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President Phone: 972-647-1282 E-mail: enriquesrvflores@aol.com |
PRESIDENT’S REPORT UNEMPLOYMENT: The downtime week of September 8, 2008, has
been rescheduled to the week of August 25,
2008, and we have advised the TWC of this
change in schedule. Fort Worth: 817-420-1600 If you worked or were in training during either the week of July 13-18, or July 20-25, 2008, you must claim $600.00 for the week you worked. The $600.00 amount is the TWC requirement.When asked the question about Union Membership/Employment the correct answer is “NO”. This is the TWC’s correct answer according to the TWC. (“Union” in this case refers to Union Halls that contract out limited project work for Carpenters, Electricians, Welders, and other tradespersons). We are full time employees of the General Motors Corporation. Recent transferees should have already contacted their former state unemployment agencies to file a claim. (Refer to President’s Report June 24, 2008, flyer and website www.uaw276tx.org). DIRECT DEPOSIT REMINDER: Due to the 2007 UAW 276/GM Arlington agreement, all hourly employees must have direct deposit for their weekly pay beginning with roll 39 for the 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://www.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” ONLINE HEALTH CARE INFORMATION: To view your Health Care benefits information online: 1. Go to: http://www.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 GM Benefit and Services Center (You will be linked to GM Benefits.com) Click on Active Hourly. 7. Select Health Care. Click on “Health and Insurance”. (Enter Social Security and PIN) 8. On Medical
Line click on “Details”. Scroll down to see
Coverages and Co-Pays. WEB SITE UPDATE POLICY: The UAW Local 276 web site is updated when there is new information or if there is a change in current situations. Updates are not on a daily basis. Information communicated on our web site must and will be verified before we pass it on to our members. For the most recent information, please take advantage of all forms of our communication media, such as: • Chairperson’s Reports • President’s Reports • “The Local’s News” (UAW 276 Newspaper) • In-Plant Monitors • “Texan Review (In-Plant Newspaper) • UAW Local 276 Web Site Please do not forget the most important and accurate source - Your Monthly Membership Meetings. The next meeting is on Sunday, August 10, 2008 at 2:00 PM. |
DOWNTIME UPDATE RETURN TO WORK: Both shifts are still scheduled to return to work on Monday, July 28, 2008 at their regular start time. Any changes in this schedule will be posted on this site. UNEMPLOYMENT: Members filing with the State of Texas should receive information packages from the TWC this week. If you do not receive your TWC packages this week please contact the TWC. BENEFIT REPRESENTATIVES: Benefit Representatives are available in the plant from 6:00 AM – 4:00 PM Monday – Friday, during the downtime. The Benefit Office phone number is 817-640-1683. GENERAL MOTORS’ ANNOUNCEMENTS: General Motors CEO Rick Wagoner held a press conference Tuesday July 15, 2008 to announce major changes in the company. The following are some of the announced changes: IMPACT ON GM-ARLINGTON: At this time, we have not been advised of any impact to our production plans. We will continue to actively monitor the situation and advise you of any changes if any when they are confirmed.
HEALTH CARE ANNOUNCEMENT: The health care changes announced by General Motors only refers to SALARIED RETIREES. Active hourly and hourly retirees were not affected by these changes. DIRECT DEPOSIT REQUIREMENT FOR ALL EMPLOYEES: Reminder—per local contract, direct deposit
is required effective September, 2008.
Direct deposit forms and mailing envelopes
are located in department Timekeeping Forms
Centers (Personnel Office) 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.
