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President Phone:   972-647-1282 E-mail:   enriquesrvflores@aol.com |
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|   | CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT GENERAL MOTORS IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (GMIN): Management has agreed to only put the last four (4) numbers of your GMIN number on the seniority list. If you do not have a GMIN number, please get with your Committeeperson to get one and then make sure you learn it. One of the important things you will need it for is when you call in to be late or absent – you must key in your GMIN when you place the call. SENIORITY LIST: We are aware that the seniority list is not correct. Ella Harden is working to get it corrected. TEMPORARY EMPLOYEES: We are going to be adding more temporary employees to our workforce. This will allow us to increase the number of employees we have which will allow us to get vacation time off. In addition, we are going to be adding Flex (part-time) employees. The Flex employees will be allowed to work two days per week. Flex employees working on the Day Shift will work Monday and Thursday. Flex employees working on 2nd shift will work Monday and Friday. Flex employees may work a 3rd day if required but will not be forced to do so. I am hopeful that the addition of these employees will allow us to assist employees who want to be off on Friday or Saturday. I will continue to work with Management in an effort to accommodate employees’ needs. Anyone who has not applied on the internet, contact Bob Suson, Larry O’Neal, Mike Cartwright, or Milton Abram to assist you in applying on socrates.gm.com. DISCIPLINE: I have been talking with Management about the amount of discipline that has been issued. I understand that everyone is tired and frustrated. I will continue to work with them to try to make sure that we reduce the amount of discipline that has been given. Remember: If your job is overloaded, ask your Committeeperson to file a grievance for you; if you have an issue on your job that needs to be addressed; contact your Committeeperson; make sure you call 1-800-222-8889 no later than 30 minutes before your shift starts to report being late or absent; and try to remember that these long hours are hard on everyone. We know you are doing the best you can and we appreciate your hard work. |   |
|   | PRESIDENTS’S REPORT UAW TRI-STATE CAP CONFERENCE: UAW Region 5 held a Community Action Program (CAP) Conference on March 5, 2010. This was a joint meeting of the Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas State CAP Chapters. Region 5 Director Jim Wells addressed the delegates on the following issues:
Director Wells also informed us that due to the continuing loss of UAW jobs, several regions are planning to consolidate State CAP Chapters. The Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas State CAP chapters are being considered for consolidation. 35TH UAW INTERNATIONAL CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION: We have received the official call letter announcing the UAW Constitutional Convention. UAW Local 276 is allowed four (4) Delegates and four (4) Alternate Delegates. The four (4) top vote-getters will be the Official Delegates and the next four (4) candidates with the most votes will be the Alternate Delegates. Dates for the Constitutional Delegate Election will be voted on at the March 14, 2010, Regular General Membership Meeting. UAW CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION RESOLUTIONS: The UAW International Constitution is convened every four years to consider changes and amendments to the UAW International Constitution and elect our UAW International Officers. This year’s convention will be convened on June 14, 2010, and adjourn on June 17, 2010. The convention will be held in Detroit, Michigan. Resolutions are proposed changes to the UAW International Constitution that are submitted by union members in good standing. These are not to be confused with Demands, which are changes to the UAW-GM, Ford, and Chrysler National Agreements. Demands will be accepted when the UAW International Union establishes a date for the UAW International Bargaining Convention in 2011. The following are subjects that Resolutions to the UAW International Constitution can be submitted for:
Please see the UAW International Constitution Table of Contents for additional Articles. Forms on which to submit proposed Resolutions to the Constitutional Convention may be picked up at the Union Hall between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday; one (1) form will also be in “The Local’s News”; and they will also be available at the March 14, 2010, Regular General Membership Meeting. The deadline to turn in your Resolution(s) at the Union Hall is 4:00 PM, Thursday, April 8, 2010. Resolutions submitted after the deadline will not be accepted. MARCH MEMBERSHIP MEETING: The next Regular General Membership Meeting for both Unit 1 (GM) and Unit 2 (Premier) will be at 2:00 PM, Sunday, March 14, 2010. The individual Unit 1 (GM) and Unit 2 (Premier) Meetings will convene immediately after the Regular General Membership Meeting adjourns. UAW LOCAL 276 EASTER PARTY: The UAW Local 276 Easter Party will be held at the Union Hall. For dates, times, and activities, please see the fliers in the plant and check the monitors. |   |
|   | CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT SATURDAY WORK SCHEDULE: The Plant Manager has scheduled this Saturday, February 20, 2010, as a scheduled work day. VEHICLE ADVOCATE PROGRAM (VAP): The GM Arlington Assembly Plant has been
chosen to participate in the GM “Vehicle
Advocate Program” for the month of March
2010 and then again in 2011; whereby, UAW/GM
employees are allowed to drive various GM
vehicles. This program allows us, as employees,
to better educate the general public about
GM vehicles. By driving these vehicles
ourselves, we also have a better idea about
how to promote GM vehicles. Therefore,
beginning March 1, 2010, we will initiate
our participation in the “Vehicle Advocate
Program”. Six (6) new cars will be delivered
to the plant to allow six (6) people per
shift to drive those vehicles and bring
them back. The vehicles we will be getting
are the Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac Sport
Crossover, Chevrolet Camaro, Chevrolet
Equinox, Chevrolet Malibu, and the GMC
Terrain.
2nd Shift will kick off the program March 1 - 7, 2010, with the six (6) names that will be drawn from the 2nd Shift applicants. After that week, the schedule will be: March 8 – 14, 2010, the 1st Shift applicants; March 15 – 21, 2010, will be 2nd Shift applicants; and ending March 22 – 26, 2010, with the final 1st Shift applicants. Anyone having questions should contact UAW Quality Network Representative Larry O’Neal at 817-652-2557. |   |
|   | UAW LOCAL 276 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2010: Unit 1 (GM)
night shift employees are to report for
work at their normal start time on Friday,
February 12, 2010. The night shift
WILL BE
operational on Friday, February 12, 2010. FOR OPERATIONAL STATUS OF PLANT, CALL:   1-877-571-3453 |   |
|   | UAW LOCAL 276 Unit 1 (GM) night shift employees are to report for work at their normal start time. The night shift WILL BE operational. |   |
|   | UAW-GM RETIREE COBRA UPDATE This is to advise you that GM has agreed to extend the deadline for the COBRA sign-up for dental and vision under the special bankruptcy provisions. THE NEW DEADLINE IS FEBRUARY 23, 2010. Retirees will not get a written notice from General Motors regarding this deadline extension. Please pass this information on to any Retirees you may speak to. Contact the UAW-GM Benefit Representatives if you have any questions. |   |
|   | UAW, AFL-CIO LEGISLATIVE UPDATE This past Friday morning through Sunday afternoon, the UAW Texas State CAP Executive Board and the Texas AFL-CIO held its Committee on Political Education (COPE) Convention. During the past few days, delegates heard from and asked questions of dozens of State and Federal political candidates. All candidates who file for public office are sent questionnaires and invited to speak to the delegates at this convention. Candidates are also given the opportunity to interview with local UAW and AFL-CIO screening committees prior to the convention. In order to get an endorsement from the UAW and the AFL-CIO, candidates must answer questions about what their positions and beliefs are on many issues that are important to organized labor. Although some issues appear to be specific to Labor, most apply to all Texas and United States residents. Unemployment and Workers Compensation; Workplace Safety; Public Safety; Property Taxes and Insurance; Electrical and Utility Rates; Eminent Domain and Homeowner Rights; and Education, are a few issues candidates must give their positions on in order to be considered for an Organized Labor endorsement. The following are the candidates for Texas State offices who have opposition in the March 2, 2010, Texas Primary Elections whom the delegates at this convention voted to endorse:
Early voting begins on February 16, 2010, and ends on February 26, 2010. In Texas, you can vote early at any early voting location within the county where you reside. For Early Voting locations near you, see: TEXAS COUNTY VOTER REGISTRARS
For information or questions call 1-800-252-8683 or visit www.sos.state.tx.us Please take advantage of early voting - it is the most convenient way for us to vote. We have one of the most Labor-friendly UAW, AFL-CIO endorsed slate of candidates we have had in many years including former National AFL-CIO Executive Vice President Linda Chavez-Thompson. She is a candidate for Texas Lieutenant Governor. The candidates who win in the March 2, 2010, Primary and the November 2, 2010, Elections will make decisions that will affect our daily lives for many years to come. Please take time to vote for the UAW / AFL-CIO endorsed candidates who will support our issues. |   |
|   | CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT DONATIONS TO HAITI: I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who reached into their pockets to help the people in Haiti who have lost family, friends, homes, and jobs. I know that our own people are having a tough time themselves due to the economy in the United States but you set that aside to help those in need. The $4769 that you donated will be greatly appreciated by the Haitians. VACATIONS: I sat down with the Plant Manager to discuss local vacation procedures. It has been established that vacations scheduled for Monday – Thursday will have Friday and Saturday off – if we are scheduled to work those days. A one-day vacation scheduled for Thursday will automatically have Friday and Saturday off - if we are working Friday and Saturday. Also, if you have scheduled vacation for Thursday, you do not have to use VR or vacation for Friday or Saturday. MANDATORY SHUTDOWN: We are not scheduled to have a mandatory 2-week shutdown this year. PAYROLL: Due to the numerous questions I have had from our members regarding when we receive our pay, I talked with the International about when people are paid since we went to 4/10s and would the scheduled pay date change. The International informed me that, even though we are working 4/10s, there will not be a change to the payroll schedule. We will continue to receive our pay on Friday. OVERTIME: I am still talking to the International Union about the amount of overtime scheduled for Arlington. As of right now, I do not have an answer about the overtime. As soon as I get an answer from the International, I will get the information to you. RUMOR CONTROL: It seems today that everyone is getting
more and more information from the internet;
unfortunately, not all the information you
get is correct. As we have repeatedly stated,
any information regarding the GM Arlington
Assembly Plant or UAW Local 276 will be
released by Local Plant Management or the
Local’s President or Chairperson. If you do
not receive the information from one of these
sources, it is nothing more than a
