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UAW Local 276 Messages


      
Enrique Flores, Jr.
President
Phone:   972-647-1282
E-mail:   enriquesrvflores@aol.com
   


   
   





 
 

PRESIDENT’S UPDATE
UNIT 1 (GM)
6/26/09
3:00 PM


UAW LOCAL 276:

UAW Local 276 will be closed the week of June 29 - July 3, 2009. UAW-GM Local Union Benefit Representatives will not be available. Please see President’s Report June 22, 2009, for Local 276 schedule.

SUB BENEFITS:

For members who file individual weekly SUB claims, the SUB claims for the week of June 29, 2009, will be processed in the normal manner and dated July 2, 2009. Visit www.layoffbenefits.com/gm to check SUB claim status.

SPECIAL ATTRITION PROGRAM:

General Motors will continue to have personnel available to sign Retirement Forms A & B, and also Buy-Out Forms during the week of June 29 - July 3, 2009.

The deadline to sign up to participate for the 2009 Special Attrition Program Phase II is July 24, 2009. No submissions will be accepted after that deadline.

SHREVEPORT GM PLANT:

General Motors announced the Shreveport, Louisiana, facility will be closing by June 2012. We have many friends and family there. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

REMINDERS:

UAW 218 – Bell Helicopter Strike (See President’s Report June 22, 2009).

Fourth of July Parade (See President’s Report June 22, 2009).

SAFEHAVEN WOMEN’S SHELTER:

Please remember, if your travel includes a hotel stay, we collect unused soaps, shampoos, and toiletries for our adopted charity. These items are packaged and distributed to victims fleeing domestic violent situations. Please bring these items to UAW Local 276 for delivery to SafeHaven.

Please be safe during the downtime. We want everyone to return to us safely.


IMPORTANT INFORMATION

UAW Local 276:

972-647-1282 (Office)
972-602-0553 (Fax)

 

 

 

 

GM Information Hotline:

1-877-571-3453 (Toll Free)

 

 

 

 

Fidelity/SUB:

1-800-489-4646

 

 

 

 

SUB Benefits:

www.layoffbenefits.com

 

 

 

 

UAW-GM Legal Service:

817-640-0393 (Metro line – Office in Arlington)

 

 

 

 

UAW-GM Relocation:

1-866-256-8105

 

 

 

 




 



 
 

PRESIDENT’S UPDATE
UNIT 1 (GM)
6/23/09
11:30 AM


SUB BENEFITS – TEXAS FILERS:

The UAW-GM Local Union Benefit Representatives and I have been in daily contact with both the TWC and SUB representatives. We were advised during today’s conference call that Fidelity has received the TWC’s file on those employees who were paid unemployment compensation. If you filed a Texas unemployment claim, your SUB claim is being processed. The SUB representatives stated our SUB Benefit information should start appearing on their website www.layoffbenefits.com/gm this afternoon, if it is not showing at this time. Please check your information again later this afternoon.




 



 
 

PRESIDENT’S UPDATE
UNIT 1 (GM)
6/22/09
3:45 PM


AUGUST MEMBERSHIP MEETING:

Due to the mandatory downtime August 3 – 14, 2009, the August 9, 2009, Membership Meeting has been canceled.

AUGUST RETIREE CHAPTER MEETING:

The August 4, 2009, Retiree Chapter Meeting has been canceled per the Chairperson of the UAW Local 276 Retired Workers Chapter.

UAW LOCAL 276:

UAW Local 276 will be closed the weeks of June 29, 2009, August 3, 2009, and August 10, 2009. The Union Hall will operate under regular office hours the weeks of July 6, 2009, July 13, 2009, July 20, 2009, and July 27, 2009. Regular continuous office hours will begin again Monday, August 17, 2009. If you have questions about the Union Hall’s scheduled operations between now and August 17, 2009, please feel free to call us at 972-647-1282 between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM.

JULY 4TH PARADE:

The July 4th Parade Committee is asking for volunteers to help with our part in the parade. Interested volunteers should contact Bennie Escobar at 817-468-3510 for information.

UAW LOCAL 218 STRIKE:

Negotiations have resumed between the UAW and Bell Helicopter. The main issues continue to be Health Care and Outsourcing. The strike has entered its second week.

The members and leadership of Local 218 asked me to express their appreciation to all the members of Local 276 who have called or visited to support the strike efforts.

If you wish to show your support, call UAW Local 218 at 817-282-0294 or visit Local 218 at 98 West Hurst Boulevard, Hurst Texas.




 



 
 

SHOP CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT
UNIT 1 (GM)
6/22/09
8:00 AM


VACATION DOWNTIME:

I have been notified that the General Motors Assembly Plant in Arlington will be down for the designated vacation shut down time during the following two (2) weeks:

August 3 – 7, 2009 (You must take vacation)
August 10 – 14, 2009 (You must take vacation)

As I get additional information, I will get it out to you as soon as possible.

GM ARLINGTON HOTLINE:

Remember to continue to monitor the GM Arlington hotline (1-877-571-3453) as well as this website for updated and additional information.




 



 
 

PRESIDENT’S UPDATE
UNIT 1 (GM)
6/16/09
4:45 PM


UAW LOCAL 218 - BELL STRIKE:

Our UAW Sisters and Brothers at Bell Helicopter went on strike at 12:01 AM, Monday, June 15, 2009, over contractual issues. These Sisters and Brothers enthusiastically supported us during our strike against General Motors. If you wish to show your support, call UAW Local 218 at 817-282-0294, or visit Local 218 at 98 West Hurst Boulevard, Hurst Texas.

BENEFIT REPRESENTATIVES:

The UAW-GM Benefit Representatives are available at the UAW Local 276 Union Hall 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday June 16 – 26, 2009, and again 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday July 6 – 10, 2009. Due to the high volume of calls the Benefit Representatives are experiencing, if you are placed on hold when you call, please remain on the line and your call will be answered in the order it is received. Hanging up and calling back will only place you at the bottom of the list.

UAW LOCAL 276:

UAW Local 276 will be closed Monday through Friday, June 29 – July 3, 2009. The Benefit Representatives will not be available that week.

WE HAVE RECEIVED THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE
FROM THE TEXAS WORKFORCE COMMISSION

“The Texas Workforce Commission is experiencing extremely high call volume. Many states across the nation are facing the same challenges due to recent federal extensions of unemployment insurance benefits. Due to the increased calls and workload, and the difficulties that customers are having reaching staff, the TWC will not penalize claimants when they are unable to reach us in a timely manner.

*

“If you are having trouble getting through on the phone lines, please file regular unemployment insurance claims online at ui.texasworkforce.org

 


*

“If you need to speak to someone, please use our e-mail form. A TWC staff member will call you back within 48 hours.

 


*

“Check your existing claim or payment status at ui.texasworkforce.org

 


*

“These are the phone numbers that may be busy. If you have trouble getting through to us, please try the options above.

 


 

“Call Monday - Friday, 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM, for all unemployment insurance services. Call Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM Central Time to take new claims, reset a Personal Identification Number (PIN), and address changes only.

 


 


“Austin local:    (512) 340-4300
Dallas local:    (972) 339-6200
El Paso local:    (915) 832-6400
Houston local:    (281) 983-1100
McAllen local:    (956) 984-4700
San Antonio local:    (210) 258-6600
Others call toll free:    (800) 939-6631”

 


TO RESET PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (PIN):

You can find TWC phone numbers to get help with PIN Numbers by clicking on the “Texas Workforce Centers and Services” link on the TWC website. Type in your ZIP Code and the nearest TWC location will be displayed.

You can also check the status of your claim or payment on the TWC website.

If you do not have access to the Internet, please call 1-866-229-6362 and tell them you need to reset your PIN. They will remove the old PIN and then instruct you to call 817-334-0360 and select option number 4. At that point, you will be allowed to reset your PIN. If you do not have access to the Internet, you can go to one of the Texas Workforce Centers in your area and use the TWC computers to file your claim.

SUB BENEFITS:

Members filing Texas Unemployment claims will have their SUB claims processed by General Motors and Fidelity on the week of June 22, 2009.

Members filing out-of state claims should have contacted SUB to begin their claims.

You can check the status of your SUB claim at www.layoffbenefits.com/gm




 



 
 

PRESIDENT’S UPDATE
UNIT 1 (GM)
6/12/09
3:00 PM


SPECIAL ATTRITION PROGRAM (SAP – PHASE II):

The UAW/GM Benefit Representatives will be available at the UAW Local 276 Union Hall to assist with the Special Attrition Program – Phase II from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Monday through Friday until we return to work. If you are going to take the Special Attrition Program – Phase II before we return to work in July:

    1.

First – If you are planning to take one of the SAP – Phase II programs, you must go to Security to complete forms “A” and “B” – if you are taking Option 3, Security will process your papers;

 




    2.

Second – For those employees taking Options 1 and 2, and those taking Option 4 (if you are retiring), after plant Security has processed your forms “A” and “B” and given you a copy, you must then go to the UAW Local 276 Union Hall to start the process for your retirement.

 




RETURN TO WORK:

Despite the many rumors floating around, we have no new information pertaining to our schedule. Therefore, as of today, we are still scheduled to return to production the week of July 13, 2009. As usual, this information is subject to change; so, be sure to check the Arlington hotline (1-877-571-3453) and our website for updates.




 



 
 

SHOP CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT
UNIT 1 (GM)
6/15/09
10:40 AM


REFERALS:

In the next few weeks, we will be giving out information on referrals for summer help and flex employees. Monitor the Arlington hotline number 1-877-571-3453 and this website for additional referral information in the upcoming weeks.




 



 
 

PRESIDENT’S UPDATE
UNIT 1 (GM)
6/12/09
3:00 PM


SPECIAL ATTRITION PROGRAM (SAP – PHASE II):

The UAW/GM Benefit Representatives will be available at the UAW Local 276 Union Hall to assist with the Special Attrition Program – Phase II from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Monday through Friday until we return to work. If you are going to take the Special Attrition Program – Phase II before we return to work in July:

    1.

First – If you are planning to take one of the SAP – Phase II programs, you must go to Security to complete forms “A” and “B” – if you are taking Option 3, Security will process your papers;

 




    2.

Second – For those employees taking Options 1 and 2, and those taking Option 4 (if you are retiring), after plant Security has processed your forms “A” and “B” and given you a copy, you must then go to the UAW Local 276 Union Hall to start the process for your retirement.

 




RETURN TO WORK:

Despite the many rumors floating around, we have no new information pertaining to our schedule. Therefore, as of today, we are still scheduled to return to production the week of July 13, 2009. As usual, this information is subject to change; so, be sure to check the Arlington hotline (1-877-571-3453) and our website for updates.




 



 
 

PRESIDENT’S UPDATE
UNIT 1 (GM)
6/04/09
1:00 PM


PAYROLL ISSUES:

We have been advised by General Motors that the paychecks for the week of May 25 - 29, 2009, will be made by direct deposit to the employee’s financial institution of record.

For questions about hours or pay on your check, please contact Hourly Payroll at 1-866-245-5957.

RETURN TO WORK INFORMATION:

General Motors has stated it is reviewing production plans and may schedule additional downtime for some facilities. As of today, we have not been notified of any changes to our schedule.

Any changes in our return to work schedule will be communicated to the membership through this web site and through the GM Arlington Hotline at 1-877-571-3453 (Toll Free).

GENERAL MOTORS BANKRUPTCY:

GM will continue to operate during the bankruptcy procedure and we will be operating under the 2007 UAW-GM National Agreement, including the recently ratified UAW General Motors Modifications to the 2007 Agreement and the Addendum to the VEBA Agreement, unless ordered otherwise by the bankruptcy judge. UAW Local 276 members and retirees in good standing can obtain copies of this agreement in person at the union hall.

UNEMPLOYMENT:

The Texas Workforce Commission is mailing information packets to laid-off members. If you do not receive a packet in the mail by Monday, June 8, 2009, contact the TWC at:

Outside Dallas/Fort Worth Area: 1-800-939-6631
Dallas/Fort Worth 972-339-6200

Members filing in other states should have contacted their state’s unemployment agency to file a claim.

SPECIAL ATTRITION PROGRAM:

We are awaiting details from the Corporation on the “Roll-Out Plan” for the 2009 Special Attrition Program”. Details will be provided to the membership as we receive and verify them.

LOCAL 276 FAMILY PICNIC:

If you have not called to register for the UAW Local 276 Family Picnic June 6, 2009, please do so today. We need to know how many people to plan for.




 



 
 

PRESIDENT’S UPDATE
UNIT 1 (GM)
5/29/09
2:00 PM


International President Ronald Gettelfinger announced this afternoon the results of the ratification of the modifications to the 2007 UAW/GM National Agreement. Those national results are:

Production – 74% for the changes
Skilled Trades – 74% for the changes




The results of the ratification vote for UAW Local 276 are:

Production – 76% for the changes
Skilled Trades – 71% for the changes




 



 
 

PRESIDENT’S UPDATE
UNIT 1 (GM)
5/28/09
2:00 PM


ATTENTION *** ATTENTION

Today, May 28, 2009, we were notified that employees who were laid-off Friday, May 15, 2009, will receive a paper payroll check (for the week ending May 24, 2009) in the mail due to a computer glitch at the payroll processing center.

Please deposit or cash your check immediately to avoid any overdraft issues.

Your check will come in a blue envelope. Any questions, please call 1-866-245-5957.




 



 
 

PRESIDENT’S UPDATE – UNIT 1 (GM)
5/26/09
9:30 AM


ABSENTEE VOTING:

The use of absentee ballots is not permitted in Local Union elections, except as allowed by a uniform policy established by the International Executive Board, Article 38, Section 10 (b) page 206.

