UAW President, Mark Caruso - Saline Instrument and Plastics Plant and … April May 2008.pdf ·...

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REPORTERVol. 11, No. 1 April/May 2008

Saline Instrument and Plastics Plant and Total Fitness Concepts

Proud Members of the United Auto Workers Local 892

NON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDDETROIT, MI

PERMIT NO. 1776

UAW LOCAL 892601 Woodland driveSaline, MI 48176

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what’s inside...CHAIRMAN’SREPORT:MEMBERSHIP CONTINUES TO DECREASE PA

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PAG

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HEALTH & SAFETYREPORT:TEAM ON TASK PA

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BENEFITS REPORT:PENSION BENEFIT INCREASEFITNESS CENTER REPORT: THE LOW-DOWN ON BUTTER SUBSTITUTES

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President’s Reportby MARK CARUSO

We have a full plate ahead of us, with the JCI contract and the transfers to other Ford facilities. Currently we are patiently waiting for JCI to return to the bargaining table

as they negotiate product pricing with Ford Motor Company. The state of the economy has led to a lot of uncertainty for us in the auto industry. We need to be proactive in selling our own product by offering our vehicle discount to our families and friends, preferably for Ford vehicles made in America. To find out more about union-built autos and trucks, please visit http://www.uaw.org/uawmade/index.cfm. As Saline continues to hire a new generation of Visteon employees, we, the seniority members, need to educate, support and safeguard the new employees by giving them good direction. Provid-ing quality workmanship and working safely are the keys necessary to market UAW labor as the best workforce in the world! Unions are under attack from all directions and in this day and age the drive to slash benefits and wages is running rampant. It’s unfortunate that the corporate think-tank has yet to learn that if all the good-paying jobs are sent overseas, who will be left to buy their products? Compound this problem with the right wing nitwits in Washington and we are on an economic crash course. Our only hope is to be more involved with government politics. There are many ways we, as individuals, can fight back against these frightening facts. Participation in the UAW V-CAP program is just one of those ways. Collec-tively, your V-CAP dollars help to continue to fund the fight to protect our rights in Washington, D.C. and Lansing. For those of you who participated in the 2008 V-CAP drive, please pick up your items at the Local 892 Union Hall as soon as possible--due to storage space limitations, we are able to store these items for only a limited time. Thank you for your continued support!

In Solidarity,Mark Caruso, President / UAW Local 892

Help the UAW by Getting Involved

JOHN McCAIN:Wrong Choice For Working Families

Our only hope is to be more involved with government

politics.

”“

Supports Unfair Trade Deals. McCain voted for NAFTA and CAFTA, and to allow China to enter the WTO although the United States has lost more than 1 million jobs because of NAFTA and 1.8 million jobs since China entered the WTO. (H.R. 3450, Vote #395, 11/20/93; S. 1307, Vote #170, 6/30/05; H.R. 4444, Vote #251, 9/19/00; Economy Policy Institute, 10/9/07)

Helped Companies Send Jobs Out of the Country. McCain supported tax breaks for companies that ship jobs out of the country, voted to weaken and waive Buy American laws that keep jobs at home and voted against protecting steelworkers’ jobs from illegal dumping. (S. 1637, Vote #83,5/5/04; S. 2400, Vote #135, 6/22/04; S. 1050, Vote #191, 5/21/03; H.R. 975, Vote #178, 6/22/99)

More of the Same. McCain supported Bush’s position 95 percent of the time in 2007 and an average of 89 percent over Bush’s two terms in office. (Congressional Quarterly Voting Study, 110th Congress)

VOTE FOR CANDIDATES THAT WILL OPPOSE UNFAIR TRADE AGREEMENTS

SUPPORT CANDIDATES WHO SUPPORT WORKING FAMILIES

Prepared by UAW National CAP forWorker-to-Worker distribution among UAW members and their families. February 2008

THE2008ELECTION

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2 APRIL/MAY 2008REPORTER UAW LOCAL 892

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Reporter is a bi-monthly publication by UAW Local 892601 Woodland Drive, Saline, Michigan 48176-1297

Editorial ................................................... (734) 429-5140, ext. 13. Internet ........................................................... [email protected] site .................................................... http://www.uaw892.org

PRINTED IN USA

EXECUTIVE BOARDPresident ...................................................................Mark CarusoVice-President .............................................................Jeff GrimmPlant Chairman ........................................................ Pete GrahamRecording Secretary ......................................................April BauFinancial Secretary ..................................................Russ Creech

PUBLICITY COMMITTEEEditor ...........................................................................Kristin Fitch

EDITORIAL COMMITTEEKathy Kruger, Lee Murray, and Raul Arriaga

The views and opinions expressed by members that appear in the columns of the paper are not necessarily those of the

Administration of Local 892, UAW.