Please do not wait to
start the paperwork for your required direct
deposit. Completing your paperwork prior to
August 8, 2008, will help eliminate delays
getting your pay. WOMEN’S SHELTER: The Safe Haven/Women’s Shelter is UAW Local 276’s adopted charity. We collect unused soaps, shampoos, and such items to donate to the shelter. These items are packaged and offered to victims of domestic violence who have fled abusive situations. If you travel during the down time and stay in a hotel, please remember the Women’s Shelter. Please bring these items to the Union Hall for donation. Please have a safe and enjoyable time away from the plant. We want to see everyone return safely. |
DOWNTIME UPDATE JULY DOWNTIME HOURLY PAYOFF: Hourly Paycheck Pick Ups are as follows:
Payoffs will be located in the lobby 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 employee’s address of record. For mailing
address updates, please go to Hourly Personnel at Column A-14 to complete
change of address forms. ONLINE PAYROLL INFORMATION: To view your GM pay stub (Current and Prior Pay Periods) information online: 1. Go to: http://www.socrates.gm.com/ 2. Select “Enter mySocrates” 3. Enter GMID and Password 4. Select “My Services” 5. Select “Personal” option 6. Select Pay Stub link under
“My Personal Information” DIRECT DEPOSIT REQUIREMENT FOR ALL EMPLOYEES: Reminder—per local contract, direct deposit is required effective September, 2008. It takes approximately three (3) weeks to get direct deposit initiated. | |
President's Report WELCOME: UAW Local 276 would like to welcome all of our new members. Whether you are a transferee, new hire or temporary vacation replacement, we welcome you to the UAW Local 276 family. We are sure your participation will help strengthen our Solidarity. RETIREMENT CEREMONIES: Date: Friday, June 27, 2008 UNEMPLOYMENT INFORMATION: Members, who already have an active claim
with the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC),
will continue to the same claim. After
General Motors sends the needed information
to the TWC, the TWC will send you the date to
call in to continue your claim. For more information about Texas Unemployment please contact the TWC at the following numbers: Dallas: 214-252-1200
Fort Worth: 817-420-1600 BENEFIT REPRESENTATIVES: Benefit Representatives will be available
during the downtime in the main Benefit
Office Column A-4. UNION HALL: UAW Local 276: (Metro) 972-647-1282;
Fax: 972-602-0553; Web site www.uaw276tx.org WOMEN’S SHELTER: The SafeHaven Women’s Shelter is UAW Local 276’s adopted charity. We collect unused soaps, shampoos, and such items to donate to the shelter. These items are packaged and offered to victims of domestic violence who have fled abusive situations. If you travel during the down time and stay in a hotel, please remember the Women’s Shelter. Please bring these items to the Union Hall for donation. Again, a big welcome to all our new members and a sad farewell to our members who took the buy-out and a “hope to see you Retirees at the Retired Workers Chapter Meetings on the first Tuesday of each month.” Please have a safe and happy time away from the plant. We want to see everyone return safely. To all those leaving us, we congratulate you and wish you the best. Thank you for your dedication and loyalty to the UAW. |
Chairman's Report 2008 TRIENNIAL ELECTIONS: I would like to thank everyone who participated in our triennial elections by voting, by running for a position, or by working on the Election Committee. It took everyone working together to have a successful election. Check out page three of the July issue of “The Local’s News” to see who the winners are. You will also note that department numbers are listed in the districts the Committeepersons and Alternate Committeepersons represent so that you will know what district you are in and the names of your Committeeperson and Alternate Committeepersons. Be sure to get acquainted with your representatives. WORK SCHEDULE: We were notified by Management Monday, June 23, 2008, that in addition to the July Independence week shutdown period we will be on layoff the weeks of July 14 – 18; July 21 - 25 (training for both the new permanent and relocating employees will take place during this week); September 8 – 12; October 6 – 10; and December 1 - 5. This schedule is tentative and subject to change based on market demand. Because it is going to be difficult to get information out to the membership, we are asking everyone to monitor our website: www.uaw276tx.org for updated information. Additionally, we will be putting information out in the plant as well. Remember, it is mandatory that you provide the local with your correct address and phone number. While you’re off, be safe and enjoy the time you are able to spend with your family and friends. SPECIAL ATTRITION PROGRAM (SAP): As everyone knows, we had a large number of our members who took advantage of the 2008 “Special Attrition Program” which opened up vacancies for employees at other GM plants to be able to come to Arlington. In addition, we have been able to fill some of the openings by hiring off the street. We are very glad to have all our new members and welcome them to UAW Local 276. To our members who retired, we wish all of you a happy retirement. Members on pre-retirement: Congratulations to you on being able to ease into your retirement. To those of you who took the buy-out: Good luck and we hope this is what you