rumor and should be ignored. VR PAY: As of this year, GM will pay for any unused 2010 VR time next year. JURY DUTY PAY: It has been brought to my attention that some Supervisors have been paying some people eight (8) hours for jury duty pay. Under the new modifications for employees working 4/10s, they are entitled to ten (10) hours for Jury Duty pay. Anyone who has been paid eight (8) hours for jury duty, bring me your check stub showing that you were only paid for eight (8) hours and I will get that taken care of. PARAGRAPH (78): As of this year, GM will pay for any unused 2010 VR time next year. STATE OF THE BUSINESS: Next Thursday (2/11/10) will be the State of the Business day for GM Arlington. SATURDAY START TIME: In the Team Meetings Thursday (2/18/10), we will let everyone on 2nd shift decide if they want to have their Saturday start time begin at 4:30 PM or 5:30 PM. BLACK HISTORY MONTH: The February 25th Team Meetings will be combined with lunch in celebration of Black History Month. |   |
|   | PRESIDENT’S REPORT PENSION FUND: GM has mailed all employees an
“Annual Funding Notice GM Pension Plans”
letter to their address of record. This
notice explains the status of the GM Pension
Plan and must be mailed each year as required
by the Pension Protection Act. The notice is
long and complex, but the important information
we need to gather from this notice is: SPECIAL ATTRITION PROGRAM(S): We were informed during our meetings that there are “Absolutely no discussions between the parties going on for any Special Attrition Programs.” UAW-GM RELOCATION SERVICES: The National Employee Placement Center (NEPC) application process was moved to an online process effective January 1, 2010. If you currently have applications pending, please verify them on this site immediately. Access can be obtained through www.uawgmjas.org or socrates.gm.com (Socrates). You must register on either site to access the application process. Register and review the Q&A section. You can ask questions by clicking on the “Contact NEPC” link. E-mail your questions on that site. Q & A – RANDY LENTZ, UAW-GM RELOCATION SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE):
UAW-GM Relocation Services Center – 1-866-256-8105. UAW VICE PRESIDENT, GM DEPT. CAL RAPSON’S REPORT: Health Care Legislation - With all the
problems health care legislation is
experiencing, our friends in Congress are
asking, “Where is organized Labor?” They
are asking, “Why are you not yelling?” UAW VICE PRESIDENT, FORD DEPT. BOB KING’S REPORT: “The amount of Justice you get depends on
the amount of power you have.” UAW-GM LEGAL SERVICES: Many UAW active and retired members are in
financial crisis and are walking away from
home mortgages. There may be far-reaching
legal problems associated with this type
action. Please contact UAW-GM Legal Services
before you do this. Also, check out the
“Auto Worker Reemployment”
website at
www.workforcesecurity.doleta.gov/map.asp
for additional information and assistance
to look for work, to get training, to change
careers, to upgrade your skills as well as
help with Unemployment Benefits, Health Care
Coverage, how to deal with job loss, and how
to avoid Foreclosure. This information has
been developed and posted specifically for
auto workers. Please check it out even if you
don’t have a need today – you may have family
or friends who do. RETIREE DENTAL AND VISION COBRA: Employees who retired after
August 1, 2009, will be eligible for 18
months of employee paid COBRA for their
Dental and Vision coverage. UAW RETIREE VEBA: The UAW VEBA, which took over responsibility
for the UAW Retirees’ health care benefits
on January 1, 2010, will be known as the
“UAW Retiree Medical Trust.” PENSION BENEFIT GUARANTEE CORPORATION (PBGC): Former Delphi Retirees whose pensions are
being paid by the PBGC are being notified by
mail about their benefit changes. |   |
|   | CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT VACATION: Because we are in a new year, all Premier employees are required to submit a new application for vacation. The vacation application period will be during the month of February (check with your Shift Steward for exact dates.) Make sure you submit your application during the schedule vacation sign-up period. If your application is not submitted during that time and you later apply for vacation, the applications will be processed by seniority on a first come first served basis. Don’t delay in signing up. STEWARDS: Merrick Cotton was elected as the 3rd Shift
Steward; however, he chose to leave the
employment of Premier Manufacturing Support
Services. Therefore, we are forced to hold
an election to fill the 3rd Shift Steward
position. Until the election to replace him,
Te’Kedra Reed will be functioning as the
3rd Shift Steward. OVERTIME: Due to the fact that General Motors will be working on two (2) Saturdays in March and two (2) Saturdays in April, Premier Manufacturing Support Services has made the decision that we will be working those same four (4) Saturdays: March 6, March 27, April 10, and April 24, 2010. Those Saturdays are mandatory work days. NEW EMPLOYEES: All of us at Premier (Unit 2) would like to extend a hearty welcome to our new employees. We are glad to have you here. We would also like for you to mark your calendars for the end date of your 90 day probationary period. That will be the date that you will be able to sign your union card to join the UAW Local 276 family. SHIFT STEWARDS AND ALTERNATE SHIFT STEWARDS: Unit 2 (Premier) held its first ever election for Shift Stewards and Alternate Shift Stewards. The winners of those elections are:
If you don’t know your Shift Steward or Alternate, take the time to seek them out and introduce yourself. CURRENT ADDRESS: The UAW International Constitution requires that all members provide the Local Union with their correct name, current address and current phone number. If you are not sure if Local 276 has your correct information, please contact the Union Hall at 972-647-1282. You must also keep Premier Manufacturing Support Services, Inc., informed of your correct information. It is your responsibility to keep all your records updated. Failure to do so could cause you problems down the road. UNION MEETINGS: Our February Union Meeting has been moved to Sunday, February 28, 2010, to allow our members to celebrate Valentine’s Day with family and friends. The normal schedule for Union Meetings is 2:00 PM the 2nd Sunday of each month. To have a voice and vote in the operation of our union, please make a point to attend our meetings. That is the place to ask questions about the operation of the Local and about issues that you may not understand about your job. |   |
|   | CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT 2010 UAW REGION 5 LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE: Last week the top four officers of Local 276
and I attended the Region 5 Leadership
Conference. At that conference we were
given some very sobering news regarding the
automobile industry and the impact it has had
not only on the lives of auto workers but
also on the UAW. We were again reminded of
the number of autoworkers who are laid off;
the reduction in benefits for auto industry
Retirees; and the number of plants that have
closed or will be closed by 2011. At no time
in our history, did we expect our jobs, our
benefits, or our retirement, to be what it
is today. But, as the Region 5 Leadership
reminded us, we must all pull together; we
must all adjust to the changes we are facing;
and we must all stand together. GM ARLINGTON: As we stand right now, GM Arlington is
experiencing a good business climate:
There is an extremely high customer demand
for the products we build, causing us to
work continuous overtime, and we are the
only GM facility building our products. Of
course, this does not mean that we have the
luxury of slacking off – we must continue
the hard work we are known for. We know that
this is a hard request but in today’s
business climate to remain viable there is
no other option – we must continue to give
100% and work at full capacity. OVERTIME: I and the entire Bargaining Committee are
all well aware that the ten hour days
coupled with the Friday overtime each week
are taking a tremendous toll on your bodies.
With Arlington being the only GM facility
building the large SUVs and the customer
demand being so high, the overtime we are
currently working will continue. OTHER PLANTS: As General Motors continues to improve sales of all of its brands, production to meet the demands has been a problem. To address that problem, GM is weighing its options of possibly re-opening idled facilities or closed plants or adding shifts. No decisions have been made as yet; however, as soon as those decisions are made and GM and the International UAW have reached agreements regarding those decisions, we will advise the membership. As union members, we all want to see our laid off Brothers and Sisters return to work. We want to see the products we build continue to rise in sales. We want the UAW/GM position in the auto industry to return to its robust days. Working together, promoting the products we build, and buying the products we build will go a long way to accomplish that goal. SAVE YOUR MONEY: During the layoffs last year, we heard from countless numbers of our members who called saying they were unable to pay their bills because of the layoffs. We understand that being laid off is a tremendous hardship. Over the years we have repeatedly advised everyone to be putting money aside in case of a layoff, a strike, or even worse, the plant closing. We have advised everyone that their savings should have enough money in it to be able to pay six (6) months of bills with no money coming in. We know that is a tall order for most people. However, it is absolutely essential that all of us starting putting that money aside. Even though there are no layoffs scheduled, our work today is on a week-to-week basis – we don’t know what the future will hold. Do not get caught again in a financial bind. Start saving. DISCUSSIONS WITH INTERNATIONAL: At the last two UAW Conferences that I have attended, I have discussed our membership’s concerns with our International leaders and representatives. I will be doing the same at the Sub-Council Meetings next week. I can assure you that I am doing all I can to help our membership and all I can to see that our Arlington plant continues to operate far into the future. SATURDAY WORK: As you were previously informed, we were scheduled to be off on Friday, February 12, 2010. However, we will be working on Friday, February 12, 2010, to keep from working an additional Saturday. The Saturdays that we will be working will be: March 6; March 27, April 10, and April 24. |   |
|   | MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT The year 2010 is going to be a busy one for the Local 276 and the UAW. 2009 ended with a UAW International Union Leadership Conference in Detroit to discuss the state of the UAW International Union. We started this year off with the 2010 UAW Region 5 Leadership Conference. At that conference we discussed the current state of affairs within UAW Region 5 which we are a member Local. The financial crisis that the UAW International, UAW Region 5, and many UAW Locals, including ours, are facing is very similar. The following is a summary of some of the details we learned at those two conferences. UAW INTERNATIONAL UNION: Many of you have read the International Financial Report in Solidarity Magazine (January 2010) from Secretary-Treasurer Elizabeth Bunn. Some of the facts to consider are:
UAW REGION 5: During the UAW Region 5 Leadership Conference, we learned the following:
UAW LOCAL 276:
All these examples of financial expenditures are above and beyond what it costs us to run Local 276 on a daily basis. The causes of the financial crisis within the International, Region 5, and Local 276 are as follows:
The leadership at each level of the UAW is actively working to make the changes needed in order for us to survive as a union. Some examples of action(s) taken or proposed at each level are as follows: UAW INTERNATIONAL:
UAW REGION 5:
UAW LOCAL 276: The leadership at UAW Local 276 has taken the following actions:
These are examples of some of the actions
taken to protect our Local Union financially.
