CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT
UNIT 1 (GM)
03/09/10
4:00 PM

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
UNIT 1 (GM) AND UNIT 2 (PREMIER)
03/08/10
4:30 PM

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
UNIT 1 (GM)
02/15/10
2:45 PM

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.

If you would like to participate in this program, you must submit the application that will appear in the “Texan Revue”. Six (6) names per shift will be pulled from the applications that are submitted. To be eligible for this program, the following are required:

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
NIGHT SHIFT
UNIT 1 (GM)
FEBRUARY 12, 2010
9:15 AM
   

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.
   

UAW LOCAL 276
NIGHT SHIFT
UNIT 1 (GM)
FEBRUARY 11, 2010
1:20 PM
   

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
FEBRUARY 9, 2010
2:00 PM

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
UNIT 1 (GM) and UNIT 2 (PREMIER)
02/09/10
9:00 AM

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
UNIT 1 (GM)
02/05/10
8:00 AM

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.

The President of Local 2250 posted a statement on the internet on Tuesday stating, “It also appears that Arlington will be adding a third shift. Anyone who is interested should apply.” Why that statement was made, I cannot say. This would be an example of repeating information without verification. As of right now, the Plant Manager has not spoken with me about adding a 3rd shift. I do know that, if the sales volume continues to climb, the Shop Committee and I will have to look at an overtime plan.

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
02/01/10
3:00 PM

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:

Most Pension Plans lost value due to economic factors like changes in interest rates and changes in equity markets.

The Pension Plan was 80% funded as of September 30, 2009, based on Fair Market Value of Assets and Liabilities.

Employee and retiree benefits are not impacted by this notice. The Pension Plan continues to pay benefits and is adequately funded.

Based on the General Motors Bankruptcy filing, GM had not anticipated making contributions to the Pension Fund until 2014. However, the corporation is considering making earlier contributions.

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?”

Congress - We will continue to pressure our friends in the House of Representatives and Senate but we need to actively support them.

Organized Labor - Other unions are looking to the UAW to lead in the fight against corporate greed and anti-union actions.

These are the worst times the UAW has ever gone through but the UAW International continues to fight to restore lost benefits.

UAW VICE PRESIDENT, FORD DEPT. BOB KING’S REPORT:

“The amount of Justice you get depends on the amount of power you have.”

“We have been great contract administrators, but we need to concentrate on building power.”

Organizing – The UAW recognizes that we underestimated the outside forces, such as Wall Street, Corporate America, and U. S. politicians, who helped resist efforts to organize Toyota and other foreign auto makers.

“I expect General Motors will lead the Automotive Industry around the world.”

The UAW is working with the Teamsters Union to protect union car hauler jobs.

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.

Also, many members are reporting identity theft issues with “Credit Repair” companies. UAW-GM Legal Services can help members with the following: Credit problems; estate planning; home mortgage issues; bankruptcy; adoption and many other services. Please utilize this service. It is here for you.

In certain instances, your family members, including parents, can use the services. Contact the Legal Service for more information.

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.

Employees who retired prior to August 1, 2009, will be eligible for lifetime employee paid COBRA benefits. Please contact UAW-GM Local Union Benefit Representatives for more information.

GM had taken the position that our retirees were not eligible for COBRA benefits. The UAW International Union’s Legal Department found language in the Bankruptcy Laws that stated otherwise.

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.”

The Health Care Call-In Center, which will take over administering health care from Fidelity, will be known as “Retiree Health Care Connect.” This Call-In Center will be operated by the Hewitt Corporation. The UAW International Union has negotiated a one year agreement with Hewitt to allow our UAW-GM Benefit Representatives to speak with representatives at our member’s request.

Retiree Health Care Connect – Health Care benefits only. 1-866-637-7555       8:30 AM – 4:30 PM ET

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.

The UAW International Union has negotiated a one year agreement with the PBGC to allow our UAW-GM Benefit Representatives to speak with PBGC representatives at our member’s request.