T892REPORTChairman’s

by Pete Graham

Summer Shutdown is scheduled for the weeks of 7/7/08 and 7/14/08. I’d like to remind all the UAW/Ford members that if you are taking a buy out package, use your two “family days” and also take advantage of any dental and/or vision

coverage that you may need. If you are leaving Saline to go to another plant, go to the Local 892 Union Hall and get your transfer card so that you won’t be required to pay initiation dues again at your new Local Union. Region 1A has requested assistance of all Locals on a volunteer basis to

participate during the American Axle strike. We expect this to be a long and drawn-out strike. Everyone must fight to protect these good-paying Union jobs and our Brothers and Sisters.

In Solidarity,Pete Graham

There is a lot of activity going on in the auto industry today and the Saline Plant is no exception, we are seeing our UAW/Ford employee membership continue to decrease. So far this year we have had 78 members sign up to take a separation (buy out) package, 304 Saline members signed up to return to Ford Plants, with an additional 20 signing up to transfer to Kansas City Assembly with the U377 (Escape) IP. We continue to bring in new UAW/Visteon members so, as you can imagine, there is a lot of “churning” going on. Negotiations with Johnson Controls have been on hold for a few weeks now while they iron out issues with Ford Motor Co. We have been officially notified by the company that the “2008”

Membership Continues to Decrease

”

“...our vision to be the

world’s leading supplier of integrated automotive

systems drives us to continually improve the way we plan

and the way we run and change our business.

892REPORTQuality

by Jeri Feeman

Great Job, Saline Plant

FFord’s system that tracks and reports data from our production and service parts is called an SIM (Sup-plier Improvement Metrics) score. The year ended in November of 2007 and Saline’s SIM score was an all-time high with 1450 points. This score was the highest in all of the ACH plants. Our SIM score ob-jective for 2008 started in December and is set at 1200 points. Our actual points at this time are 1250. This score is well above the minimum 800 points required to maintain our Q1 rating out of a possible 1600 points you can have. QRs (quality rejects) are a collection of spe-cific details related to a concern or a QR written against a shipment re-jected by a production plant. Saline ended 2007 with 809 QRs; much of this was due to all the churning that took place. For the month of Febru-ary, Saline was responsible for 26 QRs, the suppliers had 29. For the

”

“ ...the “2008” Summer

Shutdown is scheduled for the weeks of 7/7/08 and 7/14/08.

month of March, Saline was respon-sible for 33 QRs and the suppliers had 47. Some key elements to remember about quality are that our vision to be

the world’s leading sup-plier of integrated au-tomotive systems drives us to continually im-prove the way we plan and the way we run and change our business. Quality leadership gives this plant the opportu-nity to retain and grow our business. Quality is everyone’s responsibil-ity, from the operator to management, from suppliers to facilities. Operator quality responsibilities are a daily focus on quality, produce standardized quality work, follow the reaction plan to contain defects and understand

the quality operating system ele-ments for individual jobs or worksta-tions. Keep up the great job, Saline, and continue building quality into our products.

In Solidarity, Jeri Feeman

Exclusively for UAW Local 892 Members and Retirees$16.95 PLUS TAX (EXCLUDES DIESELS)

FILTER AND MOTORCRAFTOIL (UP TO 5 QUARTS)

LUBE, OIL AND FILTER CHANGE SPECIAL

FORD AND LINCOLN-MERCURY VEHICLES ONLY

OFFER EXPIRES 12-31-07.MUST PRESENT COUPON AT THE TIME OF SERVICE.

PARTICIPATING DEALERSHIPS:

• Mathews Ford (Union Dealership) – Oregon

• Clinton Tecumseh Ford Lincoln Mercury – Clinton

• Spirit Ford – Dundee• Seymour Ford Lincoln Mercury – Jackson

REPORTER UAW LOCAL 892APRIL/MAY 2008

892SALINE SAFETY TEAMHealth & Safety

by Dennis Keezer & Ed Zietlow

Team on Task

WWe have been focusing on the Saline Plant M.E.E.T. Program (Mind on task; Eyes on task; Effort on task; Team on task). This month, our focus is on the “Team” it takes to maintain a safe plant and to meet the goal of “Em-ployees going home healthy each and every day.” The “Team” on task concept means we are working toward a common goal. In our case it is to produce a quality product and main-tain a healthy and safe workplace. The “Team” must consist of all of us, as failure to do so will result in inju-ries that could have been prevented. What does it mean to be a “Team?” During the recent insur-ance audit at Saline, the auditor found a major non-conformance is-sue. He discovered smoking was go-ing on in the warehouse and on the roof. Areas that could put all of our jobs at risk if a fire started and went out of control. Everyone should be aware that we have a county ordi-nance and plant policy against smok-ing inside the building and covered walkways. Smoking violations will result in discipline up to and includ-ing discharge. We must all keep our building and contents safe. People have asked what are other examples where not thinking like a “Team” can cause injuries. Food and drinks being spilled on floors and steps. Slips and falls occur as the mess was not cleaned up and left for someone else to find or take care of. Others have been hurt when opera-tors have failed to secure panels in trunions only to have them fall off at the next work station. In addition, we have “Team” events, where employ-ees are working in tandem. Exam-ples include multiple lockout jobs, Millwrights lifting and rigging items, Cleaners working in confined spaces, etc. These are all “Team” events and must use the philosophy, “We are all our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers.” The “Team on Task Philosophy” begins with a joint effort mind set. It takes each of us working together to make a successful “Team” and outstanding plant. We are healthier, happier, and as you can see, stron-ger when caring for one another. Please review the letter from the

National Joint Committee on Health and Safety. They also believe in the “Team” concept.General Work Rules One of the most basic things you can do to keep yourself safe and help the plant achieve its safety perfor-mance objectives is to follow all established safety rules and regula-tions. There are many safety rules and regulations that apply to us in our everyday work activities, but the Union and Company have identified 12 General Safety Rules that every-one should adhere to at all times. The 12 basic safety rules are:1. Walk - do not run in parking lots,

covered walkways or inside build-ings. Horseplay is not allowed.

2. Industrial safety glasses with side shields must be worn on the plant floor and while performing work outside on the plant property.

3. Walk in designated pedestrian aisleways only, no more than two abreast. Use handrails on all stair-ways.

4. When entering an aisle, always stop and look both ways. Do not use vehicle doors if an adjacent pedestrian door is provided. Observe the two-foot rule around motorized vehicles.

5. Keep your work area and aisles clean and clear of materials and parts.

6. There is no smoking permitted in-side of plant or covered walkways. You must use specified shelters or be 25 feet from any plant en-trance.

7. Do not use cell phones or have ear/headphones on your head when in aisles, walking or driving in plant. The use of cell phones is not permitted while performing production work.

8. Report all injuries and illnesses to your supervisor and the Plant Medical department immediately. Must use medical pass.

9. Wear high visibility safety vests in designated areas.

10. Do not enter a restricted area, or area marked by barrier devices or tape, unless authorized and have proper PPE. Use a safe, approved route to your destination.

11. Ride on moving vehicles only when an approved, manufacturer-

installed passenger seat is pro-vided for company business.

12. Do not remove or tamper with machine guarding or other safety devices.

WE NEED TO KEEP SAFETY AT THE FOREFRONT OF OUR THINKING We don’t always agree with every-thing that goes on in our workplace. Some people don’t believe that the company or in some cases the UAW has our best interest or safety in mind when making changes, rebalancing lines, and setting up areas. Our plant is changing on a fast pace and so is the auto business but one thing will remain, we will continue to be the most safety conscious plant in the business. The Saline Plant UAW Safety Represen-tatives will continue to do what we believe is the right thing with safety at the forefront of our thinking. Whether it is an hourly person on a line, driving a forklift, a Skilled Trade’s person performing a task, a supervisor, an engineer, or the Plant Manager, we will continue to do the right thing with everyone’s safety in mind. There are times when it may not be the most popular outcome to some hourly people or company people but it will be the right outcome based on what is safe and what is not. With the focus being on Energy Control & Power Lockout (ECPL) and Powered Material Handling Vehicles (PMHV), we will continue to present safety in a professional and to the point method. We need to keep our eyes on such safety issues as wearing our safety glasses with side shields, Kevlar arm guards and gloves when required, safety harnesses when required, use of proper shipping and receiving dock procedures, using pe-destrian doors and not overhead vehi-cle doors when entering warehouses. We need to use pedestrian walkways

as marked, the use of cells phones and other electronic devices need to be used in designated areas only. Drivers of powered vehicles as well as bicycles need to use the proper aisle-ways, stop at all stop signs, use your horn at intersections, and watch for pedestrians. Pedestrians, on the other hand, need to look out for vehicles and give our drivers consideration. Pedestrians need to make eye contact with vehicle drivers before crossing aisleways and intersections. Limiting vehicle movement to job-related task traffic cuts down on the chance of accidents and incidents with vehicles and or pedestrians. We also need to use approved safety knives only, band loose dun-