Although we have been continually taking actions
like these examples, we were still only able to get
the Local back to a marginally stable financial
situation. More actions will be required of our
Local to get the financial stability that is required
to properly service our membership. |   |
|   | PRESIDENT’S REPORT HEALTH CARE LEGISLATION: The National Call-In Day for Health Care
Reform is Wednesday, January 13, 2010. FEDERAL RETRAINING GRANTS FOR AUTO WORKERS: U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Hilda Solis announced a program to award $1.9 Million to help displaced autoworkers and others who want to retrain for employment opportunities in the wind energy industry. Visit the Department of Labor at www.dol.gov for information on this and other similar programs. DECEMBER 2009 JOB LOSSES: U.S. Department of Labor announced that the U.S. lost over 85,000 more jobs in December 2009. Overall unemployment is over 10% nationwide. UAW LOCAL 276 2009 W-2s: Members who received compensation from Local 276 in 2009 will be receiving a W-2 from Local 276. Those W-2s will be mailed by January 22, 2010, to the address of record you provided to Local 276 on your W-4 form. GM W-2s: General Motors will complete its mailing of W-2s by January 29, 2010. Because they will be mailed in groups, it is possible that your co-worker may receive his or her W-2 before you receive yours. You will receive two (2) W-2 forms – one will be for earnings for January 1 – July 15, 2009 (the old GM) and the second one will be for earnings July 16 – December 31, 2010 (the new GM). Both forms will be in the same envelope; so, make sure you check for both forms. If you don’t receive your W-2s, you can request a reprint beginning February 8, 2010, on Socrates at socrates.gm.com or by calling Hourly Payroll at 1-866-245-5957. |   |
|   | CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT WELCOME BACK: On behalf of the Bargaining Committee, I want to welcome everyone back from the holidays. Hopefully, everyone was able to get some much needed rest; enjoyed the time spent with family and friends; and had no problems traveling out of town. For those of you who were not here during Christmas, the DFW area actually experienced a white Christmas – not one to compare with the snow fall up north but a white Christmas just the same. WORK SCHEDULE: Our upcoming schedule for Fridays will be as follows:
MANDATORY DOWNTIME: I am working closely with the International on the process and dates for the mandatory downtime. As soon as I get confirmed information on the mandatory two week downtime you will be receiving it in a timely manner. I hope to have the confirmed information within the next two to three weeks. VACATION DURING HOLIDAY WEEKS: Weeks containing a holiday are 8-hour per day scheduled weeks. So, if you schedule any of your vacation time during a week that has a holiday, you will only be charged eight (8) hours per day for vacation – whether Management schedules the plant to run nine (9) hours or ten (10) hours. Using the week of January 18 – 22, 2010, which contains the MLK holiday (Monday, January 18, 2010), vacation will be charged and will be paid at the rate of eight (8) hours per day regardless of the hours worked Tuesday through Friday. 2ND SHIFT START TIMES: The scheduled 2nd shift start time will remain as 5:30 PM, Monday through Thursday, and 4:30 PM on Friday. VACATION AND VR PAY: Any remaining unused VR pay and/or vacation
pay from 2009 will be paid on January 29,
2010. UPCOMING INFORMATION: I will put out another letter in the next couple of weeks about the future Fridays and schedules as soon as we get them. |   |
|   | PRESIDENTS’S REPORT UAW NATIONAL LEADERSHIP MEETING: Chairperson Belinda Langley and I attended
the UAW International Leadership Conference
in Michigan on December 16, 2009. UAW
President Ron Gettelfinger and officers of
the UAW International Executive Board (IEB)
gave presentations on the industries
represented by the UAW. MEMBERSHIP MEETING: The January Union Meeting will be at 2:00 PM, Sunday, January 10, 2010. STANDING COMMITTEES: Standing Committee Chairpersons must submit 2010 Budget requests before January 29, 2010. Budget request forms are available at UAW Local 276. Additionally, the Standing Committee Chairpersons must contact the Union Hall at 972-647-1282 before Friday, January 15, 2010, to schedule dates for any events to be held at the Union Hall during 2010. DONATION REQUESTS: Donations for charities and other non-individual non-profits must be submitted to Local 276 before January 29, 2010. Requests for donations must be submitted on donation forms provided by UAW Local 276. You may pick one up at the Union Hall Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM. 2010 MID-TERM ELECTIONS: This is an election year with many Federal, state and local offices due for election. In Texas, we have races from local judges all the way up to the position of Governor. The North Texas area will be watched very closely. We have several State Representative races that could change the balance of power in the Texas Legislature. Currently Republicans hold a 76-74 majority in the Texas Legislature. VOTER REGISTRATION: The deadline to register to vote in the March Primary Election is Monday, February 1, 2010. The Primary Election Date will be Tuesday, March 2, 2010. See opposite side of this report for Important Election Dates. 2010 TEXAS ELECTION CALENDAR (Information provided by the Texas Secretary of State’s Office)
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|   | PRESIDENTS’S REPORT PAYROLL INFORMATION: Direct Deposits will be deposited into the
employee’s financial account of record on
Thursday, December 24, 2009, and on Thursday,
December 31, 2009. UNION HALL: UAW Local 276 will be closed beginning Thursday, December 23, 2009, and will re-open at 8:00 AM on Monday, January 4, 2010. MEMBERSHIP MEETING: The January membership meeting will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, January 10, 2010, at the Union Hall. TO CHECK PAYROLL AND HEALTH CARE INFORMATION
ONLINE 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: socrates.gm.com    (Note: there is NO www. prefix in front of “socrates”)     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” ONLINE HEALTHCARE INFORMATION:     1.      Go to: socrates.gm.com    (Note: there is NO www. prefix in front of “socrates”)     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 “GM Benefits and Services Center.” You will be linked to the GMBenefits.com website.     7.      Select “Active Hourly”     8.      Select “Health Care” then “Health and Insurance”     9.      Enter your social security number and PIN”     10.     On the “Medical” line, select
“Details.” Scroll down to see coverage and co-pays. TEMPORARY WORKERS: Temporary workers who will be laid-off should contact the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) immediately and inquire if they qualify for Texas State Unemployment Compensation. The TWC phone numbers are: Fort Worth / 817-420-1600; Dallas / 972-339-6200; or toll free / 1-800-939-6631. You may also contact TWC online at www.twc.state.tx.us to obtain claim information or process your claim online. Please check below for more information. UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE INFORMATION APPLY FOR BENEFITS or CALL TELE-CENTER (YOU WILL NEED THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION) *    YOUR LAST EMPLOYER’S NAME AND MAILING ADDRESS *    THE STARTING DATE AND ENDING DATES OF YOUR LAST JOB: *    SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER or *    ALIEN REGISTRATION NUMBER ========================================== PACKET INSTRUCTIONS ========================================== AFTER YOU FILE A CLAIM FOR UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE BENEFITS, A PACKET WILL BE MAILED TO YOU. PLEASE FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS FOR PAYMENT OF UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE (UI) BENEFITS:     1.      Verify your address. If your address is incorrect, please contact TWC immediately by calling the Tele-Center number located above.     2.      Set up your PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (PIN). Follow the instructions on your PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER GUIDELINES to set up your PIN NUMBER. This will allow you to request payment online or by calling Tele-Serv, our automated phone system.     3.      Follow your PAYMENT REQUEST INSTRUCTIONS to request payment of unemployment benefits. You can request payment online at www.texasworkforce.org. Then click on “PAYMENT REQUEST”. Internet payment request is available anytime during the week of your filing date. You can also request payment by calling Tele-Serv on your scheduled filing day. TELE-SERV is busiest from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM. For quicker access, please request payment AFTER 11:00 AM on your filing day.     4.      You must request payment every two (2) weeks. No payments will be issued if you do not request a payment.     5.      As you are on a temporary layoff, with a definite date to return to work, it will not be necessary for you to register for work or make a work search.     6.      If you are paid for unused vacation or a holiday that occurs during the layoff, you will be required to report that pay to the TWC when requesting payment for that week. You must report the hours and gross earnings for that week. Please be safe, we want to see everyone return safely. |   |
|   | PRESIDENTS’S REPORT TEXAS STATE VOLUNTARY-COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAM (V-CAP): Local 276 hosted the 2009 Texas State CAP $2.00 Ticket Raffle drawing. Our local had six members’ names drawn as winners. The following members won American Express Gift cards:
Congratulations and please come to Local 276 to pick up your prize. DELPHI PENSION PLAN & PBGC: UAW International Benefit Representative
Darrell Shepard addressed the Local 276
Retirees at their December Meeting. He
stated that you will be contacted by mail
if you will be affected by the Pension
Benefit Guarantee Corporation (PBGC)
take-over of the Delphi Pension Plan.
