The Award Winning
UAW LOCAL 600
FACTS
“A history to be proud of,
a tradition to carry on.”
- Bernie Ricke
MARCH - APRIL 2011
VOL. 73 - NO. 2
POSTMASTER
Send only mailing label of undeliverable copies with Form 3579 attached to
Local 600, UAW, 10550 Dix Avenue, Dearborn, Michigan 48120.
NEWS BRIEFS
Trucker Access “Concept”
Revives Safety,
Job Concerns
Mexican truck drivers could be back
on American highways soon.
The Obama administration in January
issued a ”concept document” that
could result in long-haul truckers from
Mexico driving throughout the United
States, which has been strongly
opposed by unions, especially the
Teamsters, who say it could put unsafe
trucks and drivers on the road and
cost American jobs.
”If the U.S. doesn’t have the capacity
to seal our borders now, why should
we have confidence that a long-haul
trucking program will maintain safety
at our borders, on our roads and in the
interior of our nation?” Texas AFL-CIO
spokesman Ed Sills told the New York
Times. ”This cheap-labor program
comes at too high a risk and at too
large a cost to middle-class American
workers who work long, hard hours
to help maintain a safe commerce
system in our nation.” A two-year-old
long-haul pilot program permitting
Mexican truckers access to American
roads ended in 2009.
While the North American Free Trade
Agreement (NAFTA) okayed the
Mexican truck drivers, the provision
was never put into effect because of
the safety and job concerns. Instead,
tractor-trailers traveling between the
United States and Mexico are limited
to a 20-mile to 25-mile radius of ports
of entry, where they must transfer
their loads to domestic drivers. The
United States traded about $324
billion with Mexico over the first 10
months of 2010 and business has
been a prime advocate for dropping
the trucker restrictions.
Award-winning Actresses
Speak Out for Union
“I’ve been working since I was 11 years
old and [SAG] has taken care of me,”
said Oscar-nominated actress Natalie
Portman at the Screen Actors Guild
awards in late January. “They made
sure that I wasn’t working too long
and made sure that I got my
education while I was working and
I am so grateful to have this union
protecting me everyday.”
BERNIE RICKE
President
MARVIN SHINE
1st Vice President
A.J. FREER
2nd Vice President
AL MURLONE
Recording Secretary
DAVE RUSSELL
Financial Secretary
DEFTP EMPLOYEES DRIVE QUALITY PROCESS IMPROVEMENTS
By Cindy Kreis ~ reproduced with permission from @WORK magazine
Conscientious, tenacious, passionate, focused, and exceptional are
just a few of the words used by leadership at Dearborn Engine and
Fuel Tank Plant (DEFTP) to describe four employees who identified a
defect and drove changes in a gauging process to ensure a world-class
quality product for Ford’s customers and save the company significant
warranty costs.
Crystal Thomas’ day started like any other. She arrived on the job,
second shift, checked and cleaned the cam bore she operates and began
mastering gauges, utilizing the quality method of Dynamic Control
Plan (DCP).
The DCP on this particular gauge requires the operator to insert the
gauge into the exhaust intake side of the cam and check two points.
Thomas takes it a step further and utilizes what she describes as a
“sweeping” motion to look for any defects between the two points.
This proved to be a crucial step in identifying the problem.
“While I was doing my check, I was watching the PC and noticed that
it was showing a defect midway through the sweep,” she explained.
Thomas immediately informed Kelly Skindell, day shift team leader.
The pair jumped into action by stopping the bore and making the
necessary adjustments until the gauge readings were acceptable. Their
actions did not stop there.
Thomas also alerted Janet Farr – the
operator who works the same cam
bore on the third shift. She
recommended Farr utilize
“sweeping” when mastering her
gauges. Farr did, and also discovered
the defect.
“I was doing my check, sweeping and
watching the PC screen and saw that
it was out of spec. I stopped the
machine and alerted my team leader,
Venia Cross,” said Farr.
Crystal Thomas and Janet Farr
demonstrate the new DCP process
The two of them launched an investigation and concluded they were
working with a defective tool.
Realizing this defect had not been totally contained, the entire
cylinder head team took action. The defect was contained within
the four walls of their building, preventing a possible warranty issue.
“The operator went above and beyond when they witnessed a
peculiarity in their gauging system as they were gauging this part,” said
John Dunahay, manager, Quality, DEFTP.
continued on page 2
ASBESTOS CLAIMS FOR LOCAL 600 MEMBERS –
NEW DEVELOPMENTS
In recent meetings with Local 600 President Bernie Ricke new
developments relative to asbestos claims have been discussed. President
Ricke recommended that an article to advise the entire membership of
these new developments be submitted for publication.
Our Law Firm has represented Local 600 for many different claims
(i.e. workers’ compensation, asbestos, social security, and other general areas
of representation). We have regularly provided updates to the President
of Local 600.
Accordingly, all UAW Local 600 members should now be aware of the
fact that new bankruptcy claim money is available to active employees,
retirees, who started work before 1975 and developed lung cancer,
mesothelioma or asbestosis. In view of the fact that there were
substantial claims, many companies that manufactured asbestos
products took advantage of a special provision in the Bankruptcy
Code that allows a company to reorganize and resolve its present
and future asbestos liability by establishing a Trust for the benefit of
asbestos-exposed workers.
