Dear Brothers and Sisters,

96 Moves: We have ten people who have indicated they would like to go to Flint with the work we anticipate going there. If there are any additional people, I would urge you to contact your committeeperson soon so we have an accurate idea of the numbers we are looking at and how many 96’s to ask for. We will post a notice on the union boards inquiring the same thing before we contact the International Union.

Drugs and Our Plant: It has been brought to our attention there have been several occasions where people have contacted management about drug use and sales in the plant. These have been aware line contacts and other personal contacts directly to supervisors. There has been at least one detailed letter on the system a person uses to distribute drugs. Whether these contacts are fact or fiction, they will create a response from management. The International Union has Zero Tolerance Policies for several activities -- proven dealing drugs is one of these.

Third Shift Zone: We have been notified by the International Union that our process for selecting Zones and Chairperson has to include third shift. There have been numerous attempts at changing our bylaws to allow third shift members to run for and vote for Zone representation. The direction from the International Union is to make the changes that allow this to happen. This will be addressed later in this meeting.

Change in Term of Office: With Local Union support, we will petition the International Union to change the term of office so that the next Shop Committee won’t have to go right into negotiations shortly after being elected. In this situation and preparing for the worst, that would be an all new Shop Committee negotiating an agreement just two months after taking office. This will also be addressed later in this meeting. The last time this happened, the International Executive Board was petitioned and we were allowed to adjust the term.

Redistricting: Contact was made with our International Union Servicing Rep after all attempts at delaying the redistricting were exhausted. He was successful in discussions with the division and postponing the redistricting until next year’s elections. At that time, it looks like second shift production will go down to one district. Any other combination would make districts too large to handle. This combination will make a district with approximately 360 people. All others would be from 450 to 650. We appreciate the membership’s patience during this process.

New People: We have only received 7 of the 9 we expected from the 20 person requisite the NEPC has been trying to fill. There has been some confusion over the 2 for 1 Delphi Flow Back language at the NEPC. So getting any more people right now is up in the air.

Apprentices: The requisite is in the system, and we are awaiting word from the International Union and Corporation as to how many Apprentices we are going to get, as opposed to Journeymen we will have to take.

Confrontations: Lately, there have been several confrontations in the plant and tempers have been escalating. As Christmas is rapidly approaching, no one wants to be involved in a situation that ends up hurting our families or our ability to earn a living. We don’t get to pick the people we have to work with.

Most of the time it is determined by seniority. We do have several choices however during our working lives. We can pick who our friends are, where we work in the plant, (seniority permitting), and if we are lucky, what kind of work we do. There are things that are done in Grand Rapids that may not have been done that way at your last location.

With the current transfer language and our limited ability to move around the corporation, hopefully, the members that chose to come here can find a way to work within the system that exists in this plant. At least until they have the ability to change it through the process, if the membership is willing.

What we don’t get to do is create or promote hostile work environments for our coworkers. Nor can we be involved in harassment in the workplace involving our Union Brothers and Sisters. The International Union is bound by its Zero Tolerance Policy when dealing with these situations, and nothing good can come from any involvement with the aforementioned actions.

The Mezzanine Project: We know that the project is behind schedule, and we are tracking it closely on a weekly basis.

Steel Stores and South Men’s Restrooms: It has been brought to management’s attention that these restrooms need attention immediately. There has been a problem with overflow situations in Steel Stores, and an odor in the south men’s restroom. We have asked that both these situations be addressed.

Congestion in 10 Bay: Due to the poor quality of concrete work on 10 Bay aisle, the contractors have had to return to repair both ends of the bay. This, along with other equipment and containers, has made 10 Bay an obstacle course. The work on the floor is nearly completed, and this should relieve that congestion.

Our Plant: This plant has a good future and in light of everything happening around us with job losses at an all time high, we continue to get work and equipment. We will continue to look for and pursue all opportunities that will only further secure our future.

Holiday Wishes: With the end of the year comes hope and wishes for the season and coming year. I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Please, everyone be safe over the break and come back healthy and refreshed.

Remember: If you have a question, ask it.

A mind is a terrible thing to waste.

Mike Mansfield

Shop Chairman

Local 730, UAW

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