Repair OT and how we are backfilling.

[kessinger]

We are getting alot of questions about this, so I wanted to post an explanation for what is going on. With repair and weekend OT.

The big problem with these repairs is that most require the use of a lift to do the repair. We are limited on places we can put lifts therefore limited on how many people we can work to do the repairs. Due to this bottleneck they wanted to outsource the repairs. Contractualy once they fully utilize the shop and line repair people they have the right to source it, like they do in trades at times. In trying to keep this work as UAW/Ford work, Scott pushed for and got them to agree to use LAP repairman (as we had laso done in the trades) useing the lifts at LAP and also to rent a building nearby our plant that has several lifts in it so we can use more KTP employees instead of sourcing it. We are still limited by how many lifts we can use though.

So, now let me explain how we supplement repair. The local contract explains that if you need more people to do shop repair you goto line repair then product specialists, then teamleaders, then VAT's. We currently have went through all line repair and product specialists, but I don't think we will get through all the teamleaders, only time will tell.

I hope this explains everything. I know everyone would like a piece of the action. Unfortunatly we can't work that out. But, at least we are keeping it as UAW work.

[jefflebowski]

Thanks for your time and explanation. But, a turd sandwich still taste like sh*t! Eventually reps will have to eat their own cooking. I understand Ford can run there business as they see fit....but everything is negotiable. You're either a pig, sheep, or a dog. I know this sounds harsh and angry, I'm not. It's time to start positioning to get whats ours or Ford will get even more as they continue to move toward financial prosperity. Always think five moves out, corperations do.

[kessinger]

OK, you lost me here though. What does "the reps will have to eat their own cooking" refer to? We got ours the work stayed with us.

[jefflebowski]

Sorry, didn't mean to be such a dick. Like I said. I'm not angry. The work stayed with the UAW. It's that a KTP employee sould at least be asked if they would like the overtime on the repair work of their product. In addition to KTP hires, people came from Ohio, Indy, MTP and LAP to work and when overtime is passed over, they get upset. I like the short days we've been having lately, but I like money also. As for eating one's cooking... this negotiated solution is one more thing people working the production floor remember about our choosen reps in office. Sorry, most people don't remember the good unless you solve a disease. We're bombarded to remember only the bad.

[kessinger]

I understand that. Everyone would like to work I am sure and if I could make that happen I gladly would. Though more people get pissed at us when we get this work than we make happy. I just wanted everyone to know the why and how of it.

[fordboy]

The explanation is much appreciated. At least you care enough to come here and answer questions wether people like your answer or not.

[watchmen]

I have been a team leader for 8yrs now. From my own experience this is how OT repair really works.

Team leaders are expected to fix all known defects from their team before they leave there respective dept. even when there are qualified repairmen in each dept who bidded and accepted those bids to to those jobs. Now for the most part, most team leaders like myself do those repairs to keep their operators out of trouble but sometimes the S&$t does hit the fan and all the repairs cant get caught before it reaches the end. THIS WHERE IT GETS INTERESTING. The repairman on the end who bidded and accepted there jobs start yelling and crying to management about how they had to fix this repair, can they get it cut off, etc....
Then if the team leader works thru his or her break to fix a repair, the repairman file a grievence cause it was there job to do the repair and they were not asked first even though they were the ones complaining and throwing a fit about having to do repairs.

Then when it comes to OT after shift or weekend work, the repairman soak up the 12hr days sat. and sunday and the teamleaders are sitting at home cause we are not repairmen even though teamleaders fix majority of actually repairs cause they usually fixed before managment notices. Teamleaders are only qualified repairmen when management needs us to be like when the dept. short shifts and teamleaders have to stay and go out to the yard and do repair right next to the qualified repairman but teamleaders have to leave at 8hrs while the repairman stay 10 cause we cant get OT.

Kessinger this does suck. None of us teamleaders are the least bit surprised that even LAP would be offered OT over KTP teamleaders when it comes to repairs.

I enjoy being a teamleader and i think by doing it for 8yrs in a row shows that i have been doing something right by getting relected but its times like this Kessinger that really aggrevate me. The roles and responsibilities of teamleaders laid out in the UAW contract book is such a gray area sometimes that management can do what ever they want with us at any giving time.

[reliefman]

Teamleaders really don't have it that bad.
I don't remember any of them asking repairmen or assemblers or absentee coverage to join them for the paid weekend overtime training.
-They get paid a little extra every hour for doing their FPS work, they get extra paid breaks for doing their FPS work through the day.
-Get paid even if they sneak out early a couple times a week while another teamleader covers for them.
-they complain to management about just as much stuff usually naming names too.
-Oh and by the way its a contractual obligation for a teamleader to back up downed equipment in their zone including working the line back, and to complete operations from poorly trained individuals in their area.
-and the little stuff too, reading a whole paragraph of the paper without looking up or touching the next truck. Going to the bathroom as soon as they need to, scheduling their own days off without regards to others, perks from the parts vendors, leaving a few minutes early for lunch or going home.
Being a Teamleader aint that bad, but be careful asking for a job, you just might get it.