For the last several years Andary, Andary, Davis and Andary in cooperation with the National law firm of Goldberg, Persky & White has
continued on page 2
Actress Melissa Leo agreed, saying
that “Unions made this country great
because they give the voice to the
working people.”
Portman was the SAG awards winner
of the Outstanding Performance by
Continued on Page 2
AL JORDAN
Guide
RAY SWIDAN
Sergeant-at-Arms
KATHLEEN REESE
Trustee
TONY BUCCELLATO
Trustee
PATTI SALAZ
Trustee
PAGE 2
MARCH - APRIL 2011
LIZ JACKSON continued
NEWS BRIEFS (continued)
After spending years in various positions of leadership at Local 600,
Liz was appointed to the International UAW Staff in August 1966 and
assigned to the National Ford Department. Liz serviced many Ford
Local Unions throughout the Country and was the first woman to
be involved in National negotiations in the Ford Department of the
UAW in 1967. Liz retired in 1983 and remains a union activist. She is
still fighting for the rights of workers today as she did earlier helping to
open the doors for not only African American women, but all women
and all workers by standing strong in the fight for social justice.
The leadership and the membership of Local 600 salute one of our
pioneers of the labor movement in celebrating our own history during
Black History month.
UAW LOCAL 600 FACTS
a Female Actor in a Leading Role for
the ballet drama, “Black Swan,” and
Melissa Leo won the Outstanding
Performance by a Female Actor in a
Supporting Role for her role as Alice
Ward in “The Fighter.”
Bernie Ricke & Liz Jackson
Inspiration for “Rosie the
Riveter” Dies
In addition, the employees’ actions have caused the quality department
to recommend changing the DCP method of mastering similar gauges
throughout the company.
we find those things, we have to adjust our DCP, or change the recipe.”
Farr and Thomas were shy about the recognition they received,
believing they were just doing their jobs.
“To me, this is very encouraging and in the Continuous Improvement
mindset,” said Mike Felix, manager, DEFTP. “We have our DCP, or
our ‘cookbook,’ and our assumption is that if you follow this cookbook, you will make a quality part. But there are things that come up
that are outside of this that we need to constantly be aware of. When
“This is a proud moment,” beamed Dave Brendtke, UAW
representative, Quality. “It makes me feel good. We are setting a
standard for Ford, building on little things you wouldn’t think of …
That’s what is driving us forward and encouraging people to buy our
cars – being No. 1 in quality.”
The 17-year-old Michigan factory
worker who was the inspiration for
the iconic World War II Rosie the
Riveter “We Can Do It” poster died
Dec. 26 in Lansing, Mich. Geraldine
Doyle was 86.
DEFTP EMPLOYEES continued
ASBESTOS CLAIMS continued
aggressively been working on committees to protect the interests of
asbestos-exposed workers.
These diagnosed individuals now have legal rights against the
manufacturers of the asbestos products.
After over ten years of extensive and heated litigation, Pittsburg
Corning, a company which made asbestos insulation called Unibestos,
which was used at Rouge Steel, is close to resolution of its bankruptcy.
The Bankruptcy Court recently approved the plan for the establishment of an asbestos Trust, and is currently attempting to resolve
differences with several insurance companies, and a co-defendant, so
that the Trust can be opened in the coming months.
If an active or retired member of UAW Local 600 was exposed prior
to 1975 even for a brief period and has been diagnosed with Lung
Cancer or Mesothelioma, even if they smoked, asbestos may also be a
significant cause and substantial monetary compensation can often
be obtained.
You should also be aware that W.R. Grace manufactured a fireproofing spray which was used throughout the construction industry. This
bankruptcy has also been extensively litigated. The Bankruptcy Plan
has been submitted to the Court for approval, and we are awaiting an
opinion from the judge.
Similarly, North American Refractories was one of the major refractory companies which serviced the steel industry and related industries.
The North American Refractories Bankruptcy Plan is presently before
a Federal Court of Appeals. We expect a decision within three to six
months and, if the decision is favorable, we hope that the Trust will
open its doors shortly thereafter and allow claims to be processed for
and on behalf of our members.
Hercules is a small company which made asbestos cement that was
used to repair industrial furnaces, and we are currently working to
finalize plans to open the Hercules Trust.
In the 1940’s, 1950’s, 1960’s and 1970’s, asbestos fibers were placed
into many products used by Ford Rouge workers. The exposed workers
did not know that the asbestos was dangerous. Normally, it takes 20
to 40 years from asbestos exposure until disease develops. Many years
later, these working people may now be diagnosed with Asbestosis,
Lung Cancer, or Mesothelioma caused by earlier asbestos exposures.
Goldberg, Persky & White, in cooperation with the Law Office of
Andary, Andary, Davis & Andary, has and continues to lead in
representing UAW Local 600 workers exposed to asbestos. It is worth
noting that many of our members, who developed Lung Cancer,
or Mesothelioma, are never made aware of the direct relationship
between asbestos and their disease. It was with this in mind that we
began our cooperation effort with the lawyers at GPW who have
knowledge of the medical literature on these subjects and can assist
our Local 600 active and retiree members in securing their rights.
