DIE MOVEMENT TEAM

As you know by now, the committee has agreed with management to add to the Hooker group.  These people will not be included in the Red Circle and are being put in the group so we have people to backfill for training.  We know not everyone agrees with this move, but we had to do something to get moving again.  Also, we had received group grievances to add people to this group.

Our intent in the long run is for this to free up people to train, and get this group to where it needs to be.  The committee believes this was the right move, and time will tell us if it was indeed.  Now we need management to get off their duff and get these people trained like they said they would!

WELD CHECK INSPECTORS

With our Inspector group getting low, we are running out of Inspectors to do the weld checks in Metal Assembly.  Under the contract, this work should now go to the Production Techs in Metal Assembly.  The committee approached management with the idea –

Does it make sense to train all the Production Techs in Metal to do weld checks against their will?

Or…

Does it make more sense to add people to this group outside of the red circle that want to do the job? 

Both sides agreed to add people to perform weld checks and as training requirements are met, we will convert to ultrasound operations.

SLOWING DOWN

As I write this report I am at Sub Councils; and as we listen to all the other MFD Plants give their report outs, it all sounds the same brothers and sisters.  Every plant is working little or no overtime, because GM is not selling cars.  We have some Pattern Makers laid off right now, but as of today, March 8^th, the Plant Manager is telling me there are no projected layoffs for our plant. 

Having said that, we all know how fast things can change for the plant; including TDO, which seems to be changing weekly if not daily.  As soon as we know something, we will pass it on!

TEAMS

We know there has been a lot of change going on for the Teams and Leaders.  We’ve been told that the changes are going to slow down by management, because most of them have been made.  Talking to the other plants, the same thing is going on with their Teams.  I know some people don’t like Teams, but we will tell you - the plants that are receiving the new equipment, are the ones that are following the Team Process.  The ones that are not, are getting left high and dry.  You elected this committee to put work into this plant and secure your future, and that’s what we are doing brothers and sisters. 

We have more equipment and work coming into this plant than any other MFD Plant, and this committee is working on getting more.  Over 70% of the people on the floor are from other plants, and when I greet you, I tell you that you are Grand Rapids folks now. Brothers and sisters, I want you all to finish your time right here in Grand Rapids, whether it be 5 or 25 years.  To the people that think GM is going to close this plant, do us all a favor and take a break.

PRESS PROJECTS

Everything is going fine on the new presses in 23 and 24 Bay.  Our  people are doing a great job on putting the first press together and by the end of this year I think you will see it running.  On the second Press in 24 Bay, as of right now, the contractors are supposed to be done June 24^th with the pit.  So keep up the good work people.  You are doing a good job like we know you could and by us putting it together, we will also know how to fix it when we need to.  

In solidarity,

Louie Schreuder, Shop Chairman