nage, and do not stack anything on corners higher than 4 feet. Smoking is one of the main issues we are ex-periencing in our plant. We have people smok-ing in areas that are not only against plant and county policies but we are finding people smoking in areas that are very dangerous to the welfare of our

employees and our plant in general. We have people smoking in ware-houses, paint areas, and other parts of the plant that are not only designated no smoking areas but also dangerous practices because of the flammable and/or combustible materials that are stored in these areas. Throughout the thirty-one years I have worked in the Saline Plant, I have seen many changes to this plant and most for the good. At no time have I seen more changes than what we are experiencing right now. Although some people believe that safety is tak-ing a back seat to changes, that is not true. The UAW Safety Representa-tives are working to make these chang-es as safe as possible. I personally will continue to work to maintain our plant at the level we are accustomed to until I am asked to leave.

Attorneys at Law

BRIAN L. WALKERis at the

LOCAL 892 UNION HALL601 Woodland Drive, Saline, MI 48176

from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon

Paskel,Tashman & Walker, PC

LEGAL REPRESENTATION SPECIALIZING IN:Family Law • Medical/Dental Malpractice

Slip & Falls • Workers' Compensation Social Security • Criminal Law

Employment Discrimination

1st & 3rd

MONDAYS

24445 Northwestern Hwy, Suite 102 • Southfield, MI 48075 • (800) 826-0101

”“Smoking

violations will result in

discipline up to and including

discharge.

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Royale GetawaysBy Royale Thompson We would like to thank everyone who went to Four Winds Casino with us last month; everyone had a great time. Also, the thirteen families who went to Castaway Bay Water Park said they had a fantastic time. They said the accommodations were excellent and the kids had a blast in the water park. Everyone is excited to return to Castaway Bay. Coming up we have some very affordable casino trips.

On May 14, 2008, we are going to Casino Windsor. The cost is $12.00 with $15.00 redemption for food or slots. On June 17, 2008, we are traveling to Mo-tor City Casino. The cost will be $24.00, with $25.00 reward play. These trips will be departing from the Local promptly at 7:30 a.m. and returning to the Local at 3:30 p.m. Space is limited on each trip, so please sign up soon by e-mailing Royale at [email protected] or call (734) 429-5140, ext. 9. Royale can also be contacted every Tuesday at Local 892, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Also, if you’re interested, we are offering trips to Hawaii, Scotland, Costa Rica, and a train package to the Rocky Mountains. For additional information and to book any of the trips, contact Royale Thompson. The Saline Senior Center is offering trips to anyone interested. On May 27th, they are going to the Fox Theater to see “The Color Purple.” The cost is $79.00. On June 13th they will be touring the Cranbrook House and Gar-dens, costing $21.00. On July 17th, they are traveling to Wharton Theater to see “Wicked” and the cost is $90.00. The Center is also looking for volunteers for Meals On Wheels. If interested in anything concerning the Saline Senior Center, please contact Carol Christiaens at (734) 429-9274. For any of your travel needs, please contact Royale at Local 892 on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and at Better World Travel in Howell, (517) 548-3151 or reach her at home, (810) 231-9682.

7/12/08 thru 7/20/08(Second Week of Shutdown)

UAW Local 2451226 MonroeDearborn, MI 48124 President: Keith BrownPhone: 313-561-7500

UAW Local 387, Woodhaven24250 Telegraph Rd.Flatrock, MI 48134 President: John MoorePhone: 734-782-2771

UAW Local 845, Sheldon Road Plant8770 North Canton Center RoadCanton, MI 48187 President: Ed HonsingerPhone: 734-453-1240

UAW Local 898, Rawsonville8975 Textile Rd.Ypsilanti, 48197 President: Gary PraterPhone: 800-521-7152

UAW Local 12843700 S. M-52 Hwy.Chelsea, MI 48118 President: Bill HeeneyPhone: 734-475-5452

7/5/08 thru 7/13/08(First Week of Shutdown)

UAW Local 17429841 Van Born RoadRomulus, MI 48174President: John ZimmickPhone: 734-728-7600

UAW Local 723, Monroe281 Detroit AvenueMonroe, MI 48162 President: Robert CebinaPhone: 734-241-6320

UAW Local 849, Ypsilanti454 ChidesterYpsilanti, MI 48197 President: Eugene MoreyPhone: 734-483-0608

UAW Local 892, Saline601 Woodland DriveSaline, MI 48176 President: Mark CarusoPhone: 734-429-5140, ext. 11

UAW at Cedar Point Tickets are available after the first week in May for the following dates, from the following Locals:

Come along with us for family fun at Cedar Point.Your leadership has negotiated a HUGE DISCOUNT for its members. Be sure to take advantage of this limited offer.