Also, because we have entered into an extensive cooperative effort with
the lead counsel as it relates to these matters is the very capable and
talented Mr. Lane Clack. He can be reached at 1-800-799-2234. Make
sure you indicate to Mr. Clack that you are from Local 600, that you’re
responding to this article and you will be given immediate attention.
Also, look forward to, in the near future, an informational letter and
alert that will be coming in your direction.
Finally, as you can see from my report set forth above, there is a
significant amount of positive activity on the bankruptcy front. We
encourage active and retired members of UAW Local 600 with Lung
Cancer, Mesothelioma or Asbestosis to contact our office, specifically
either Raymond J. Andary or James R. Andary, at 1-586-463-9883, for
a free consultation to determine if you have a claim against any of these
new Trusts.
- James RAndary & Raymond J. Andary
Low Cost Income Tax Service: Available To All Members and Retirees
UAW Local 600 is pleased to announce that we have again retained Zoia & Associates to sponsor the 2010 Income Tax Preparation Service from
February through April 2011. This is the 60th year that the Local has offered this service to its members. This year all returns will be prepared by a tax specialist
through our DROP OFF SERVICE. Once you drop off all your information and complete a short questionnaire, your return will be prepared and available for pick-up
in 1 week. If you would like to have your return prepared the same day, you may contact the offices of Zoia & Associates, Inc. to set-up an individual
appointment at (313) 640-8518 (additional fee applies). Their offices are located in Grosse Pointe. Please call to make an appointment, the staff will not be
able to prepare your returns if you just show up at their office.
DROP-OFF & PICK-UP OFFICE HOURS, Local 600 (office number at the local is 313-842-5350, ext 255)
February 7 - April 14
Monday & Tuesday: 9am – 4pm | Wednesday & Thursday: 9am – 3pm
Important Tax Considerations for this Service: If you qualify for UAW-Ford Legal Service plan, a W-2 was issued to you. Since no social security
tax is deducted, ALL RETIREES MUST FILE A 2010 TAX RETURN, regardless of income level. Please bring the following with when you drop off your tax information:
All Tax Data relative to preparing your return | W-2s, 1099-Rs, Interest and Dividend statements | Social Security numbers & date of birth of all dependents
Property Tax Statement if claiming a property tax credit | Copy of your 2009 return if it was done elsewhere
Local 600 2010 Basic Tax Preperaion Fees: $75: UAW Members | $60: Retirees | $50: Students of Members or Retirees
Basic 1040 Prep Include: Form 1040 or 1040A | Schedule A | Schedule B (up to 5 entries) | Michigan 1040 | MI-1040CR-Property Tax Credit | City of Detroit Return
Additional Fees (Federal): Schedule B: Charges for each entry over 5 – $3 | Schedule C: Per Business – $30 | Schedule D: Up to 5 entries – $30
Schedule D: Charge for each entry over 5 – $3 | Schedule E: Per Property – $30 | Schedule EIC: Earned Income Credit – $ 25
W-2s, 1099Rs: any combination (charge for each over 5) – $3 | Any Federal Form not listed – $ 25
Additional Fees (State & City): Any additional Michigan Form not listed above – $25 | Extra City of Detroit Schedules – $20
Charge per ¼ of an hour – $25 (when large amount of time is spent organizing client’s paperwork) | Additional charges for individual tax appointment – $10
Doyle was on the job in a metal
factory just a few weeks after graduating from high school in 1942 when a
United Press International (UPI) news
service photographer shot a picture
of her leaning over a piece of machinery while wearing a red and white
polka-dot bandanna over her hair.
Westinghouse commissioned artist
J. Howard Miller to produce several
morale-boosting posters for display
inside its buildings. The project was
funded by the government as a way to
motivate workers and perhaps recruit
new ones for the war effort. Smitten
with the UPI photo, Miller reportedly
was said to have decided to base one
of his posters on the anonymous,
slender metal worker—Doyle.
“Rosie the Riveter” came to symbolize
the millions of women who entered
the World War II workforce and who
were especially instrumental in the
war industries—shipyards, munitions
plants and airplane factories—that
had been strictly male dominated.
With millions of men in the armed
services, women took over these
vital jobs.
Hidden Hazards of
Retail Work
Warning: retail jobs are not as safe
as you think.
A comprehensive study of injuries and
illnesses among wholesale and retail
trades workers has found a surprising,
disproportionately high number of
problems, according to a recent National Institute for Occupational Safety
and Health study.
Daily retail tasks like lifting,
managing storerooms, stocking
shelves and unloading trucks all
contribute to musculoskeletal disorders like sprains, strains, back pain,
soreness and carpal tunnel syndrome,
according to the report.
Retail workers themselves often don’t
perceive their jobs as dangerous.
And, because many retail jobs are
part-time, hourly wage positions,
retail workers may also be less
inclined to report an injury out of fear
of losing their jobs. This problem is
worsened when layoffs force remaining employees to work longer hours
and take on more responsibility.
~ UCS News Service
UAW LOCAL 600 FACTS
MIDWESTERN DENTAL /
MIDWESTERN VISION
Attention Members of Local 600/ active and
retirees, including our brothers and sisters
at Severstal.