If you have questions concerning this
issue, please contact the UAW Benefit
Representatives. HEALTH CARE LEGISLATION: The U.S. Senate has begun debate on health care reform legislation, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. This bill would take major steps to address the crisis in the U.S. health care system. Specifically, it would:
However, the UAW and other unions are deeply
concerned this legislation would impose an
excise tax on health care plans whose costs
exceed certain levels. This tax would affect
tens of millions of workers, including many
UAW members. Instead of curbing “excessive”
benefits for corporate executives, it
actually would have a discriminatory impact
on plans that cover older workers and
retirees, or workers in high-cost regions
or high-risk occupations. LOCAL 276 ELECTION RESULTS: The results of the Unit 1 (GM) Run-Off Election and the Unit 2 (Premier) Re-Run Election are as follows:
Congratulations to all the new officers and “Thank you” to all the candidates who ran for office. Also, “Thank you” to Karen Spencer, Marquetta Hawkins, and all the Election Committee members for their hard work. LOCAL 276 STANDING COMMITTEES REMINDER: Local 276 hosted the 2009 Texas State CAP $2.00 Ticket Raffle drawing. Our local had six members’ names drawn as winners. The following members won American Express Gift cards:
The deadline to turn in your applications at the Union Hall is 4:00 PM, Thursday, December 10, 2009. CONTACT INFORMATION: UAW Local 276 is preparing to close the 2009 financial year. We will also be mailing out the 2010 Membership cards. Please make sure we have your correct address and contact information. If you change your address with General Motors or Premier, you must contact Local 276 and change it here, too. |   |
|   | MESSAGE TO ALL UAW LOCAL 276 MEMBERS UAW Local 276 mourns the passing Sunday, November 29, 2009, of Retired Workers’ Chapter former Chairperson Junior Baker. Brother Baker’s union involvement began with his employment at Los Alamos, New Mexico, where he functioned as a Committeeperson for the machine shop. His union membership carried over when he was hired by General Motors - Arlington March 8, 1954, in the first group of men to start work on the assembly line. Shortly after work began, Brothers John Colliflower and Garland Ham discussed getting the assembly line members to organize and join the ranks of the United Auto Workers. As that campaign progressed, Brother Baker made it well known to his fellow co-workers that being a member of a labor organization would help them to gain better wages and benefits. Telling his story of being a former union member and having the men he talked with contact Brothers Ham and Colliflower, achieved the desired results with a charter being issued March 11, 1954, to UAW Local 276. After Brother Baker’s retirement in 1983, he joined the UAW Local 276 Retired Workers’ Chapter and functioned as Retired Workers’ Chapter 1st Vice Chairperson until being elected Chairperson of the Retired Workers’ Chapter in 1990. During his tenure as Retired Workers’ Chapter Chairperson, he worked passionately for not only the Retirees of UAW Local 276 but also for labor organizations in Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana. Due to his strong union activism, former U.S. Senator Martin Frost (D-Texas) appointed Brother Baker to serve as the Texas Union Representative at the 1995 White House Conference on Aging. The report he gave at that conference touched on the issues that still affect us today: Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, prescription plans, doctors being required to see all patients, pension protection, insurance relief, special insurance coverage for veterans, universal health care for everyone, affordable housing for the elderly, tax and budget policies that are favorable to the aging, cost-of-living increases for Social Security, and the improvement of customer service by Social Security representatives. Believing that everyone should be involved in the political process, he worked very hard each election year coordinating the building and distribution of signs for political candidates in the Metroplex and around the State of Texas. Security One Credit Union is here today thanks to Brother Baker one of its original founders. He was also a life-time member of the Alliance for Retired Americans. He worked tirelessly with our Retirees to make sure they were informed and up-to-date on matters affecting them. When phone banks needed to be manned, Brother Baker could be counted on to be the first on the phone. When the possibility of a strike or a strike was called, Brother Baker organized his Retirees to be the first on the picket lines. A dedicated member of UAW Local 276 and its Retired Workers Chapter, Brother Baker was at the Union Hall Monday through Friday each week until early this summer when his failing health would no longer permit him to come to the Union Hall or to attend the Retirees’ monthly meetings. Brother Baker was preceded in death by his
true love Linda Baker in 2006. He will be
greatly missed by those who worked
side-by-side with him on the assembly line;
those members who only met him after they
retired; and the many Executive Board
members and office staff who had the
pleasure of interacting with him on a daily
basis. You May be Gone but You Will not be
Forgotten |   |
|   | PRESIDENT’S REPORT DELPHI & PENSION BENEFIT GUARANTEE CORPORATION (PBGC): Earlier this month, I wrote to UAW Vice President Cal Rapson requesting he send UAW International Benefits Staffers for a meeting with retired and active former Delphi members. Vice President Rapson is sending UAW-GM International Representative Darrell Sheppard to UAW Local 276 to answer questions about the PBGC and Delphi Pension Plan on Tuesday, December 1, 2009. Brother Sheppard will give a presentation at the UAW Local 276 Retiree Chapter meeting which starts at 10:30 AM. I will forward any information presented at the meeting to the active membership. HEALTH CARE RALLY: A big “Thanks” to all Local 276 members who traveled to Austin for the AFL-CIO, UAW Health Care Rally. The event was a big success with supporters from across the state converging on the steps of the Texas State Capitol. On a related note, the U.S. Senate voted to bring their Health Care Bill to a vote by the full Senate. UNION HALL: UAW Local 276 will be closed for the Thanksgiving Holidays beginning Wednesday November 25, 2009, and reopening Monday, November 30, 2009. UNION MEETING: The December Membership Meeting will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, December 6, 2009. CONTACT INFORMATION: UAW Local 276 is preparing to close the 2009 financial year. We will also be mailing out the 2010 Membership cards. Please make sure we have your correct address and contact information. If you change your address with General Motors or Premier, you must contact Local 276 and change it here, too. ELECTION REMINDER: UAW Local 276 Unit 1 (GM) will hold an
election for District 5A Alternate
Committeeperson on Tuesday, December 1,
2009, beginning at 4:30 AM and ending at
4:30 PM Tuesday, December 1, 2009. Eligible
Unit 1 (GM) members in good standing with
Local 276 who are working on 2nd or 3rd
shift in departments 11-30; 11-40; 15-40;
19-30; 19-35; 19-40; 40; 41; and 50 will
vote for the candidate of their choice at
the UAW Local 276 Union Hall. LOCAL 276 STANDING COMMITTEES REMINDER: Applications will be accepted from both Unit 1 (GM) and Unit 2 (Premier) members in good standing for the following UAW Local 276 Standing Committee positions: Recreation and Conservation Committee - Alternate Chairperson The deadline to turn in your applications at the Union Hall is 4:00 PM, Thursday, December 10, 2009. Have a Happy Thanksgiving and please be safe. |   |
|   | CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT THANKSGIVING: To all our members, I want to wish everyone
a happy Thanksgiving. Hopefully, everyone
will be able to spend the Thanksgiving
holidays gathered with family and friends
enjoying great meals, hours of football,
playing games with the kids, and braving
the crowds on “Black Friday” – the shopping
day after Thanksgiving. NEW PEOPLE: In my previous Chairperson’s Report, it was misstated that we would have new people reporting to the plant on November 16, 2009. The correct date that they will report will be Monday, November 30, 2009; the same day we return from the Thanksgiving holiday. RUMOR CONTROL: The rumor continues to flow through the plant that we are going to be working on Saturdays. As of now, there are no Saturdays scheduled to be worked. ELECTION: Our members in good standing with the Local who are working on 2nd or 3rd shift in departments 11-30; 11-40; 15-40; 19-30; 19-35; 19-40; 40; 41; and 50, you will be electing a District 5A Alternate Committeeperson. The polls will only be open twelve (12) hours on Tuesday, December 1, 2009. The polls will open at 4:30 AM and close at 4:30 PM that day – December 1, 2009. Under our new Bylaws change, all voting will be at the UAW Local 276 Union Hall. Exercise your right as a union member - vote. OVERTIME: When we return from the Thanksgiving holidays, I will be having a lengthy discussion with the International about overtime at Arlington. WORKING ON FRIDAY: We are still receiving questions about how
pay for working on Friday is determined.