JUNIOR / SENIOR(Ages 3-61 and under 48’ tall

in shoes or 62 and older)

$1395Savings of $2.00 each

REGULAR TICKETS$2200

Savings of $20.95 eachEACH

EACHPayments: Cash or Checks. No credit cards accepted.NO RESERVE • FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE

TICKETS

ROCKIES RAIL HIGHLIGHTSJULY 20-27, 2008. Featuring the Rocky Moun-taineer Train with optional Vancouver/Victoria Post Tour Extension. Per Person Rates: Double $2,999; Single $3,749; Triple $2,969. Highlights include Calgary, Lake Louise, Icefields Parkway, Columbia Icefields, Banff, Rocky Mountaineer Train, Kamloops, and Vancouver. 12 meals included: 6 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, and 4 Dinners. Included in price: round trip from Detroit Metro, air taxes, and fees/surcharges of $75 (subject to increase until paid in full), and hotel transfers. Not included in price: Cancellation waiver and insurance of $235 per person.

DISCOVER SCOTLANDOCTOBER 6-15, 2008. Per Person Rates: Dou-ble $2,899; Single $3,399; Triple $2,869. Highlights include Edinburgh Castle, St. Andrews, Dunrobin Castle, Orkney Islands, Loch Ness, Isle of Skye, and Stirling Castle. 15 meals included: 8 Breakfasts and 7 Dinners. Included in price: round trip from Detroit Metro, air taxes, and fees/surcharges of $400 (sub-ject to increase until paid in full), and hotel transfers. Not included in price: Cancellation waiver and insur-ance of $200 per person.

TROPICAL COSTA RICANOVEMBER 5-13, 2008. With optional Jungle Adventure Post Tour Extension. Highlights include San Jose, Poas Volcano, Cano Negro Refuge, Arenal Volcano Hot Springs, Monteverde Cloud Forest, and Guanacaste. Per Person Rates: Double $2,059; Single $2,559; Triple $2,029. 17 meals included: 8 Break-fasts, 2 Lunches, and 7 Dinners. Included in price: round trip from Detroit Metro, air taxes, and fees/sur-charges of $270 (subject to increase until paid in full), and hotel transfers. Not included in price: Cancellation waiver and insurance of $150 per person.

HAWAIIAN ADVENTURENOVEMBER 6-15, 2008. Three Islands featur-ing Oahu, Kauai, and Maui. Per Person Rates: Double $3,869; Single $5,469; Triple $3,819. High-lights include Polynesian Cultural Center, Honolulu City and Punchbowl Tour, Society of Seven Dinner and Show, Plantation Railway, Waimea Canyon, Kauai Coffee Company, Polynesian Luau Dinner and Show, and Iao Needle. 12 meals included: 7 Break-fasts and 5 Dinners. Included in price: round trip from Detroit Metro, air taxes, and fees/surcharges of $170 (subject to increase until paid in full), and hotel transfers. Not included in price: Cancellation waiver and insurance of $140 per person.

TRAVEL DEALS CRUISES:Free economy class airfare and two for one cruise fares. Free economy class airfare plus $100.00 on board credit. There is still time to book an Alaskan vacation.

JAMAICA:5 nights stay as low as $889 all-inclusive.

HAWAII:Offering free night stay after 5 nights.All rates are subject to availability and may change without notice. Restrictions may apply.

are joining together again for our annual

This event will be a fundraiser, raising money for Arbor Hospice of Washtenaw County. The event will take place SATURDAY, AUGUST 23, 2008 at UAW Local 1284 in Chelsea.

Registration will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the UAW Local 1284 Union Hall located at 2795 S. M-52, Chelsea, MI 48118. Participants will return to Local 1284 at 6:00 p.m. for music, food and refreshments.

The entry fee will be $20.00 per person. There will be a 50/50 drawing, door prizes and gift with every registration. Event T-shirts will be available for purchase at the event. Please join us on AUGUST 23, 2008 and help raise money for a good cause.

Note: Passenger vehicles are welcome.