Don’t be confused as to where we are! We are still at
5050 Schaefer Road!!
Midwestern Dental and Midwestern Vision have not
changed locations. We are remaining at 5050 Schaefer
road on the second floor, where we have been since
1981 and waiting to serve you and your family as we
have for the last thirty years.
Both the dental and vision centers have been UAW
organized since they opened their doors. The
employees of both Midwestern Vision and
Midwestern Dental are your fellow sisters and
brothers; Midwestern Dental is one of only two dental
carriers that are part of the health care unit of Local
600. By taking advantage of these convenient
healthcare providers at the Dearborn location, you
and our family are not only receiving excellent dental
benefits, you also have access to excellent eye care
and affordable glasses. The UAW can only grow
stronger if we support each other. You can help by
using your healthcare benefits at a union facility. The
last couple years have been very difficult for all of us.
Support your UAW health carriers.
MIDWESTERN VISION
Midwestern vision is affiliated with four of the finest
ophthalmologists in Michigan to address any medical
concerns you may have. Midwestern Vision has been
servicing Ford and Severstal members with our
regular glasses and our safety glasses. If you are a new
hire or a transfer without vision benefits we can tailor
a plan to fit your individual needs. For those of you
who have SVS Vision we are still a provider. Please give
us a call at 313-582-8080.
MIDWESTERN DENTAL
Midwestern Dental offers Ford Motor Company and
Severstal employees a plan with virtually 100% coverage, including braces up to age 19. We also offer you
all dental services at the 5050 Schaefer Road location.
If you have no benefits because you are not eligible
or you lost your benefits, call and ask about our smile
savers program for only $70 for one year. You will
receive free cleanings, x-rays and examinations, twice
per year. All other dental services are performed up to
a 30% discount off the regular prices.
For more information call Midwestern Dental Plans
and Midwestern vision.
Our customer services hours are:
Monday through Friday 8am - 5pm
Dental: 800-544-6374 | Vision: 313-582-8080
ANNUAL
LOCAL 600 PICNIC
JULY 31, 2011
Please plan now to bring
your family and join us
for Fun and Food.
New Location
Lower Huron Metro Park
Located near I-94 and Haggerty Rd.
In Belleville, MI
TIME
12 Noon until 5pm
MARCH - APRIL 2011
PAGE 3
LOCAL 600 RETIREE CHAPTER
Rudy Nelson, President
RETIRED WORKERS ADVISORY COUNCIL /
CAP CONFERENCE MEETING
I am a member of the International UAW Retired Workers Advisory Council (RWAC), and our first meeting of this year was
held in Washington DC, on January 16th and 17th. The meeting was in conjunction with the 2011 National CAP
Conference that started on January 18th through the 20th. Our own Bob King, the former President of Local 600, the former
director of Region 1A, the former Vice President in charge of UAW Ford, and now President of the International UAW
chaired the CAP Conference meeting. Prior to the starting of the CAP meeting he addressed the RWAC meeting on the 16th,
and extended his greetings on behalf of the UAW International Board. He thanked the men and women of the RWAC for
their dedication to the union movement, and stated that our value to this union is immeasurable. In his speech to us he made a
passionate plea for our memberships, that the UAW needs their support more than ever as they embark on a new campaign
to win social and economic justice for our members, working families across this great country, and for our friends in the
International Trade Union movement around the globe.
He said that soon after the 112th Congress convened this year, Social Security, Medicare, and many other federally funded
stop-gap programs will be under attack. The new health care reform law has already been declared a target for the incoming
GOP. Any reductions or changes to Social Security, Medicare, or repeal of the health care reform law will reduce the ability of
our retirees to make ends meet on pensions and union-negotiated retiree health care benefits.
To all Local 600 retirees, spouses, and surviving spouses we need you on the front line fighting to sustain these programs. We
need you to tell your stories and put a human face on how any diminished benefits will affect you and your family. We need
you to write and call your members of Congress to ask them to support the benefits that support America’s families (to contact
members of congress 1-202-224-3121). We must galvanize our membership and our communities by standing side by side to fight
for causes that not only suit our interest, but also bring justice to all workers. At our next retirees meeting, on March 27th at
10am, we have invited Region 1A Director Rory Gamble, to speak with us on matters of this concern.
The UAW is proud of the important roll the retirees play in our union. Our unions, retirees, and surviving spouses belong to
the Local Union Retired Workers Chapters, as well as Area Retired Workers Council. It is this structure that enables our
retirees to have a strong voice-not only in our union, but also in the communities and states where we live. As trade
unionists, all of us-active and retired have a responsibility to be politically active and work to elect politicians who will ensure
that America meets the needs of all generations: a strong educational system for our young people, good-paying jobs for
workers, and a secure dignified retirement for seniors.
DIABETES EDUCATION CLASSES
The UAW Retiree Medical Benefits Trust is pleased to announce that diabetes education classes are now a covered benefit for
Trust Members.
Diabetes education classes are taught by Certified Diabetes Educators and approved by the American Diabetes Association.
They are designed to cover all aspects of managing diabetes. Beyond the medication and monitoring of blood sugar, you will
learn practical steps you can take to manage diabetes as well as nutritional and meal planning tips for healthy living. Getting
started is easy. Simply ask your doctor to refer you to an American Diabetes Association approved diabetes education class in
your area.
We hope you will take advantage of this new benefit designed to provide you with the knowledge and tools needed to manage
your diabetes.