truly wanted. We’ll miss you. NEW MEMBERS: For those new members who have just processed in, we want to invite you to attend our monthly union meetings which are held the 2nd Sunday of each month. The July meeting has been cancelled, however, due to the annual downtime. But, we would definitely like to see you at the August 10, 2008, meeting that starts at 2:00 PM. If you have questions about Local 276 or about issues on your job, that is the place to get your answers. Rumors in the plant are just that - rumors - and the only place to get correct information is from your union leaders. UNEMPLOYMENT: We are hoping that all the bugs have been worked out by the time you file for unemployment. The best way to ensure that you have no problems is to have your correct address on file with GM; open your unemployment packet and read it as soon as you get; file your claim on the date assigned to you (not filing on that specific date will delay your money or possibly prohibit you from being eligible for unemployment - which will make you not eligible for SUB); keep your address with the Texas Workforce Commission current; and remember your PIN. JOB APPLICATIONS: If you have family or friends who are looking for a job and they have a positive attitude, good work history and are seeking a long-term permanent opportunity, then have them contact Aerotek (the company that will be providing employees for Housekeeping.) Information for applying may be obtained by calling toll free 1-877-602-0265; faxing a resume to Amy Castillo at 817-299-5030; or emailing a resume to Amy Castillo at acastill@aerotek.com. The DEADLINE to apply is July 17, 2008, and individuals who are hired will start work July 28, 2008. Applicants must be able to read and understand work instructions; must follow all safety instructions and regulations; must be able to work various shifts and work schedules; must be able to work in confined spaces; and will be required to take and pass a drug test to be considered for employment. Again, a big welcome to all our new members and a sad farewell to our members who took the buy-out and a “hope to see you Retirees at the Retired Workers Chapter Meetings on the first Tuesday of each month.” Have a Safe and Happy 4th of July |
RESULTS 2007 UAW/GM LOCAL AGREEMENT PASSED FOR 55 % AGAINST 45 % |
NOTICE UAW LOCAL 276 AND ARLINGTON LOCAL PLANT MANAGEMENT HAVE REACHED A TENTATIVE AGREEMENT. THE RATIFICATION MEETING AND VOTING WILL TAKE PLACE AS FOLLOWS: RATIFICATION MEETING & VOTING
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TENTATIVE AGREEMENT WILL BE AVAILABLE IN THE PLANT AND AT THE MEETING. |
Chairman's and President's Report GENERAL MOTORS CEO RICK WAGONER: General Motors CEO Rick Wagoner made the following announcement this morning at a press conference in Wilmington, Delaware: “In recent years we have been focused on several major strategies, including growing our business in emerging markets, leading in advanced propulsion technology and turning around our North American business. From the start of our North American turnaround plan in 2005, I’ve said that our goal is not just to return GM to profitability – but to structure GM for sustained profitability and growth. “We’ve been on that tack, making good progress, but recent developments on the global oil scene have made it necessary to take additional actions. General economic conditions in the U.S. have changed considerably in recent months. While we remain reasonably constructive on the long-term prospects for the auto industry in the United States, we view the near-term U.S. economic and auto market environment with considerable caution. “These conditions, along with the rapid change in auto industry sales mix, require us to take further actions that will position us for sustainable profitability and growth. These actions include:
“While some of the actions, especially the capacity reductions, are very difficult, they are necessary to adjust to changing market and economic conditions and to keep GM’s U.S. turnaround on track and moving forward. “Our progress so far has positioned GM to proactively and aggressively address new market and economic challenges, and that’s exactly what we are doing today. Thanks for your continued hard work and support.” The leadership of UAW Local 276 wishes to express our sadness at the news of plant closings. Many of our members have family and friends at the affected facilities. This is truly a solemn time for our members and their families. TRANSFEREES: We are expecting 217 transferees to report to Arlington on Monday, June 16, 2008. TEMPORARIES: DDI Corporation has started calling applicants for testing for Summer Temps. The entire selection and testing process is handled by DDI Corporation. BENEFITS: If you are due to retire July 1, 2008, please contact the Benefit Representatives and insure that all your paperwork is completed. The Benefit Representatives are back in the plant at their regular offices. Main Office 817-652-2485 or 2486; Body Shop and Paint 817-607-6785. Please continue to monitor our website for updates |