"Procedure for Limited Absentee Balloting:

"A member who will be away from her/his Local Union during the entire period of an election of executive officers or Convention delegates on a work assignment for her/his employer or on Local Union business may apply for an absentee ballot by filing with her/his Local Union, by mail (registered or certified) or in person, a signed statement that s/he will be away from her/his Local Union for the entire period of the election on a work assignment by her/his employer or on Local Union Business. Such statement or request must be filed with the Local Union in sufficient time for the member to secure a ballot and redeposit same with the Local Union prior to the start of the election."




 



 
 

PRESIDENT’S UPDATE – UNIT 1 (GM)
5/21/09
2:00 PM


Today, May 21, 2009, at 12:12 PM, we were notified of a tentative agreement between General Motors and the UAW. All UAW Presidents and Shop Chairpersons have been ordered to report to Detroit on Tuesday, May 26, 2009, at which time we will receive the details of the tentative agreement and forward that information to the membership as soon as possible. An Informational Meeting, conducted by International Representative Randy Lentz, will be held at 2:00 PM, Wednesday, May 27, 2009. Polls will open for the Ratification Vote at 9:00 AM, Wednesday, May 27, 2009, and the polls will close at 12:00 AM (midnight) Wednesday, May 27, 2009. Only active members in good standing of UAW Local 276 will be allowed to cast a ballot. Both the Informational Meeting and Voting will be at the UAW Local 276 Union Hall, 2505 W. E. Roberts Street, Grand Prairie, Texas.


The short time between the Informational Meeting in Detroit and the Informational and Ratification Meeting at Local 276 is necessary to meet the United States Government’s issued deadline.


We will be notifying the membership by phone, our website and through public media announcements. Please monitor this website for any future developments.


As always we will do our best to keep you informed.




 



 
 

CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT – UNIT 1 (GM)
5/18/09
4:00 PM

HOTLINE NUMBER:

In case there are any changes to the plant’s return to work schedule or any extension to the current layoff, that information will be provided on the plant’s hotline number. So, please call 1-877-571-3453 to get updated information.

CONTRACT MODIFICATION INFORMATION:

As soon as the International Union provides us with information on the modifications to the 2007 UAW-GM National Agreement, I will get it out to you on our website. Therefore, please monitor the website. Remember that information will only be updated on the website when I receive information from the International Union.

TIME OFF:

I want everyone to enjoy their time off and take the time to enjoy your family and friends. I want to see everyone safely return to the plant in July.



 



 
 

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
5/15/09
8:30 PM

As we prepare to leave for the down weeks, it is very important that everyone take advantage of all the information we have provided for you. Keep all this information where you can access it when needed. It is very important that everyone open and read all letters from GM, UAW, Fidelity, and your state unemployment agency. Please follow any instructions contained in the letters. This will help avoid possible delays receiving your unemployment (and SUB Benefits if you qualify).

General Motors is still under a June 1, 2009, deadline to submit a new viability plan to the U.S. Treasury Department. The UAW is still in negotiations with GM on modifications to the 2007 UAW-GM National Agreement. Bankruptcy is still a very strong possibility for GM. For all these reasons, it is extremely important that everyone stay informed. We will do everything possible to keep you updated with the most current and verified information. You can help by monitoring our website during the downtime. The web site will be updated only when there is new information to forward to the membership.

If GM and the UAW reach a tentative agreement, Chairperson Belinda Langley and I will be called to Detroit to hear the terms of the agreement. We will start contacting and notifying the membership with details of an informational and ratification meeting. Please make sure we have your correct contact information at the union hall. I know it is hard to ignore all the rumors in the press, but please wait for verified information from our leadership before you respond to or pass along any information. These are frustrating times, but we will work very hard to get you accurate information in a timely manner.

Following are some very important phone numbers and websites to help you during the downtime.

Please be safe whether you are traveling or staying home. Enjoy some quality time with loved ones and keep the faith.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

UAW Local 276:

972-647-1282 (Office)
972-602-0553 (Fax)

 

 

 

 

GM Information Hotline:

1-877-571-3453 (Toll Free)

 

 

 

 

Fidelity/SUB:

1-800-489-4646

 

 

 

 

SUB Benefits:

www.layoffbenefits.com

 

 

 

 

UAW-GM Legal Service:

817-640-0393 (Metro line – Office in Arlington)

 

 

 

 

UAW-GM Relocation:

1-866-256-8105

 

 

 

 

Following is the most current contact information we were able to gather from the various state unemployment agencies.

For those employees filing Texas Unemployment Claims, you will be asked, “Are you a member of a Labor Organization?” We have been advised that the correct answer to that question is NO.” We were also advised that this question pertains to “hiring halls” such as the Iron Workers, Steel Workers, Electrical Workers Unions.

 

 




 



 
 

PRESIDENT’S REPORT
5/14/09
1:00 PM

SUB-COUNCIL MEETINGS

UAW-GM SUB-COUNCIL MEETINGS:

During our meetings, we discussed individual Local Union Reports from across the country. It is very apparent that we are facing the same contractual and economic problems as the rest of the Locals in the Car and Truck Assembly Groups. A very sad and sobering fact was the low number of attendees at our meetings. Several Locals who attended last year’s meetings are in closed plant status and not able to send delegates. Other Locals reported they have been told they will close and this will be their last SUB-COUNCIL. They urged any of us who are left to stay united and keep fighting.

UAW-GM NATIONAL COUNCIL:

UAW Vice President and Director of the General Motors Department Cal Rapson addressed the delegates about the ongoing UAW-GM negotiations. The UAW and General Motors have not reached an agreement on modifications to the 2007 UAW-GM National Agreement. We covered the Ford and Chrysler Agreements and their possible impact on our negotiations. Vice President Rapson stated that, when we get an agreement, we will be called to Detroit to review the agreement. The details will be presented to the membership for a ratification vote. We are still under a June 1, 2009, deadline to come to an agreement with GM. Vice President Rapson stressed that we are still operating under the 2007 UAW-GM National Agreement.

We will do everything in our power to get you any information we get as quickly as possible.

It is extremely important that we have your correct address and phone numbers at the union hall.

GM (ASSEMBLY) SUBCOUNCIL FACTS:

59,822

Total number of employees including production, skilled trades, temporary and indefinite lay-offs and various leaves of absence

 

13,000

Total number of Delphi employees

 

$1.58 Billion

Assets available in the GM Supplemental Unemployment Benefit (SUB) Fund

 

243,000

Number of Retirees in General Motors System

 

GM SUBCOUNCIL LEGAL SERVICES:

Please remember the UAW-GM Legal Services Plan is available to help with many services including mortgage and consumer issues. If you feel you are heading for or are in a financial or mortgage crisis, please contact the Legal Service at 817-640-0393 early to explore possible assistance.

We will continue to report back to the membership on any information we receive during the remainder of the UAW-GM Sub-Council Meetings.




 



 
 

PRESIDENT’S REPORT
5/14/09
10:00 AM

MEMBERSHIP MEETING REMINDER:

We will have our scheduled Membership Meeting on Sunday, May 17, 2009, at 2:00 PM.

SPECIAL MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS:

The June and July Membership Meetings have been canceled due to the downtime. If it becomes necessary to have a meeting during the downtime, we will notify the membership by phone and web site. Again, we must have your correct address and phone number(s) at the UAW Local 276 Union Hall. Without the correct information, you will not be notified.

UNEMPLOYMENT INFORMATION:

The most current information we have received will be available for you tomorrow at the plant exits and the UAW-GM Benefits Offices. Please take a second to take all the information available to you.

SUPPLEMENTAL UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFIT (SUB) APPLICATION INFORMATION:

A recent plant communication stated that employees must apply for SUB benefits themselves. This applies to Out-of-State claimants. GM employees who file claims with the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) [Texas] are not required to file individual SUB Benefit applications. Please check with your benefit representatives if you have questions about SUB.

TIER-TWO EMPLOYEES HOLIDAY PAY:

When filing for unemployment, Tier-Two employees must claim Holiday Pay for Friday, May 22, 2009, and Monday, May 25, 2009. The amount claimed, per GM Payroll, will be:.

First Shift employees - $120.48    and    Second Shift employees - $126.50


BENEFIT REPRESENTATIVE:

We will have a UAW-GM Benefit Representative available to serve our members during the downtime. The Benefit Representative will be available during Local 276 business hours.

UAW LOCAL 276:

UAW Local 276’s hours of operation are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday. You may call the Union Hall at 972-647-1282 during those hours. Should you need to send a fax to the Union Hall, the fax number is 972-602-0553. The fax machine operates 24/7. However, if you need to send a fax, you will only be able to do so during normal business hours.


REMINDERS:

FAMILY OUTING:

Information on the The UAW Local 276 Family Outing and Fishing Tournament is running on the monitors and fliers are on the bulletin boards.

UAW REGION 5 SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT:

We have been notified by UAW Region 5 that the 2009 Annual Region 5 Softball Tournament has been canceled.

SAFEHAVEN WOMEN’S SHELTER:

Please remember the Women’s Shelter if you stay at a hotel during the downtime. This is our Local’s adopted charity and we collect soaps, shampoos, and toiletries for the shelter. These are packaged as emergency kits for victims of abuse and their children. You can drop these items off at the Union Hall.

FOURTH OF JULY PARADE:

Please come out and support UAW and GM-Arlington at the July 4th Parade. The parade will be in downtown Arlington on the Fourth.

UAW-GM RELOCATION SERVICES:

Information regarding relocation guidelines, allowances, and support services can be obtained by calling the UAW-GM Relocation Service at 1-866-256-8105. You are encouraged to use this UAW-negotiated service to assist with your relocation needs.

HEALTH CARE AUDIT DEADLINE – GM EMPLOYEES/RETIREES ONLY:

The deadline for GM Active and Retired enrollees to submit dependent documentation has been extended until May 26, 2009. Failure to send in all required documentation will result in dependents being dropped from your health care policy. Ineligible or unverified dependent(s) will be dropped from GM’s health care effective June 1, 2009.

Beginning April 24, 2009, all GM Hourly Health Care Program enrollees with dependents will receive a disposition letter. PLEASE READ THIS LETTER VERY CAREFULLY. The letter will state whether your dependents were found eligible or not. Also, this letter will list any additional documentation required from you. This is the final extension and all ineligible dependents will be dropped June 1, 2009.

UNION MEETING SCHEDULE FOR 2009 – GM AND PREMIER MEMBERS:

Following is a tentative schedule of Membership Meeting dates for the remainder of 2009:

May 17; August 9th; September 13th; October 11; November 8th; and December 13th.

These dates are subject to change due to production and holiday scheduling.




 



 
 

CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT – UNIT 1 (GM)
5/13/09
5:00 PM

FATHER’S DAY:

Fathers – such an integral part to a family; yet, for some reason a father doesn’t seem to receive the recognition for his place in the family that he deserves – he just seems to be taken for granted. Has your Dad asked you to give him a call and you respond to him that you will call tomorrow? Then, tomorrow comes and you don’t call. Has your Dad asked you to come see him and you respond that you will see him tomorrow? Then, tomorrow comes and you don’t go see him. Has your Dad asked you to go fishing, play golf, play dominoes, or just hang out with him and you respond, “Sure, we can do that tomorrow”. Then, tomorrow comes and somehow you just don’t get around to fishing, playing golf, playing dominoes, or just hanging out. But, then, “I’m sure Dad won’t mind – he knows how busy I am.” Well, Dad may not say anything; Dad may not show that he’s just a little bit hurt; but, you can bet that hurt feeling is deep down in his heart. Of course, that hurt feeling will not come to you as a Dad until you experience those times with your own children. So, don’t wait: Make that call; go see your Dad unannounced; do something special for him without telling him; tell him how he made a difference in your life; let him know that he is special – that he’s not just the person who comes home tired and late from a hard day’s work. Tell him you don’t just take him for granted. Tell him he means everything to you.

Make every day “Father’s Day.” Remember: Your Dad is aging with each passing year. Taking the “I’ll do it tomorrow” attitude could prove to be the wrong path. The day will come when your Dad is no longer here – will you have given him his daily “Father’s Day.” June 21, 2009, is “Father’s Day” – don’t let it pass you by.

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY to all our members who are Father’s.



SUB-COUNCIL MEETINGS:

I am currently out of the plant attending the UAW-GM Sub-Council Meetings. I will fax back any information we are given so that we can get it out to you before you leave the plant Friday, May 15, 2009.

LAYOFF:

To everyone who will be laid-off during the next eight weeks, I would like to wish you well and hope you take the opportunity to enjoy spending time with family and friends during the time off. Be safe – we want to see everyone return in good health in July.

JUNE AND JULY RETIREMENTS:

Again, I would like to extend congratulations to all our members who will be retiring either June 1st or July 1st. We are going to miss you. Be sure to take the time to enjoy your retirement and most of all don’t forget to attend the monthly Retirees’ Meeting at 10:30 AM on the first Tuesday each month – there will not be a Retiree Meeting in July.   Happy Retirement.

CALL YOUR STATE REPRESENTATIVE NOW AND ASK HIM OR HER TO SUPPORT SB 1569:

The bill delivers $555 million to Texans who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own; expands unemployment insurance eligibility to cover 45,000 more jobless Texans, mainly those who are low-wage or part-time workers; and will cut taxes for employers who are struggling in the recession.