Anytime you take contractual vacation,
bereavement or jury duty on Monday, Tuesday,
Wednesday, and/or Thursday, when you come to
work on Friday, the Friday hours worked will
be paid as overtime (time and one-half). POWERHOUSE: I have been able to get Management to sit down and discuss the opportunity to bring Electrician Journeypersons off the floor out of Production to help resolve some of the issues we are having in the powerhouse. Have a Very Happy Thanksgiving |   |
|   | PRESIDENT’S REPORT HEALTH CARE: The House of Representatives passed their
Health Care Bill by a vote of 220 For and
215 Against. One (1) Republican voted Yes
and 39 Democrats Voted No. A House-Senate
Conference Committee will work out the
differences between the House and Senate
versions of the Health Care Bills. The
final version will then be voted on by
the House and Senate. DELPHI & PENSION BENEFIT GUARANTEE CORPORATION (PBGC): I wrote to UAW Vice President Cal Rapson requesting he send UAW International Benefits Staffers for a meeting with retired and active former Delphi members. This meeting will help answer members’ questions about the Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation take-over of the Delphi Pension Plan. LOCAL 276 STANDING COMMITTEES: Applications will be accepted from both GM and Premier members in good standing for the following UAW Local 276 Standing Committee positions: Recreation and Conservation Committee -
Alternate Chairperson You may pick up applications at the UAW Local 276 Union Hall beginning Monday, November 23, 2009. The deadline to turn in your applications at the Union Hall is 4:00 PM, Thursday, December 10, 2009. UNION MEETING: The December Membership Meeting will be held on Sunday, December 6, 2009. UNION HALL HOURS: During the membership meeting on Sunday, November 8, 2009, the issue of the Union Hall schedule was raised. A member asked why the Union Hall was closed on Fridays and no union officials were present. The fact is the Union Hall has always been open Monday through Friday except holidays. This will continue to be the schedule for Local 276. Our local services are for both active and retired members and are conducted during regular business hours five days a week. This is true even if the plant only works four days. Also, I am at the Union Hall every Friday except holidays whether I get paid or not. This will not change. |   |
|   | SHOP CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT RELOCATORS: Hey, let’s welcome the new relocators to our plant. We have seven (7) reporting today and we will have an additional fifteen (15) processing in next week. Take time out when you see them to meet them and welcome them to the Local 276 family and GM Arlington. It will be highly appreciated. VETERANS’ DAY CELEBRATION: We will have a celebration for Veterans’ Day hosted by our Veterans Committee between shifts on Wednesday, November 11, 2009. Anyone who would like to participate should contact Veterans Committee Chairperson Milton Cater (1-28-01) or Veterans Committee Alternate Chairperson Ray Lopez (1-25-11). LIFE STEP: “Life Step” will be coming to the plant this week and then they will be here every 6 – 8 weeks after that. CITIBANK: Citibank will be coming to the plant this month. Anyone interested in signing up for direct deposit with Citibank or any other Citibank services that you might be interested in, please feel free to do so. TOM TOPAL: Tom Topal, the t-shirt representative, will be retiring at the end of the year. We will be looking for someone to replace him. PARAGRAPH 96 RELOCATORS: There will be nine (9) paragraph 96 relocators coming to Arlington sometime in December. They will be coming from Flint for the “D Ring” job that was installed in the Body Shop. FLU SHOTS: Larry O’Neal and Bob Suson will sit down and do a drawing for flu shots for all three shifts. HEALTH CARE RALLY: There will be two (2) buses going to Austin Saturday, November 14, 2009, for a major health care rally. We need your support as well as that of your family. We need as many of our members and their family members to go to this important event. If you would like to participate, contact UAW State CAP Coordinator Danny Trull at 972-263-4811. SCHEDULE CHANGE: On Friday, November 13, 2009, we will be working one shift for nine (9) hours. The last time we had one shift working was January 31, 2009, at which time 2nd Shift worked. To be fair, 1st shift will work this time. RELOCATORS TO KANSAS CITY: Wish our members who are going to Kansas City good luck. TOYS FOR TOTS: Toys for Tots will officially kick off today. There were some problems getting it done but we were able to prevail. HOLIDAYS: Monday November 16, 2009, is not a holiday. We voted to move that holiday to Wednesday November 25, 2009. FIELD STOCK: Escalade - 65; Escalade ESV – 36; Suburban - 51; Tahoe - 57; Yukon - 55; Yukon XL - 42 |   |
|   | PRESIDENT’S REPORT 2009 UAW-GM JOINT LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE: Chairperson Belinda Langley and I attended the 2009 UAW-GM Joint Leadership Conference in Detroit Michigan. This conference is a State of the Business-type meeting for UAW-GM Key-4 teams. Local Key-4 teams consist of Plant Managers, Personnel Directors, Shop Chairpersons and local Union Presidents. The top leadership of both the UAW and General Motors were in attendance and gave brief presentations. The following are abbreviated versions of the different speakers’ messages: UAW PRESIDENT RON GETTLEFINGER: We have been given a second chance to succeed. This is also an opportunity we must use to improve labor relations at every level between Union and Management. We must also improve our relations between manufacturing, suppliers and dealers. UAW VICE PRESIDENT GM DEPARTMENT CAL RAPSON: The UAW leadership and its members had to make some painful sacrifices in order to protect our jobs and futures. This does not mean the UAW is not constantly monitoring our agreements and working on opportunities to reinstate suspended benefits. Talks between the UAW and GM are continuing. RUMOR CONTROL: Rumor has it there will be Saturdays scheduled and there will be layoffs before the end of the year. There is no work scheduled for any Saturdays this year and there are no layoffs scheduled for this year. GM NORTH AMERICAN (GMNA) VICE PRESIDENT LABOR RELATIONS DIANA TREMBLAY: Most facilities have reached the benchmark set in the 2009 UAW-GM Modifications in regards to local agreements. All facilities need to implement the National and Local Agreement changes. GM PRESIDENT AND CEO FRITZ HENDERSON: GM recently passed the 100 day mark after bankruptcy. The new GM is leaner with less brands and dealers as well as fewer employees in both the hourly and salary classifications. With fewer brands to build and less debt after the bankruptcy, GM can put more money and resources into each new vehicle to make them better vehicles for our customers. Some numbers of interest:
GM BOARD CHAIRMAN ED WHITACRE: GM has the people and products to succeed and will do so. Mr. Whitacre spoke of his recent visit to our facility. He spoke very highly of our workers and the pride they showed in their work and our products. Our 60 day money back guarantee commercial and program is a huge success. GM VICE PRESIDENT NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS TIM LEE: Mr. Lee spoke of each plant’s responsibilities to the new GM. Each individual in GM needs to perform to his or her best each and every day. We will not get another chance to survive and thrive. GM BOARD MEMBER STEVE GIRSKY: Mr. Girsky is the GM board member appointed by the UAW VEBA Trust to represent the UAW VEBA on the GM Board of Directors. He spoke on “What did we learn from the bankruptcy? We learned that we are all in this together.” Mr. Girsky also spoke about our outlook. Future competition will not only come from current automakers. New automakers are emerging here and abroad to challenge us for customers. GM VICE PRESIDENT GLOBAL DESIGN ED WELBURN: Mr. Welburn showed the newly launched vehicles along with some soon to be launched GM vehicles. He stressed that styling will be more important than ever in designing cars that are not just good mileage-wise. Mr. Welburn stated that GM has great cars that just need some more exciting styling to attract customers. GM VICE CHAIRMAN MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS BOB LUTZ: Mr. Lutz spoke about the drastic and positive
changes GM is making in the way it advertises
and markets its vehicles. New advertizing
agencies and modern media such as
www.youtube.com/gm
and other internet media are becoming the
new standard at GM. Public perception
continues to be one of our biggest challenges.
Mr. Lutz drew the most enthusiastic applause
of the conference when, while speaking about
public perception, he stated, “No GM employee
should ever come to work in a non-GM vehicle!” |   |
|   | CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT QUALITY NETWORK: Yesterday, Quality Network Predictive Maintenance (QNPM) Salary Representative Jeanne Henderson and QNPM UAW Representative Kenneth Phillips were in the plant to conduct our internal pre-assessment audit to help guide us to what we need to do. After attending the Wrap-Up Meeting, we were advised that our internal pre-assessment audit score is 822.37. The tentative audit date is set for December 15, 2009. That is provided we get some safety issues out of the way. DDI: During the next two weeks, DDI will be in the plant testing the online referrals that were done a few weeks ago. We will bring in 15 more temporaries in the next two weeks. Those temporaries will be working up to Christmas for vacation purposes. FRIDAY WORK SCHEDULES: As I’m sure everyone knows, we added three Fridays to our work schedule. Those Fridays will be October 23; November 6; November 20; December 4; December 11; and December 18, 2009. RUMOR CONTROL: Rumor has it there will be Saturdays scheduled and there will be layoffs before the end of the year. There is no work scheduled for any Saturdays this year and there are no layoffs scheduled for this year. TEAM LEADERS: We have been behind on Team Leader assessments. Hopefully, we can get caught up on those assessments over the next two weeks. We have Michael Cartwright and Milton Abram working on it trying to get Team Leaders to the departments. Also, this Tuesday we started getting all the Team Leaders who have not been trained going to the 40-hour training class. If you are a new Team Leader who has not been to the 40-hour training class, please let your Committeeperson know so we can get you into training, too. GRIEVANCES: Our current grievance count is 160. FIELD STOCK: The current Field Stock is: Escalade - 62; Escalade ESV- 37; Tahoe - 62; Suburban - 56; Yukon - 58; Yukon XL – 49. TRANSFERS: President Flores and I will be in Detroit today talking with the International about what local Management told me about the transfers to Kansas City being cancelled because of the 3-year obligation. I will talk with them sometime this evening or in the morning about all our Janesville people who have contacted me about going to Kansas City because they cannot sell their homes. I have a list of everyone’s names and will give those names to the International to see if they can’t help those people because of not selling their homes. |   |
|   | PRESIDENT’S REPORT HEALTH CARE LEGISLATION: Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nevada)
has scheduled a vote on Health Care
Legislation by the full Senate today,
Tuesday, October 13, 2009. HEALTH CARE TAX: This is our last chance to stop the
proposed tax on our health care
benefits. If you have not taken action,
please do so now. GM CHAIRMAN WHITACRE VISIT: Ed Whitacre, Jr., Chairman of the GM Board of Directors, and Tim Lee, GM Group Vice President GM Global Manufacturing and Labor Relations, visited our facility last week. GM Chairman Whitacre, a native of Ennis, Texas, and resident of San Antonio, spoke very highly of our facility, processes, and most importantly our workers. The most important comments Chairman Whitacre made during his visit was his public and personal endorsements of our products. He owns a Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon. Chairman Whitacre also stated that he personally believes the Escalade should remain a rear-wheel drive, framed vehicle, not a cross-over type of vehicle. We believe we have a Texas-sized supporter in Chairman Whitacre. STATEWIDE ELECTIONS: Tuesday, November 3, 2009, is a statewide
election day. Many cities and school
districts will hold local elections. In
addition, the State of Texas will conduct
a constitutional amendment election.
Eleven (11) proposed amendments to the
Texas Constitution are on the ballot.
