Chairperson Report/ UAW 862 Newsletter
May 21, 2014 16:15:47 GMT -5
whiskerfish1 and Bcrew4life like this
Post by TonyV on May 21, 2014 16:15:47 GMT -5
Hello, I would like to bring your attention on a new post published on the
UAWLAP.org Site.
Details of the post follow.
In Solidarity,
Steven M. Stone
Chairperson Report/UAW 862 Newsletter
Well, while I don't normally answer unsigned bulletins, I did find one
entitled “No Bug No Vote” which had several interesting points. The writer
thought it was discouraging that members were using non-union print shops for
their leaflets to run for office or even worse using fake union bugs on their
materials. I agree, you would think that someone running for a union office
would support other locals as in supporting union printing companies.
Another point the writer mentioned is that several of the members that
decided to run for positions at the top of the Union Structure have never served
in any official capacity at all. After all moving into the top union offices,
experience is necessary in order to just be able to function within the
Constitution and the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Also, I mentioned at the last monthly Union Membership Meeting that
after nominations were taken, some of the people running for even the highest
union offices had left and didn't even stay for the entire meeting. We, as
seniority members must set an example to the newer members.
Additionally, I hope that the membership will vote for people that have had the
experience to fill the jobs that are vital to take the plant and union forward
over the next three years.
*************************************************************************************
This being my last article as Chairperson of the Louisville Assembly
Plant, I would like to thank everyone who supported me over the last 41 years.
It is always been my honor to represent the men and women of the Louisville
Assembly Plant and I appreciate everything you have done for me. Since my
first election win in 1984, it has always been my privilege to represent the
members of UAW Local 862 in different capacities.
Without a doubt, the last six years has been the most difficult.
Starting with the 2008 campaign, the company announced elimination of our second
shift and 1100 jobs were in jeopardy, while still not having an announced
product. With the help of the Bargaining Committee including Fred Willard,
Herb Hibbs, Jeff Hale and Skilled Trades’ Bargainer Jamie Burke, we were able
to avoid layoffs for over another year. The Bargaining Committee worked with
the company to place seniority employees, so by the time the shift rotation
ended, fewer than 100 members went to indefinite layoff during our retooling,
rebuilding period. Close to 300 Skilled Tradespersons helped to demo and
rebuild our plant; the remainder of the production employees were placed on
temporary layoff to protect their SUB and Member Benefits as a result of
‘Letters of Understanding’ signed during the 2009 modification.
In 2012, more than 1000 ‘Legacy’ employees, 420 RTBUs and 130 KCAP
(transfer of operations) transferred to LAP along with 300 ACH and out of zone
LTSs. By March, we were running two Crews and by August three Crews. It was
absolutely amazing progress in a short time frame, especially considering all
the obstacles we faced.
Thanks so much to the hard work of Barry Ford, Fred Willard, Jeff Hale,
Herb Hibbs and Skilled Trades Bargainer, Jamie Burke with the difficult issues
we accomplished. As of today, the Louisville Assembly Plant employees 4700
members of UAW Local 862.
Many thanks to all the Retired and Active members who have been an
invaluable support to me throughout the years!!! You are surely
appreciated.
Fraternally,
Steven M. Stone, UAW/ LAP Building Chairperson
UAW Local
862
SMS/sw NCFO Loc32BJ
Link to the post:
uawlap.org/building-chairpersons-report/chairperson-reportuaw-862-newsletter.php
Link to UAWLAP.org: uawlap.org
UAWLAP.org Site.
Details of the post follow.
In Solidarity,
Steven M. Stone
Chairperson Report/UAW 862 Newsletter
Well, while I don't normally answer unsigned bulletins, I did find one
entitled “No Bug No Vote” which had several interesting points. The writer
thought it was discouraging that members were using non-union print shops for
their leaflets to run for office or even worse using fake union bugs on their
materials. I agree, you would think that someone running for a union office
would support other locals as in supporting union printing companies.
Another point the writer mentioned is that several of the members that
decided to run for positions at the top of the Union Structure have never served
in any official capacity at all. After all moving into the top union offices,
experience is necessary in order to just be able to function within the
Constitution and the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Also, I mentioned at the last monthly Union Membership Meeting that
after nominations were taken, some of the people running for even the highest
union offices had left and didn't even stay for the entire meeting. We, as
seniority members must set an example to the newer members.
Additionally, I hope that the membership will vote for people that have had the
experience to fill the jobs that are vital to take the plant and union forward
over the next three years.
*************************************************************************************
This being my last article as Chairperson of the Louisville Assembly
Plant, I would like to thank everyone who supported me over the last 41 years.
It is always been my honor to represent the men and women of the Louisville
Assembly Plant and I appreciate everything you have done for me. Since my
first election win in 1984, it has always been my privilege to represent the
members of UAW Local 862 in different capacities.
Without a doubt, the last six years has been the most difficult.
Starting with the 2008 campaign, the company announced elimination of our second
shift and 1100 jobs were in jeopardy, while still not having an announced
product. With the help of the Bargaining Committee including Fred Willard,
Herb Hibbs, Jeff Hale and Skilled Trades’ Bargainer Jamie Burke, we were able
to avoid layoffs for over another year. The Bargaining Committee worked with
the company to place seniority employees, so by the time the shift rotation
ended, fewer than 100 members went to indefinite layoff during our retooling,
rebuilding period. Close to 300 Skilled Tradespersons helped to demo and
rebuild our plant; the remainder of the production employees were placed on
temporary layoff to protect their SUB and Member Benefits as a result of
‘Letters of Understanding’ signed during the 2009 modification.
In 2012, more than 1000 ‘Legacy’ employees, 420 RTBUs and 130 KCAP
(transfer of operations) transferred to LAP along with 300 ACH and out of zone
LTSs. By March, we were running two Crews and by August three Crews. It was
absolutely amazing progress in a short time frame, especially considering all
the obstacles we faced.
Thanks so much to the hard work of Barry Ford, Fred Willard, Jeff Hale,
Herb Hibbs and Skilled Trades Bargainer, Jamie Burke with the difficult issues
we accomplished. As of today, the Louisville Assembly Plant employees 4700
members of UAW Local 862.
Many thanks to all the Retired and Active members who have been an
invaluable support to me throughout the years!!! You are surely
appreciated.
Fraternally,
Steven M. Stone, UAW/ LAP Building Chairperson
UAW Local
862
SMS/sw NCFO Loc32BJ
Link to the post:
uawlap.org/building-chairpersons-report/chairperson-reportuaw-862-newsletter.php
Link to UAWLAP.org: uawlap.org