We were given a lot of information at these Sub-Council Meetings. Also, our UAW leaders are committed to communicating more with us when new information becomes available. Our leadership also stressed that because things are changing rapidly in not only our industry but also the union, if needed they will convene additional Sub-Council Meetings to address issues as a collective body. We will continue to pass along any new information as we get it.

CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT
UNIT 2 (PREMIER)
01/20/10
3:30 PM

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.

The UAW Local 276 Election Committee will recommend dates for the 3rd Shift Steward nominations, deadline for acceptance and election. Make sure you exercise your right as a Union member: Be sure to attend the union meeting where we will vote on the dates for nominations, deadline to accept nominations, and the election date.

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
UNIT 1 (GM)
01/20/10
3:00 PM

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.

In talking to the Chairpersons at other locations, they all expressed to me that they wished that they were in the same position that Arlington is in. That made me very proud of our members; of the hard work that each of you has put in; and the ability each of you has displayed in adapting to all the changes we have experienced since January of 2009.

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.

Thank goodness we are sitting in the situation we are today compared to 2009. In early 2009, General Motors announced that it would be closing additional plants – would Arlington be one to be closed? We didn’t find out until late Spring that we would continue operation. In January 2009, we were laid off for the first two weeks of the month. Then we experienced another seven-week layoff in June and July. That was followed by the two-week mandatory vacation period in August. This year we are off to a running start with no layoff and overtime on Fridays. We have been truly blessed.

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.

To that end, last week, I met with the Plant Manager and it was agreed that starting this week (January 19, 2010), we will follow the new modification that an employee can be required to work up to eleven (11) hours per day. However, any time past the eleven (11) hour mark in a day will be voluntary. If you have questions about this new modification, please contact your Committeeperson.

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
1/20/10
1:30 PM

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.

More actions and cuts will be needed by the UAW International, UAW Region 5, and UAW Local 276 in the immediate future to insure our survival as a union. Next week, Chairperson Langley, the Shop Committee, and I will attend the UAW-GM Sub- Council Meetings. We will bring back any further information given to us by the UAW International Union.

In my next report I will inform you of other actions we have taken here locally and some actions the membership needs to consider. Please take time to think seriously about the information I’ve provided for you in this report.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT
1/12/10
10:30 AM

HEALTH CARE LEGISLATION:

The National Call-In Day for Health Care Reform is Wednesday, January 13, 2010.

President Obama and the Congressional Leadership will meet with Organized Labor Leaders. Labor leaders will ask that taxes on our health care plans be removed.

The Congressional Leadership is urging a February deadline be set for final legislation. Hopes are that a final bill will go to President Obama before his State of the Union speech.

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
1/07/10
11:00 AM

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.

There will be quite a few people that will be getting paid for 2009 unused vacation and unused VR: Relocators, people who were on sick leave, people on other types of leaves of absence and some people who Management was unable to schedule for vacation before the end of 2009 - they will also receive pay for those unused days.

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
1/06/10
4:00 PM

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.

The IEB also announced their slate of candidates for the UAW International Executive Board. Ford Automotive Department Vice President Bob King was nominated as candidate for the position of UAW International President to succeed President Gettelfinger.

President Gettelfinger and Secretary-Treasurer Elizabeth Bunn gave reports on the financial status of the UAW. Both spoke of cutbacks in operating expenses and staffing. President Gettelfinger stressed repeatedly that more painful cuts will have to be made to adjust to a shrinking membership. Everything from further staff cuts to reviewing the use and future of the Walter and May Reuther Education Center at Black Lake will be examined. The next issue of Solidarity Magazine will give more details on the UAW’s financial issues. President Gettlefinger also stated that the IEB was very aware of the financial struggles of the Local Unions around the country. He stated that he and the IEB realize that Local Unions are also being forced to make cuts and changes to survive financially.