One amendment of special interest if
Proposition 11 which deals with restricting
the power of Eminent Domain. Eminent
Domain is the power of governing entities
to take your property from you for public
use. The best examples locally of this
type of action were the taking of personal
and business properties to build both
The Ballpark and Cowboys Stadium
in Arlington. LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS: The League of Women Voters of Arlington will host a Public Forum with speakers discussing proposed Constitutional Amendments and the Arlington Independent School District’s proposed bond program. Texas State Senator Wendy Davis will speak on the proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution. The Public Form will be at 7:00 PM, Tuesday, October 20, 2009, at the Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1330 South Fielder Road, Arlington, Texas. For more information visit www.lwvarlington-tx.org or call 817-472-5982. LOCAL 276 STANDING COMMITTEES: Applications will be accepted from both GM and Premier members in good standing for the following UAW Local 276 Standing Committee positions: Recreation and Conservation Committee -
Chairperson You may pick up applications at the UAW Local 276 Union Hall beginning Wednesday, October 14, 2009. The deadline to turn your applications in at the Union Hall is 4:00 PM, Thursday, October 29, 2009. UAW-GM JOINT LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE: Chairperson Belinda Langley and I will attend the UAW-GM Joint Leadership Conference in Detroit, Michigan. As always, we will report the details of the conference back to the membership. LOCAL 276 HALLOWEEN PARTY: The annual UAW Local 276 Kids’ Halloween party is coming soon. Check the October 13, 2009, President's Report located in the boxes at the plant for the date and times; watch the bulletin boards; monitors; and boxes for more details. |   |
|   | PRESIDENT’S REPORT BLUE CROSS/BLUE SHIELD: The Blue Cross/Blue Shield Representative will be available to assist GM (Unit 1) members with insurance questions and issues on the following dates, times, and locations:
V-CAP CRUISE DRAWING: UAW Local 31, Kansas City, Kansas, Brothers Charles Hall and Johnny McEntire won the two V-CAP Cruise Grand Prizes. These two UAW brothers get to choose from five different cruise destinations. We would like to thank everyone who participated in this year’s V-CAP Cruise Raffle. Also, a special “thank you” goes out to the CAP Committee and volunteers who sold tickets. Local 276 members won three out of the last four grand prizes. We look forward to next year’s raffle so Local 276 members can claim the grand prizes again. HEALTH CARE TAX ON OUR BENEFITS: The U.S. Senate is debating different Health Care Bills. Some of those Bills include provisions to tax our health care benefits. Please see flyer on opposite side of the October 1, 2009, President's Report in the boxes at the plant and take action. VOTER REGISTRATION: The Local 276 CAP Committee has voter registration cards available for those who need to register to vote in Texas. Monday, October 5, 2009, is the deadline to register to vote in the November 3, 2009, local area elections. You can visit www.sos.state.tx.us or call 1-800-252-8683 for voter information. Registration cards are available in the main benefit office at column A-4 and at UAW Local 276. LOCAL 276 HALLOWEEN PARTY: The annual UAW Local 276 Kids’ Halloween party is coming soon. Check the October 1, 2009, President's Report located in the boxes at the plant for the date and times; watch the bulletin boards; monitors; and boxes for upcoming details. MEMBERSHIP MEETING: The next Membership Meeting for both GM (Unit 1) and Premier (Unit 2) members will be held at 2:00 PM, Sunday, October 11, 2009. |   |
|   | CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT VACATION AND VR: To ensure that no one loses his or her
vacation time due to “use it or lose it”,
all the Alternate Committeepersons are off
the line to assist everyone with their
vacation availability. So, make sure you
get your remaining vacation time scheduled
before the end of the year. CALL-IN: Please, make sure that when you are going to be late or absent, do not forget to call in. You must call in to protect yourself. Please, call 1-800-222-8889 at all times. BLOOD BANK: We will have information running on the monitors for the Carter Blood Bank. For those who want to donate blood, please contact Bob Suson (817-652-2517). He will give you instructions on completing the donation application and reserving time for you to donate when Carter Blood Bank will be at the plant. LUNCH BREAKS – 2ND SHIFT ONLY: Three to four weeks ago, we put out a survey in the Team Meetings asking 2nd Shift employees if they wanted to have lunch at 8:00 PM or to have lunch at 11:00 PM. The votes cast in the Team Meetings were counted by Committeeperson-at-Large Will Langston, District 2A Shop Committeeperson Cyenthia Holloway, and District 3A Shop Committeeperson Ed Amie, Jr. Will presented the results to the Plant Manager. Based on the vote count of 370 votes for 8:00 PM and 329 votes for 11:00 PM, 2nd Shift lunch is scheduled for 8:00 PM. But, since there is so much confusion, we are going to do a 30-day pilot trial on the 8:00 PM lunch schedule. Then starting on October 12, 2009, we are going to do another 30-day pilot on the 11:00 PM lunch schedule to allow everyone to experience the difference between the two time periods. On November 11, 2009, we will put out another survey at the Team Meeting to determine which lunch time you would prefer going forward: 8:00 PM or 11:00 PM. Please be present at the Team Meeting so you can vote. Hopefully, after experiencing the 8:00 PM and the 11:00 PM lunch times, you will be able to express which one you prefer. PARKING LOT: Recently, and as late as yesterday, we have had numerous cars broken into or stolen. I am asking for anyone with ideas on how to resolve these problems, to please contact anyone on the Shop Committee - Will Langston, Tony Houston, Cyenthia Holloway, David Carbajal, Ed Amie, Jr., and/or Gary House. Additionally, you can call the Union Hall (972-647-1282) and give your suggestions to “JR” Flores, your President. We need help as soon as possible to prevent further losses. FIELD STOCK: Escalade - 98; Escalade ESV – 52; Suburban - 98; Tahoe - 107; Yukon - 132; Yukon XL – 100. |   |
|   | CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT NEW OVERTIME SCHEDULE FOR GM (UNIT 1): I have just been informed that the overtime schedule will be as follows starting tomorrow, 9/25/09: Friday, September 25, 2009 – Overtime will be nine (9) hours Remember: This overtime schedule is subject to change. |   |
|   | CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT WELCOME TO NEW PLANT MANAGER: We want to give a big warm welcome to our new Plant Manager Paul Graham who is starting at Arlington today. He came to Arlington from the Corvette plant in Bowling Green, Kentucky. FAREWELL TO FORMER PLANT MANAGER: The members of UAW Local 276 wish a fond farewell and goodbye to our former Plant Manager Alicia Boler-Davis. Thursday, September 24, 2009, will be her last day at Arlington. ATTENTION NIGHT SHIFT - ONLY: Since the last report that I put out, there have been some changes made to the trial periods for the lunch breaks FOR NIGHT SHIFT ONLY. Instead of going 30 days on the 8:00 PM lunch trial period and 30 days on 11:00 PM lunch trial period, we are going to have a two-week trial period for each one. Beginning Monday September, 28th and continuing the following week of October 5, 2009, we will go to the 11:00 PM lunch trial period. During the October 7, 2009, Team Meeting, you will be allowed to vote on which lunch time period you would like to have (8:00 PM or 11:00 PM). Then we will count the votes on Thursday, October 8, 2009, and notify the membership on which lunch time period they want. The results will be run on the monitors. The voted on lunch time will begin on October 12, 2009. |   |
|   | PRESIDENT’S REPORT This letter is to explain the purpose and
operation of the UAW-GM Benefit Offices
(Unit 1 - GM) and the Local Union Benefit
Representatives (Unit 1 – GM). I am making
some changes to better serve the Unit 1 -
GM membership of UAW Local 276. Health Care; Vision; Dental; and Pension Plan Due to state laws, the Unit 1 - GM Local Union Benefit Representatives cannot represent any of its members with issues related to State Unemployment. Unemployment is an issue between the employee and the state agency he/she files claims with. UAW Local 276, as a courtesy to its members, provides the following services: State Unemployment agencies contact information The Unit 1 - GM Benefit Representatives are not involved in the bargaining or grievance procedures. Therefore, they do not handle and of the following: Grievances OBTAINING BENEFITS ASSISTANCE: General Motors (Unit 1) hourly employees
can request a Benefits Call pertaining to
one of the covered benefits mentioned above
by asking their Supervisor to contact the
Benefits Office and requesting an
appointment. The Unit 1 - GM Benefit
Representative will need to know the subject
of your call. An appointment will be set
for you. LOCAL UNION BENEFIT REPRESENTATIVES: Benefit Representatives (Unit 1 - GM) are
required to be available during production
breaks and lunch periods. They are still
entitled to relief and lunch breaks as are
all employees. It is best to call ahead
before visiting the office. UAW-GM BENEFIT OFFICES
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|   | CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT VACATION AND VR: To ensure that no one loses his or her
vacation time due to “use it or lose it”,
all the Alternate Committeepersons are off
the line to assist everyone with their
vacation availability. So, make sure you
get your remaining vacation time scheduled
before the end of the year. CALL-IN: Please, make sure that when you are going to be late or absent, do not forget to call in. You must call in to protect yourself. Please, call 1-800-222-8889 at all times. BLOOD BANK: We will have information running on the monitors for the Carter Blood Bank. For those who want to donate blood, please contact Bob Suson (817-652-2517). He will give you instructions on completing the donation application and reserving time for you to donate when Carter Blood Bank will be at the plant. LUNCH BREAKS – 2ND SHIFT ONLY: Three to four weeks ago, we put out a survey in the Team Meetings asking 2nd Shift employees if they wanted to have lunch at 8:00 PM or to have lunch at 11:00 PM. The votes cast in the Team Meetings were counted by Committeeperson-at-Large Will Langston, District 2A Shop Committeeperson Cyenthia Holloway, and District 3A Shop Committeeperson Ed Amie, Jr. Will presented the results to the Plant Manager. Based on the vote count of 370 votes for 8:00 PM and 329 votes for 11:00 PM, 2nd Shift lunch is scheduled for 8:00 PM. But, since there is so much confusion, we are going to do a 30-day pilot trial on the 8:00 PM lunch schedule. Then starting on October 12, 2009, we are going to do another 30-day pilot on the 11:00 PM lunch schedule to allow everyone to experience the difference between the two time periods. On November 11, 2009, we will put out another survey at the Team Meeting to determine which lunch time you would prefer going forward: 8:00 PM or 11:00 PM. Please be present at the Team Meeting so you can vote. Hopefully, after experiencing the 8:00 PM and the 11:00 PM lunch times, you will be able to express which one you prefer. PARKING LOT: Recently, and as late as yesterday, we have had numerous cars broken into or stolen. I am asking for anyone with ideas on how to resolve these problems, to please contact anyone on the Shop Committee - Will Langston, Tony Houston, Cyenthia Holloway, David Carbajal, Ed Amie, Jr., and/or Gary House. Additionally, you can call the Union Hall (972-647-1282) and give your suggestions to “JR” Flores, your President. We need help as soon as possible to prevent further losses. FIELD STOCK: Escalade - 98; Escalade ESV – 52; Suburban - 98; Tahoe - 107; Yukon - 132; Yukon XL – 100. |   |
|   | PRESIDENT’S REPORT UAW-GM BENEFITS CONFERENCE: The UAW-GM Benefit Representatives, Belinda, and I attended a UAW-GM Benefit training conference coordinated by the International, UAW, General Motors, Fidelity, and the insurance carriers. The purpose of the conference was to review the 2007 UAW-GM National Agreement and the 2009 Modifications and VEBA. There were many changes in benefits that were discussed and clarified including:
INTERNET-BASED SERVICES: Web-based service is the trend of the future.