Please call your representative (find your rep with this link: www.house.state.tx.us/members/welcome.php or through the House switchboard 1-512-463-1000 stating this simple message:

“Hello, my name is __, a constituent of Rep. __. I am calling to ask him (her) to SUPPORT SB 1569, the Unemployment Insurance bill, so that deserving unemployed Texans may receive benefits and employers will have lower taxes in this tough economic period. Please take the money! Thank you.” Thank you for taking action on this critical bill for working families in Texas.



 



 
 

CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT – UNIT 1 (GM)
5/06/09
3:00 PM

MOTHER’S DAY:

“Mother’s Day” – one of the important days of the year that is set aside to specifically honor Mothers across the country. Have you asked yourself what you would be or where you would be today without the gentle touch and love given to you by your Mother? Have you taken the time to tell your Mother how special she is to you? Have you taken the time to tell your Mother how much you love her? Have you taken the time to do something special for your Mother without it being a special occasion but “just because”? If the answer to any one of these questions is “Yes”, then treat your Mother to an extra special day on Sunday, May 10, 2009 – give her a special card; give her flowers; take her to lunch or dinner; give her a special gift that she will cherish. Don’t take your Mother for granted – she has always stood by you and supported you in your endeavors.

Mothers around the world have either stood in the shadows tending silently and without herald to their families or stepped into the light to make a difference in other people’s lives. One such woman played a large part in the labor movement long before any of us were born. That woman was Mary Harris – also known as “Mother” Jones. Born May 1, 1830, she came from a long line of agitators. She taught in a convent school in Michigan and then moved to Chicago, where she worked as a dressmaker. In 1861, she met and married George E. Jones, an ironmolder who was "a staunch member" of the Iron Molders' Union. In 1871, she lost everything she owned in the great Chicago fire. That event also changed her life drastically, and she discovered a new path to follow. She became involved in the labor movement and began to attend meetings of the newly formed Knights of Labor "in an old, tumbled down, fire scorched building." Seeing the starvation wages and horrible working conditions of American workers and immigrants, she made the decision to spend the rest of her life supporting workers’ rights; fighting, striking, and helping to organize various labor unions: Knights of Labor – 1871; Pittsburg Railway Strike – 1877; United Mine Workers – 1890; lead the "children's crusade," a caravan of striking children from the textile mills of Kensington, Pennsylvania, to President Theodore Roosevelt's home in Long Island, New York, in 1903, to dramatize the case for abolishing child labor; a founder of Industrial Workers of the World – 1905; Organizer for Mine Workers – 1911; March of Miners’ Children – 1912; Paint Creek-Cabin Creek Strike in West Virginia – 1912 to 1913; arrested at the age of 83 for labor activities – 1913; witness to the machine gun massacre of 20 union miners and their families at Ludlow, Colorado – 1914; Garment Workers Strike – 1915 and 1916; striking with Coal Miners – 1923 (at the age of 93).

Mother Jones lived in an incredible era. She "was born . . . less than 50 years after the end of the American Revolution. Yet, she died on the eve of the New Deal. She was alive when Andrew Jackson was President, and she sometimes quoted from speeches she heard Lincoln make. As an adult she knew the Civil War, the Spanish- American War, and World War I. She rode in automobiles, and she saw the railroads link the oceans. She saw and was seen in films and came to know the everyday use of the telephone, the electric light, and the radio. She watched unions grow from secret groups of hunted men to what she feared was a complacent part of the established order…It may have been a good time to live in America. But it also was a time in which one needed to fight very hard to survive. That she did."

Our Mothers may not have achieved the accomplishments of “Mother” Jones but our Mothers are just as important – they have served us as mentors; tended to our injured pride and bodies; given us hugs when those hugs were not deserved; and stood by us during our good times and during our not so good times. Honor your Mother – she can never be replaced.

To all our members who are Mothers, I want to say “Happy Mother’s Day” to you. The struggle you face each and every day by working at General Motors and then going home to tend to your family’s needs, forsaking your own, shows the strength and character you have achieved. Thank you for being the sharing, caring, unselfish Mother that you are.

TEAM MEETINGS 5/13/09:

The 5/13/09 Team Meetings will be combined with lunch providing an hour long period to allow everyone the ability to celebrate all upcoming occasions: Retirements, Juneteenth, July 4th, and any other special occasions.

SUB-COUNCIL MEETINGS:

I will be out of the plant next week (May 11 – 15, 2009) attending the UAW-GM Sub-Council Meetings. I will fax back any information we are given so that we can get it out to you before you leave the plant Friday, May 15, 2009.

JUNE AND JULY RETIREMENTS:

Congratulations to all our members who will be retiring either June 1st or July 1st. We are going to miss you. Be sure to take the time to enjoy your retirement and most of all don’t forget to attend the monthly Retirees’ Meeting at 10:30 AM on the first Tuesday each month – there will not be a Retiree Meeting in July. Happy Retirement.

CALL YOUR STATE REPRESENTATIVE NOW AND ASK HIM OR HER TO SUPPORT SB 1569:

The bill delivers $555 million to Texans who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own; expands unemployment insurance eligibility to cover 45,000 more jobless Texans, mainly those who are low-wage or part-time workers; and will cut taxes for employers who are struggling in the recession.

Please call your representative (find your rep with this link: www.house.state.tx.us/members/welcome.php or through the House switchboard 1-512-463-1000 stating this simple message:

“Hello, my name is __, a constituent of Rep. __. I am calling to ask him (her) to SUPPORT SB 1569, the Unemployment Insurance bill, so that deserving unemployed Texans may receive benefits and employers will have lower taxes in this tough economic period. Please take the money! Thank you.” Thank you for taking action on this critical bill for working families in Texas.



 



 
 

PRESIDENT’S REPORT – UNIT 1 (GM)
5/01/09
3:00 PM

MEMBERSHIP MEETING:

Our May Membership Meeting has been moved back one week due to the Mother’s Day Holiday. Therefore, we will have our May Membership Meeting at 2:00 PM, Sunday, May 17, 2009, at the UAW Local 276 Union Hall.

UAW-GM SUB-COUNCIL MEETINGS:

Chairperson Belinda Langley and I will be attending the UAW–GM Sub-Council Meetings Monday through Friday the week of May 11 - 15, 2009. We will report details of the meetings to the membership at the May 17, 2009, Membership Meeting. Skilled Trades Representative Ricardo Baltrell will attend the UAW-GM Skilled Trades segment of the Sub-Council Meetings.

TEXAS WORKFORCE COMMISSION (TWC):

Representatives from the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) will be in the People Center on Tuesday, May 12, 2009, between shifts. These Representatives will also be available on Wednesday, May 13, 2009, between shifts in the Body Shop Cafeteria. Information on filing unemployment claims with the State of Texas will be presented at these sessions.

OUT- OF-STATE UNEMPLOYMENT INFORMATION:

We are collecting as much contact information as possible on as many state unemployment agencies as we can for our members who have transferred to GM Arlington. This information will be distributed over the next two weeks for you.

SHORT WORK WEEK BENEFITS:

The UAW-GM Benefit Representatives have received numerous questions about qualifying for Short Work Week Benefits. The 2007 UAW-GM National Agreement, Exhibit D to Agreement, Article I Eligibility for Benefits, Section 1. (d), states the following:

    “had at least 1 Year of Seniority as of the Employee’s last day worked prior to qualifying layoff;”

and Exhibit D to Agreement, Article IX, Section 21:

    “‘Short Work Week’ means a Work Week during which an Employee has less than 40 Compensated or Available Hours and (a) during which the Employee performs some work for the Company or (b) for which the Employee receives some jury duty pay, bereavement pay, or military pay from the Company, or (c) for which the Employee receives only holiday pay from the Company and, for the immediately preceding Week, either received an Automatic Short Week Benefit or had 40 or more Compensated or Available Hours.”

DISTRICT SHOP SPECIAL ELECTION:

The results of the Special Election for Shop Committee ordered by the International Union are posted on the Union’s bulletin boards. By winning the Special Election for Shop Committee, Ed Amie (who was on the ballot representing District 3A) will now become the District 3A Committeeperson. Therefore, there will not be an election for a District 3A Committeeperson.

TARRANT COUNTY POLL WORKERS:

In an effort to assist GM workers where they can, the Tarrant County Election office is asking that any of our members who would be interested in working on Tarrant County Election Day, May 9, 2009, call 817-831-8683. You must be a Tarrant County resident, already registered to vote, and the pay is $9 per hour. The hours are from 6:30 AM to approximately 7:30 or later. You will not be allowed to leave during those hours. If you are interested, call the above number.

FAMILY PICNIC:

Check the bulletin boards and monitors for information on the Family Picnic on June 6, 2009.



 



 
 

SHOP CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT – UNIT 1 (GM)
4/29/09
2:30 PM

Based on the announcement that was made this morning by the Plant Manager, the Arlington Assembly Plant will be operating the week of May 11, 2009.

The week of May 18, 2009, and the week of May 25, 2009, we will not be working but we will qualify for Short Work Week and Holiday pay. This qualification is because we will have worked the week before per the National Agreement.

Therefore, the first week of unemployment will begin the week of June 1, 2009.

When I get anymore information, I will get it out to you.



 



 
 

PRESIDENT’S REPORT – UNIT 1 (GM)
4/29/09
3:00 AM

UNEMPLOYMENT INFORMATION - GENERAL MOTORS - UNIT 1:

We are in contact with the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) and will be delivering more information between now and May 8, 2009. For now, here are some basic Unemployment facts to remember:

*    You do not need to visit the UAW-GM Benefit offices to learn how to file a claim. Simply read the following information and also any materials you receive from the Texas Workforce Commission.

*    For those filing a claim with the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), GM-Arlington will send a “Mass Lay-off Filing” claim to Austin, Texas. This means if you are actively at work on or before April 24, 2009, your lay-off notice will be sent electronically to the Texas Workforce Commission. You do not need to call to open a claim; however, you do need to call or use the “Online Option” and request payment for the weeks you are laid-off.

*    If you return to work after April 24, 2009, you will need to contact TWC (Texas filers) and open an unemployment claim.

*    If you are using the “Phone-in Option”, you must call on the date specified in your unemployment letter from TWC. Online option users may apply any day of the week specified in you TWC letter.

*    Members filing an unemployment claim in Texas do not need to file a claim for SUB payment. Once TWC notifies GM of your unemployment payment, this information will be forwarded to Fidelity for processing. Filing a SUB claim may result in a dual payment request delaying your SUB payment.

*    If you opened an unemployment claim last year with TWC prior to May 10, 2008, the May 11, 2009 lay-off will be a new claim and you will have a waiting week with TWC.

*    Please make sure both GM and UAW Local 276 have your correct address and phone number.

*    As we receive more information from TWC, we will pass it along. Please read all information you receive from GM, UAW, TWC and Fidelity as soon as you get it.

GM TRANSFEREES – UNIT 1:

*    Transferees who have worked less than one year in Texas will file unemployment claims in their former state. Check with your former state and the State of Texas to see what unemployment benefits are available.

*    You may receive an information packet and a letter stating you do not qualify for unemployment. Call the number in the information packet and verify you do not qualify.

*    Do not file claims in more than one state unless instructed to do so in writing by a state agency.

*    File your SUB request for payment as you have done in the past.

PREMIER EMPLOYEES - UNIT 2:

We have contacted Premier management offering assistance with passing along information to Premier employees. As of today, we have not received any lay-off information from Premier Management. Official lay-off notices will be delivered by Premier Management. If we receive any lay-off or recall information, we will pass it along to you as a courtesy.

TEMPORARY EMPLOYEES:

You may qualify for unemployment compensation depending on your past work history. We recommend you contact the Texas Workforce Commission and inquire about unemployment compensation benefits.

ALL EMPLOYEES:

Even though General Motors will notify the Texas Workforce Commission of your layoff status, it is the position of General Motors, Fidelity and your state unemployment agency that it is your ultimate responsibility to make sure your claim is processed. You can do this by reading all materials mailed or delivered to you and following the instructions presented.

If you are an employee who has encountered repeated problems with unemployment or SUB benefits, you may want to contact your state unemployment agency and/or Fidelity (1-800-489-4646) to verify all your information is updated and correct.

A list of important phone numbers and other contact information is listed below.

Please remember it is critically important that you open and read all mail from GM, UAW, Fidelity and your state unemployment agency very carefully. Follow the instructions provided and you will save yourself problems and get your unemployment and SUB benefits in a timely manner.

 

 



 



 
 

SHOP CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT – UNIT 1 (GM)
4/24/09
11:30 AM

DOWNTIME:

As announced yesterday, the General Motors Arlington Assembly Plant will be on a nine-week shutdown beginning May 11, 2009, and employees will return to work on Monday, July 13, 2009. As always these dates are subject to change. Due to the fact that you will be on layoff and changes could arise during that period of time, the only way we will be able to get the information to you is through our website: www.uaw276tx.org Be sure that you monitor that site frequently. Remember when you do look at the website: If there is no new information on it, it is because we have not received any new information. The messages on the website will not be changed on a daily basis; it will only be changed when we have new information.

UNEMPLOYMENT:

During the shutdown you will be required to file for unemployment. IT IS MANDATORY THAT MANAGEMENT AND THE UNION HALL HAVE YOUR CORRECT ADDRESS. Even if you think GM and the UAW have your correct address that may not be a valid assumption. Get hold of Management and the Union Hall (972-647-1282) immediately. GM will be sending the layoff information along with the address of record they have for you to Austin. Austin will in turn mail your layoff packet to that address. As we have experienced in the past, members call us because they have not received their packet; and, when we check, it’s because of a bad address. Additionally, open the packet the day you get it and read the entire documentation. If you do not file on the date instructed, you will be denied unemployment.

