer toward the end of your tenure, what do you hope your legacy will be as UAW president?
A. “You know, I ever really have thought about it in terms of legacy. I just thought about can we collectively move forward with the best possible wages, benefits and security for our membership. And I think we have been innovative and creative as a whole team.
We’ve won some significant victories organizing in the South where people say workers don’t want unions, and we’ve done gaming organizing and continued with higher organizing. As a result of the 2011 Big Three bargaining, the amount of income that will be generated for our membership is maybe greater than any contract we have negotiated in the past. . So I think we have moved the union forward in a number of areas, including organizing, political and bargaining.”
General Motors Co. dealers delivered 212,060 vehicles in the United States in November, up 14 percent versus a year ago and the highest November sales in six years. Retail sales were up 19 percent and fleet sales were down 3 percent. “November sales were strong at all four of our brands, and demand was robust for everything from cars to crossovers to the industry’s newest and best full-size pickups,” said Kurt McNeil, vice president, U.S. sales operations. “The sheer number of award winning new models we have helped us grow faster than the industry for the second month in a row.” GM’s product momentum will continue unabated. For example, the all-new 2014 Cadillac CTS, which is building availability, was recently named Motor Trend’s Car of the Year, an Automobile Magazine “All Star” and one of Car and Driver’s 10 Best cars. Cadillac will also launch an all-new Escalade and the ELR in early 2014. In addition, Chevrolet and GMC are launching all-new heavy-duty pickups and large SUVs in the first quarter. Chevrolet also unveiled the Colorado, its new, highly acclaimed midsize pickup, at the Los Angeles International Auto Show. The Colorado goes on sale in the fall of 2014.
November Sales Highlights (vs. 2012)
o Chevrolet sales were up 13 percent and retail deliveries were up 20 percent.
o Sales of Chevrolet cars increased 19 percent, with Malibu up 41 percent, Volt up 26 percent, Impala up 20 percent and Camaro up 14 percent. Retail deliveries of the Cruze were up 39 percent and Impala more than doubled.
o The Chevrolet Cruze, Equinox and Volt had their best November sales ever.
o Sales of the Chevrolet Tahoe were up 23 percent, the Traverse was up 21 percent and the Silverado was up 12 percent.
o GMC sales were up 20 percent, with the Sierra up 22 percent and the Acadia crossover up 108 percent, which keeps it on track for its best year ever.
o Small business sales were up 38 percent, including a 76-percent increase in pickup deliveries. Commercial fleet deliveries increased 18 percent.
o Van sales came in at 7311, up 4.1% over last November
o Buick deliveries increased 13 percent and the brand is on track for its best year since 2005. November was Buick’s 19th consecutive month of year-over-year retail sales growth.
o Cadillac sales increased 11 percent and retail sales have grown in each of the past 18 months, driven by the success of the new XTS and ATS.
“We feel good about the direction of the economy and our own momentum,” McNeil said. “The economy is creating jobs and household wealth. Energy costs are dropping and credit is available and affordable. All of this bodes well for future growth.”
Here is what some auto industry observers are saying about the Colorado:
o Mark Phelan (Detroit Free Press): “The Colorado looks terrific, and its crew cab four-door model should offer more passenger space than many midsize sedans. If GM pairs those factors with good fuel economy and an attractive price, it could be onto something.”
o Edmunds.com senior analyst Michelle Krebs: “It’s probably not a huge market, but Toyota’s done extremely well with the Tacoma. The Colorado and Canyon are an interesting play. They could do well for GM….The pricing will be key. People are willing to pay more for well-equipped small cars today than in the past. That may be true for trucks, too.”
o IHS automotive analyst Stephanie Brinley: “The average pickup on the road today is more than 11 years old. A lot of people who have been out of the market since the recession may be willing to consider a smaller pickup.”
Tom Brune, President
This Saturday, Dec. 7, is a big day at the Union Hall. First, from noon to 2 pm Santa Claus will be at the hall to meet with future members of the UAW. There will be hot dogs, popcorn and soda. Bring your children and grandchildren and don’t forget your cameras. Then the annual Christmas Celebration will be that evening. Doors open at 6:30 pm with dinner served at 7 pm. Snacks, beer and setups will be provided and there will be music by member Ken Wikoff from 7 pm to 11 pm. Make plans to share some fellowship with your Union brothers and sisters.