Chairman's Report GRIEVANCE COUNT: Our current grievance count is: Step & ½ - 106; Second Step – 77; Third Step – 0; and Fourth Step – 0; for a total number of 183 open grievances. Included in the total grievance count are 45 paragraph 183 grievances – which the 183 Committee is meeting on now during the local negotiations. LOCAL NEGOTIATIONS: Negotiations on the Local contract are going well. We are trying to get it done as soon as possible. WORK SCHEDULE: We were notified by Management last Friday, May 16, 2008, that both shifts are scheduled to work until the July Independence week shutdown period. As we all know, this is subject to change. SPECIAL ATTRITION PROGRAM (SAP): The last day for employees to sign up for the “SPECIAL ATTRITION PROGRAM” is this Thursday, May 22, 2008. 2008 ELECTIONS: All members of the 2008 Executive Board and the 2008 Bargaining Committee will be sworn in at the June 8, 2008, Membership Meeting. Congratulations to everyone who participated in the election process and to our members who have already been elected and congratulations to those members who win the races that are still to be decided. CAFETERIA: We have a new cafeteria vendor that will be operating out of the Satellite Cafeteria on 1st and 2nd Shifts. Also, a vending truck will be driving through the plant on 1st Shift. Additionally, a vending truck will drive through the plant on 2nd Shift on a trial basis. We will all need to take advantage of these services if we want to keep the vendor. STRIKES: The strike is over at Lansing. Seventy-three
percent (73%) of the membership vote to accept the
agreement. AMERICAN AXLE: American Axle has reached a tentative agreement with the UAW. They will be voting today on the tentative agreement. FIELD STOCK SUPPLY ON HAND:
Ya’ll have a Happy Memorial Day |
CORRECTED UPDATE FROM THE PRESIDENT AND SHOP
CHAIRPERSON The following information was issued by the Plant Manager regarding the current situation: “GENERAL MOTORS VEHICLE MANUFACTURING ARLINGTON ASSEMBLY” “Date:
May 7, 2008 “The ongoing labor disruption with our supplier, American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc. continues to impact our facility and others throughout the corporation. Due to the interruption in our axle part flow, Arlington Assembly will only run one production shift the week of May 12. “Week of May 12, 2008 – Night Shift Reporting “Due to limited parts, only one shift of production will work the week of May 12, 2008. Night shift will report to work the entire week of May 12, 2008, for their normal production shift (3:30p.m. – 12:00a.m.). In turn, day Shift (Division I production employees) will be laid off for the week of May 12, 2008. Division 2 – Skilled Trades and Non-Skilled Maintenance employees will be notified by their supervisors. The shift (start/end) times, may be adjusted based on business need, availability of parts, reprocess activities, etc. and will be communicated by your Supervisor. “Week of May 19, 2008 “We are scheduled for both Day and Night shifts
to report to work during their regularly
scheduled times the week of May 19, 2008.
Of course, this plan is subject to change and
dependent on parts availability. “SAP Program: May 22 is the deadline to sign up for the SAP Program. Please have your signed paperwork turned in to Personnel no later than May 22. “Referral Forms: This week you should be receiving referral forms
for temporary workers. All referral forms
must be turned in by
May 16 to Personnel. “Alicia Davis “2008 Shift Layoff - Arlington Assembly - Communication Plan “Executive Summary “The ongoing labor disruption with our supplier, American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings Inc. continues to impact our facility and others throughout the corporation. Due to the interruptions in our axle part flow, Arlington Assembly will only run one production shift the week of May 12, 2008. “KRLD Announcement: “Due to the interruption in axle part flow, Arlington Assembly will only run one shift operations the week of May 12. Only night shift production will work the week of May 12. Employees will report to work at their normal production shift start times.” SUB Pay: The delay with SUB pay was an unexpected problem with the State of Texas. We got TWC and GM Management together and we met with our Labor Representative on the TWC Board. The problem was solved and our information was forwarded to Fidelity. The SUB Representatives at Fidelity processed and mailed our SUB payments Thursday, May 8, 2008. Unemployment Claims: First shift – You will call-in next week for the two week claim period of April 27, 2008, and May 4, 2008. When asked if you worked or gained wages, you must answer “No” for the week of April 27, 2008. You must answer “Yes” for the week of May 4, 2008, and claim wages of $600.00 (SIX HUNDRED DOLLARS) for the week of May 4, 2008. This will keep you from being overpaid and owing money back to the TWC and General Motors-SUB for the week of May 4, 2008. Second shift – You will call-in next week for the two week claim period of April 27, 2008, and May 4, 2008. When asked if you worked or gained wages, you must answer “No” for the week of April 27, 2008, and you must answer “No” for the week of May 4, 2008. TWC will mail you a notice with your next call-in date. If you are instructed to do a job search, please contact TWC as soon as possible to correct this error. Everyone has a return to work date of May 19, 2008, and therefore you are NOT required to perform job searches. If you have ANY questions about
unemployment – |
PRESIDENT'S AND CHAIRMAN'S REPORT RETURN TO WORK:
As of 2:00 PM Saturday, May 3, 2008, GM-Arlington Management had not notified
the UAW Local 276 leadership of any production schedule changes. The changes
announced by General Motors and posted on this web site are still the official
