SAFETY

I would like to start this report by talking about safety.  Lately, we just can’t seem to get a break.  People are getting hurt one right after another.  I can tell you the Union and management are working together to make this a safer place to work, because we both owe the people in the plant a safe work environment.  I am asking everyone to focus a little more and pay attention to what is going on around you. 

During the first week of shutdown I almost hurt myself bad, because I wasn’t paying attention while unhooking my travel trailer.  Something I’ve done so many times, I feel like I could do it with my eyes closed.  I ended up with a deep bruise in my thigh, but it could have been much worse. 

Please focus brothers and sisters on what you are doing and keep it safe.  Part of my job is to be responsible for your safety, and it truly bothers me every time someone gets hurt.

NEW PRESS AND BLANKER

As you know by now, we have obtained an AASX transfer press and a new high speed blanker to feed both presses that are on the way.  The first press will be put into 23 Bay, and the second press will go into 24 Bay.  The new blanker will go in Steel Stores, where CO-13 and CO-14 are now.

I will give you some dates for the new AASX Transfer Presses and Blanker, but remember they are subject to change.  The first press in 23 Bay is scheduled to arrive in late November/early December and is scheduled to be up and running by December 05 or January 06. 

The second press will go in 24 Bay and is scheduled to arrive next July and be up and running about 12 months later.  The new blanker is scheduled to be here also next July and should be starting up around the end of October 05.  Give yourselves a pat on the back folks!  GM does not spend money where they know they will not get a good return.

Production will stop around the end of October on PP-2, and the company doesn’t know what they are going to do with this press yet; they may rebuild it.  PP-1 will be scrapped out, and Production will stop around the end of November.  The committee has informed management that if they do rebuild PP-2, we can help them find a home for it here in Grand Rapids.  Stay tuned.

NEW WEMR’S

Four new WEMR’s came from Kalamazoo the first week of August.  I met with them, along with Steve, and we gave them a big Local 730 welcome. We will let the membership know if and when there are more new hires, just as soon as we hear anything and it is confirmed.

TEAMS

The Shop Committee will be meeting with management several times over the next two months to discuss the problems we are experiencing with Teams.  The plant manager has expressed to the committee his concerns and how he would like to proceed.  He acknowledges that changes do need to be made. 

We need to get it right this time on adding Leaders.  How this is done and how the teams function.  The committee is aware that you are not happy with teams, so hold on…help is on the way.

ELECTION

Ken Portner has stepped down as second shift committeeperson.  Ken has medical problems and after talking him out of it the first time, because we really like him, the committee has accepted his resignation.  We hate to see him go, (because he is a straight shooter); but if something happens to him, we would never forgive ourselves.  Mike Thompson, the alternate committeeperson will function until the election can be held September 2, 2004.  We wish Brother Portner the very best!

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SHOP COMMITTEE

We are coming together as a committee, and I still like what I see.  Brother Rop has been a pleasant surprise.  Steve and the rest of the committee are the kind of people you want watching your back.  The best part is that management knows we are united.

GO BLUE

During May while I was campaigning, I never saw the request for the Auto Know’s graduation issue. Unfortunately, I missed the chance to let my daughter Becky know how very proud I am of her by sharing her accomplishments that she has worked so hard for with my friends and co-workers.

For four years she made the honor roll at Grandville and kept her grades up so she would be accepted at the University of Michigan and follow in her sister’s footsteps.  She did just  that, and in two weeks she will be starting at U of M! 

You will very rarely hear me brag brothers and sisters, but I need Becky to know how very proud I am of her.  There is nothing more important than family and even though you didn’t make the Auto Know Becky, you made the Chairman’s Report!

Fraternally,

Louie Schreuder

Shop Chairman