The Women’s Committee is selling raffle tickets to raise money for their many activities. First prize is a “Million Dollar Board” of lottery scratch-off tickets. Second prize is a $50 gas card and 3rd prize is a mystery basket. Tickets are $1 apiece or 6 for $5 and can be bought from any committee member. Drawing will be Saturday, Dec. 7 at the Christmas party at the Union Hall. Thanks for your support.
Three questions with UAW President Bob King:
Question: In Chattanooga, the UAW is making progress in talks with Volkswagen and its workers for a German-style works council. Can a German style works council really be an effective structure in the U.S.?
Answer: “I would say yes, it definitely can work … it is not that different than what we have bargained with the auto companies. Just look at all of the joint programs we have with management and leadership on quality and productivity and training. There are 13 or 14 areas of our agreement where we jointly run programs together.”
Q: Your approach with Nissan has been very different than at Volkswagen. You have enlisted community and global allies to put public pressure on Nissan. Do you believe that public pressure will lead to an organizing success?
A. “There has been a tremendous outpouring of support from all over the world … .I think the global pressure builds every day at Nissan to respect workers’ rights…I think that we will be successful.”
Q. As you get closer toward the end of your tenure, what do you hope your legacy will be as UAW president?
A. “You know, I ever really have thought about it in terms of legacy. I just thought about can we collectively move forward with the best possible wages, benefits and security for our membership. And I think we have been innovative and creative as a whole team.
We’ve won some significant victories organizing in the South where people say workers don’t want unions, and we’ve done gaming organizing and continued with higher organizing. As a result of the 2011 Big Three bargaining, the amount of income that will be generated for our membership is maybe greater than any contract we have negotiated in the past. . So I think we have moved the union forward in a number of areas, including organizing, political and bargaining.”
General Motors Co. dealers delivered 212,060 vehicles in the United States in November, up 14 percent versus a year ago and the highest November sales in six years. Retail sales were up 19 percent and fleet sales were down 3 percent. “November sales were strong at all four of our brands, and demand was robust for everything from cars to crossovers to the industry’s newest and best full-size pickups,” said Kurt McNeil, vice president, U.S. sales operations. “The sheer number of award winning new models we have helped us grow faster than the industry for the second month in a row.” GM’s product momentum will continue unabated. For example, the all-new 2014 Cadillac CTS, which is building availability, was recently named Motor Trend’s Car of the Year, an Automobile Magazine “All Star” and one of Car and Driver’s 10 Best cars. Cadillac will also launch an all-new Escalade and the ELR in early 2014. In addition, Chevrolet and GMC are launching all-new heavy-duty pickups and large SUVs in the first quarter. Chevrolet also unveiled the Colorado, its new, highly acclaimed midsize pickup, at the Los Angeles International Auto Show. The Colorado goes on sale in the fall of 2014.
November Sales Highlights (vs. 2012)
o Chevrolet sales were up 13 percent and retail deliveries were up 20 percent.
o Sales of Chevrolet cars increased 19 percent, with Malibu up 41 percent, Volt up 26 percent, Impala up 20 percent and Camaro up 14 percent. Retail deliveries of the Cruze were up 39 percent and Impala more than doubled.
o The Chevrolet Cruze, Equinox and Volt had their best November sales ever.
o Sales of the Chevrolet Tahoe were up 23 percent, the Traverse was up 21 percent and the Silverado was up 12 percent.
o GMC sales were up 20 percent, with the Sierra up 22 percent and the Acadia crossover up 108 percent, which keeps it on track for its best year ever.
o Small business sales were up 38 percent, including a 76-percent increase in pickup deliveries. Commercial fleet deliveries increased 18 percent.
o Van sales came in at 7311, up 4.1% over last November
o Buick deliveries increased 13 percent and the brand is on track for its best year since 2005. November was Buick’s 19th consecutive month of year-over-year retail sales growth.
o Cadillac sales increased 11 percent and retail sales have grown in each of the past 18 months, driven by the success of the new XTS and ATS.
“We feel good about the direction of the economy and our own momentum,” McNeil said. “The economy is creating jobs and household wealth. Energy costs are dropping and credit is available and affordable. All of this bodes well for future growth.”
Here is what some auto industry observers are saying about the Colorado:
o Mark Phelan (Detroit Free Press): “The Colorado looks terrific, and its crew cab four-door model should offer more passenger space than many midsize sedans. If GM pairs those factors with good fuel economy and an attractive price, it could be onto something.”
o Edmunds.com senior analyst Michelle Krebs: “It’s probably not a huge market, but Toyota’s done extremely well with the Tacoma. The Colorado and Canyon are an interesting play. They could do well for GM….The pricing will be key. People are willing to pay more for well-equipped small cars today than in the past. That may be true for trucks, too.”
o IHS automotive analyst Stephanie Brinley: “The average pickup on the road today is more than 11 years old. A lot of people who have been out of the market since the recession may be willing to consider a smaller pickup.”