We will be doing more of our benefits-related
business online rather than speaking to a
person on the phone. Everyone is encouraged
to establish a PIN, register and learn to use
web sites such as Socrates. A wealth
of information can be accessed on this site
including: payroll; health care; PSP; pension;
and other important benefits. To check payroll and health care information online follow the instructions below. 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: socrates.gm.com    (Note: there is NO www. prefix in front of “socrates”)     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” ONLINE HEALTHCARE INFORMATION:     1.      Go to: socrates.gm.com    (Note: there is NO www. prefix in front of “socrates”)     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 “GM Benefits and Services Center.” You will be linked to the GMBenefits.com website.     7.      Select “Active Hourly”     8.      Select “Health Care” then “Health and Insurance”     9.      Enter your social security number and PIN”     10.      On the “Medical” line, select “Details.” Scroll down to see coverage and co-pays. Pension, life insurance and other benefits can be viewed on this same page. If you have any questions, please call the Local Union Benefit Representatives at (817) 652-2485 or (817) 652-2486. |   |
|   | CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT I have just been notified of the following work schedule and overtime: WORK SCHEDULE AND OVERTIME: When we return to work the week of
August 17, 2009, we will work eight
(8) hours that Saturday, August 22,
2009. This information is as of today. Remember: Work schedules are always subject to change. I will keep you posted on work schedules as I get the information. If you have any problems or questions, please call my office at 817-652-2491. BELINDA LANGLEY |   |
|   | CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT I have just been notified of the following work schedule and overtime: WORK SCHEDULE AND OVERTIME: When we return to work the week of
August 17, 2009, we will work eight
(8) hours that Saturday, August 22,
2009. This information is as of today. Remember: Work schedules are always subject to change. I will keep you posted on work schedules as I get the information. If you have any problems or questions, please call my office at 817-652-2491. BELINDA LANGLEY |   |
|   | CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT VACATION SHUTDOWN: I want to wish everyone the very best during
the next two-week vacation shutdown. If you
weren’t able to get all the tasks finished
during the eight-week layoff, maybe you’ll
be able to get those done in the next two
weeks. NEW RELOCATORS: When we return back to work August 17, 2009, we will have new relocators in our plant. So, make sure to extend a warm welcome to each of them. BENEFIT REPRESENTATIVE: There will be a Benefit Representative in the plant both weeks of the vacation shutdown. If you need any help with benefits during that time, please call 817-652-2485 or 817-652-2486. Because there is no voice mail on any of the phones at the plant, including the Benefit office numbers, if you do not get an answer, wait a little bit and then call back. RETIREMENTS: Congratulations to all our members who are retiring Friday. We want to wish you the very best. If you took the option for the buy-out, I hope that is what you wanted. Get your rest and be ready to get back to work on Monday, August 17, 2009. |   |
|   | PRESIDENT’S REPORT NEW GENERAL MOTORS PAYSTUBS: Due to General Motors becoming a new company,
employees’ earnings started over, which means
the year-to-date amounts started over on each
employee’s check stubs. Hourly employees will
receive two (2) W-2s for the year 2009: You
will receive a W-2 for earnings for rolls
01 through 28 (January 1 – June 12, 2009) and
a W-2 for rolls 29 through 52 (June 13 –
December 31, 2009). PROPOSED BY-LAWS CHANGES: The proposed Bylaws changes, which were read at the May 17, 2009, will be voted on during the August 16, 2009, Membership Meeting. The proposed changes will be posted at the plant entrances in large binders. The number of pages involved would not fit in the areas available for posting our notices. These proposed changes may also be viewed at the UAW Local276 union hall during regular business hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. BENEFIT REPRESENTATIVES: The UAW-GM Benefits office located at Column A-4 will be open during the mandatory vacation downtime. The Benefits Office will be open from Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The office phone numbers are 817-652-2485 or 817-652-2486. MANDATORY VACATION DOWNTIME: As a reminder: during the mandatory vacation downtime, the Union Hall will be closed the same weeks as the plant: August 3 – 7 and August 10 – 14, 2009. The Union Hall will reopen again for business at 8:00 AM, Monday, August 17, 2009. CARS TRADE-IN PROGRAM: The CARS legislation known as “Cash for Clunkers” has been passed and is currently being administered. You can get up to $4,500.00 for trading in a qualifying vehicle for a new one. For information on the CARS program, visit www.gm.com and click on the CARS information link. GM EMPLOYEE AUTHORIZATION NUMBERS: We have received many calls asking how to obtain authorization numbers. Please visit www.gmfamilyfirst.com and follow the prompts. You may also call 1-800-235-4646 to get help with online problems. U.S. HEALTH CARE LEGISLATION: Health care has always been one of the issues that causes us problems during UAW-GM national negotiations. Even if Congress does not pass a “Universal Health Care Plan”; “Single Payer Plan”; or “Public Option Plan”, we must have some basic reforms in the health care industry. Our future pay and benefits will be directly impacted by the actions or inaction of Congress. Whether you are in favor of any of the proposed plans being discussed or not, we can no longer afford to go to the negotiating table with the same health care problems we face now. Call your representative and tell him or her UAW Local 276 and your family want our broken health care system fixed now. 1-877-264-4226 today between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM |   |
|   | CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT VACATION – PREMIER EMPLOYEES: For those Premier employees who were hired
in July of 2008, their vacations start the
week of July 27, 2009, for the first class. PAY INCREASES – PREMIER EMPLOYEES: For those Premier employees who were hired
in July of 2008, their pay increases will
be effective the week of July 27, 2009, for
the first class. WEEK OF AUGUST 3 – 7, 2009 – PREMIER EMPLOYEES: Premier employees will be working the week of August 3 – 7, 2009, even though General Motors employees will be on mandatory vacation shutdown for that week. WEEK OF AUGUST 10 – 14, 2009 – PREMIER EMPLOYEES: Premier employees will be working the week of August 10 – 14, 2009, even though General Motors employees will be on mandatory vacation shutdown for that week. |   |
|   | PRESIDENT’S REPORT AUGUST MEMBERSHIP MEETING: After the announcement of the downtime in August, the Executive Board voted to cancel the August meeting. This was done because of the downtime and lack of new business. Since that decision, we have all been given a lot of new information. Due to all the new information and changes we have been advised of, the Executive Board has voted to reinstate the August membership meeting. The date of the August meeting will be Sunday, August 16, 2009. This date was selected in order to conduct the meeting as soon as possible. SPECIAL ATTRITION PROGRAM: The deadline to sign-up to participate in the 2009 Phase II Special Attrition Program is Friday, July 24, 2009. No submissions will be accepted after that deadline. Members who are retiring must have their Forms A & B signed by Personnel before taking retirement papers to the UAW Benefit Representatives. MLK SCHOLARSHIP BANQUET: The Civil and Human Rights Committee will host the 2009 UAW Local 276 MLK Scholarship Program Banquet. To get your FREE ticket to attend the MLK Scholarship Program Banquet, contact a Civil and Human Rights Committee member. The banquet will be at 5:00 PM Saturday, August 1, 2009, at the UAW Local 276 Union Hall. You will need a ticket to be able to attend. BELL HELICOPTER: UAW 218 members voted today to ratify their new contract offer from Bell Helicopter. Their six-week long strike is over. Thanks to all who helped with water, refreshments, and personal volunteer time. CAP CRUISE RAFFLE: The Community Action Program (CAP) Committee is in the process of distributing CAP Directors’ Club and Century Club members their free tickets. CAP Committee members will begin ticket sales and the V-CAP Check-off drive in the plant soon. To purchase tickets now, contact any CAP Committee member, or call Local 276 at 972-647-1282. We will get tickets to your location. Remember, you may win one of two luxury cruises to one of these destinations: Alaska; Hawaii; Mexican Riviera; or the Caribbean. Last year, UAW local 276 members won BOTH grand prizes. In 2007, a UAW Local 276 member won one of the grand prizes. Will you be our next Grand Prize Winner? MANDATORY VACATION DOWNTIME : As a reminder: during the mandatory vacation downtime, the Union Hall will be closed the same weeks as the plant: August 3 – 7 and August 10 – 14, 2009. The Union Hall will reopen again for business at 8:00 AM, Monday, August 17, 2009. PAYROLL: Due to General Motors becoming a new company, employees’ earnings started over, which means the year-to-date amounts started over on employees’ check stubs. For questions or more information, call 1-866-245-5957. |   |
|   | CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT RUMOR CONTROL: We have been hearing many rumors flying around about another layoff, more downtime, and/or Arlington going to one shift. After having a conversation with the Plant Manager, I was informed that these rumors are not true. This information is as of today. However, remember things are always subject to change. SATURN SENIORITY: Congratulation to our members who transferred from Saturn – you will be getting your seniority back. Saturn seniority will be restored by Monday, July 27, 2009. You can start utilizing your seniority on that date. If we are able to complete the procedures earlier, it will be on monitors. Also, I am asking all former Saturn people to contact me at 817-652-2491 or visit my office next to the Committee Room to make sure your name is on the list. VACATION: Employees will be allowed to waive the pay for their vacation hours and get paid for it next year. But you must use the vacation hours. There is a difference in getting paid and waiving the vacation. You can waive the pay but not the vacation hours. VR: The new changes for VR is a requirement to call in 30 minutes prior to the start of the shift if you are going to be absent. Even if you do have VR, if you fail to call in 30 minutes prior to the start of the shift, you will still be charged an occurrence and charged eight (8) hours of VR. This will go into effect 8/3 and will include the people working August 3, 2009. For those on vacation it will not go into effect until August 17, 2009. ATTENDANCE: I have talked with the National Parties about the new “call-in” procedure. They informed me that, when an employee is four hours or more late, that will be considered an absence and it will be an occurrence. But if an employee is more than four hours late and fails to call in ahead of time, Management cannot hit you twice – that will still be only one occurrence – they cannot double dip you. SURVEY: We will be putting out a survey in the Team Meetings regarding breaks and lunch when we start the 4/10 days on September 14, 2009. We would like to know what the majority of employees want when it comes to breaks and lunches: (1) Do you want two 10-minute breaks and a paid 30 minute lunch [If you choose the paid lunch, you will not be allowed to leave the plant during lunch because of safety issues with GM]; or (2) Do you want to have the regular two 20-minute breaks, a 10-minute break and an unpaid lunch; or (3) Do you want to have two 25-minute breaks and an unpaid lunch? This survey will be done during your Team Meetings when you return from the downtime. REFERRALS: If you are having problems submitting a referral online, please contact Michael Cartwright, Larry O’Neal, Milton Abram, or Bob Suson. They will be able to help you get to the online page. If you are on night shift, come in a little early so they can help you. If you call them, they will walk you through it. LUNCH – JULY 30TH: On July 30th there will be an hour lunch for everyone who is leaving next Thursday. July 31st will be the walk around day only for those employees who are truly retiring. We will be getting more information on the new modifications next week. As soon as I get the new details, I will get it out to you. |   |