JOIN OUR LOCAL 600 RETIRED WORKERS CHAPTER!
In order to help keep our union strong, we need you to join our Retirees Chapter and fight with us to stop Gov. Rick Snyder’s
proposed attack on our pensions! Our good UAW negotiated pensions and other retirement income, such as IRAs, would no
longer be exempt from the state’s 4.35 % income tax. To sign-up and join, please call our retirees office at 313 842-3147 for
more information.
SEVERSTAL UNIT
Tom Lareau, President
UNITED STATES INCREASING STEEL EXPORTS
For many years we have been hearing a lot of bad news about imports of all kinds flooding the shores of our nation, eroding
our manufacturing base, and stealing the good paying jobs that are typically found in the manufacturing sector. Well it appears
that the import tide may be shifting in favor of steel producers in the United States. Spurred on in part by President Obama’s
new policy to increase the export of manufactured goods, U.S. steel mills are shipping more steel to countries around the
world. In 2010 steel mills in the United States shipped 12 million tons of steel to other countries including Canada and
Mexico. Predictions are that steel exports could increase to 15 million tons in 2011 and to 18 million tons by 2012. All
indications are that the importing countries are very satisfied with the high-value/high-quality steel products they are buying
from the United States mills. U.S. mills have become much more cost competitive in the past few years with old outdated mills
being idled and new more efficient mills replacing that capacity. Couple the higher than expected volume in steel exports with
the sudden improvement in domestic demand, if all of this is sustainable, the next few years could be very promising for the
steel industry.
CONTRACT DEMAND SURVEYS
Our current collective bargaining agreement expires March 31, 2012. At the February, 24, 2011 Union meetings Contract
Demand Surveys were distributed to the membership. If you have not received a survey form and would like to turn one in,
contact the committeeroom at 313-317-1213 or 313-317-1214. We will make sure you get the form. The sooner the forms are
turned in, the quicker we can begin compiling your demands for the next collective bargaining agreement.
CONDOLENCES
On behalf of the entire Steel Unit Committee I would like to extend condolences to all of our members and retirees who have
recently lost families members and loved ones. Our deepest condolences are extended to the Perez family on the untimely
passing of Lisa Perez. Lisa is the wife of Ignacio ( JR) Perez, mother of Marisa Perez and sister of Bill Sutherland. May her soul
and the souls of all those who have gone before her rest in peace.
PAGE 4
MARCH - APRIL 2011
TOOL & DIE
UNIT
UAW LOCAL 600 FACTS
DEARBORN TRUCK UNIT
Nick Kottalis, President
Mark DePaoli,
President
BUY AMERICAN
As much as we preach to people that they need to buy
American vehicles, we sometimes forget that we also need
to support other American industries. Too many times we
use the excuse that we just can’t find certain items that are
made in America. In some cases that’s true and in others it
just takes a little more effort on our part to find them.
As Skilled Trade workers, we purchase a lot of tools, and
some of us probably don’t even bother to look at the label.
There are still several tools made in America. If we just take
the time and a little effort to look for them, we could be
saving American jobs. American made clothing is another
product that is hard to find, but it does exist. Unfortunately
you’re probably not going to find it at your local shopping
mall, but if you do a little research, you will find plenty of
choices.
The Internet can be a valuable tool when searching for
American made products. Websites such as Americanmade.
com and Unionlabel.com offer several products that are not
only made in America, but several of them are Union made.
Just think where we would be today as working families,
if everyone in America chose to only purchase American
made products. Please remember… BUY AMERICAN,
THE JOB YOU SAVE COULD BE YOUR OWN!
PLANT BUSINESS
Just as the Company returns to profitability and production
starts increasing, they begin to reduce Skilled Trade
workers. We are currently facing reductions at the Truck
Plant, Engine Plant, and DDMP (Frame Plant). The DDMP
reductions are the only ones that are justified, as they are
going to lose both the frame and C-pillar lines. The Truck
and Engine Plant reductions are clearly an easy way out for
Management to meet their efficiency goals. Instead of
managing their business better to gain efficiencies, they
will simply cut Skilled Trades to meet their cost tasks for
the year. This will show short-term gains, but if there are
not enough Trades to properly maintain the equipment,
production will ultimately suffer in the long run.
EVENTS
The Annual Tool & Die Unit picnic will be held on Sunday,
June 12th, at Warrendale Park. All active Tool & Die Unit
members, retirees, and families are welcome. Please come
out and enjoy the day with the Committee, as there will be
plenty of food and activities for kids and adults alike.
We will host the 3rd annual Tool & Die Golf Outing, on
Saturday, July 30th. Acceptances will be on a first-comefirst-serve basis, so please book your spot as soon as possible.
Keep in mind that a large portion of the proceeds go to
several local charities, along with care packages that we send
overseas to our Troops in harm’s way. I look forward to seeing all of you at these great events!!!
CONDOLENCE
The Tool & Die Unit would like to extend our deepest
sympathies to those who have lost loved ones. We would
also like to wish a speedy recovery to our members that our
out on medical leave, and to any of our retirees that have
fallen ill.