Tom Brune, President
Friday, November 8, 2013
State of the Union November 8, 2013
November 8, 2013 online at www.uawlocal2250.com
Monday, in honor of Veterans Day, we will be selling poppies at the entrances before 1st and 2nd shifts. Proceeds will be donated to the Wentzville VFW Post 5327. Thanks in advance for your support of our Veterans.
•Reminder: This Saturday, Nov. 9 is the 30th Anniversary Celebration of the inception of UAW Local 2250. Doors open at the Union Hall at 6:30 pm. Dinner will be served and music will be provided by Heath Walker with Tune in a Bucket Productions. Come out and enjoy an evening of fun with your Union brothers and sisters as we celebrate 30 years of Solidarity.
•Motor Trend announced yesterday that the 2014 Cadillac CTS sedan is its Car of the Year for 2014. “The all-new 2014 Cadillac CTS prevailed over one of the most competitive fields in recent memory because it best met our award’s key criteria. Our judges were particularly impressed by the CTS’s responsive powertrains and masterful balance of smooth ride and sporty handling,” said Motor Trend editor-in-chief Ed Loh. Motor Trend’s Car of the Year program is open to any all-new or substantially upgraded 2014 automobile. Rather than being compared against one another, contending vehicles are first put through Motor Trend’s full battery of performance tests to measure acceleration, braking, and limit handling. All contenders are then evaluated on three separate courses at a professional automotive test center before finalists are selected. Out of 22 contending 2014 models, Motor Trend’s judges picked seven Car of the Year finalists, in addition to the Cadillac CTS:
BMW 4 Series
Chevrolet Corvette
Jaguar F-Type
Kia Forte
Mazda3
Mazda6
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Each finalist is then driven on a real-world road loop that provides a range of surfaces and traffic conditions to evaluate ride and handling, engine and transmission smoothness and responsiveness, wind and road noise, and ergonomics. After 10 full days of testing, driving and deliberating, Motor Trend selected the CTS as its Car of the Year. “The all-new 2014 Cadillac CTS sedan delivers crafted design, thrilling performance and sophisticated technology,” said Bob Ferguson, General Motors’ senior vice president of Global Cadillac. “With Cadillac growing globally, driven by rising product credibility, the new CTS elevates the brand to a new level.”
•From the Detroit Free Press: The UAW’s influential Reuther Caucus has nominated Dennis Williams to be the union’s next president and chosen other members of its future leadership team. Williams, 60, has been the UAW’s secretary-treasurer since 2010 and served as a regional director based in Chicago for 10 years before that. He has negotiated with John Deere, Caterpillar and agricultural equipment-maker CNH. The Free Press first reported last month that Williams was the likely nominee. “This is very humbling,” Williams said Thursday. “I remember the days when I came home and I was on strike ... so this is very meaningful to me.” Williams is in line to replace Bob King, who at 67 is too old to serve another term under UAW bylaws. King said Williams has the right strategic skills and experience to carry the union forward. “I am extremely excited and proud of the UAW for picking Dennis to be the Reuther Caucus nominee,” King said. “Dennis was an integral part of the 2011 bargaining” with the Detroit Three. The Reuther Caucus also nominated Jimmy Settles, Cindy Estrada and Norwood Jewell to be vice president as well as Gary Casteel to succeed Williams as secretary-treasurer. Settles, 63, is head of the Ford department and is running for a third term. Estrada, 45, is running for a second term. Jewell, 56, is director of the UAW’s south-central Michigan region. Casteel is director of the UAW’s south region where he has led efforts to organize Nissan and Volkswagen workers in Tennessee and Alabama. The union announced Wednesday that Vice President General Holiefield decided he will retire in June after 40 years of service.
•From Automotive News: Tesla Motors Inc.'s Model S electric car has suffered its third fire in six weeks. The Tesla Motors Club Web site contains pictures and a story about another fire involving a Model S on Wednesday afternoon that a company spokeswoman confirmed. Tesla, whose shares fell 7.5 percent today to close at $139.77, said it has been in touch with the driver, who was not injured. "Our team is on its way to Tennessee to learn more about what happened in the accident," Tesla spokeswoman Elizabeth Jarvis-Shean said in a statement. "We will provide more information when we're able to do so."