notices to all production employees. GENERAL ELECTION VOTING:
Retirees and Pre-retirees will vote at:
UAW Local 276 Union Hall MEMBERSHIP MEETING NOTICE:
Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 11, 2008; therefore, the May Membership Meeting
has been rescheduled. This meeting is rescheduled annually to allow our
members to honor their mothers and for mothers to be with their loved ones. UNEMPLOYMENT UPDATE:
Members laid-off on April 14, 2008, who have not received information
packages and/or letters of eligibility from the TWC (Texas filers only), should
contact the TWC or the UAW Benefit Representatives immediately. The UAW Benefit
Representatives will continue to be in the Skill Center to answer questions
concerning unemployment compensation and the "Special Attrition Program"
until May 22, 2008. |
CHAIRMAN'S AND PRESIDENT'S REPORT The following memo was given to the UAW Local 276 leadership Tuesday morning, April 29,2008: “GENERAL MOTORS VEHICLE MANUFACTURING ARLINGTON ASSEMBLY” “Date:
April 29, 2008 “The ongoing labor disruption with our supplier, American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc. continues to impact our facility and others throughout the corporation. Due to the interruption in our axle part flow, Arlington Assembly will only run one production shift the week of May 5, 2008. “Week of May 5, 2008: “Day shift will report to work the entire week of May 5, 2008, for their normal production shift (6:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.). In turn, Night shift (Division 1 production employees) will be laid off for the week of May 5, 2008. “Week of May 12, 2008 “To be on the safe side, we will tentatively schedule both Day and Night shifts to report to work during their regularly scheduled times the week of May 12, 2008. Of course, this plan is subject to change and dependent on parts availability.
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PRESIDENT'S AND CHAIRMAN'S REPORT RETURN TO WORK:
As of Monday, April 28, 2008, the GM-Arlington plant has not been
notified of any definite reductions of its future production schedule.
UAW Local 276 leaders expect to receive scheduling confirmation from GM
management on Tuesday, April 29, 2008. The scheduling information will
appear on this website as soon as possible. Please also monitor the GM
Hotline at 1-877-571-3453, or listen to KRLD 1080 AM for further
information. DISTRICT 1 RUN-OFF ELECTION
REMINDER:
Election:
Polls Open 6:00 AM
Tuesday, April 28, 2008 |
PRESIDENT’S REPORT ELECTION REMINDER: Eligibility Election:
Polls Open 6:00 AM
Tuesday, April 22, 2008 UNEMPLOYMENT: The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) began
mailing out information packages to members who
were laid off last week. If you have not received
your information, you must contact the Dallas TWC
at 214-252-1200 or the Fort Worth TWC at 817-420-1600
and inquire about your information package. Those
members who worked, or were in training last week,
should be mailed their information later this week
or early next week. This information package will
also include an informational booklet with important
questions and answers. Please take time to read it.
This information will help you avoid costly mistakes. BENEFIT REPRESENTATIVES: Benefit Representatives are available in the Skill Center Monday – Friday 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM to answer questions and process member’s documents related to the Special Attrition Package, Unemployment & SUB Pay, and other benefit questions. SPECIAL ATTRITION PACKAGE: GM Arlington Labor Relations representatives will be available during first shift hours to process Special Attrition Package applications. REMINDER - DEBIT CARD CLASS: The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) will be at the Union Hall 4/28/08 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM to explain how to use the debit card you will receive for your unemployment compensation. This session will ONLY be about the use of the debit card – not about filing for unemployment. If you are not able to attend on 4/28/08, read the instructions carefully that will come with the debit card. You may also get the same information on the TWC website: www.texasworkforce.org and then click on the “Unemployment Insurance Information” tab. RETURN TO WORK: We are still scheduled to return to work on Monday, May 5, 2008 at regular shift times. If any changes are anticipated we will post them on this website for you. LOCAL NEGOTIATIONS: The local parties are continuing to meet for intense negotiations during the downtime on local contract issues, demands turned in by members, and grievances. Chairman Dwayne Humphries states “Progress is being made on a daily basis, but there are still some big issues for both sides still on the table.” Because of the sensitive nature of local negotiations, specifics about issues being discussed cannot be put on our website which is accessible by the general public and media. |
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT As we all know, there are several facilities
going through productivity improvements where many
jobs are being eliminated. We are lucky that the
model mix we build here is in such demand. |
CHAIRMAN’S AND PRESIDENT’S REPORT CHAIRMAN’S REPORT “SPECIAL ATTRITION PROGRAM” The following is basic information about the
four options being offered under the current
“Special Attrition Program” (SAP).