Be sure to watch for additional layoff information to come by watching the monitors; picking up all handouts; and most of all do not listen to rumors! Instructions on filing for unemployment are being put together by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) and will be in the plant as soon as they get their information finalized.

To those of you who experienced problems in filing for unemployment last time, we don’t want you to have those same issues this time. Therefore, start going down to the Benefit Office now to learn how to file for unemployment - you only have two (2) weeks to learn to do it correctly. We want everything to go smoothly and for you to get your money on time. Remember: It’s a long time between May 11th and July 13th to go without money, if you do not follow the instructions for filing for unemployment. We want you to be able to enjoy your time off and not have to worry about your money coming in.

LUNCH/TEAM MEETINGS:

On Wednesday lunch will be combined with the Team Meetings so that we can celebrate the rest of the Retirees who are leaving. There will be an hour lunch.

Be sure to attend at least a few minutes of the Wednesday lunch/Team Meeting because free Texas Rangers tickets will be handed out to everyone at the lunch/Team Meetings. These tickets are for the Ranger game on Sunday, May 3, 2009. Any child under the age of 13 that you bring will get a free ticket to Six Flags.

MEMORIAL DAYS:

Workers Memorial Day is Tuesday, April 28, 2009, and National Prayer Day is on May 7, 2009.

WE MUST ALL PULL TOGETHER:

We fully understand that the next few months are going to be a strain on everyone. But, we must, as we have in the past, stick together and know that we will pull through. The best things we can do are to help each other out. The best we can do is not be a party to spreading rumors – if you do not get the information from Local 276 or the Plant Manager, it is a rumor – don’t spread it around. The best we can do is to keep our faith; spend quality time with our loved ones and friends and be ready to go back to work on Monday, July 13, 2009.



 



 
 

PRESIDENT'S REPORT
4/20/09
6:30 AM

HEALTH CARE AUDIT DEADLINE – GM EMPLOYEES/RETIREES ONLY:

The deadline for GM Active and Retired enrollees to submit dependent documentation has been extended until May 26, 2009. Failure to send in all required documentation will result in dependents being dropped from your health care policy. Ineligible or unverified dependent(s) will be dropped from GM’s health care effective June 1, 2009.

Beginning April 24, 2009, all GM Hourly Health Care Program enrollees with dependents will receive a disposition letter. PLEASE READ THIS LETTER VERY CAREFULLY. The letter will state whether your dependents were found eligible or not. Also, this letter will list any additional documentation required from you. This is the final extension and all ineligible dependents will be dropped June 1, 2009.

UAW-GM RELOCATION SERVICES:

Information regarding relocation guidelines, allowances, and support services can be obtained by calling the UAW-GM Relocation Service at 1-866-256-8105. You are encouraged to use this UAW-negotiated service to assist with your relocation needs.

STANDING COMMITTEES – GM AND PREMIER MEMBERS:

Local 276 will be accepting applications beginning 8:00 AM Monday, April 20, 2009, for the following Standing Committee positions:

Constitution and Bylaws Committee:    Chairperson and Alternate Chairperson

Consumer Affairs Committee:    Chairperson


Application deadline is 4:00 PM, Friday May 1, 2009. Applicants must pick up an application form at the UAW Local 276 Union Hall. Applications must be turned in at the UAW Local 276 Union Hall before the deadline at 4:00 PM Friday, May 1, 2009. Applications submitted after the 4:00 PM deadline will not be considered. All GM and Premier members in good standing are encouraged to apply.

UNION MEETING SCHEDULE FOR 2009 – GM AND PREMIER MEMBERS:

Following is a tentative schedule of Membership Meeting dates for the remainder of 2009:

May 17th; June 14th; August 9th; September 13th; November 8th; and December 13th.

Dates are subject to change due to production and holiday scheduling.



 



 
 

PRESIDENT'S REPORT
3/24/09
1:30 AM

SPECIAL ATTRITION DEADLINE:

The deadline to sign-up for the Special Attrition Program is tomorrow, Tuesday March 24, 2009. You must go to the Personnel Office and sign your Forms A & B, before going to the Benefits Office to sign retirement papers. No applications will be processed after the March 24, 2009, deadline.

HEALTH CARE AUDIT DEADLINE:

All dependent health care documentation must be received by Budco before the April 14, 2009 deadline. Failure to send in all required documentation will result in dependents being dropped from your health care policy. If you have any questions call Fidelity at 1-800- 489-4646.

PREMIER RATIFICATION:

The employees of Premier Manufacturing Services ratified their first contract on Friday, March 20, 2009. Premier employees working at the GM-Arlington facility now have the opportunity to sign union cards to become members of UAW Local 276. The members from Premier Manufacturing Services will be recognized as Unit number 2 of Local 276 and have their own Chairperson, Committeepersons and Alternates. GM employees will be recognized as Unit number 1 of Local 276.

NEW OFFICERS SWEARING-IN:

The winners of the March 3-4, 2009 Special Election and March 10 – 11, 2009, Special Election Run-Off were sworn-in Thursday March 19, 2009, as per orders from the UAW International Union. We are awaiting a ruling from the UAW International Union in reference to the “Eligibility Election District 3A” and the District Shop Committee Election.

APRIL MEMERSHIP MEETING:

Just a reminder: The April Membership Meeting has been changed to April 5, 2009, due to the Easter Holiday.

EASTER PARTY:

Saturday, April 4, 2009, from 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM at the UAW Local 276 Union Hall, 2505 W. E. Roberts Street, Grand Prairie, Texas 75051.



 



 
 

PRESIDENT'S REPORT
3/12/09
11:00 AM

COLA:

On Wednesday, March 11, 2009, we received the following Cost of Living Allowance notice in the afternoon mail and it states the following:

COST-OF-LIVING ALLOWANCE

The 2007 UAW General Motors collective bargaining agreement provides for adjustments based on changes in the three-month average of the CPI-W for all items, less medical care, United States city average 1982 – 1984 = 100.

The three-month average for November, December, 2008, and January, 2009, is 199.28 down from 207.73 in the previous quarter. This generates a negative adjustment of $1.03. However, because a decline in the price level cannot lead to a reduction in base wages, the actual adjustment is limited to the $0.99 in the COLA float.

Therefore, effective March 2, 2009, the COLA float for the March quarter will be $0.00.

This decrease has nothing to do with the current bargaining process between the UAW and General Motors. Rather, this is a regularly scheduled adjustment to the Consumer Price Index issued by the United States Government.

UAW/GM NEGOTIATIONS:

UAW Local 276 has not received any official notification of a change of status in the negotiations. UAW Local 276 will only publish information received from and verified by the International Union, UAW.

FORD RATIFICATION:

Ford has completed their ratification process. The modifications and changes to their agreement were passed by a majority of the voting membership.

UAW TEXAS STATE CAP:

The UAW Texas State CAP Executive Board members were in Austin, Texas, on Tuesday and Wednesday to testify before the Texas Senate and the Texas Voter Identification Bill. The Texas Senate voted along party lines to approve the measure and refer it to the Texas House of Representatives.

UAW UNEMPLOYMENT BILL:

Texas is the only state that still denies unemployment compensation to union members who are laid off as a result of a strike being held at another facility. UAW Texas State CAP and the AFL-CIO have worked for years to change this law. During this session, State Representative Kirk England (D-Grand Prairie) will file HB-1564 on our behalf – a bill to modify the current language so that union members would be able to receive unemployment compensation if they are laid off as a result of a strike held at another facility.

STIMULUS PACKAGE/UNEMPLOYMENT TOWN HALL:

State Representative J. Dunnam (D-Waco) will have a Town Hall type meeting this Saturday, March 14, 2009, at the University of Texas – Arlington. Under the United States Stimulus Bill that was recently passed, Texas has the opportunity to receive up to 550 million dollars to assist with the Texas Unemployment Compensation system. Governor Rick Perry has stated he may not ask for that money even though Texas faces a multi-million dollar short fall in the account to pay unemployment claims. In order to receive these monies, Texas must modernize their current Texas Unemployment Compensation laws (see above). I am an invited speaker to give testimony during these hearings. This is a good opportunity for those who wish to speak to elected officials about our current problems with the Texas Workforce Commission system. The meeting will be at 10:30 AM Saturday, March 14, 2009, in the Hereford Center Rio Grande Room at UT-Arlington, 30 West 1st Street, Arlington, Texas. Everyone is encouraged to attend and participate.

APRIL MEMERSHIP MEETING:

Just a reminder: The April Membership Meeting has been changed to April 5, 2009, due to the Easter Holiday.

WEB SITE UPDATES:

I have received many phone calls and e-mails asking for updates on the web site: www.uaw276tx.org. Currently, the International UAW and General Motors are still in negotiations concerning the VEBA. Our web site will be updated when any current information changes or when we receive information we need to pass on to the membership. All information displayed on our web site must first be verified by our UAW International Leadership. Also, please take time to visit the International UAW web site at www.uaw.org to stay informed and to use as a resource for accurate information to counter the untrue facts being written or spoken to the general public.



 



 
 

PRESIDENT'S REPORT
2/05/09
1:45 PM

While I was out of town on union business last week, two letters to the membership were distributed. I received many calls and e-mails concerning these two letters and will respond to them now.

First, a campaign flyer was posted in the plant by a candidate in one of the races in the March 3-4, 2009, Special Election. Many people asked if this was an official endorsement of a “Slate of Candidates”. The answer is “NO”. UAW Local 276 does not endorse or get involved in candidate races. Every member is encouraged to read all candidate(s)’ materials and make an informed personal choice as to whom to vote for in each race. Candidates have the same freedom of speech rights as everyone else, but must do so as a candidate representing herself or himself, not UAW Local 276.

Next, a Chairperson’s Report dated January 16, 2009, referred to the subjects of SUB, Unemployment, and the Grievance Procedure. This report stated that unemployment and SUB benefits are not subject to the grievance procedures. This is true. Also, in the report was the fact that all problems with unemployment and SUB go directly to the President of the Local. The truth is any problems with unemployment and SUB are to be discussed with the Local Union Benefit Representatives. The Local Union President oversees the UAW Benefit Office and Representatives. The President works with the Benefit Representatives to help members resolve their issues.

This report went on to state that all grievances written to date on unemployment and SUB would be given to me. Two important facts need to be remembered: First, we have already established that grievances cannot be written for unemployment and SUB. Second, the President of the Local is not involved in the grievance procedure. Grievances can only be written and processed by the Shop Chairperson, Committeeperson-at-Large, Committeepersons and Alternate Committeepersons. This is not a new rule; this has always been the procedure.

MESSAGE FROM GM PAYROLL:

W-2 Timing - As a part of payroll's year-end processing, W-2s for the year 2008 were mailed to GM employees during the week of January 26. Employees should expect to receive their documents during or before the week of February 9. Employees who have not received their W-2s by February 13 can contact the Customer Care Center at 1-866-875-2793 (salaried) or the Timekeeping Center at 1-866-245-5957 (hourly).

W-2 FORMS FROM LOCAL 276:

For members who functioned on union business and were paid by UAW Local 276 in 2008, their 2008 W-2s were mailed out on January 29, 2009. The documents were mailed to the address on the member’s W-4 on file with UAW Local 276. The postal service will not forward these documents. If you do not receive yours by Monday, February 9, 2009, please contact UAW Local 276 at 972-647-1282 between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

MEMBER INFORMATION SECURITY:

UAW Local 276 receives many requests for member addresses or mailing lists. Article 37, Section 9, of the UAW International Constitution states: A Local Union shall not make its membership list available to anyone except for the performance of official Union business or to satisfy the requirements of law.” Under no circumstances will our Local allow any person or business access to our member information. If a person or business has acquired any information pertaining to our membership, they did so without the assistance or permission of UAW Local 276.

STANDING COMMITTEES:

UAW Local 276 will hold a training session for Standing Committees on Saturday, February 28, 2009. The program begins promptly at 11:00 AM. This training is MANDATORY for all Standing Committee Chairpersons and Alternates. Standing Committee members and other members, who are interested in joining a standing Committee, are encouraged to attend. The program will be brief and refreshments will be provided.

MEMBERSHIP MEETING:

The February membership meeting will be held this Sunday, February 8, 2009, at 2:00 PM.

ELECTION COMMITTEE MEETING:

There will be a MANDATORY meeting of the Election Committee this Saturday, February 7, 2009, at UAW Local 276. This Mandatory meeting will begin PROMPTLY at 11:00 AM. You must attend this meeting in order to work the March 3-4, 2009, Special Election.

CUSTOM BIKE & CHOPPER CLASS:

Date:               February 21 & 22, 2009

Time:              8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Location:         UAW Local 276 Union Hall

Information:     ETC, Inc.; Phone 1-888-576-6153; or website: www.etcracingprograms.com

WHITE SHIRT DAY:

Remember to wear a white shirt Wednesday, February 11, 2009, in remembrance of the 1937 Sit-Down strike.



 



 
 

CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT
2/04/09
12:30 PM

With all the negative news we are constantly bombarded with, it becomes a struggle for each of us to get up, get dressed, and head for the plant. In the back of our minds, we are wondering what is going to happen with General Motors and more importantly to the Arlington plant. It’s just plain hard to keep a positive attitude; and that fact is being reflected in the plant on a daily basis. Therefore, I have been meeting with the Plant Manager, the Shop Committee and the Area Managers to let me go back and empower the membership - our most valuable asset.