LOCAL 600
GENERAL ELECTION
The Local 600 Election Committee would
like to remind all members of
Local 600, active and retired, that the
General Election will be held on
April 28 & 29, 2011
4am – 6pm
Please don’t forget to exercise your right to vote
for the candidate of your choice.
- Kenny Grigsby and Al Holmes
FORD COUNCIL UPDATE
(Kansas City, week of Feb 21-25) and other info
Gary, Ray & I attended Ford Council in Kansas City. The theme was not only an update on ALL of the plant issues
throughout the country but also resolutions, Equity of Sacrifice grievance, benefits, jackets, profit sharing, environment,
manpower, social unionism, Wisconsin issue, ESSP, VCAP, shutdown, skilled trades, and Livonia.
The most important subject (that we got from the Council) was that we the UAW must get out there and educate! We need to
spread the word about not only where we’ve been, or what we’ve done, but also where we’re going as a UAW. We all know what
the anti-union senators (Corker & Shelby) have said about us in the past. Now we’re getting Governors (Wisconsin’s Walker and
Ohio/New Jersey are following his lead) trying to take away the collective bargaining rights from firefighters, teachers, and nurses
just to name a few! It’s going to take a major effort to fight these struggles against the middle class throughout America. I hope
that ALL of us are prepared for this fight! I will keep you updated as to when we will launch this campaign.
We read through many resolutions at Sub-1 (Locals 600, 245, & 931). I also went to Sub-2 (Locals 2000, 862, 551, 900, 3000, & 862
just to name a few) and listened to theirs. Some of the resolutions (too many to list) read were some of what we had already put in.
Our National negotiators will be prepared at the table when the time comes.
The Equity of Sacrifice grievance is very much alive! The key dates for the grievance are March 18th (for procedural information)
and April 1st (if any future dates are needed). Whatever transpires from this grievance I will immediately notify this membership.
The Benefit department did an extensive report on some (15,000 that did not sign-up) of our retirees that were not receiving a
stipend of $76.20 per month. Our new VP of National Ford Department ( Jimmy Settles) met with the Company and secured a
payment of $1,400 on 3/15/11, to catch them up. That was HUGE to say the least!
I made a mistake saying that Mullaly bought us the 1st jacket that we will be receiving. That credit should’ve gone to our new
VP Jimmy Settles. When he went to the Company and told them that we are doing great quality world wide we should have
some jackets! The Company said, “No!” The long and short of it is Jimmy convinced them and that was the key to the first
jacket we’re going to receive. The money will come out of joint funds.
We will be asking the entire UAW to assist us in numerous issues such as volunteering, educating, and activism. This will
promote the UAW as a whole and something that the American public does not know about us. Furthermore, we’ll be putting
on 3 commercials that will promote the UAW. One of our own employees (Cindy Garcia dr line B-crew) will be in them.
Our ESSP program put on a 3-day training seminar (Equality & Diversity) this past December. Approx 90 facilitators were
educated on delivery skills & techniques.
VCAP’s mission has always been to have our goals met in the political arena. We have an enormous amount of work to do in
order to regain our strength in this country and VCAP is a direct part of that.
The Company wants the 2nd vac shutdown week for us (August 8th) as a work week. But there are a few others that have said
with the turmoil in the Middle East (gas prices/$3.39 as of this writing) it could affect that 2nd vac shutdown week. I asked many
questions surrounding that week. Contractually the Company has until April 1st to let us know.
Our skilled trade’s numbers have not got any better. I reported out last year when we got back from DC there were approx 284
trades back to production. We were notified this past month that there are approx 8,390 skilled trades working, 45 are on ILO,
30 apprentices, 447 worked at ACH facilities, and 330 back in production. I have spoke to NFD and asked them for a Rouge
site wide skilled trades back to production meeting and we all agreed after the Bargaining Convention. The week we are
looking at is March 28th and it will be held at Local 600. Also, any former trades back to production employees (here at the
Rouge) please contact Carolyn Fryer to update your records with her, [email protected] or call her at 313-390-3798.
The Livonia RTBUs have again suffered with the Company’s on & off again situation there! It’s been canceled permanently.
Folks, please keep your addresses updated! This is very important for a number of reasons such as; OT, 5-day quits, and
educational buyouts etc.
DEARBORN STAMPING PLANT
& TRUCK BODY
Anthony Burgess, President
WORKING HARD TO PROTECT OUR FUTURE
The Dearborn Stamping plant has received the President award for best quality of any stamping plant in the global market.
I would like to thank all the men and women of the UAW/FORD that help in our continued success. I would also like to
congratulate all the men and women of the Dearborn Truck Body Shop on the President award for best in quality. Our efforts
have helped the UAW/FORD return to profitability. Thank you on behalf of Anthony Burgess and committee.
COLLECTIVE BARGAINING RIGHTS
The Governor of Wisconsin has made an attempt to do away with the Collective Bargaining rights for State workers. We
should all be outraged. The wages bargained not only protect the bargained wages they bring up the wages for our country. The UAW workers will wear red in support of these workers. The dates and times will be posted throughout the plants to keep
the members involved.
ELECTIONS
The month of April is here. We will hold elections at Local 600 on April 28/29/2011 for all officers. I would ask that all members active and retired come out and exercise their right to vote.
POSTINGS
The DSP/Truck Body will have bump postings out for sign-up in the month of March, anyone who wishes to sign-up should
do so at this time. Members will move to their new shift in April.