POKER RUN FOR CHARITY

Locals 1284, 898, 892, 849, and Region 1A

2008 TRIP CALENDAR

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U A W L O C A L 8 9 2RECENT RETIREES

Diane Cottrell Priscilla Lynn Downs Frank Korican James Martin

UAW-FORD EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PLANS OVERVIEW

by Gary Shivel Hello brothers and sisters of UAW Local 892! We all are facing life- changing decisions for 2008, whether

it is retire-ment, buy out packages, flowing back to other Ford facilities or re-maining here to work for the new buyer

at Saline. So many choices to make, each one being life challenging and changing as well. Whatever decision you have made, we wish you all the best in your endeavors! If you remain with UAW-Ford, the EDTP (Educational Development Training Program) still remains an educational option for you to pursue while you are working. Whether you are on the active rolls, retired or on an indefinite lay-off, meeting certain guidelines, you can continue to access the EDTP site for all your personal information / records / online applications by going to: www.MYUAWFord.com.Here are some basic highlights of the program: ETAP (Education & Training Assistance Plan) provides for PRE-PAYMENT of tuition and compul-sory fees for approved college credits or degrees at regionally or nationally accredited degree granting educa-

tional institutions. Program monetary maximum is $4,600 annually. The ETAP plan allows for partici-pants to utilize $150 of their $4,600 allocation for book reimbursements for approved, credited courses. Reimbursement forms and receipts must be submitted to the NPC. NVRAP (National Vocational Retraining Assistance Plan) - The NVRAP feature of the plan provides employees on an indefinite layoff ETAP benefits as long as they meet the program eligibility: possess one year of seniority as of the last day worked and retain recall rights.THE TOTAL MAXIMUM AMOUNT IS BASED ON THE EMPLOYEE’S YEARS OF SE-NIORITY:$6,400 1 TO 3 YEARS$7,400 3 TO 4 YEARS$8,400 4 OR MORE YEARS. RETAP (Retiree Education & Training Assistance Plan) - **The RETAP feature of the plan covers both ETAP courses held on-site at any plant, Local Union Hall, or other approved local program delivery sites. ($1,500 annually). If both the Ford facility and the Local Union Hall are closed and no other UAW-Ford represented loca-tions exist in the area, retirees may attend classes at a college or univer-sity approved by the NPC (National Program Center). SETAP (Survivor Education &

Training Assistance Plan) - **The spouse and dependent child(ren) of an employee who dies while on the active roll are entitled to utilize the remaining balance up to $4,600 of the employee’s tuition assistance eligibility, excluding any advance payment, for college or educational pursuits during a period equal to the length of present agreement follow-ing the date of the employee’s death. OR **The spouse and dependent child(ren) of an employee who dies while on the active rolls in a work-related incident are entitled to utilize the remaining balance of the employee’s tuition assistance eligibil-ity, plus three additional years tuition assistance eligibility, for college or educational pursuits during a period equal to the length of the present Agreement following the date of the employee’s death.

www.MYUAWFord.com

Please contact the National Pro-gram Center at 1-800-FORD-UAW if you would like to change or cancel an application that has already been processed. My journey here in Saline has now

John Bordine

Congratulations to all our new retirees as they

venture on to new horizons!

come to an end. I myself will be go-ing back to AAI (Flat Rock). It has been an honor to be a part of this Lo-cal 892 over the past eight years and to have served the membership and helped to welcome all of our newly hired and transferred Union brothers and sisters here to Saline. Life is a journey and many roads are traveled, many memories are made along the way. I wish each and every one of you all the best in life and may all of your futures hold the promise of a better tomorrow. To the newly transferred & hired brothers and sisters of this great UAW Local 892, I hope that YOU, the UNION, continue to carry the torch of Union activism and fight for the rights of the working class. Stay UNITED — That is Your STRENGTH!! Build World Class QUALITY — That is Your FUTURE!! WORK SAFELY in all that YOU Do for SAFETY IS YOUR LIFE!! May God bless each and every one of you!!

Gary ShivelUAW/Ford Employee Resource

Coordinator, UAW Local 892ACH-LLC, Saline

5


We Support Union LaborMATHEWS FORD OREGON

At Mathews Ford we support American workers by being

THE ONLY UAW FORD DEALERSHIP

IN OHIO AND MICHIGAN

Come see why so many UAW members will only buy from

MATHEWS FORD OREGON

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2811 Navarre Avenue Oregon, Ohio 43616

888-UAW-0194

Buy American Be American

WWW.UAWMATHEWSFORD.COM


PPension Benefit Increase Effective October 1, 2007 for UAW-Ford Retirees and Surviving Spouses

892REPORTBenefits

by Debbie Vitale

Purpose of Communication We are pleased to announce that you will be receiving an increase to your monthly pension Life Income Benefit. The increase is effective October 1, 2007 and is a result of the 2007 Collective Bargaining Agreement. Your initial adjustment will be calculated retroactive to Oc-tober 1, 2007. The amount will vary by individual, and is based on your credited years of service.What You Need to Do No action is required. Your monthly pension increase will be adjusted automatically. We are working with the Pension Depart-ment to process most increases and retroactive adjustments for the May 1, 2008 pension check, but some adjustments will occur one month later - June 1st.