The official “Roll-Out Date”
for the Arlington plant will be Wednesday, March
26, 2008. The times and locations to sign-up for
the program are being finalized and will be
announced when determined.
Due to the various available options and how they will affect everyone individually, we recommend that you look over the different options available to you and ask as many questions as needed about the options so that you will be able to make an informed choice. These questions will be gathered and presented to the Benefits Representatives to be researched, confirmed, and answered during and after the “Roll-Out” Meeting(s). Please call or visit the Benefits offices with questions. [Phone numbers are: (1) Benefits’ Main Office: (metro) 817-640-1683; 817-652-2485 and 817-652-2486 (In-Plant Extensions 2485 & 2486); (2) Benefits Body Shop: 817-607-6785; Benefits Paint Shop: 817-607-2919; and (3) Benefits Local 276 Union Hall: (Metro) 972-647-1282. Also, you may write down questions and drop them in the “Ask Alicia” boxes throughout the plant. We welcome all questions pertaining to the SAP. PRESIDENT’S BLUE CROSS-BLUE SHIELD Q&A REPORT “SPECIAL ATTRITION PROGRAM” and YOUR BENEFITS Please remember, if you plan to take one of the “Special Attrition Program” (SAP) options, either Option 1 or 2, your benefits WILL CHANGE. If you select Option 4 [Voluntary Quit], you will receive your accrued pension; however, you will not be entitled to any other benefits, i.e., health care, dental, vision, etc. Contact your Benefits Representatives with any questions about your future benefits. The following questions were submitted by active members and the answers refer to active and pre-retirement status members. UAW-GM BLUE CROSS-BLUE SHIELD BENEFITS UPDATE The UAW/GM Arlington Union Benefits Representatives have gathered some of the most frequently asked questions and contacted Blue Cross-Blue Shield Representatives for current answers and updates. We recommend that if you have questions, or are not sure of levels of health care coverage or benefits, that you call BCBS Customer Service at 1-800-482-2210 before you go to your health care appointment. As always, benefit questions may be referred to your Union Benefit Representatives at: (1) Benefits’ Main Office: (metro) 817-640-1683; 817-652-2485 and 817-652-2486 (In-Plant Extensions 2485 & 2486); (2) Benefits Body Shop: 817-607-6785; Benefits Paint Shop: 817-607-2919; and (3) Benefits Local 276 Union Hall: (Metro) 972-647-1282. Q. Are the five (5) $25.00 doctor’s office visits a
one-time benefit? Q. Are Retirees eligible for the $25.00 office visits? Q. Do husband and wife couples (both GM employees)
each have the five $25.00 visits? Q. Do I need a referral from my primary care physician
to see a specialist? Q. Did my prescription drug coverage change? Newly hired employees (2007 Temps) must: * Have their own plans separate from their parents. |
Chairman's Report GRIEVANCE COUNT: Our current grievance count is: First Step – 275; Second Step – 143; Third Step – 1; and Fourth Step – 0; for a total number of 419 open grievances. Included in the total grievance count are 49 paragraph 183 grievances – which the 183 Committee is meeting on now during the local negotiations. AMERICAN AXLE STRIKE: Talks between the UAW and American Axle aimed at
resolving a nearly two-week-old strike continued
through the weekend as the work stoppage at American
Axle continues to send ripples through the automotive
supply chain, shutting down production at an
increasing number of GM assembly plants. As of today,
29 plants have been impacted. In addition, 17
additional plants will be affected today and the
current truck models have approximately a 90-day
supply. I was notified this morning by the Chairman
at Fort Wayne that they went on “cold shutdown” this
morning – meaning that all employees have been
laid-off. UNEMPLOYMENT: At the Sub-Council Meeting, I spoke with the International Representatives about unemployment at Arlington, should we be laid-off and they referred me to the Texas Workforce Commission. As soon as I got back to Texas, I contacted our Texas Workforce Commission representative in Dallas and asked him to speak with the Commission in Austin. After all the conversations, he said we should be in good shape. SUB-COUNCIL MEETING: February 24 – 27, 2008, the Shop Committee attended the UAW Sub-Council 5 Meeting. The President and I attended that meeting as well as the UAW/GM President and Chairpersons Meeting on the 27th and President and I along with the Skilled Trades Representative attended the UAW Sub-Council 6 Meeting on the 28th and 29th. On Sunday (2/24/08), all the Chairpersons in attendance met to discuss the “Core” and “Non-Core” work. The International Union had submitted a proposal (which was a home run for us and our plant) that was read and discussed by all Chairpersons in attendance. The vote was unanimous to accept the change. The International will address the numbers only, not the operations. An Audit System will be implemented to monitor the numbers that will be provided to each plant. COLA: Effective March 3, 2008, the new Cost of Living adjustment is 22¢ on your check. The actual increase was 28¢; however, under the 2007 National Agreement, 10¢ was deferred with the remaining 18¢ added to the then current 5¢ COLA for a total of 22¢. SPECIAL ATTRITION PROGRAM: Arlington is scheduled to roll out the “Special Attrition Program” on March 26, 2008. We will be putting out information as soon as week can so that you will be able