Empowering the membership means that we are going to be working more closely with the Teams to get the paragraph (78)s resolved. That means, if your job is overloaded, contact your Committeeperson to get the issue resolved. Empowering the membership is also the act of being responsible for what happens on your individual job and around you. Therefore, each of our members must take an active role to maintain not only the quality of the jobs we build but to maintain a good working relationship with each other as well as keeping our attitudes positive. Only you can accomplish this – not your elected officials, not our appointed members, and not salaried people, but the people on the floor who work the jobs.

We are trying to change the cultural attitude of the plant by giving recognition to people for such things as catching problems on their jobs and get the problems resolved; having a Team Leader of the Week; Team of the Month; awards for quality, safety, housekeeping, and attendance. We will be making videos of people on the floor; talking to them about what makes that person come to work each day and why he or she builds quality into their job. We want to know what makes our members tick and what we can do to make your work experience better for you. Additionally, we need your input – let us know about people or things they do that you feel should be recognized. We want to do all we can to make your work-day experience a pleasant one.

We are also going to be talking to our members who have transferred to Arlington from other plants. We want to know about their transfer experience, both the positive and the negative. We want them to share their experience so that we know what we need to do to make the transfer experience better.

Do you remember the service awards that we used to have? Well, we are going back to those awards. Superintendents, Area Managers and the Committeepersons will be recognizing the 5, 10, 15, and 20 year service awards. The Key-4 will recognize the 25, 30, 35, 40 and 50 year awards.

Remember: We really and truly need your help to recognize good deeds and we want everyone to feel important. We want you to give us your ideas and suggestions. Additionally, we intend to see that no job is overloaded; so, please, please get with your Committeeperson if your job is overloaded and if your Committeeperson cannot get it resolved then please get with me about it. I have an open door policy for each and every person whether that person has been at Arlington for his or her entire work life or has transferred to Arlington. We are all in this together but we cannot help you if you do not provide us with the information we need.

Keep up the good work and be sure to give us your suggestions

BELINDA LANGLEY - SHOP CHAIRPERSON

WILL LANGSTON - COMMITTEEPERSON-AT-LARGE

ANTHONY HOUSTON - DISTRICT 1 SHOP COMMITTEEPERSON
CYENTHIA HOLLOWAY - DISTRICT 2A SHOP COMMITTEEPERSON
DAVID CARBAJAL - DISTRICT 3 SHOP COMMITTEEPERSON
CHARLES TARVER - DISTRICT 3A SHOP COMMITTEEPERSON
GARY HOUSE - DISTRICT 5 SHOP COMMITTEEPERSON



 



 
 

CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT
1/26/09
5:30 PM

OVERTIME:

The Bargaining Committee has been advised that overtime that was previously scheduled for the two Saturdays in February has been cancelled. Additionally, the week of March 2 – 6, 2009, we will be working – we will not be laid off.

LINE SPEED:

Effective March 9, 2009, our line speed will increase by 1.5 jobs per hour.

JULY DOWNTIME:

The International UAW advised us today that Arlington has been approved to work the week of July 6 – 10, 2009. If you have questions about us working that week, contact your Committeeperson.

PARAGRAPH 78s:

Please get with your Committeeperson so that we can process all paragraph (78)s as soon as possible. There should be no job in the plant that is overloaded. After talking with the leadership of this plant, it was decided that we are going to ask the Teams to propose ideas on how to resolve paragraph 78 issues within the Teams. Therefore, we are asking all Teams for their input. We understand that the Teams are our most valuable resource and should be the ones we go to for these types of issues. So, put your thinking caps on to help resolve job overload (paragraph 78) issues. Only the Teams know the problems that are occurring within their Teams.

SUB AND UNEMPLOYMENT:

[See January 26, 2009, Shop Chairperson's Report located in the boxes at the plant. The Shop Chairperson cannot get involved with SUB and/or Unemployment - must be addressed by the Local's President per the International UAW.]

BREAKDOWNS:

I had a talk with the Plant Manager about the numerous breakdowns that we are having. She informed me that she is working on trying to resolve those issues. Hopefully, our Skilled Tradespersons can successfully get this done.

MISSION STATEMENT FOR ARLINGTON:

We are asking that all Arlington GM employees get involved in submitting language that should be included in a “Mission Statement” for Arlington. To encourage participation for a “Mission Statement”, we are holding a contest that started last Friday, January 23, 2009, and will end on February 4, 2009. The prize to be handed out is to be determined.

HAPPENINGS AT OTHER PLANTS:

The Delta plant in Lansing as well as Lordstown and Pontiac are losing their 2nd shifts. We wish all of those employees well. These are shaky times for all GM employees.

On the bright side, Arlington is doing okay. We should all be thankful that we are still working and feel blessed that we are building products for General Motors that are selling.

US JOB LOSSES:

As we have all been hearing in the news, more and more Americans are losing their jobs as the economy continues its downward spiral. Just today GM announced plans to eliminate shifts in the second quarter at plants in Ohio and Michigan, shedding about 2,000 jobs. Sprint Nextel Corporation plans to cut 8,000 jobs and those cuts will not the end of cost cutting for them. Microsoft will be laying off 15,000 employees by the end of January. Caterpillar is shedding 5,000 jobs on top of the 6,500 employees already laid off which is in addition to about 8,000 contract workers. Add to these the number of banking industry employees who will be receiving pink slips before Friday, and you can see the massive number of employees who are joining the ranks of the unemployed each month – with no slow down in sight.

So, as you can see, the hard work that all of us at GM Arlington have put in is paying off for now. We must not forget that any indication that we are slacking off could be a bad sign for us.

Keep up the good work



 



 
 

PRESIDENT'S REPORT
1/26/09
1:30 PM

PRESIDENT OBAMA:

President Barack Obama ordered a review of all of President Bush’s Executive Orders. I’m sure our UAW representatives in Washington, DC, will ask his administration to review some of the executive orders pertaining to working people. George W. Bush’s first act as a new president was to repeal repetitive injury safeguards and other organized labor sponsored work place protections. We are hopeful that these union-won protections are reinstated.

U.S. CONGRESS:

The U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senators were sworn-in on January 6, 2009, in Washington, DC. In the House of Representatives, Democrats hold a 256 to 178 seat majority over Republicans. Democrats also hold a 56 to 41 majority over Senate Republicans. This lead is just a couple of votes shy of the 60 vote majority needed to stop filibusters and require a vote on legislation.

TEXAS LEGISLATURE:

Texas State Representatives and Senators were sworn-in on January 13, 2009, in Austin, Texas. The first order of business was electing a new Speaker of the House - Representative Joe Straus, III, (R-San Antonio) was elected by a unanimous voice vote. The House is made up of 76 Republicans and 74 Democrats. The Senate consists of 19 Republicans and 12 Democrats.

U.S. LABOR SECRETARY:

U.S. Congresswoman Hilda Solis (D-California) was nominated to serve as Labor Secretary in the Obama administration. Congresswoman Solis was re-elected to a fourth term. Her mother was an assembly line worker and her father was a union steward for the Teamsters Union. This is a very positive development for organized labor.

BRIDGE LOAN DEADLINE:

Terms of the bridge loans given to GM and Chrysler include a February 17, 2009, deadline for the UAW, GM and Chrysler to present their restructuring changes. U.S. Representative Barney Frank, (D-Mass.) has written legislation removing the conditions President Bush put on the UAW and its members. The bill is unlikely to pass in the Senate.

UNEMPLOYMENT/SUB:

We have been in constant communications with the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) and SUB regarding all the problems we are experiencing with them. Overpayments, PIN numbers, and long waits on phone lines are issues being worked on.

TWC UNEMPLOYMENT FUND:

The fund Texas uses to pay unemployment claims is facing a $447 million deficit. State officials are looking at different measures to replenish the fund and say all claims will be paid. Many states are facing the same situation.

TEXAS STATE CAP:

I will be travelling to Austin this week to attend an AFL-CIO, State CAP Legislative Conference. While in Austin, I plan to meet with the TWC representatives as well as State Representatives about our issues.

CHILD CAR SEAT CHECK:

UAW local 276, GM-Arlington, Cooke’s Children Hospital, and Tarrant County Safe Kids are conducting a free child safety seat check. The date is Sunday, February 18, 2009, from 1:00 – 5:00 PM at the GM-Arlington plant. To make an appointment, call 682-885-2634. Please participate and protect your little loved ones.

UNION MEETINGS SCHEDULED FOR 2009:

The following is a tentative schedule of Membership Meeting dates for 2009:

February 8th; March 8th; April 5th; May 17th; June 14th;
August 9th; September 13th; November 8th; and December 13th.

The July meeting is always cancelled due to the July shut-down period. Dates are subject to change due to production scheduling.

SPECIAL ELECTION DATES:

[See 1/26/09 President's Report in the boxes at the plant.]

POCKET CALENDARS:

UAW Local 276 pocket calendars will be ordered after the results from the UAW International ordered Special Election are certified. This decision was made in order to avoid added expense.

COMMITTEE-ROOM PHONE NUMBER:

If you need to call the Committee Room from outside the plant, you must call Plant Security at 817-652-2200. They will transfer your call. Please remember there is no voice-mail for that phone line.

WHITE SHIRT DAY:

In observance of the 1937 Sit-Down Strike, UAW Local 276 is asking all members to wear a white shirt to work on Wednesday, February 11, 2009. Also, watch the boxes next week for historical information on the 1937 Sit-Down Strike.

EMPLOYEE FREE CHOICE ACT:

The Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) is the most important Labor legislation since the Wagner Act and the right to organize was won. This law would allow workers to sign a card indicating they wanted to form or join a union. This process often called “Card Check” would give workers a quicker and binding process to become a unionized workforce. We will be presenting you with information about the proposed legislation and its progress in future reports and flyers.



 



 
 

PRESIDENT'S REPORT
1/17/09
5:30 PM

HEALTH CARE AUDIT DEADLINE REMINDER:

If you have dependents on your health care plan, you should have already received a letter from GM/Fidelity asking you to confirm these dependents. The letter also asks you to send documentation for each dependent. If Fidelity does not receive your documentation before February 13, 2009, your dependents will be dropped from your policy - NO EXCEPTIONS. Do not hesitate. Send in your documentation now. If you have not received this letter or have questions regarding this audit, call Fidelity at 1-800-489-4646.

TWC OVERPAYMENTS:

We have been working with TWC over the holiday period about the Notice of Overpayment Letters. TWC, Fidelity, and SUB have been working through their reporting procedures. If you have received a Notice of Overpayment Letter, please read it carefully. Check your records and verify whether you were on a lay-off or if you worked on the week listed in the letter. You can check if you were paid by GM that week by looking at the “Pay Stub” screen on the General Motors Socrates web site. If TWC paid you for the week in question, you should have a statement of account letter or check stub for that week. In either case, you must call TWC at the number on your letter to prevent further problems with your unemployment compensation payments. If you received a “Notice of Overpayment” and have not called TWC and resolved the issue, TWC may withhold the overpayment amount from your unemployment check.

MESSAGE FROM PAYROLL DEPARTMENT:

Vacation payout for hourly employees will be paid on 1/30/09 (Roll 05 w/e 1-25-09). Questions regarding vacation pay, call Timekeeping at 1-866-245-5957.

Reminder: Employees need to keep their mailing address updated with GM. Use mySocrates to update your mailing address or go to Hourly Personnel at column A-14 and complete a Change of Address form. Hourly employees must keep their mailing addresses updated to insure delivery of their direct deposit stub, receipt of W-2’s, and any other information mailed from General Motors.

TO VIEW YOUR GM PAY STUB INFORMATION ONLINE (CURRENT & PRIOR PAY PERIODS)

    1.    Go to: socrates.gm.com

    2.    Select “Enter mySocrates”

    3.    Enter GMID and Password (If you are a first time user follow steps under the “First Time User” link)

    4.    Select “myServices”

    5.    Select “Personal” option

    6.    Select Pay Stub link under “My Personal Information”
          After entering your Personal Identification Number (PIN), you will then be able to view your pay stub information for both current and prior pay periods.

JANUARY MEMBERSHIP MEETING:

The January membership meeting has been rescheduled for Sunday, January 25, 2009. We will be electing additional members for the Election Committee. You must be present to be elected to the Election Committee.



 



 
 

PRESIDENT'S REPORT
1/13/09
4:30 PM

HEALTH CARE AUDIT DEADLINE REMINDER:

If you have dependents on your health care plan, you should have already received a letter from GM/Fidelity asking you to confirm these dependents. The letter also asks you to send documentation for each dependent. If Fidelity does not receive your documentation before February 13, 2009, your dependents will be dropped from your policy - NO EXCEPTIONS. Do not hesitate. Send in your documentation now. If you have not received this letter or have questions regarding this audit, call Fidelity at 1-800-489-4646.



 



 
 

PRESIDENT'S REPORT
1/07/09
4:30 PM

WEB SITE UPDATES:

I received many phone calls and e-mails during the holiday period asking for updates on the web site. We have not received, nor did we anticipate any new information during the holidays. Rest assured our UAW International Leadership and National Bargaining Committees are working very long hours on our behalf. The web site will only be updated if any current information changes or if we receive important information we need to pass on to the membership. Also, please take time to visit the International UAW web site at www.uaw.org to stay informed and to use as a resource for accurate information to counter the untrue facts being written or spoken to the general public.