THANK YOU
I, would like to thank all the members that have supported charities over the years by donating their time and efforts.
CONDOLENCES
Matt Hardy, DSP Health Safety Rep lost his Brother; Wallace Ray Smith DSP Retiree passed; Larry Stewart, DSP lost his
Mother; Curtis Johnson, Body lost his Mother; Herb Willis, DSP lost his Dad; Dennis Edmond, DSP lost his Grandmother;
Willie ( Jay) &Walt Campbell, lost Mother.
UAW LOCAL 600 FACTS
MARCH - APRIL 2011
MAINTENANCE, CONSTRUCTION &
TRANSPORTATION UNIT
Tom Budnick, President
COLLECTIVE BARGAINING “RIGHTS”
Controversy about Unions has been brought to the forefront in the media again. The Wisconsin news about taking collective
bargaining rights away from government employees and numerous states that are trying to pass “Right to Work” legislation has
caused uproar with working people throughout the nation.
Budgets have to be made for business and government continuously. Companies need to be profitable, while governments need
to function. The people who go to work every day and retirees, are targeted each and every time a change has to be made.
Unions stand in the way of abuse. There are times that concessions are made and there are times when enhancements are
possible. When profits don’t exist in the business world a slash and gash mentality comes out unmercifully. Unions keep it
realistic and the impact to the worker is guarded. Profits aren’t needed for governments that need to operate. But, money (taxes)
is needed. Where will this money come from? Who is going to pay? Nobody wants to pay. So who decides? Politicians do.
One of the most passionate subjects today in politics is about money. All issues seem to end up in a discussion about the
bottom line. How much is it and how is it going to be paid. This seems to be a very reasonable point to get to in any discussion.
But now the controversy begins. Who pays? Politicians have to decide. What could motivate a politician’s decision? More than
likely they’re motivated by the votes from their constituency. To get votes politicians need to run a campaign. This in turn costs
money, contributions are asked for and made. The majority of contributions to a democrat representative are believed to be
made by individuals and organizations that promote individual rights, such as Unions. The majority of contributions to a
republican are believed to be made by corporations and organizations that are financed by millionaires and billionaires that
have controlling interest in corporations. Therefore, it could be considered obvious that democrats want corporations,
millionaires, and billionaires to pay while republicans want individuals to pay. All politicians say they want to be fiscally
responsible. Republicans don’t want to raise taxes and want to slash and gash the budget aiming at what they think are easy
prey, the workers and retirees. Democrats don’t want to make things hard monetarily for workers and retirees so they try to
guard them from unrealistic cuts.
The Wisconsin Governor and the majority of its legislators are republican. The budget problems there are the same in most
other states. The controversy in Wisconsin isn’t about workers taking cuts. The controversy is about not allowing the Union to
negotiate what are the appropriate cuts and to legitimize the perceived necessity to actually cut wages and health benefits.
Republicans in several states, including Michigan, are trying to pass “Right to Work” legislation. Republicans aren’t hard to
figure out. They all do the same thing. They have no individualized style or concept. If you want a real answer from a republican
representative you shouldn’t ask “What are you planning to do while elected?” What you should ask is “What are you being
TOLD to do while elected?” You will find this to be the proper question for any republican representative.
Of course this is my opinion. But I’m so sick of what the republicans have done to our country and what they are doing to our
country. President Obama has done a miraculous job trying to turn around the devastation the republicans did during the eight
years of the George Bush presidency. We can see the positive improvements economically. But, social justice is being attacked
and this is a conflict we all need to get involved with. We all need to stay informed and engage ourselves in conversation about
labor rights unionized or not. Let the uninformed become empowered with facts you tell them. Make sure you stay informed
regularly. One way is to sign up with the UAW website www.gimmefiveuaw.org.
Martin Luther King, Jr. speaking on right-to-work laws in 1961 said “In our glorious fight for civil rights, we must guard
against being fooled by false slogans, as ‘right-to-work.’ It provides no ‘rights’ and no ‘works.’ Its purpose is to destroy labor
unions and the freedom of collective bargaining... We demand this fraud be stopped.”
“For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves
through with many sorrows.” (1 Timothy 6:10) KJV (The King James Bible)
ACTIVITIES
The Maintenance, Construction and Transportation Services Unit Retirement Party will be April 27th. We’ll have our 3rd
annual Bowling Outing March 26th. Look for flyers, e-mail for the exact date for this event. Some events don’t make the UAW
Facts so please call the committee room at 313-594-7874 to add your e-mail to our contact list.
CONDOLENCES
Mother of Lynn Robertson (Welder, Dept 8061); Grandmother of Larry Hall (Millwright Truck/Final); Mother of Kenny
Klancnik (Millwright DEFTP); Robert Weems Jr. Retired Electrician (Rouge Power Construction); Son of Dave Smith Retired
WFR (DSP); and my wife’s Grandmother.
DEARBORN ENGINE & FUEL TANK PLANT
David Freeman, President
PAGE 5
LOCAL 600 VETERANS
GROUP
Bill Bisbing, Chairman
A SOLDIER FIGHTS A NEW
WAR, AGAINST FORECLOSURE
Imagine being an active service member and enduring battle
abroad. Many of you have served in the military and know
the difficulties of daily life of those that dedicate themselves
to defending our nation.