to ask questions prior to the meeting as well as after the meeting. The “Special Attrition Program” will replace the State of the Business meeting which will be rescheduled. PATIENCE: With all the changes that are going on not only in the plant but system-wide, as well as people transferring in, local contract negotiations, work schedule uncertainty because of American Axle strike, and the upcoming local union elections all added to our normal day-to-day business, we are asking for everyone’s patience in getting committee calls answered, in getting answers to questions that you may have in general, and getting information to you. To make things easier for all of us, we ask that you check the monitors and bulletin boards on a regular basis; that you take and read the fliers we put out in the plant; check the local union’s website uaw276tx.org, and that you make sure the union has your correct address so that you get the “Local’s News”. We put information out in all of those locations in addition to providing information at the membership meetings. FIELD STOCK SUPPLY ON HAND:
Ya’ll have a Happy Easter |
SHOP CHAIRMAN’S SPECIAL REPORT AMERICAN AXLE STRIKE: As soon as I and the UAW Local 276 Shop Committee
were notified that American Axle was going out on
strike, we immediately contacted the International
Union to see how the strike would affect our
membership at Arlington. The International Union
advised us that they were investigating what impact
the strike would have on UAW employees in Arlington. We will be keeping you updated as we get information from the International and from the Texas Workforce Commission. |
Sub-Council Conference Report American Axle: 3,600 UAW represented workers at American Axle went
out on strike Tuesday, February 26, 2008. We were
notified at today’s meeting that Arlington
may be
shut down by American Axle
approximately March 18,
2008. Local joint leadership will be in discussions
on the effects of this strike on our vehicle build
schedule. We will be one of the last facilities
affected. Plant’s
other than Arlington will
begin curtailing production beginning with tonight’s
night shift. We will keep you informed as
information becomes available. Core and Non-Core Jobs: During Sub-Council Meetings, each Chairperson stated
their members’ concerns with the Core and Non-Core
process and the higher than projected numbers. Also,
all Chairpersons stated their desire to protect
seniority rights. As a result, the International
leadership presented a proposal that would allow a
Local Occupational Grouping Agreement to determine
all employee placements. This means the joint parties
(UAW-GM Arlington) would determine the placement of
both entry level and/or traditional level employees,
thus insuring protection of employee seniority rights.
This proposal was debated and unanimously passed by
the entire delegation of UAW leaders present. This
agreement is subject to approval by the International
UAW and the Corporation. We expect confirmation by
the national parties by end of next week. Attendance Procedure: Chairpersons from across the country stated their concerns with Management’s application of the new Attendance Procedure. The International leadership listened to and documented our concerns. An information session on the new procedure was held and was followed by a question and answer session. (Please refer to Chairman’s Report 11-28-07.) Special Attrition Program (SAP): An informational meeting was held to give some specifics on the SAP. The DRAFT “Special Attrition Program” ROLL-OUT POINTS are: DRAFT “Special Attrition Program”
* If eligible for Option 1 on May 1 or July 1; otherwise Option 1 date is the 1st of the month following the date of eligibility for a normal retirement; a 30 and out retirement; retirement with 85 points; or retire at age 60 with 10 years credited service. The Benefit Representatives will bring back additional information on the other “Special Attrition Program” options when they return from the March 3 - 5, 2008, Benefit Conference. We will distribute any pertinent information as it is confirmed. |
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT On Monday February 18, 2008, Representatives of the International UAW and the General Motors Corporation were at our plant to assess which jobs will be designated as “Core Jobs” and “Non-Core Jobs.” *** WE WANT TO STRESS TO ALL OF OUR MEMBERS *** The Shop Committee and I have many concerns and questions about the assessment and we plan to express our concerns next week at the Sub-Council Meeting. We have taken exceptions to some of the assessments and number of jobs that they recommend to be marked as “Non-Core” as well as the elemental breakdowns on operations and the job write-ups. We told the Representatives that we want to know the criteria used to determine the two tier system for each job and how they arrived at their determination. We asked the Representatives to take our concerns back to the national parties to have them addressed. They advised us that they will notify us about the resulting numbers after talking to the national parties. The Shop Committee is working diligently to convince Management and the International UAW that some of the jobs that they are recommending be “Non-Core” be removed from that list. Under the 2007 National Agreement, it states that there would be 296 “Non-Core” jobs; however, the Representatives came back with 411 “Non-Core” jobs at our plant as noted in the chart below. We urged them to relook at the jobs they assessed.