Who to Contact for Assistance If you require additional as-sistance, please contact the UAW Retirement Board at 1-800-829-8833.

SIGN UP NOW!Lenawee County Expansion Paramount Health Care HMO is now available to Lenawee County residents. Our Lenawee County network includes over 140 physicians and facilities.Lenawee County Hospitals include:• Bixby Medical Center• Herrick Memorial Hospital To enroll, please call Open En-rollment at 1-800-333-7444. If you have any questions, please see your Benefit Representative or visit Paramount’s website: www.para-mounthealthcare.com.

UAW-Ford Negotiations Benefit Changes HMO Prescription drug changes – hourly active UAW employees and their eligible dependents: Prescription Drug Current Revised Effective Date Retail -Generic $5 No Change No Change -Brand $10 $11 01/01/2008 -ED $16 01/01/2008 Mail -Generic $5 No Change No Change -Brand $10 No Change No Change -ED HMO Office visit co-pay changes for hourly UAW active employees and their eligible dependents Medical Benefit Current Revised Effective Date Routine Office Visit (including urgent care)

$10 $25 03/01/2008

Physical Exam $0 $25 03/01/2008 Pediatric Exam $0 $25 03/01/2008 Allergy Testing/Injections $0 $25 03/01/2008 Other Injections/Immunizations $0 $25 03/01/2008 Emergency Room (waived if admitted)

$0 $100 03/01/2008

B892REPORTFitness Center

by Cherie Adkins

The Low-Down on Butter Substitutes

We Specialize in UAW Families

Are You Looking To Retire?or Retire With an Early Buyout?TALK TO THE RETIREMENT SPECIALISTS!

Whatever your financial needs...We can help!

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UAW ROLLOVERSpecialists

Butter substitutes will definitely save you a calorie, which is the main reason people opt for them, but will it cut it as far as taste? Surprisingly, the imposters use ingredients such as olive oil and yogurt that create a creamy illusion that will even please butter lovers. According to Women’s Health the top 5 knockoffs are1. Smart Balance Omega Plus But-

tery Spread – This is the closest thing to actual butter. It is made with cholesterol-lowering plant sterols, which could help your levels drop 5 to 10 percent, says Robert Eckel, M.D., a professor of medicine at the University of Colorado. In 1 tablespoon: 80 calories, 9g fat (2.5 saturated).

2. Olivio – It’s made with heart healthy olive oil, but yet there is no Mediterranean taste. It’s easier to spread than butter and it tastes slightly sweet and salty. In 1

tablespoon: 80 calories, 8g fat (1.5 saturated).

3. Move Over Butter – Butter is loaded with fat, but the buttermilk in this sub has little to no fat. It still has a light, buttery flavor. It contains more water than others so is not recom-mended for baking. In 1 tablespoon: 50 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated).

4. Bummel and Brown Spread Made with Natural Yogurt – Yogurt and vegetable oil combine to create a soft, slightly tangy schmear with half the fat and calories of regular butter. Also not recommended for baking since there is not enough fat to bind cakes or breads. In 1 tablespoon: 45 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated).

5. Sunsweet Lighter Bake – Made from a blend of dried plums and apples, this mixture acts just the way a fat would, which keeps cook-ies, cakes and muffins moist. In 1 tablespoon: 35 calories, 0 fat.

— Christie Davison

Benefit plan information is now available online at

www.benefitcompanion.com. You will be asked to insert a company name and password; for company name use uawford and for the password use myhealth.

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APRIL 26 General Membership Meeting