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)

PRESIDENTS’S REPORT
UNIT 1 (GM)
12/23/09
2:00 PM

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.

Non-Direct deposit paper checks will be mailed to the employee’s address of record on Wednesday, December 22, 2009, and Wednesday, December 29, 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
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”
             After entering your Personal Identification Number (PIN), you will then be able to view your pay stub information for both current and prior pay periods.

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.

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
AFTER YOU ARE LAID OFF

APPLY FOR BENEFITS
GO ON LINE / ANYTIME 24/7
www.texasworkforce.org

or

CALL TELE-CENTER
Dallas / 214-252-1200
1-800-939-6631
MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY 7:00 AM TO 6:00 PM

(YOU WILL NEED THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION)

PRESIDENTS’S REPORT
UNIT 1 (GM) AND UNIT 2 (PREMIER)
12/09/09
12:30 AM

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.

Brother Shepard also spoke on the UAW VEBA program. The UAW will take over UAW Retirees health care responsibilities on January 1, 2010. If you are planning to retire, please submit your paperwork to Fidelity at least 60 days in advance.

Brother Shepard ended his presentation with a reminder from the UAW International Leadership that we need GM to make money in order to fund current and future pensions. For this reason, he reminded everyone that we are GM workers and need to buy and promote GM products.

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.

This unfair new tax is likely to force cutbacks on important health care benefits now enjoyed by millions of Americans, such as dental and vision care. It will also increase co-pays and deductibles for medical care.

Instead of imposing a new tax on working families, the Senate should substitute more progressive financing mechanisms. This includes requiring employers and wealthy individuals to pay their fair share.

Please call your Senators right away. Urge them to support the overall health care reform bill, but to oppose the unfair excise tax on health care benefits. Emphasize that this misguided proposal will simply force companies to eliminate or reduce health care benefits that currently cover millions of workers. Tell them to support amendments that would eliminate or scale back this tax on workers’ health care benefits. Call your Senators and ask them to support health care reform and oppose taxing our health care benefits. Call 1-866-960-0611 (toll free).

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid believes they can have a vote on all amendments and a final version of the Bill possibly by Christmas.

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
12/01/09
10:30 AM

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.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT
UNIT 1 (GM)
11/23/09
10:30 AM

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.

Unit 2 (Premier) will hold its first election beginning at 6:00 AM Tuesday December 1, 2009, and ending at 6:00 AM Wednesday, December 2, 2009. The only contested race is for 3rd Shift Alternate Steward due to the fact that the other races were won by acclamation. Therefore, Unit 2 (Premier) members on 3rd Shift only will vote at the Union Hall beginning at 6:00 AM Tuesday, December 1, 2009, and ending at 6:00 AM, Wednesday, December 2, 2009.

Please see postings for both elections in the UAW Information Displays inside the GM plant entrances.

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
Union Label 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.
We want everyone to return healthy.

CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT
UNIT 1 (GM)
11/20/09
4:00 PM

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.

However you choose to spend your Thanksgiving time off, I know that it is a time well deserved. The long hours and long weeks that we all have been working have taken a toll. Spend your time off wisely so that you will be refreshed when you return.

Please note: I have had a lengthy conversation with Local Plant Management to make sure that everyone gets out of the plant on time for the 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).

Additionally, when you have a contractual vacation on Thursday, you will have the option of working on Friday, if you want to. However, you are excused off on Friday if you were on vacation on Thursday.

If you are on bereavement on Friday, and Friday is a scheduled work day, your pay for bereavement will be straight time pay not 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
UNIT 1 (GM)
11/10/09
4:00 PM

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.

Taxing our health care is still in the legislation. See the information on the below and take action before this bill comes to a final vote.