MEDCO PRESCRIPTIONS:

During the holiday downtime, a computer error caused many Retirees to be dropped from the MedCo eligibility list. The UAW Local 276 Benefit Representatives and I worked with Fidelity and MedCo to remedy this situation. All Retirees who were dropped have been reinstated. If you are one of the affected Retirees and paid for a prescription, you will receive a refund. You may take your receipts back to your drug store and ask them to resubmit them to MedCo for payment and get a refund from the store. Also, you can take your receipts to the UAW Benefits Office and have them submitted for reimbursement. If you still have problems getting prescriptions filled, call Fidelity at 1-800-489-4646.

TWC OVERPAYMENTS:

We have been working with the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) over the holiday period about the “Notice of Overpayment” letters. The TWC, Fidelity, and SUB have been working through their reporting procedures. If you have received a “Notice of Overpayment” letter, please read it carefully. Check your records and verify whether you were on a lay-off or if you worked on the week listed in the letter. You can check if you were paid by GM that week by looking at the “Pay Stub” screen on the General Motors Socrates web site. If the TWC paid you for the week in question, you should have a statement of account letter or check stub for that week. In either case, you must call the TWC at the number on your letter to prevent further problems with your claim during this downtime. Do not delay taking action if you received a letter.

BENEFIT REPRESENTATIVES:

UAW 276 Benefit Representatives are available in the plant Monday-Friday, 6:00 AM - 4:00 PM. We were only allowed to work two Representatives during the January downtime. Also, we still do not have voice-mail in the Benefit Offices. Please be patient and keep trying the phone lines at 817-652-2485 and 817-652-2486.

TEXAS WORKFORCE COMMISSION:

If you are filing a Texas Unemployment claim and have not received an information packet from the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), please call them at 817-420-1600 or 972-339-6200 and notify them of your situation.

We are on a two week claim period for this lay-off. This means you will request payment for the week of January 5 – 10, 2009, and January 11 – 17, 2009. If you did not work either week you will claim zero wages for each week.

If you worked or were in training either week, you will claim $600 for the week you were not laid-off.

If you are requesting unemployment compensation payment for the week of January 5, 2009, you may be asked “Last date worked?” The TWC is asking for the last day the employer compensated you. The answer according to the TWC is January 2, 2009.

Our “Return to Work Date” is still Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at your regular start time.

Those members who were not active on the GM-Arlington payroll before December 18, 2008, must call TWC to file a claim for this lay-off period.

The phone lines are already overloaded and wait times are extremely long at the TWC. We strongly urge everyone to try to file their request for payments with the TWC Online Option by going to www.twc.state.tx.us to file your claim. Please note that the web site address for the TWC that was published in the December 2008 “Local’s News” was incorrect. The correct website address for the TWC is www.twc.state.tx.us

OUT OF STATE CLAIMS:

If you are filing unemployment claims in states other than Texas, you should have already contacted that state’s Unemployment Agency. Your last day worked (compensated by GM), if asked is January 2, 2009.



 



 
 

CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT
12/19/08
4:40 PM

Shortly after US President George Bush made his announcement about the Bridge Loan to the auto industry, Plant Manager Alicia Boler-Davis, Local 276 President “JR” Flores, and I had a meeting with Congressman Joe Barton about President Bush’s announcement. In that meeting, he provided us with the following plan designed to help the auto industry:

PURPOSE:

The terms and conditions of the financing provided by the Treasury Department will facilitate restructuring of our domestic auto industry, prevent disorderly bankruptcies during a time of economic difficulty, and protect the taxpayer by ensuring that only financially viable firms receive financing.

AMOUNT:

Auto manufacturers will be provided with $13.4 billion in short-term financing from the TARP, with an additional $4 billion available in February, contingent upon drawing down the second tranche of TARP funds.

VIABILITY REQUIREMENT:

The firms must use these funds to become financially viable. Taxpayers will not be asked to provide financing for firms that do not become viable. If the firms have not attained viability by March 31, 2009, the loan will be called and all funds returned to the Treasury.

DEFINITION OF VIABILITY:

A firm will only be deemed viable if it has a positive net present value, taking into account all current and future costs, and can fully repay the government loan.

BINDING TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

The binding terms and conditions established by the Treasury will mirror those that were voted favorably by a majority of both Houses of Congress, including:

  Firms must provide warrants for non-voting stock.

  Firms must accept limits on executive compensation and eliminate perks such as corporate jets.

  Debt owed to the government would be senior to other debts, to the extent permitted by law.

  Firms must allow the government to examine their books and records.

  Firms must report and the government has the power to block any large transactions (>$100 million).

  Firms must comply with applicable Federal fuel efficiency and emissions requirements.

  Firms must not issue new dividends while they owe government debt.

TARGETS:

The terms and conditions established by Treasury will include additional targets that were the subject of Congressional negotiations but did not come to a vote, including:

  Reduce debts by 2/3 via a debt for equity exchange.

  Make one-half of VEBA payments in the form of stock.

  Eliminate the jobs (sic) bank.

  Work rules that are competitive with transplant auto manufacturers by 12/31/09.

  Wages that are competitive with those of transplant auto manufacturers by 12/31/09.

“These terms and conditions would be non-binding in the sense that negotiations can deviate from the quantitative targets above, providing that the firm reports the reasons for these deviations and makes the business case to achieve long-term viability in spite of the deviations.

“In addition, the firm will be required to conclude new agreements with its other major stakeholders, including dealers and suppliers, by March 31, 2009.”

In conclusion, we are still facing a tough road ahead; however, if we all work together, keep building the quality products we are known for, and get out and talk-up General Motors and its products, we will survive. Don’t sit back and wait for your co-workers to take the necessary steps to keep us profitable, you must take the first step. We will survive.

As soon as we get clarification of the International Union (Detroit is shutdown today due to snow), we will get it out to you. Therefore, it is very important that you monitor our website to get the latest update. INFORMATION WILL NOT BE PUT ON THE WEBSITE UNTIL WE GET IT FROM THE INTERNATIONAL UNION – THIS WILL NOT OCCUR EVERYDAY. Additionally, we may not hear anything from the International until after the holidays – we just do not know at the moment. So, be patient.

Again, enjoy your holidays; make sure you file your unemployment claim on the date you are assigned (NO EXCEPTIONS); and be safe.

Standing in Solidarity



 



 
 

PRESIDENT'S REPORT
12/19/08
4:00 PM

AUTO INDUSTRY LOANS:

President Bush announced this morning that the Treasury Department will make emergency loans available to keep General Motors and Chrysler out of Bankruptcy Court. The funds will come out of the TARP Fund which Congress approved to save the US Financial Industry. Emergency loans equaling $13.4 billion will be issued for immediate help and $4 billion will be made available in February. We are pleased that the administration reviewed all options available.

WHAT’S NEXT:

Even though these temporary loans have been approved, this does not mean all is fixed. The strict restrictions and conditions associated with the loans are non-negotiable and must be met by the stated deadline. We will be required to make some very unpopular sacrifices. What those sacrifices will be will be communicated to us by our UAW International leadership. As we receive information, Chairperson Belinda Langley and I will pass it on to the membership.

KEEP TALKING IT UP:

As you have seen and heard, a majority of the American public opposes any help for us and wants us to fail. We must keep talking to family, friends, and neighbors about what we contribute to our communities and our country. The most important point we need to make is that this issue is not about us or Detroit, rather this is about everyone in the USA. We need to let those we talk to know that our failure will affect them and their families, too. It is up to all of us to save ourselves. We are not safe yet.

UNEMPLOYMENT & SUB INFORMATION:

For important information as well as addresses, phone and fax numbers, in addition to websites for the various state unemployment agenices, pick up the December 19, 2008, President's Report in the plant. The information in that report has information for employees who have been at the Arlington plant for more than 12 months and information for members who have transferred to Arlington during the past 12 months. If you have questions about filing for unemployment, contact the Benefit Representatives. They will be in the Benefit Office during the layoff. IT IS MANDATORY THAT YOU FILE YOUR UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIM ON THE DATE YOU ARE TO FILE - NOT DOING SO MAY CAUSE YOU TO BE DENIED UNEMPLOYMENT. DON'T TAKE THE CHANCE.

STAY INFORMED:

During the downtime, please check our web site for any important information if any becomes available. The web site will only be updated if any current information changes or if we receive important information we need to pass on to the membership. Also, please take time to visit the International UAW web site at www.uaw.org to stay informed and to use as a resource for accurate information to counter the untrue facts being written or spoken to the general public.

I would like to thank each and every one of you who stood up for us during these last few weeks. We have truly shown Solidarity at the time we needed to the most. Please keep up the good work and have a safe and happy holiday season.



 



 
 

CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT
DECEMBER 17, 2008
2:00 PM

As we prepare for the end of our work year, I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We should all celebrate the true meaning of Christmas - not the excuse to spend more than we can afford but the reason to share our home and friendship with those who may be less fortunate. This holiday season, take the time to mend old wounds - take the time to regain lost friendships. The love and respect of family and friends are the best gifts we could ever ask for. Don’t give those gifts away because of bad feelings or because of a misunderstanding.

Hopefully, everyone will be able to spend time with family and friends as well as having the time to get things done that you have been putting off. For our transferred members, I hope you will be able to travel home to be with your loved ones. I know that this holiday season is going to be a tough time for all of us with the uncertainty of the economy and not knowing what the outcome for GM will be in 2009. We just have to remember to be strong, to stand together as one, and to not let the things we are hearing in the news media get us down. When friends, neighbors, and family ask why we are not doing anything to help General Motors, remind them of the concessions we have already made and more importantly remind them that, if the auto industry determines they can require their workers to give in to anything they want, that trend will follow to other businesses. Remind them that the 40-hour week they enjoy is a direct result of actions by labor unions. Remind them that their vacation and holiday pay are also a direct action of labor unions. Remind them that their health care is a direct result of negotiations of labor unions with organized companies which was in turn picked up by non-organized businesses. Remind them that there are many other employment benefits they get as a direct result of organized labor. If we give those things up, so will they.

SENIORITY LIST:

For information regarding the seniority list, pick up the Shop Chairperson's Report dated December 17, 2008, in the plant.

TWO-TIER MEMBERS:

For information regarding Two-Tier members, pick up the Shop Chairperson's Report dated December 17, 2008, in the plant.

I look forward to seeing everyone back on January 20, 2009
Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year



 



 
 

PRESIDENT'S REPORT
DECEMBER 15, 2008
4:00 PM

ADULT CHRISTMAS PARTY:

The membership has voted to cancel the Adult Christmas Party. Members discussed the following reasons for cancelling the party:

  Increased costs of paying for the party due to higher venue, food and related charges

  Uncertainty of our job situation

  Costs of the UAW International Union ordered Election related to the Irene Polito Appeal decision

  Negative publicity of holding an expensive party while we are asking for loans to survive

Refunds for tickets purchased will be processed at the Union Hall by check only - tickets must be turned in for a refund to be paid.

UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIMS:

Members who recently relocated to Texas will have to file unemployment claims in their previous state. We strongly recommend that members filing unemployment claims in Texas use the online option to file their claims online. This option is quick and simple and will result in getting your payment faster. The TWC web site is www.twc.org

SUB PAY BENEFITS:

Members who qualify for unemployment compensation will also be eligible for SUB Pay during the lay-off weeks.

HEALTH CARE AUDIT:

If you received a letter from General Motors asking for dependent verification, you must send in the requested documentation prior to February 13, 2009. For further explanations or questions about dependent eligibility, call Fidelity at 1-800-489-4646. FAILURE TO SUBMIT YOUR DOCUMENTATION PRIOR TO FEBRUARY 13, 2009, WILL RESULT IN YOUR DEPENDENTS BEING REMOVED FROM YOUR INSURANCE.

AUTO INDUSTRY LOANS:

We are still awaiting word from the Bush White House on a possible automotive loan package. Please continue with phone calls to Senators and Representatives at 1-877-331-1223 and the White House at 1-202-456-1111, or send emails to www.comments@whitehouse.gov to the White House asking for support.

UAW-GM NATIONAL NEGOTIATIONS:

As reported in the previous Chairperson and President’s Reports, our National Negotiating Committee is reviewing the 2007 UAW-GM National Agreement for possible modifications and changes. Our Chairperson and I will inform everyone when we get Information from our UAW International leadership. Any information will have to be verified before it is published.

UAW PRESIDENT GETTLEFINGER’S MESSAGE:

If you were not able to see President Gettelfinger’s press conference last Friday, it is available on the UAW web site at www.uaw.org. Our President did a great job of explaining the truth about our pay, benefits and the real reasons the Senate voted against Auto Industry loans.

THE NEWS MEDIA:

While we do not discourage our members from speaking to the media, we ask that you remember two important facts: We are not asking for a “Bail-Out”, we are asking for a “BRIDGE LOAN” that will be repaid. Also, we have already made big sacrifices, and are asking that further sacrifices be fair and shared equally by all stakeholders.

KIDS CHRISTMAS PARTY:

Check the monitors and bulletin boards for times and location.

ELECTION COMMITTEE MEETING:

The Election Committee will meet Wednesday, December 17, 2008, in the People Center at 3:30 PM.

UAW LOCAL 276 WEB SITE:

Please visit our Local’s web site for the most current information during the Holidays and January downtime. Updates will only be made if there are any changes we need to communicate to the membership.



 



 
 

CHAIRPERSON'S AND PRESIDENT'S REPORT
DECEMBER 12, 2008
10:30 AM

It is very disappointing to all of us that not only our Senators from Texas but other Senators voted to deny the Bridge Loan to the Big Three. As a result of that the denial, we here at Arlington are going to be negatively impacted. I am sad to give you the news that follows:

  When we leave for the Christmas holiday December 23, 2008, we will not return to work until Tuesday,
     January 20, 2009

  We will be laid off the week of March 2, 2009

  Management is going to cut production by 30%

As of right now, we are making all the sacrifices we can. Do not listen to the negative comments that are being made by the media or the general public. Each of you knows that you are doing the very best that you can to build a quality product. Each of you knows that you have no control over the purchasing decisions of the public. Each of you knows that you have no control over the banks and whether or not they will loan customers money to buy the products we produce.