MAY 12 Retiree Meeting 26 Memorial Day*

JUNE 7 Retiree Meeting 9 General Membership Meeting

JULY 4 Independence Day* Weeks of the 7th and 14th Shut Down 14 Retiree Meeting

AUGUST 11 Retiree Meeting 30 General Membership Meeting

*UAW negotiated holidays

892REPORTChaplaincy

by Sister Monique R. Griffin-Gonzales

The Wise Person

WWelcome to the new hires and to new Chaplain mem-ber Charlotte Hoskins from Utica. Saturday April 19th (11am -2pm) at Local 892 is the Com-munity Day of Prayer. Prayer is for workers’ memorial, jobs, family, leadership, and themselves. Re-gional Chaplaincy Conference: May 10th at Region 1A on Telegraph in Taylor. National Day of Prayer: May 1st (9am-11am) at Cobo Hall (seats are $10). All invited to these events. International Chaplaincy Conference: June 2008 at Black Lake. Delegates appointed for this event. Pop can Fundraiser: Thank you for your support. Prayer Boxes: Submit requests and praise reports. Prayer: Dear Father, thank you for all you’ve done and will do for us. Cover us with protection and wisdom and understanding. Show us how to have peace, love, joy in our lives, especially during times of turmoil, tribulation, despair, and sorrow. Create in us a more per-fect union and establish liberty and justice for all. Amen. Proverbs 14: A wise woman builds up her house, but a foolish one tears it down with her own hands. A wise man is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is arrogant and careless. A quick tempered (person) acts foolishly...lips of the wise (person) protects them. The naive believes everything and inherits foolishness. The sensible considers his steps and is crowned with knowledge. Prov-erb 13: The wicked fall into adver-sity, but the faithful...brings healing. Message: Sometimes in life we think we are wiser than another, smarter

than another, that our conversations are more intelligent than the other group’s. We were all created to be wise and not foolish. Those wise can be made to feel like fools by the fool, because the fool only hears what HE wants to and will make his point through manipulation, lies, and fan-tasy. He thinks he’s smarter than you. The WISE person is one that looks at all options (no matter what their personality is) and considers the best one that will bring good, even if the option was meant for bad. The fool will create and devise evil acts against someone thinking they are going to come out on top. O Wise Ones, just know as Job 14:5-9, 14; 15:2-6 says “since his days are determined, the number of his months is with You; and his limits You have set so that he cannot pass. Turn your gaze from him that he may rest, until he fulfills his day like a hired man. For there is hope for a tree, when it is cut down, that it will sprout again, and its shoots will not fail. Though its roots grow old in the ground and its stump dies in the dry soil. All the days of my struggle I will wait, until my change comes. Should a wise man answer with windy knowledge...should he argue with useless talk...or words not profitable. You will hinder and guilt will teach your mouth and it will condemn you and your own lips will testify against you. Speak WISELY and Psalms 146:6 says that men shall speak of the power of your awesome acts and ... tell of your greatness. Proverbs 9:12 says If you are wise, you are wise for yourself, and if you scoff, you alone will bear it.

2008

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Cheryl Cleaves ......................................................................SonMelvin Dobbins, Sr. ...............................................................SonSheila McDaniel ...................................... Grandmother-in-LawRetiree ..................................................................Arnold SparksRetiree ................................................................. Donald Handy

The Officers, Representatives and members of Local 892 extend their deepest sympathy to the families of our recently deceased members.

Compensation for Ford executives ‘excessive and unjustified,’ says Gettelfinger DETROIT – The compensation announced recently for executives at Ford Motor Co. “is excessive and un-justified,” said UAW President Ron Gettelfinger. The company said that its top five executives received more than $60 million in total compensa-tion in 2007. “Our members at Ford agreed to substantial sacrifices in 2007 to help Ford survive so the company can rebuild and reinvest in the United States,” said Gettelfinger. “We did not sacrifice so that management could find a way to reward them-selves with higher compensation. “When we negotiated new agree-ments at Ford and other auto com-panies last year, we called on the companies to use the savings we achieved to reinvest in America and to deliver cost savings to consumers. We’re extremely disappointed that Ford has apparently chosen to go in a very different direction. “By all accounts, our 2007 auto agreements closed the so-called “competitive gap” in labor costs between domestic manufacturers and their foreign-name-plate competitors,” said Gettelfinger. “But the com-petitive gap between U.S. auto executives and their Japanese counterparts remains huge – and it will become even larger as a result of the increases in executive compensation announced

today. “It will be interesting to see if the news media, which has put so much focus on the compensa-tion earned by autoworkers, will now give equal focus to the compensation earned by auto executives.” “Restructuring at Ford is still a work in progress,” said Bob King, who directs the Union’s Ford De-partment. “The company has a long way to go to regain sales, market share and the confidence of Ameri-can consumers. There is no per-formance-based measure that can justify the huge monetary rewards announced today. “An increase in executive compen-sation is exactly the wrong message

at a time our members and our communities are suffering from the impact of restruc-

turing, downsizing, plant closings and job loss in the auto indus-try,” said King. “We

expect equality of sacrifice from all stakeholders in

our industry. Our members will con-tinue to speak out loudly and clearly

about what is needed to rebuild our company and rebuild our communities.”

UAW President, Mark Caruso - Saline Instrument and Plastics Plant and … April May 2008.pdf ·...

Documents

Transcript of UAW President, Mark Caruso - Saline Instrument and Plastics Plant and … April May 2008.pdf ·...