|   | CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT PAY FOR JULY 13, 2009: Employees who were told to report today, July 14, 2009, will be paid Short Work Week for Monday, July 13, 2009. BREAKS: As you know, under the modifications to the 2007 National Agreement, six (6) minutes were removed from breaks. As a result, the new break times will start on Monday, July 20, 2009. NEW WORK SCHEDULE: The start date for the 4/10 work schedule will be September 14, 2009. We are in the process of working out the details for shift start times, lunch, and breaks. As soon as I get the information on the start times, lunch, and breaks, I will get it out to you. We have been given directions that we must follow the Lansing - Grand Rivers 4/10 plan. All this is based on the modifications from the International Union not Local 276. CORRECTION ON WORDING FOR **NEW ATTENDANCE PROCEDURE**: Under the new modifications, Document 8 of the 2007 National Agreement has been modified. When the employee misses time at work due to tardiness of 4 hours or more or a non-excludable absence, it will be considered an occurrence. Additionally, if you will be absent or late for your shift, you are now required to call in 30 minutes or more prior to the start of your shift. Failure to call in (1-800-222-8889) will result in an occurrence. Be sure to watch the monitors for additional information. Also, a copy of the new attendance procedure will be provided to all Committeepersons to share with their districts. CALL-IN NUMBER: We will be handing out cards about the size of a credit card with the Call-In number (1-800-222-8889) to be passed out in each department. The Call-In number is also listed on Local 276’s website “Contacts” page. FIELD STOCK : Yukon - 131; Yukon XL - 63; Tahoe - 112; Suburban - 66; Escalade - 134; Escalade ESV – 85. |   |
|   | CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT WELCOME BACK: I want to extend a big welcome back to everyone after our long layoff. Hopefully, everyone was able to take care of business at home; spend quality time with family and friends; enjoy the 4th of July; and possibly take time to go somewhere fun. It’s great to see everyone back. VACATION DOWNTIME: To our members who may not have had the chance to check the Arlington hotline (1-877-571-3453) or the Local’s website, we are scheduled to be on mandatory vacation downtime the first two weeks in August (August 3 – 7, 2009, and August 10 – 14, 2009). If you have questions about the vacation downtime, please contact your Committeeperson. This time will not be covered by unemployment. 2009 NATIONAL AGREEMENT HIGHLIGHTS: Members of the Bargaining Committee will be walking the floor to give each member of Unit 1 (GM) a copy of the “UAW General Motors Modifications to 2007 Agreement and Addendum to VEBA Agreement”. Those of you who attended the Ratification Meeting and vote in May probably already have a copy. However, we want to make sure that everyone receives one. OVERTIME: [See the "Shop Chairperson's Report - Unit 1 (GM) dated July 13, 2009, in the boxes at the plant.] FOUR-DAY WORK WEEK: [See the "Shop Chairperson's Report - Unit 1 (GM) dated July 13, 2009, in the boxes at the plant.] **NEW ATTENDANCE PROCEDURE**: [See the "Shop Chairperson's Report - Unit 1 (GM) dated July 13, 2009, in the boxes at the plant.] RELIEF TIME: [See the "Shop Chairperson's Report - Unit 1 (GM) dated July 13, 2009, in the boxes at the plant.] VACATION: [See the "Shop Chairperson's Report - Unit 1 (GM) dated July 13, 2009, in the boxes at the plant.] VACATION REPLACEMENTS: [See the "Shop Chairperson's Report - Unit 1 (GM) dated July 13, 2009, in the boxes at the plant.] PERFORMANCE BONUS: [See the "Shop Chairperson's Report - Unit 1 (GM) dated July 13, 2009, in the boxes at the plant.] 2009 SPECIAL ATTRITION PROGRAM – PHASE II: [See the "Shop Chairperson's Report - Unit 1 (GM) dated July 13, 2009, in the boxes at the plant.] COVERAGE FOR CERTAIN DEPENDENTS: [See the "Shop Chairperson's Report - Unit 1 (GM) dated July 13, 2009, in the boxes at the plant.] LIFE AND DISABILITY: [See the "Shop Chairperson's Report - Unit 1 (GM) dated July 13, 2009, in the boxes at the plant.] TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS: [See the "Shop Chairperson's Report - Unit 1 (GM) dated July 13, 2009, in the boxes at the plant.] UAW-GM SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM FOR DEPENDENT CHILDREN (DSP): [See the "Shop Chairperson's Report - Unit 1 (GM) dated July 13, 2009, in the boxes at the plant.] ELECTED AND APPOINTED REPRESENTATION: [See the "Shop Chairperson's Report - Unit 1 (GM) dated July 13, 2009, in the boxes at the plant.] As you can see, we have a lot of changes to
adjust to upon our return to work, including
additional items that have not been addressed
in this report. Therefore, it is vitally
important for everyone to read the highlights
that will be handed out. I will continue to
put out information on new developments as
soon as they occur. If you have questions about any of the above or information in the highlights, contact your Committeeperson, your Committeeperson-at-Large, or myself. |   |
|   | PRESIDENT’S UPDATE 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. 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). 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. IMPORTANT INFORMATION
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|   | PRESIDENT’S UPDATE 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 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. |   |
|   | SHOP CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT 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) 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 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 “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.
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. 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. |   |
|   | PRESIDENT’S UPDATE 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:
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 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 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:
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 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. 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. 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 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 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 The results of the ratification vote for UAW Local 276 are: Production – 76% for the changes |   |
|   | PRESIDENT’S UPDATE 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) 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. |   |
|   | PRESIDENT’S UPDATE – UNIT 1 (GM) 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. As always we will do our best to keep you informed. |   |
|   | CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT – UNIT 1 (GM) 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 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). IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Following is the most current contact
information we were able to gather from the
various state unemployment agencies.
|   |
|   | PRESIDENT’S REPORT 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.
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. |   |
|   | PRESIDENT’S REPORT 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. 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) 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. 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. |   |
|   | CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT – UNIT 1 (GM) 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. 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. |   |
|   | PRESIDENT’S REPORT – UNIT 1 (GM) 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: 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) 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) 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. 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. 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.
|   |
|   | SHOP CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT – UNIT 1 (GM) 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. 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 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. 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 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 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 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.
Therefore, effective March 2, 2009, the COLA
float for the March quarter will be $0.00. 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 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. 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 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. 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 |   |
|   | CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT 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. 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. Keep up the good work |   |
|   | PRESIDENT'S REPORT 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; 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 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. 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” 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 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 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. 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 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 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 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 |   |
|   | PRESIDENT'S REPORT 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 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, •   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 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 UAW-GENERAL MOTORS, FORD AND CHRYSLER 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 UAW EMERGENCY MEETING 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 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 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 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 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 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 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?
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|   | PRESIDENT’S REPORT 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?
New Procedure for Personal Identification Number (PIN)
Fort Worth – 817-420-1600 If you need assistance, call TWC Customer
Service at: 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. 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:
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: 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?
Please register now and vote early. Have a safe and happy Labor Day- It is our day! |   |
|   | AUGUST DOWNTIME HOURLY PAYOFF 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” |   |
|   | FROM THE CHAIRPERSON 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! 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 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” 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) |   |
|   | ATTENTION THE TEXAS WORKFORCE COMMISSION (TWC) WILL BE IN THE PEOPLE CENTER TUESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2008 TO ANSWER QUESTIONS ABOUT THE UPCOMING LAYOFF AUGUST 25 – 29, 2008. |   |
|   | PRESIDENT’S REPORT 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” 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.
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. |   |
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