The company said the fire was the result of an accident and was not a spontaneous event. The Tennessee Highway Patrol said the incident occurred on Interstate 24 in Smyrna around 1:30 pm. "It's possible that it ran over a piece of metal in the roadway," police dispatcher Kathy Bryant said. "There was extensive damage." On Tuesday, Tesla forecast a weaker-than-expected fourth-quarter profit and posted third-quarter Model S deliveries that disappointed some analysts. The first Model S fire occurred on Oct. 1 outside Seattle, when the car collided with a large piece of metal debris in the road that punched a hole through the armor plate protecting the battery pack. U.S. safety regulators at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration later said they found no evidence to indicate a vehicle defect. In a statement today, NHTSA said it will contact local authorities about the latest fire "to determine if there are vehicle safety implications that merit agency action." The second fire took place later in the month in Merida, Mexico, when according to reports a car drove through a roundabout, crashed through a concrete wall and hit a tree. After the first fire, Tesla CEO Elon Musk defended the safety performance of electric cars. "For consumers concerned about fire risk, there should be absolutely zero doubt that it is safer to power a car with a battery" than a conventional gas-powered vehicle, he said in a blog post. Company executives called that first fire a "highly uncommon occurrence," likely caused by a curved metal object falling off a semi-trailer and striking up into the underside of the car in a "pole-vault effect."
Tom Brune
UAW/GM Communications Coordinator
Wentzville Assembly
636-327-2119
Monday, in honor of Veterans Day, we will be selling poppies at the entrances before 1st and 2nd shifts. Proceeds will be donated to the Wentzville VFW Post 5327. Thanks in advance for your support of our Veterans.
•Reminder: This Saturday, Nov. 9 is the 30th Anniversary Celebration of the inception of UAW Local 2250. Doors open at the Union Hall at 6:30 pm. Dinner will be served and music will be provided by Heath Walker with Tune in a Bucket Productions. Come out and enjoy an evening of fun with your Union brothers and sisters as we celebrate 30 years of Solidarity.
•Motor Trend announced yesterday that the 2014 Cadillac CTS sedan is its Car of the Year for 2014. “The all-new 2014 Cadillac CTS prevailed over one of the most competitive fields in recent memory because it best met our award’s key criteria. Our judges were particularly impressed by the CTS’s responsive powertrains and masterful balance of smooth ride and sporty handling,” said Motor Trend editor-in-chief Ed Loh. Motor Trend’s Car of the Year program is open to any all-new or substantially upgraded 2014 automobile. Rather than being compared against one another, contending vehicles are first put through Motor Trend’s full battery of performance tests to measure acceleration, braking, and limit handling. All contenders are then evaluated on three separate courses at a professional automotive test center before finalists are selected. Out of 22 contending 2014 models, Motor Trend’s judges picked seven Car of the Year finalists, in addition to the Cadillac CTS:
BMW 4 Series
Chevrolet Corvette
Jaguar F-Type
Kia Forte
Mazda3
Mazda6
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Each finalist is then driven on a real-world road loop that provides a range of surfaces and traffic conditions to evaluate ride and handling, engine and transmission smoothness and responsiveness, wind and road noise, and ergonomics. After 10 full days of testing, driving and deliberating, Motor Trend selected the CTS as its Car of the Year. “The all-new 2014 Cadillac CTS sedan delivers crafted design, thrilling performance and sophisticated technology,” said Bob Ferguson, General Motors’ senior vice president of Global Cadillac. “With Cadillac growing globally, driven by rising product credibility, the new CTS elevates the brand to a new level.”
•From the Detroit Free Press: The UAW’s influential Reuther Caucus has nominated Dennis Williams to be the union’s next president and chosen other members of its future leadership team. Williams, 60, has been the UAW’s secretary-treasurer since 2010 and served as a regional director based in Chicago for 10 years before that. He has negotiated with John Deere, Caterpillar and agricultural equipment-maker CNH. The Free Press first reported last month that Williams was the likely nominee. “This is very humbling,” Williams said Thursday. “I remember the days when I came home and I was on strike ... so this is very meaningful to me.” Williams is in line to replace Bob King, who at 67 is too old to serve another term under UAW bylaws. King said Williams has the right strategic skills and experience to carry the union forward. “I am extremely excited and proud of the UAW for picking Dennis to be the Reuther Caucus nominee,” King said. “Dennis was an integral part of the 2011 bargaining” with the Detroit Three. The Reuther Caucus also nominated Jimmy Settles, Cindy Estrada and Norwood Jewell to be vice president as well as Gary Casteel to succeed Williams as secretary-treasurer. Settles, 63, is head of the Ford department and is running for a third term. Estrada, 45, is running for a second term. Jewell, 56, is director of the UAW’s south-central Michigan region. Casteel is director of the UAW’s south region where he has led efforts to organize Nissan and Volkswagen workers in Tennessee and Alabama. The union announced Wednesday that Vice President General Holiefield decided he will retire in June after 40 years of service.