*** WE WANT TO STRESS TO ALL OF OUR MEMBERS *** |
CHAIRMAN’S & PRESIDENT’S REPORT UAW-GM CORE & NON-CORE JOB REVIEW: On Monday, February 18, 2008, the UAW-GM Core & Non-Core Review Team will be visiting the GM Arlington Plant. The UAW-GM Team will meet with the Shop Committee and GM-Arlington Management. The purpose of the visit is to review which operations may possibly be deemed Non-Core by the joint team. The information gathered will be taken back to Detroit for review and consideration. We will report any findings and/or conclusions to the membership as we receive them. 2008 UAW-GM SPECIAL ATTRITION PROGRAM – TENTATIVE AGREEMENT: At approximately 6:00 AM, on Tuesday, February 12, 2008, the UAW Local 276 leadership received notification that the UAW and General Motors reached a tentative agreement on a “Special Attrition Package (SAP)”. We stress to you that this agreement is TENTATIVE and the final details are being worked out. As we receive further information, we will pass it on to the membership. “2008 UAW-GM SPECIAL ATTRITION PROGRAM” • “UAW and GM have reached an agreement on
a comprehensive special attrition program that will
be offered to all of GM’s 76,000 UAW-represented
hourly employees. “Timelines are still being discussed with GM.” At the point the National Parties reach a final agreement on all details, joint teams will be sent out to each facility to explain the program and answer our members’ questions. |
Chairman and President's Report FROM THE SHOP CHAIRPERSON GRIEVANCE COUNT: Our current grievance count is: Step & ½ - 264; Second Step – 129; Third Step – 1; and Fourth Step – 0; for a total number of 394 open grievances. Included in the total grievance count are 49 paragraph 183 grievances – which the 183 Committee is meeting on now during the local negotiations. VACATION: Applications for vacation time will be taken during the entire month of February (February 1 – 29, 2008). Make sure you get your application in this month. NEW ATTENDANCE POLICY: Make sure that you understand the new attendance policy. You can view it on the Union’s website at www.uaw276tx.org where it was posted on November 28, 2007. QUALITY: Quality is one of the measures that is looked at in all plants. Unfortunately, quality is an area that is lacking at our plant at the present time. We are implementing a contest for each employee to submit a quality slogan. The employee who submits the winning slogan will receive a terrific prize: One (1) night’s stay at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center in Grapevine along with a $100 gift card. GM 4TH QUARTER EARNINGS: The GM 4th Quarter Earnings Report will be broadcast at 7:30 AM on Tuesday, February 12, 2008. Be sure to watch the monitors for the broadcast. SUB-COUNCIL MEETING: The International Union has scheduled the next Sub-Council Meeting for February 25 – 29, 2008, in Chicago. While in attendance at the Sub-Council Meeting, we will be able to learn important information from other plants. PLANT VISIT: GM Manufacturing Manager Bill Boggs will be in the plant the last week of February for his Manufacturing Manager review. He will be reviewing the General Assembly area. STATE OF THE BUSINESS MEETING: The State of the Business Meeting will be held February 27, 2008. 2009 ESCALADE HYBRID: The builds for the 2009 Escalade Hybrid will be non-saleable: One (1) non-saleable the week of March 10; two (2) non-saleable the week of March 31; one (1) saleable the week of April 21; two (2) saleable the week of May 12; three (3) saleable the week of June 2; and four (4) saleable the week of July 14. At the moment, we are scheduled to start regular production on July 28, 2008. FIELD STOCK SUPPLY ON HAND:
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