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
Union Label 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
UNIT 1 (GM)
11/09/09
3:00 PM

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
UNIT 1 (GM)
10/27/09
4:00 PM

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:

Employment levels	49,000 Hourly	24,000 Salary
GM U.S. Car Brands	8 (2008)	4 (2009)
GM U.S. Nameplates	48 (2008)	34 (2009)
GM U.S. Dealers	6,000 (2008)	4,000 (2009)
Current U.S. Market Share		19.5%
Average Dealer Inventory	872 Days (2008)	424 Days (2009)

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!”

One common theme throughout the conference was “We are all in this together” and the survival of our company and our futures is in our hands. It was also stated repeatedly that we must all be GM product salespersons. Product information and help tools are available to us all on the Socrates web site under “How to help our customers.” Also, you can visit www.yahoo.com and search GM Full Line Catalogue.

Some questioned why we, as production workers, should be salespersons for GM. I believe the real question is: Do we want to leave our futures entirely in the hands of others? With the GM bankruptcy still fresh on our minds, I would think not.

CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT
UNIT 1 (GM)
10/21/09
11:00 AM

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
UNIT 1 (GM) AND UNIT 2 (PREMIER)
10/13/09
11:00 AM

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.

The House of Representatives is still working on compromises to craft a bill to take to the House Floor for a vote. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi was quoted as saying, “There will be a public option in the bill.”

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.

The Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pension (HELP) Committee has a bill that WILL NOT TAX your health care. The HELP bill will hold down the cost of your premiums, co-pays and deductibles. The HELP bill will strengthen and secure Retiree coverage by providing assistance to employers and VEBAS. Support the Senate HELP committee bill!

We need your help NOW! Use your cell phone at lunch and breaks to Call Texas Senators John Cornyn and Kay Bailey-Hutchison at toll free 1-866-960-0611. Urge your Senators to SUPPORT the HELP Committee bill and OPPOSE the Senate Finance Committee. Stop the tax on our health insurance!

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.

For more information on elections or the constitutional amendments, contact the Texas Secretary of State’s Office at toll free 1-800-252-VOTE (8683), 1-512-463-5650, or visit www.sos.state.tx.us

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
Recreation and Conservation Committee - Alternate Chairperson
Union Label 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
UNIT 1 (GM)
10/01/09
4:45 PM

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
UNIT 1 (GM)
9/15/09
10:00 PM

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.

Please note: If you take a vacation on Thursday and we work on Friday, you will be excused for Friday if you do not want to work.

You now have the option to use either eight (8) hours or ten (10) hours of “VR”.

As for your remaining “VR” time, if you have any unused “VR” time at the end of the year, you will be paid for it at 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
UNIT 1 (GM)
9/24/09
2:45 PM

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

Friday, October 2, 2009 – Overtime will be nine (9) hours

Friday, October 9, 2009 – Overtime will be nine (9) hours

Friday, October 16, 2009 – There will be NO overtime

Friday, October 23, 2009 – Overtime will be nine (9) hours

Friday, October 30, 2009 – There will be NO overtime

Friday, November 6, 2009 – Overtime will be nine (9) hours

Friday, November 13, 2009 –There will be NO overtime

Friday, November 20, 2009 – Overtime will be nine (9) hours

Monday, November 23, 2009 – 1st Shift will work 6:00 AM to 2:30 PM; and 2nd Shift will work 3:30 PM to 12:00 AM

Tuesday, November 24, 2009 – 1st Shift will work 6:00 AM to 2:30 PM; and 2nd Shift will work 3:30 PM to 12:00 AM

Wednesday, November 25, 2009 – Off for Thanksgiving Holidays

Thursday, November 26, 2009 – Off for Thanksgiving Holidays

Friday, November 27, 2009 – Off for Thanksgiving Holidays

Friday, December 4, 2009 – Overtime will be nine (9) hours

Remember: This overtime schedule is subject to change.

CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT
UNIT 1 (GM)
9/21/09
3:00 PM

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
UNIT 1 (GM)
9/17/09
10:00 PM

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.