•From Automotive News: Tesla Motors Inc.'s Model S electric car has suffered its third fire in six weeks. The Tesla Motors Club Web site contains pictures and a story about another fire involving a Model S on Wednesday afternoon that a company spokeswoman confirmed. Tesla, whose shares fell 7.5 percent today to close at $139.77, said it has been in touch with the driver, who was not injured. "Our team is on its way to Tennessee to learn more about what happened in the accident," Tesla spokeswoman Elizabeth Jarvis-Shean said in a statement. "We will provide more information when we're able to do so."
The company said the fire was the result of an accident and was not a spontaneous event. The Tennessee Highway Patrol said the incident occurred on Interstate 24 in Smyrna around 1:30 pm. "It's possible that it ran over a piece of metal in the roadway," police dispatcher Kathy Bryant said. "There was extensive damage." On Tuesday, Tesla forecast a weaker-than-expected fourth-quarter profit and posted third-quarter Model S deliveries that disappointed some analysts. The first Model S fire occurred on Oct. 1 outside Seattle, when the car collided with a large piece of metal debris in the road that punched a hole through the armor plate protecting the battery pack. U.S. safety regulators at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration later said they found no evidence to indicate a vehicle defect. In a statement today, NHTSA said it will contact local authorities about the latest fire "to determine if there are vehicle safety implications that merit agency action." The second fire took place later in the month in Merida, Mexico, when according to reports a car drove through a roundabout, crashed through a concrete wall and hit a tree. After the first fire, Tesla CEO Elon Musk defended the safety performance of electric cars. "For consumers concerned about fire risk, there should be absolutely zero doubt that it is safer to power a car with a battery" than a conventional gas-powered vehicle, he said in a blog post. Company executives called that first fire a "highly uncommon occurrence," likely caused by a curved metal object falling off a semi-trailer and striking up into the underside of the car in a "pole-vault effect."
Tom Brune
UAW/GM Communications Coordinator
Wentzville Assembly
636-327-2119
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
State of the Union November 5, 2013
November 5, 2013 online at www.uawlocal2250.com
This Saturday, Nov. 9 is the 30th Anniversary Celebration of the inception of UAW Local 2250. Doors open at the Union Hall at 6:30 pm. Dinner will be served and music will be provided by Heath Walker with Tune in a Bucket Productions. Come out and enjoy an evening of fun with your Union brothers and sisters as we celebrate 30 years of Solidarity. Also, the Education Committee is selling commemorative T-shirts this week in the cafeteria. Prices are $15, with 2X and larger going for $20.
Tickets are still for sale from Community Services Committee, with the raffle proceeds going to supplement the upcoming Adopt A Child program. First place is an Amish Quilt. Second place is at $100 QT gas card. Third place is 2 Blues tickets to the Dec. 7 game. Tickets are $1 apiece or 6 for $5 and can be purchased from any committee member. Drawing will be held this Thursday, Nov. 7 at 10:30 am in the cafeteria. Thanks in advance for your support.
October was a decent month for van sales at 7552, up 14.9%. In fact it was the best October since 2008. As you may know, October is typically one of our slower months. For example, in 2005, we set an all-time van sales record of 162,350. But October that year was the only month to come in under 10,000. Let’s take a look at how the rest of the van segment fared:
You’ll notice a new entry – the Ram Promaster. This is the full size van Chrysler just launched in Mexico based on a Fiat model and one that bears watching as another direct competitor. Regarding field supplies, both overall supplies and days in the field were up from September. Specifically, net field stock was up 3268 units, equal to 60 days supply based on the daily sales rate. All categories were up, with cargo vans leading the way, rising over 2200 units.
What about midsize pickups? Toyota sold 12,351 Tacomas in October, up 1.3%. Nissan sold 5242 Frontiers, up a healthy 71.8%.