Just remember that our International UAW representatives are working hard to keep us employed and working in our best interests. To that end, the International is looking at different options as to what can be done; however, we don’t know what those options are. We must all have faith in them. As we get information from International and the plant, we will keep you posted and updated.

We have just received information from the Associated Press:

“Aboard Air Force One – The White House says it is considering using the $700-billion (U.S.) Wall Street rescue fund to prevent U.S. automakers from failing.

“President George W. Bush’s press secretary Dana Perino said Friday it will be ‘irresponsible’ to further weaken the economy by letting the Detroit car companies fail.

“Separately, the U.S. Treasury also said it stands ready to ‘prevent an imminent failure’ of auto companies.”

If you want to make comments about this decision or the auto industry in general, go to whitehouse.gov – do it today.



 



 
 

CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT
DECEMBER 8, 2008
10:30 AM

OVERTIME:

Overtime is scheduled to end on December 19, 2008. At the present time, there is no overtime scheduled for January 2009. The continued uncertainty of the US economy is having a negative impact on vehicle sales. Therefore, the start time for 2nd shift will move back to 3:30 PM beginning December 22, 2008. As always, things are subject to change.

BRIDGE LOAN:

Congress convened over the weekend to work out a compromise on the Bridge Loan for the auto industry. The next step in the process is that it must now be approved by the Senate and the House of Representatives. The compromise isn’t everything we wanted but hopefully it will be enough to last us until February 2009.

RUMOR CONTROL:

There has been NO mention in Detroit of reducing our wages by $10 an hour. If they decide to reduce our wages in any manner, I will truly, truly get you the information as soon as I get it. Additionally, there has been no talk of taking anything away from Retirees. If you have questions about what is going on with GM and the UAW as well as information about the Bridge Loan, talk to your Committeepersons; talk to your Committeeperson-at-Large; talk to me; and definitely come to the Union meetings. The International Union contacts the President and the Shop Chairperson with updates or information for us to provide to the membership. The updates and/or information do not come on a daily or weekly basis – only at times that the International releases the information to us. As soon as we get the information, we put it out in the plant through the President and Chairperson Reports. Therefore, if you have not received information from those listed above or gotten the information at our Union Meetings, what you are hearing is nothing but a rumor and should be ignored.



 



 
 

PRESIDENT'S REPORT
DECEMBER 4, 2008
8:30 AM

UAW-GENERAL MOTORS, FORD AND CHRYSLER
NATIONAL COUNCIL MEETING

On Wednesday, December 3, 2008, UAW International President Ron Gettelfinger convened a combined meeting of the National Councils of GM, Ford and Chrysler. President Gettelfinger stated that this is the first time all three National Councils have held a joint meeting to conduct UAW contractual business. This shows how serious our situation is and how important it is for all UAW members to be united. Delegates listened to a “State of the Big Three” presentation.

For factual information on the Emergency Meeting and the "State of the Big Three" presentation, come to the Membership Meeting December 14, 2008, and/or see the President's Report UAW-GENERAL MOTORS, FORD AND CHRYSLER NATIONAL COUNCIL MEETING that was distributed in the plant October 4, 2008.



 



 
 

CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT
12/04/08
8:00 AM

UAW EMERGENCY MEETING
12/03/08

International President Ronald Gettelfinger summoned all Local Chairpersons and Presidents to a UAW Emergency Meeting on December 3, 2008, in Detroit. He told us to stay informed by going to the International website at uaw.org. He also informed us that the UAW is currently running advertisements in the New York Times and on youtube.com talking about the auto industry.

For detailed information on the Emergency Meeting, see the Chairperson's Report UAW EMERGENCY MEETING 12/03/08 that was distributed in the plant.



 



 
 

PRESIDENT'S REPORT
10/06/08
4:00 PM

VOTER REGISTRATION:

Today is the last day you can register to vote in the 2008 US General Elections. Voter registration applications must be postmarked before midnight tonight.

UNEMPLOYMENT (TWC) REMINDER:

Members filing claims with Texas TWC no longer have to reset their PIN Numbers prior to requesting payment. Also we are on a one week reporting period. Please pay special attention to the dates in your TWC materials in order to avoid delays.

TWC AND TEXAS STATE REPRESENTATIVES:

We continue to communicate with our area state representatives to track concerns related to unemployment and the TWC filing systems. If you encounter any difficulties during this most recent lay-off with the TWC system, please notify the UAW-GM Benefit Representatives so we can document them accurately.

SUB-PAY INFORMATION:

For information about SUB pay, read the 10/06/08 President's Report handed out in the plant.

UAW VETERANS:

November 2, 2008, is the deadline for UAW Military Veterans to submit their information for recognition on Veterans’ Day. This information will also help us update our Veteran’s Wall to honor all who have sacrificed and served our country. Please see Texan Review for more details.

LOCAL 276'S CHILDREN’S HALLOWEEN PARTY:

For dates, times and location of the UAW Local 276 Children's Halloween Party, read the 10/06/08 President's Report handed out in the plant, check the monitors, and the Union's bulletin boards.



 



 
 

CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT
10/06/08
3:00 PM

WELCOME BACK:

On behalf of the Bargaining Committee and me, we would like to welcome back everyone who was on layoff last week. To those members who worked, thank you for your dedication and continuing to do a good job. It is taking all of us working together and doing what we need to in order to keep our plant in operation.

OVERTIME:

Management has notified the Shop Committee that we will be working overtime both in November and December. Just remember that everything is subject to change. But as of right now, that will be the schedule. Be sure to pay attention in Team Meetings, watch the monitors, pick up fliers put out by the Local; read the information on the bulletin boards, and check the Local’s website for information and updates.

PERFORMANCE BONUS:

For information on the Performance Bonus and when it will be paid, read the 10/06/08 Chairperson's Report handed out in the plant.

CITY, COUNTY, STATE, AND FEDERAL ELECTIONS:

Your application to register to vote must be post-marked prior to mid-night today, October 6, 2008, to be eligible to vote in the November elections.

ECONOMY:

Just a reminder: As we have mentioned in the past, with the economy in such turmoil, it is imperative that we all put money aside in case of emergency situations or layoffs. Ask yourself this question: During the layoffs we have had this year, was I able to pay my bills and get through the layoffs while waiting for my unemployment and SUB payments? If you answered “No”, then you should set up a budget and stick to it. Put money in an interest bearing account every pay check. Small amounts will add up over time. Don’t lose your apartment, house, or vehicle because you have not managed your money properly. Working for GM, we all know that layoffs are part of our work-life. Therefore, we need to save money.

DISCIPLINE:

For information about discipline, read the 10/06/08 Chairperson's Report handed out in the plant.

GMS:

For information about GMS, read the 10/06/08 Chairperson's Report handed out in the plant.

NEW ATTENDANCE PROCEDURE:

We have been trying to get all members to make sure they are familiar with the new attendance procedure. If you have not taken the time to do so, now would be a good time. For more information regarding current actions, read the 10/06/08 Chairperson's Report.

PARAGRAPHS (63) (a) AND (63) (b) :

For information about (63) (a) and (b) transfers, read the 10/06/08 Chairperson's Report handed out in the plant.



 



 
 

PRESIDENT’S REPORT
9/24/08
5:00 PM

UNEMPLOYMENT:

Members filing Texas Unemployment claims for the week of September 29, 2008, should read the President's Report handed out in the plant 9/24/08 for IMPORTANT information about filing for unemployment for the layoff week of September 29, 2008

TRANSFEREES:

Members who file out-of state claims should continue with the procedures used during the previous lay-offs.

BENEFIT REPRESENTATIVES:

Benefit Representatives will be available in the plant during the lay-off week.

UNION HALL:

UAW Local 276 will be open during the down week Monday - Friday 8:00 AM -5:00 PM (972-647-1282).



 



 
 

CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT
9/25/08
1:00 PM

LAYOFF SEPTEMBER 29 – OCTOBER 3, 2008:

As we are all aware, we are scheduled for another layoff next week (September 29 – October 3, 2008). Hopefully, everyone has been setting aside money so that the layoff will not cause a financial hardship. The Local has been providing information about how to budget and set aside funds for these specific times. With the uncertainty in the national economy, we cannot urge you strongly enough to set money aside. Make sure that you open the packet you receive from the Texas Workforce Commission and that you file on the date assigned to you.

COMMITTEEPERSON CALLS:

If you are having questions or problems with your job, applying for job transfers, or other issues, be sure to contact your Committeeperson. You elected them to represent you in these areas. They are there to assist you. Contact them. Your Bargaining Committeepersons and the districts they represent are listed on the Bargaining Committee page of this website.



 



 
 

PRESIDENT’S REPORT
9/24/08
5:00 PM

UNEMPLOYMENT:

Members filing Texas Unemployment claims for the week of September 29, 2008, should read the President's Report handed out in the plant 9/24/08 for IMPORTANT information about filing for unemployment for the layoff week of September 29, 2008

TRANSFEREES:

Members who file out-of state claims should continue with the procedures used during the previous lay-offs.

BENEFIT REPRESENTATIVES:

Benefit Representatives will be available in the plant during the lay-off week.

UNION HALL:

UAW Local 276 will be open during the down week Monday - Friday 8:00 AM -5:00 PM (972-647-1282).



 



 
 

PRESIDENT’S REPORT
8/29/08
5:00 PM

LABOR DAY FESTIVITIES:

Welcome back from the Labor Day holiday. Thank you to all who attended the UAW/AFL-CIO Labor Day Picnic.

UNEMPLOYMENT REMINDER:

Check the President's Report that will be in the plant Tuesday, 9/2/08, for important updates to unemployment.

REGION 5 CONFERENCES:

Information on upcoming Region 5 Conferences to be held in the DFW area will be in the President's Report that will be in the plant Tuesday, 9/2/08.

DEADLINES:

September 5, 2008, at 4:00 PM is the deadline to turn in applications for Local 276 appointed positions. Note: The Election Committee will be elected at the September 14, 2008, Membership Meeting – you must be present to be nominated and elected.

2008 US GENERAL ELECTIONS:

We are less than 80 days away from Election Day. Our jobs and futures will be decided by those who go out and vote. Are you and your family registered to vote? Will you decide your future or will you allow others to decide it for you?

  Last Day to Register to Vote:  

October 6, 2008

 
  Early Voting Period:  

October 20 - 31, 2008

 
  Election Day:  

November 4, 2008

 


 



 
 

PRESIDENT’S REPORT
8/21/08
3:30 PM

NEW UNEMPLOYMENT CHANGES:

The TWC is changing our Call-In dates due to the fact that we will only be laid-off for a one week period. Laid off members with Texas claims will be allowed to call in on the week beginning Sunday, August 31, 2008. You may use the ONLINE option beginning Sunday, 31, 2008. If you use the PHONE-IN option, you must call-in on the date in your TWC information packet. YOU MUST RESET YOUR PIN NUMBER WHEN YOU RECEIVE YOUR INFORMATION TWC PACKET PRIOR TO CALLING TO REQUEST PAYMENT.

TWC PIN PROCEDURE:

The following information was provided to UAW Local 276 by the TWC:

How Do I Set Up My PIN?
Use the following steps to set up your PIN:

  1.   Call the Tele-Serv number. Press 1 for English, or 2 for Spanish.  
  2.   Press 4 "To establish or change your Personal Identification Number."  
  3.   Enter your Social Security number (SSN) using the telephone buttons. Tele-Serv will repeat the SSN. Press 1 to confirm it, or 2 to re-enter it.  
  4.   Enter the four-digit PIN you want. Do not use the * or # buttons. When the Tele-Serv repeats the PIN, press 1 to confirm it, or 2 to re-enter it.  
  5.   Wait for the message "Your new PIN has been accepted."  

New Procedure for Personal Identification Number (PIN)

 

All PIN numbers have been erased for UI Mass Claims. When you receive your UI packet, you will need to establish a PIN number by selecting Option 4. You may use the same PIN you used in the past; however, the PIN number that is used must be re-established for each layoff.

 

Fort Worth – 817-420-1600
Dallas – 214-252-1200
North Texas – 972-206-7890 (New)
Toll Free 1-800-558-8321

If you need assistance, call TWC Customer Service at:

Dallas - 214-252-1200
Fort Worth - 817-420-1600
North Texas - 972-339-6200 (New)
Outside DFW 1-800-939-6631

TRANSFEREES

Members who file out-of state claims should continue with the procedures used during the previous lay-offs.

BENEFIT REPRESENTATIVES:

Benefit Representatives will be available in the plant during the lay-off week.

Phone Numbers:   817-640-1683       817-652-2485      817-652-2486

UNION HALL:

UAW Local 276 will be open during the down week Monday - Friday 8:00 AM -5:00 PM (972-647-1282).