The first change will be posting the Unit 1 - GM Benefit Office hours and schedules at each location. Schedules are listed below. Also, in the past, we have had one Benefit Representative working up to three days at the Union Hall to service retirees and others who need to conduct their business at the Union Hall. I am rescheduling that Representative to serve more time in the plant. When this Representative works at the Union Hall, he/she will be responsible for assisting both active and retired Unit 1 - GM members with their benefit needs.

Next, I am going to explain the operating procedures so everyone will understand how to best utilize the UAW-GM Benefits Department for Unit 1 - GM. The Unit 1 - GM Local Union Benefit Representatives (LUBR) are available to assist Unit 1 - General Motors active and retired hourly members with the following Unit 1 - GM benefits:

Health Care; Vision; Dental; and Pension Plan
Supplemental Unemployment Benefit (SUB); Personal Savings Plan (PSP); and Profit Sharing
Life and Disability Programs; Dependent Care; and GM-UAW Legal Services

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
Fax and copying services
Updates of procedural changes provided by State Unemployment agencies

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
Holiday Pay
Vacation Pay
Bereavement Pay
or other payroll issues except when they pertain to SUB

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.

General Motors (Unit 1) hourly employees can also visit one of the GM – Unit 1 Benefit offices in person during office hours.

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.

Benefit Representatives (Unit 1 - GM) are required to be professional and respectful to all members. They also are entitled to the same treatment from those they are assisting.

Benefit Representatives (Unit 1 - GM) are required to be prompt in dealing with members. Please be respectful of others waiting to be helped. UAW Local 276 Unit 1 - GM Benefit Representatives are responsible for servicing over 2,300 active Unit 1 – GM employees and 3,000 Unit 1 - GM Retirees and Pre-Retirees in person and by phone.

Unit 1 – GM Benefit Representatives and the operation of the UAW-GM (Unit 1) Benefits Office are under the direct jurisdiction of the Local Union President. All comments, suggestions and concerns are to be directed to the Local Union President’s office by calling UAW Local 276 at 972-647-1282 or sending a fax to 972-602-0553. You may also send an E-mail to enriquesrvflores@aol.com or calling cell number 817-680-3418.

I hope this letter helps you better understand the purpose and operation of the UAW-GM (Unit 1) Benefits office.

UAW-GM BENEFIT OFFICES
HOURS AND LOCATIONS

CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT
UNIT 1 (GM)
9/15/09
10:00 PM

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.

Please note: If you take a vacation on Thursday and we work on Friday, you will be excused for Friday if you do not want to work.

You now have the option to use either eight (8) hours or ten (10) hours of “VR”.

As for your remaining “VR” time, if you have any unused “VR” time at the end of the year, you will be paid for it at 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
UNIT 1 (GM)
9/2/09
10:00 PM

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.

We did ask about direct deposit for SUB, e-mail responses to credited service audits, and allowing employees to view their SUB pay stub online. These issues are all under review and are being considered as future online options.

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”
          After entering your Personal Identification Number (PIN), you will then be able to view your pay stub information for both current and prior pay periods.

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
UNIT 1 (GM)
8/3/09
10:00 AM

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.

The following week of August 24, 2009, we will work nine (9) hours per day and we will work Saturday, August 29, 2009.

The week of August 31, 2009, we will work nine (9) hours a day but we will not work Saturday, September 5, 2009.

The week of September 8, 2009, (Monday, September 7th is a holiday) we will work nine (9) hours a day Tuesday through Friday plus eight (8) hours Saturday, September 12, 2009.

The week of September 14, 2009, when we start the 4/10 work schedule, we will work 4/10s Monday through Thursday and nine (9) hours on Friday, September 18, 2009.

The week of September 21, 2009, we will work 4/10s Monday through Thursday and nine (9) hours Friday, September 25, 2009.

The week of September 28, 2009, we will work 4/10s Monday through Thursday.