From Automotive News: Ford is recalling 3,095 F-series ambulances because of a potential defect that might cause the vehicles to stall and not restart for at least an hour. The recall affects 2011-12 ambulances with 6.7-liter diesel engines, including Super Duty F-350 and F-450 trucks. The ambulances were built at the Kentucky Truck Plant from Feb. 22, 2010, to Oct. 19, 2012. Ford notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on Oct. 28 that a defective exhaust gas temperature sensor might cause some ambulances to stop and not be restarted for the minimum of one hour.
Much is being written and said about the restructuring of the auto industry that basically began 5 years ago. Apparently we had a lot more saviors than we realized. And of course, that would include one presidential candidate Mitt Romney, who tried to take credit during last year’s campaign. Not content just to fade away, Mr. Romney has written a book about his failed campaign titled, “Double Down: Game Change 2012”. The book reveals new details of the November 2008 New York Times op-ed in which Romney called for a managed bankruptcy restructuring of Detroit’s automakers that would “propel newly competitive and viable automakers, rather than seal their fate with a bailout check.” Romney wrote the op-ed on his BlackBerry on the beach in front of his new $12 million home in La Jolla, Calif. The piece, originally offered to and rejected by the Wall Street Journal, was a source of much consternation for Romney as he sought the presidency. According to the book, Romney thought reaction to his 2008 “Let Detroit Go Bankrupt” op-ed piece could have sunk his chances at winning the Republican nomination for president in 2012. “Guys, guys, this could be it,” he told aides. “This could sink me.” Romney came under scrutiny throughout the Michigan primary campaign over the op-ed. “That headline is killing me,” he told an adviser.
Another sub-plot of that time was a rumored merger between GM and Chrysler. Here is what former GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz said recently about that plan: “Fritz Henderson and I were very enthusiastic about acquiring Chrysler from Cerberus. We could have put together a dynamite company and saved an unbelievable amount of money. We might have avoided Chapter 11 if we had done that. The operating people were all for it because we could see all the savings. Fritz and the finance guys worked it out. We figured in the first year alone we'd have saved $7 billion. There were some on the GM board who said: "We're doubling down on a UAW-controlled industry. We don't even want to look at the numbers." It was an emotion-driven decision that "no, we are not going to increase the risk by buying into another UAW-controlled company." I think it was a huge missed opportunity. It would be one superpowerful company today.”
Tom Brune
UAW/GM Communications Coordinator
Wentzville Assembly
636-327-2119
This Saturday, Nov. 9 is the 30th Anniversary Celebration of the inception of UAW Local 2250. Doors open at the Union Hall at 6:30 pm. Dinner will be served and music will be provided by Heath Walker with Tune in a Bucket Productions. Come out and enjoy an evening of fun with your Union brothers and sisters as we celebrate 30 years of Solidarity. Also, the Education Committee is selling commemorative T-shirts this week in the cafeteria. Prices are $15, with 2X and larger going for $20.
Tickets are still for sale from Community Services Committee, with the raffle proceeds going to supplement the upcoming Adopt A Child program. First place is an Amish Quilt. Second place is at $100 QT gas card. Third place is 2 Blues tickets to the Dec. 7 game. Tickets are $1 apiece or 6 for $5 and can be purchased from any committee member. Drawing will be held this Thursday, Nov. 7 at 10:30 am in the cafeteria. Thanks in advance for your support.
October was a decent month for van sales at 7552, up 14.9%. In fact it was the best October since 2008. As you may know, October is typically one of our slower months. For example, in 2005, we set an all-time van sales record of 162,350. But October that year was the only month to come in under 10,000. Let’s take a look at how the rest of the van segment fared:
- 2013 2012 Change Share
- Ford Econoline 9508 8082 +17.6% 46.0%
- GM 7552 6575 +14.9% 36.5%
- Mercedes Sprinter 2038 1666 +22.3% 9.9%
- Nissan NV 1006 770 +30.6% 4.9%
- Ram Promaster 570 --- --- 2.8%
- Ford Transit connect 3169 2669 +18.7% ---
- Nissan NV200 639 --- --- ---
You’ll notice a new entry – the Ram Promaster. This is the full size van Chrysler just launched in Mexico based on a Fiat model and one that bears watching as another direct competitor. Regarding field supplies, both overall supplies and days in the field were up from September. Specifically, net field stock was up 3268 units, equal to 60 days supply based on the daily sales rate. All categories were up, with cargo vans leading the way, rising over 2200 units.
What about midsize pickups? Toyota sold 12,351 Tacomas in October, up 1.3%. Nissan sold 5242 Frontiers, up a healthy 71.8%.