LABOR DAY PICNIC:

  Date:  

Monday, September 1, 2008

 
  Time:  

12:00 (Noon) - 4:00 PM

 
  Place:  

UAW Local 218 Union Hall, 98 W. Hurst Blvd., Hurst, TX

 

GM AND THE MEDIA:

General Motors is kicking off an aggressive media campaign to tell our story to the press and dispel some of the misconceptions about General Motors and the U. S. Auto Industry. Rick Wagoner, Chairman and CEO of General Motors, will be the next guest on CEO, KERA-TV/Channel 13’s monthly business program hosted by veteran journalist Lee Cullum. The program will premiere in August and an encore presentation will be in September. Please note the broadcast dates and times:

• 7:30 p.m., Friday, August 29, 2008      • 7:30 P.M. Friday, September 26, 2008

2008 UAW REGION 5 SPECIAL V-CAP CRUISE TICKET DRIVE:

Purchase your tickets to support our CAP Program and possibly win an all expense paid cruise for two. Winners can choose from an Alaskan, Hawaiian, Mexican Riviera, or Caribbean Cruise. Members may purchase tickets from CAP Committee, Standing Committee, or Executive Board members. Tickets may also be purchased at the UAW Local 276 Union Hall.

2008 US GENERAL ELECTIONS:

We are less than 80 days away from Election Day. Our jobs and futures will be decided by those who go out and vote. Are you and your family registered to vote? Will you decide your future or will you allow others to decide it for you?

  Last Day to Register to Vote:  

October 6, 2008

 
  Early Voting Period:  

October 20 - 31, 2008

 
  Election Day:  

November 4, 2008

 

Please register now and vote early.

Have a safe and happy Labor Day- It is our day!



 



 
 

AUGUST DOWNTIME HOURLY PAYOFF
8/21/08
2:20 PM

During the down week of August 25 - 29, 2008, hourly paycheck distribution will be on Thursday, August 28, 2008, from 12:00 PM (noon) to 2:00 PM in the lobby area just north of the Security Office located at the southeast corner of the plant - enter Gate 6 from Abram Street.

Paychecks not picked up by 2:00 PM will be mailed. All direct deposit stubs will be mailed to the employees’ address of record. For mailing address updates, please go to Hourly Personnel at Column A-14 to complete change of address forms. NOTE: Skilled Trades, GM Labor Maintenance, and other hourly employees working during the down week will be paid as usual by their Supervisors.

Reminder: Per the UAW Local 276/GM Arlington 2007 Local Agreement, direct deposit is required for all employees effective September 15, 2008. Direct deposit forms and mailing envelopes are located in department Timekeeping Forms Centers for your completion and mailing for processing. Attach a voided personal check to the form. It takes approximately 3 weeks to get direct deposit initiated.

Questions regarding paycheck issues, please call Timekeeping Center 1-866-245-5957.

TO VIEW YOUR GM PAY STUB INFORMATION ONLINE (CURRENT & PRIOR PAY PERIODS)

    1.    Go to: http://socrates.gm.com/

    2.    Select “Enter mySocrates”

    3.    Enter GMID and Password (If you are a first time user follow steps under the “First Time User” link)

    4.    Select “My Services”

    5.    Select “Personal” option

    6.    Select Pay Stub link under “My Personal Information”
          After entering your Personal Identification Number (PIN), you will then be able to view your pay stub information for both current and prior pay periods.



 



 
 

FROM THE CHAIRPERSON
8/20/08
2:20 PM

LAYOFF AUGUST 25 – 29, 2008:

On Friday, August 22, 2008, at the end of 1st Shift and the beginning of 2nd Shift, “JR” Flores and I will be at the gates to handout information about unemployment and SUB for the week of 8/25 – 29/08 regarding all employees including the two tier and temporary employees. Make sure that you take the time to take the information from us to help avoid the problems we have had in the past. This information does not replace the information you will be receiving from the Texas Workforce Commission. You will need to read and familiarize yourself with the information provided by the TWC as well as from the Union.

If you are scheduled to be laid off during the week of August 25 – 29, 2008, remember that you must file for unemployment to be eligible to receive SUB pay. Members who will be filing with the State of Texas will receive an unemployment packet that will tell you what date you are to file on. REMEMBER – IF YOU FILE YOUR CLAIM BY TELEPHONE, YOU MUST RESET YOUR PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (PIN) PRIOR TO FILING YOUR CLAIM. Also, cell phones CANNOT be used to file your claim in the State of Texas. To save yourself time and headaches, file your claim online at www.twc.state.tx.us. By filing online, you can file on the Sunday of the week you are scheduled to file; you will receive your unemployment money faster; and you will receive your SUB pay faster. Additionally, you will not have to remember to reset your PIN each time. When you receive your unemployment packet, read the information about filing online – you’ll be glad you did.

To our members who must file Louisiana unemployment claims, remember the State of Louisiana requires you to file the first day you are laid-off. Don’t delay – file on Monday August 25, 2008, with Louisiana.

If you are laid off and must file other out of state claims, be sure that you file at the appropriate time and have the required documentation you need. If you have questions about filing out of state claims, check with the Benefit Representatives.

UNION MEETING:

Our next union meeting will be at 2:00 PM, Sunday, September 14, 2008, at the UAW Local 276 Union Hall, 2505 W. E. Roberts Street, Grand Prairie. If you have not attended a meeting or haven’t been to a meeting in a while, we encourage you to attend your union meetings. That is the place to get your questions answered and learn what is upcoming with the union. With all the rumors that are constantly on the floor, it is impossible to go to each individual member on the floor and answer their questions about what they are hearing. That’s one of the reasons we hold union meetings. We can provide members with the correct information and answer others that might arise when we give that information.

FLIERS, HANDOUTS, AND THE LOCAL 276 WEBSITE:

When was the last time you picked up a flier, handout or checked the UAW Local 276 website? Have you or any of your coworkers made the state, “Well, the union never tells us anything – they don’t keep us informed.” How we keep you informed is by placing fliers and handouts on the bulletin boards and in the boxes at the gates – have you picked one up lately? We also run information on the plant monitors – have you watched it? Additionally, we place the same information on the Local’s website: www.uaw276tx.org – have you gotten information from the website? We do all we can to get the information to but you must do your part to check for the information. Be proactive – look for the information.

PROTECT OUR JOBS:

We are encouraging all members to help protect our jobs. The next time you, your family or friends buy a new vehicle remember the products we build at Arlington. Our vehicles are top notch quality with good gas mileage – keep us working; sell our products; drive our products; promote our products.

Have a safe and enjoyable time off next week



 



 
 

ACT NOW!
TODAY IS THE DEADLINE!
8/20/08
2:20 PM

WEDNESDAY - AUGUST 20, 2008, all hourly Primary Enrollees (active employees, retirees, surviving spouses and COBRA enrollees) must CANCEL any ineligible dependents covered through the GM Health Care Program without penalty. Do not call if dependents continue to be eligible. September 1, 2008, is the effective date of cancellation for dependent(s) reported as no longer eligible. Primary Enrollees canceling dependents will be sent confirmation letters.

IMPORTANT: Later in the year, Primary Enrollees will be asked to provide documentation for those remaining eligible dependents. Dependents found to be ineligible later may result in a financial penalty to the Primary Enrollee.

Do not cause yourself a problem. Verify the new rules for dependent eligibility with Fidelity at 1-800-489-4646. Call TODAY if you are not sure about the eligibility for your dependents.



 



 
 

IMMEDIATE ATTENTION
UNEMPLOYMENT UPDATE
FOR WEEK OF 8/25 – 29/08
8/19/08
9:00 AM

ALL EMPLOYEES WHO FILE CLAIMS FOR UNEMPLOYMENT UNDER “MASS” LAYOFFS MUST RE-ESTABLISH THEIR PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS (PIN) EACH TIME THEY ARE LAID OFF. HOWEVER, YOU MAY USE THE SAME PIN EACH TIME. TO RESET YOUR PIN CALL:

DALLAS (214-688-7088) - PRESS OPTION “4”
FORT WORTH (817-334-0360) - PRESS OPTION “4”
OUTSIDE DFW (1-800-558-8321) - PRESS OPTION “4”

WITH EACH NEW LAYOFF, PLEASE RE-ESTABLISH YOUR PIN AS SOON AS YOU RECEIVE YOUR TWC PACKET.

IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE, CALL TWC CUSTOMER SUPPORT AT:

DALLAS (214-252-1200)
FORT WORTH (817-420-1600)
OUTSIDE DFW (1-800-939-6631)



 



 
 

ATTENTION
08/15/08
8:00 AM

THE TEXAS WORKFORCE COMMISSION (TWC) WILL BE IN THE PEOPLE CENTER

TUESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2008
FROM 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

TO ANSWER QUESTIONS ABOUT THE UPCOMING LAYOFF AUGUST 25 – 29, 2008.



 



 
 

PRESIDENT’S REPORT
08/12/08
3:30 PM

DEPENDENT HEALTH CARE VERIFICATION DEADLINE (DEPENDENT CANCELLATION):

All hourly Primary Enrollees (active employees, retirees, surviving spouses and COBRA enrollees) must CANCEL any ineligible dependents covered through the GM Health Care Program without penalty BY AUGUST 20, 2008. Do not call if dependents continue to be eligible. September 1, 2008, is the effective date of cancellation for dependent(s) reported as no longer eligible. Primary Enrollees canceling dependents will be sent confirmation letters.

IMPORTANT: Later in the year, Primary Enrollees will be asked to provide documentation for those remaining eligible dependents. Dependents found to be ineligible later may result in a financial penalty to the Primary Enrollee.


Do not cause yourself a problem. Verify the new rules for dependent eligibility with Fidelity at 1-800-489-4646. Call immediately if you are not sure about the eligibility for your dependents.

DIRECT DEPOSIT REMINDER:

DIRECT DEPOSIT FORMS SHOULD BE COMPLETED AND MAILED NO LATER THAN FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2008. All GM Arlington hourly employees must have direct deposit for their weekly pay beginning the pay week ending September 21, 2008. Since it takes approximately three (3) weeks to get direct deposit started, a direct deposit application must be completed immediately. Please obtain a direct deposit form and mailing envelope in your Timekeeping Forms Center located in your respective department or at Hourly Personnel (Column A14). Complete the form, attach a personal voided check, and mail the direct deposit form with the voided check to ACS in El Paso, TX (in the envelope provided). It takes at least 3 weeks to get the direct deposit initiated. All direct deposit stubs will be mailed from the Print Center in Flint, Michigan, each week to the employee’s address of record. Please make sure your address is correct on your paycheck/stub. Address corrections can be completed in Hourly Personnel. Direct deposit stubs WILL NOT be distributed at the Arlington plant.

ONLINE PAYROLL INFORMATION:

Get your pay information earlier by checking your hours worked and wages before payday. To view your GM pay stub (Current and Prior Pay Periods) information online:

    1.    Go to: http://socrates.gm.com/

    2.    Select “Enter mySocrates”

    3.    Enter GMID and Password (If you are a first time user follow steps under the “First Time User” link)

    4.    Select “My Services”

    5.    Select “Personal” option

    6.    Select Pay Stub link under “My Personal Information”
          After entering your Personal Identification Number (PIN), you will then be able to view your pay stub information for both current and prior pay periods.

STANDING COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS AND ALTERNATES:

UAW Local 276 will be accepting applications for Chairpersons and Alternates for the following standing committees: Civil and Human Rights; Constitution and Bylaws; Community Services; Education; Legislative and Political Action; Recreation and Conservation; Union Label; Veteran’s; Women’s; Consumer Affairs. Deadline for acceptance of applications is 4:00 PM Friday, September 5, 2008.

STANDING COMMITTEE APPLICANT VOLUNTARY INTERVIEWS:

UAW Local 276 Executive board members will hold voluntary interviews for interested Standing Committee applicants. Interviews will be limited to 5-10 minutes per applicant.

  Date:  

Saturday, September 6, 2008

 
  Time:  

10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

 
  Location:  

UAW Local 276, 2505 W. E. Roberts Street, Grand Prairie, Texas 75051

 

SECOND SHIFT LOCAL UNION BENEFIT REPRESENTATIVE:

UAW Local 276 will be accepting applications for one (1) 2nd Shift Local Union Benefit Representative. Applications are available at UAW Local 276. Deadline for acceptance of applications is 4:00 PM Friday, September 5, 2008. You must be working on second shift at the time you apply. All applications will be sent to the International Union September 8, 2008.

2008 – 2011 ELECTION COMMITTEE MEMBERS ELECTION:

UAW Local 276 will have an election for members of the 2008- 2011 Election Committee. Nominations and voting will be held at the September 14, 2008, Membership Meeting. You must be a member in good standing to be nominated and elected.



 




 
 

IMMEDIATE ATTENTION
UNEMPLOYMENT
07/28/08
11:00 AM

****************************************************************************

UAW LOCAL 276 JUST RECEIVED THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION FROM THE TEXAS WORKFORCE COMMISSION (TWC):

 

ALL EMPLOYEES WHO FILE CLAIMS FOR UNEMPLOYMENT UNDER “MASS” LAYOFFS MUST RE-ESTABLISH THEIR PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS (PIN) EACH TIME THEY ARE LAID OFF. HOWEVER, YOU MAY USE THE SAME PIN EACH TIME. TO RESET YOUR PIN CALL:

 
     
 

DALLAS (214-688-7088) - PRESS OPTION “4”
FORT WORTH (817-334-0360) - PRESS OPTION “4”
OUTSIDE DFW (1-800-558-8321) - PRESS OPTION “4”

 

WITH EACH NEW LAYOFF, PLEASE RE-ESTABLISH YOUR PIN AS SOON AS YOU RECEIVE YOUR TWC PACKET.

ADDITIONALLY, THE TWC HAS EXTENDED ITS HOURS TO: 7:30 AM – 6:30 PM. IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE, CALL TWC CUSTOMER SUPPORT AT:

DALLAS DALLAS (214-252-1200)
FORT WORTH (817-420-1600)