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
SHOP CHAIRPERSON - UNIT 1 (GM)

CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT
UNIT 1 (GM)
8/3/09
10:00 AM

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.

The following week of August 24, 2009, we will work nine (9) hours per day and we will work Saturday, August 29, 2009.

The week of August 31, 2009, we will work nine (9) hours a day but we will not work Saturday, September 5, 2009.

The week of September 8, 2009, (Monday, September 7th is a holiday) we will work nine (9) hours a day Tuesday through Friday plus eight (8) hours Saturday, September 12, 2009.

The week of September 14, 2009, when we start the 4/10 work schedule, we will work 4/10s Monday through Thursday and nine (9) hours on Friday, September 18, 2009.

The week of September 21, 2009, we will work 4/10s Monday through Thursday and nine (9) hours Friday, September 25, 2009.

The week of September 28, 2009, we will work 4/10s Monday through Thursday.

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
SHOP CHAIRPERSON - UNIT 1 (GM)

CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT
UNIT 1 (GM)
7/28/09
12:00 PM

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.

I know that many of our new Brothers and Sisters will be going back to their former states to visit their families or to complete their move to Texas. To each of you, please be safe in your travels back and forth.

To our members who will be staying home and/or traveling a short distance, enjoy your time off.

For everyone, regardless where you drive: Wear your seatbelt; obey all traffic laws; don’t text and drive; and most importantly, don’t drink and drive. We want to see everyone back on August 17, 2009.

Be sure to continue monitor the Local’s website. Should we receive any information about GM during the downtime, we will provide that information on the website.

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
UNIT 1 (GM)
7/28/09
10:50 AM

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).

The GM system will use year-to-date earnings from the old CISCO code (18008) and the new CISCO code (48005) to calculate FICA Limits as well as 401K (PSP and SPP) limits - they will not start over. The new CISCO code for GM-Arlington is: 48005. (This number is the same CISCO for all GM manufacturing plants.)

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
UNIT 2 (PREMIER)
7/28/09
10:30 AM

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.

For those Premier employees who were hired in July of 2008, their vacations will start the week of August 3, 2009, for the second 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.

For those Premier employees who were hired in July of 2008, their pay increases will be effective the week of August 3, 2009, for the second 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
UNIT 1 (GM)
7/22/09
4:30 PM

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
UNIT 1 (GM)
7/22/09
2:30 PM

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
UNIT 1 (GM)
7/14/09
2:30 PM

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
UNIT 1 (GM)
7/13/09
2:00 PM

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.

Also, we learned during the layoff that a very large number of our members did not pick up or read the information we put out in the plant regarding the layoff, filing for unemployment and SUB. We cannot stress enough how important it is for you to keep yourself informed on the changes that are occurring. So, please, read the highlights you are being given by the Committeepersons; read all papers put in the boxes by Local 276; read the notices Local 276 puts on the bulletin boards; check the Local’s website on a regular basis; and most of all, come to the Membership Meetings held at 2:00 PM on the 2nd Sunday of the month. Due to the mandatory vacation downtime, our next Membership Meeting will be on Sunday, September 13, 2009.

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
UNIT 1 (GM)
6/26/09
3:00 PM

UAW LOCAL 276:

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

SUB BENEFITS:

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

SPECIAL ATTRITION PROGRAM:

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

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

SHREVEPORT GM PLANT:

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

REMINDERS:

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

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

SAFEHAVEN WOMEN’S SHELTER:

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

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

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

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

SUB BENEFITS – TEXAS FILERS:

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

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

AUGUST MEMBERSHIP MEETING:

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

AUGUST RETIREE CHAPTER MEETING:

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

UAW LOCAL 276:

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

JULY 4TH PARADE:

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

UAW LOCAL 218 STRIKE:

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

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

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

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

VACATION DOWNTIME:

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

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

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

GM ARLINGTON HOTLINE:

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