From Automotive News: Ford is recalling 3,095 F-series ambulances because of a potential defect that might cause the vehicles to stall and not restart for at least an hour. The recall affects 2011-12 ambulances with 6.7-liter diesel engines, including Super Duty F-350 and F-450 trucks. The ambulances were built at the Kentucky Truck Plant from Feb. 22, 2010, to Oct. 19, 2012. Ford notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on Oct. 28 that a defective exhaust gas temperature sensor might cause some ambulances to stop and not be restarted for the minimum of one hour.
Much is being written and said about the restructuring of the auto industry that basically began 5 years ago. Apparently we had a lot more saviors than we realized. And of course, that would include one presidential candidate Mitt Romney, who tried to take credit during last year’s campaign. Not content just to fade away, Mr. Romney has written a book about his failed campaign titled, “Double Down: Game Change 2012”. The book reveals new details of the November 2008 New York Times op-ed in which Romney called for a managed bankruptcy restructuring of Detroit’s automakers that would “propel newly competitive and viable automakers, rather than seal their fate with a bailout check.” Romney wrote the op-ed on his BlackBerry on the beach in front of his new $12 million home in La Jolla, Calif. The piece, originally offered to and rejected by the Wall Street Journal, was a source of much consternation for Romney as he sought the presidency. According to the book, Romney thought reaction to his 2008 “Let Detroit Go Bankrupt” op-ed piece could have sunk his chances at winning the Republican nomination for president in 2012. “Guys, guys, this could be it,” he told aides. “This could sink me.” Romney came under scrutiny throughout the Michigan primary campaign over the op-ed. “That headline is killing me,” he told an adviser.
Another sub-plot of that time was a rumored merger between GM and Chrysler. Here is what former GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz said recently about that plan: “Fritz Henderson and I were very enthusiastic about acquiring Chrysler from Cerberus. We could have put together a dynamite company and saved an unbelievable amount of money. We might have avoided Chapter 11 if we had done that. The operating people were all for it because we could see all the savings. Fritz and the finance guys worked it out. We figured in the first year alone we'd have saved $7 billion. There were some on the GM board who said: "We're doubling down on a UAW-controlled industry. We don't even want to look at the numbers." It was an emotion-driven decision that "no, we are not going to increase the risk by buying into another UAW-controlled company." I think it was a huge missed opportunity. It would be one superpowerful company today.”
Tom Brune
UAW/GM Communications Coordinator
Wentzville Assembly
636-327-2119
Friday, November 1, 2013
State of the Union November 1, 2013
November 1, 2013 online at www.uawlocal2250.com
**IMPORTANT CORRECTION NOTICE**
From the Benefits Department and Chairman Mike Bullock:
We received a letter from the National Benefit Center yesterday. This letter affects all Entry Level employees and is being sent to all Entry Level Employees at their address of record. We previously reported what was told to us by the National parties at the Annual Benefits Conference in September. At that time we were told that all seniority Entry Level employees would be getting complete Health Care coverage, including Dental and Vision, after their 91stday. It remains correct that seniority Entry Level employees will get health care on their 91st day:
“Effective January 1, 2014, the eligibility waiting period will change to 90-days, with health care medical coverage commencing on the 91st calendar day of Entry Level employment. This change not only significantly reduces the health care waiting period for Entry Level employees but coverage could become effective any day of the week, depending upon the date of hire.”
The letter we received changes what we were told and what we informed our membership concerning Dental and Vision. Page 2 states:
“Entry Level employees eligibility for dental and vision coverage remains as currently provided in the Program, with dental coverage commencing upon attaining three years seniority and vision coverage commencing upon attaining three years seniority for an examination only, and five years seniority for full vision coverage.”
We regret any inconvenience this may have caused our membership. When we report what we have learned and were informed of at the conferences we attend, we assume that this is what will be distributed and relayed to our membership by the National Parties. In this instance it was not. We know what we were told and are extremely disappointed that what we informed our membership, based on what we were told at the conference, was incorrect.
General Motors Co. dealers delivered 226,402 vehicles in the United States in October, up 16 percent versus a year ago. Retail sales were also up 16 percent and fleet sales were up 14 percent.
“Chevrolet, Cadillac and Buick-GMC all performed well in the month, and the sales tempo really picked up after the government shutdown ended,” said Kurt McNeil, vice president, U.S. sales operations. “We are particularly pleased with our truck momentum. Chevrolet and GMC have the newest and best light duty trucks, sales are accelerating and we are gearing up for the second, third and fourth phases of our strategic truck plan.”