[kessinger]

LAP isn't working BEFORE all teamleaders they are working because we can't work more people. If we stopped them from using LAP right now, that would not result in .1 more OT for anyone at KTP. Or any more people working. We are limited by how many lifts we have access to. If we stopped LAP from doing it, the work would just goto Rousch, not us. Once they fully utilize repair they have the right to outsource the work if they can do it cheaper. And if you think Rousch can't go get some 8 dollar an hour guy to do it cheaper you are crazy.


As for teamleaders working. TEAMLEADERS ARE WORKING. We asked the teamleaders from frame and engine since putting on these parts is part of their dept. I have spent most of my week getting ripped because we are letting teamleaders work. Then I get on here and get ripped for NOT letting them? I'm guessing you didn't know this, TEAMLEADERS IN FRAME ARE WORKING. And we would work more, if we had the lifts.
Also teamleaders get paid more on the hour than anyone in production. There is a reason for that, they have to do damned near everything. But, don't blame me for the things you do to get elected. I UNDERSTAND, I have to get elected to. But, I am not going to blame anyone else or the contract for doing the things I need to do to get elected. We have talked about this in other posts. The NLRB says if I answer calls and don't intentionaly screw anyone I have met my obligation of being an elected representative. But, I would be out in 3 years, so I do alot more than that. And I am sure you give bathroom breaks and do repairs so that you to can keep getting elected. I have never had a teamelader written up for not giving a bathroom break, but we all know what will happen if you stop. If you think managment is abusing you call 2409 I will gladly get invovled.

So that everyone knows. More of this unfortunatly is going to be sourced out, we have tapped out every idea we have, but there are too many of these trucks in need of repair and the repair takes too long for us to keep it in house. We would be still trying to ship these trucks come Xmas if we didn't. I wish there was another way, and that everyone could get the OT, but that just can't be done.

In closing. We have done all we can to keep it in house when it would have been much easier to wipe our hands of it and say "source it". But, I have to live with myself and will not that. I understand that people will be mad because we can't get everyone some of the OT, and that's ok with me. What we are doing is still the right thing to do even if it makes it harder for me to get elected. And it is refreshing that we have people mad about NOT working for a change.

[tonyp]

They shouldn't have built them to begin with if there was a problem

[jefflebowski]

Wow, and let Toyota get more press then us. Hope this didn't jinx us!

[kessinger]

TonyP, they were built before they knew there was an issue. One of the down weeks we had was so we didn't build more units til the oil cooler issue was fixed. Quite frankly I am proud we now work at a place that wants everything fixed before we ship it. All of this is a good thing, in years past you guys know these would be on trains a long time ago. The cost to rent space to park em and security to watch the trucks I am sure is costing them a fortune.

My worry is all the damage that can occur from shuffling trucks around.

[panheadred]

Mar 29, 2010 19:51:03 GMT -5 kessinger said:

Quite frankly I am proud we now work at a place that wants everything fixed before we ship it. All of this is a good thing, in years past you guys know these would be on trains a long time ago. The cost to rent space to park em and security to watch the trucks I am sure is costing them a fortune.

Yep, been here 21 + years...never seen 'em be so worried about getting everything correct before shipping them out. Gives me a good feeling for a change knowing that we are doing everything possible to ship a quality product.

[watchmen]

Kessinger i never piss and moaned about being a teamleader on here. If i didnt like it then i would not be doing it, its that simple. i handle my business on my team accordingly without union help.

Everyone wants a piece of the pie Kess, thats all. I just wanted some OT from P-trim repairs .

[kessinger]

watchmen, sorry if I came off the A-hole I was beyond grumpy yesterday. I understand wanting a piece of the pie. I had just grown tired of instead of people saying THAT, they were saying the union sucks cause I don't get to work, or that I am taking care of my buddies or some other accusation. We have been extremely open about all this so everyone knows it is above board. I may have projected that onto your post so for that I am sorry.

fordboy, thx for the thx, it is appreciated.

[ktpnightshift4life]

Kessinger,

Thanks for keeping us informed on this and all of the other happenings around the plant. Always nice to have a truthful answer whenever some bullshit rumor gets started.

[TonyV]

I appreciate a member of the bargaining committee taking the time to answer questions on this board. Everyone should remember this come election time. Thank you Mr. Kessinger.