This month, the premium Chevrolet Silverado High Country and GMC Sierra Denali will hit showrooms, followed by a redesigned range of heavy-duty pickups in the first quarter of 2014. All-new Chevrolet, GMC and Cadillac full-size SUVs also arrive in the first quarter, and later in the year, GM will introduce clean-sheet redesigns of the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon mid-size pickups.
October Sales Highlights (vs. 2012)
Deliveries of the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra were up 10 percent and 13 percent, respectively.
Sales of the new 2014 light duty Silverado and Sierra increased 62 percent from September 2013. They accounted for about 76 percent of GM’s light duty deliveries, per plan. Strong calendar-year-to-date sales have helped Chevrolet and GMC earn a 30 percent share of light-duty pickups priced $40,000 or above. That is up 5 percentage points versus 2012.
Tom Brune
UAW/GM Communications Coordinator
Wentzville Assembly
636-327-2119
From the Benefits Department and Chairman Mike Bullock:
We received a letter from the National Benefit Center yesterday. This letter affects all Entry Level employees and is being sent to all Entry Level Employees at their address of record. We previously reported what was told to us by the National parties at the Annual Benefits Conference in September. At that time we were told that all seniority Entry Level employees would be getting complete Health Care coverage, including Dental and Vision, after their 91stday. It remains correct that seniority Entry Level employees will get health care on their 91st day:
“Effective January 1, 2014, the eligibility waiting period will change to 90-days, with health care medical coverage commencing on the 91st calendar day of Entry Level employment. This change not only significantly reduces the health care waiting period for Entry Level employees but coverage could become effective any day of the week, depending upon the date of hire.”
The letter we received changes what we were told and what we informed our membership concerning Dental and Vision. Page 2 states:
“Entry Level employees eligibility for dental and vision coverage remains as currently provided in the Program, with dental coverage commencing upon attaining three years seniority and vision coverage commencing upon attaining three years seniority for an examination only, and five years seniority for full vision coverage.”
We regret any inconvenience this may have caused our membership. When we report what we have learned and were informed of at the conferences we attend, we assume that this is what will be distributed and relayed to our membership by the National Parties. In this instance it was not. We know what we were told and are extremely disappointed that what we informed our membership, based on what we were told at the conference, was incorrect.
General Motors Co. dealers delivered 226,402 vehicles in the United States in October, up 16 percent versus a year ago. Retail sales were also up 16 percent and fleet sales were up 14 percent.
“Chevrolet, Cadillac and Buick-GMC all performed well in the month, and the sales tempo really picked up after the government shutdown ended,” said Kurt McNeil, vice president, U.S. sales operations. “We are particularly pleased with our truck momentum. Chevrolet and GMC have the newest and best light duty trucks, sales are accelerating and we are gearing up for the second, third and fourth phases of our strategic truck plan.”
This month, the premium Chevrolet Silverado High Country and GMC Sierra Denali will hit showrooms, followed by a redesigned range of heavy-duty pickups in the first quarter of 2014. All-new Chevrolet, GMC and Cadillac full-size SUVs also arrive in the first quarter, and later in the year, GM will introduce clean-sheet redesigns of the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon mid-size pickups.
October Sales Highlights (vs. 2012)
- Buick total sales increased 31 percent and retail sales were up 25 percent for the 18th consecutive month of year-over-year growth. Regal sales increased 47 percent.
- Cadillac’s sales increased 10 percent and have grown in each of the last 13 months thanks to the all-new XTS and ATS. In addition, the SRX is on track for its best year ever. Retail sales were up 12 percent for the brand and more than 60 percent of buyers did not trade in a Cadillac.
- GMC was up 16 percent. The Terrain had its best October sales ever.
- Chevrolet was up 15 percent. Thirteen nameplates posted double-digit increases, including every SUV and crossover nameplate.
- Retail sales of Chevrolet passenger cars were up 32 percent. Cruze had its best-ever October retail sales. Impala retail deliveries nearly doubled and Malibu retail sales increased 58 percent.
- Full size van sales were up 14.9 percent, coming in at 7552.
Deliveries of the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra were up 10 percent and 13 percent, respectively.
Sales of the new 2014 light duty Silverado and Sierra increased 62 percent from September 2013. They accounted for about 76 percent of GM’s light duty deliveries, per plan. Strong calendar-year-to-date sales have helped Chevrolet and GMC earn a 30 percent share of light-duty pickups priced $40,000 or above. That is up 5 percentage points versus 2012.
Tom Brune
UAW/GM Communications Coordinator
Wentzville Assembly
636-327-2119
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