Imagine your wife calling you with your youngest child
crying in the background and his sister throwing a tantrum
in the other room. Your wife in tears because she’s gotten a
foreclosure notice.
You’re doing the best you can to hold it all together from
so far away, but you were just talking with your buddy
about the Service members Civil Relief Act (SCRA). How
legally, even in states that don’t require it, only a judge can
authorize a foreclosure and only after hearing where you’re
represented. The law also caps a protected service member’s
mortgage rate at 6 percent.
Nonetheless, while Sgt. James B. Hurley was away at war,
he lost a heartbreaking battle at home. In violation of a law
intended to protect active military personnel from
creditors, agents of Deutsche Bank foreclosed on his home
just outside Hartford, Michigan. Less than two months
before his return from the war (in 2004), the bank’s agents
sold the property to a buyer in Chicago for $76,000.
When Sergeant Hurley sued in May 2007, the defendants
initially argued that he was not allowed to file a private lawsuit to enforce his rights under the Civil Relief Act. Federal
District Judge Gordon J. Quist agreed and threw the case
out in the fall of 2008.
That drew a fierce reaction from Col. John S. Odom, Jr., a
retired Air Force lawyer in Shreveport, La., who is working
with Sergeant Hurley’s local lawyer, Matthew R. Cooper, of
Paw Paw, Mich. In December 2008, Col. Odom appealed
the ruling.
In March 2009, Judge Quist reversed himself, reinstated
the Hurley case, ruled that the foreclosure had violated the
Civil Relief Act and found that punitive damages would be
permitted, if warranted.
When the trial on damages begins in early March, Sergeant
Hurley will have been fighting for almost four years over the
illegal foreclosure. A fight he could not have waged without
a legal team that will probably only be paid if the court
orders the defendants to cover the legal bills.
Regardless of the trial outcome, Sergeant Hurley’s dream
home is likely to remain as far beyond his reach as it was
when he was in Iraq. Its new owner has refused to entertain
any offers for it and recently bought an adjoining lot.
Sergeant Hurley said he still loved the wooded refuge he
drives past almost every day. “I was hoping I could get
the property back,” he said. “But they tell me there’s just
no way.”
We have received several more calls than usual on filing for
VA Benefits. Please contact the Veteran’s Group for assistance in filing or increasing your claim at 594-7874 or 5. UAW LOCAL 600 FACTS
KANSAS CITY SUB COUNCIL
The week of February 27, 2011, the union leadership met in Kansas City. Vice President, Jimmie Settles’ agenda of fighting
for economic equality and social justice is what we need now as union activists. The American middle class is under attack by
Republicans and Tea Party members. It is time for us to stand strong, united, and defend against their union busting tactics.
PLANT INFORMATION
The first quarter of 2011 is very slow, due to production at the Michigan Assembly Plant (MAP). By the second quarter the
volume requirements blow through the roof, and our management team had better be prepared to handle this responsibility.
The shift bump is around the corner, we expect a lot of churning in the assembly and machining areas, so be prepared.
I would like to take time to recognize all the brothers and sisters who are, and have been, team leaders. It takes a special person
to manage the business the way you guys do.
COMPANY INFORMATION
Ford Motor Company is expecting to have another good year in sales. Let’s remind them not to forget the things that got
them out of trouble? The hourly people who sacrificed contractual gains to keep them out of bankruptcy. One Ford.
RETIREES LUNCHEON
I would like to say thanks to all the retirees who participated in the Fire Mountain Luncheon. Special Thanks to Hazel Fuller.
CONDOLENCES
The DEFTP unit would like to extend our deepest sympathy to those who have lost loved ones. We would like to wish a
speedy recovery to all of our members who are out on medicals.
1098-4445 | USPS - 204300
PERIODICAL POSTAGE PAID AT DEARBORN, MI 48121
Published Quarterlyby Dearborn Lithograph, Inc. All workers and their families are
invited to send in short letters or articles for the Union paper on the
Local 600 program and other constructive topics.
PUBLICATION OFFICE:
10550 Dix Avenue • Dearborn, MI 48120• (313) 842-5350
FAX (313) 842-6149 • www.Local600UAW.org
MARVIN ZEIGLER, EDITOR: Direct Line (313) 842-2974
TOLL-FREE NUMBER (out-of-state calls): 1-800-442-5350
The following list provides names, responsibilities & phone numbers of Local staff
President, Bernie Ricke: 842-3324
1st Vice President, Marvin Shine: 842-2713 2nd Vice President, A. J. Freer: 429-5009
Recording Sec, Al Murlone: 842-2714 Financial Sec, Dave Russell: 842-6133
Adm. Assistant, Dave Reddy: 842-2976 Benefits, Stan King: 842-5648
Staff, Willie Barry: 842-3084 I.P.S., Reggie Osborn: 842-3083
Benefits, Rico Moore: 842-3087 Health Care, Naomi Harris: 842-3086
RETIREE CHAPTER
President, Rudy Nelson: 842-3147
1st VP, Curtis Jones: 842-3148 2nd VP, CF “Peaches” Anderson: 842-3148
Financial Secretary, Marshall Davis: 842-3149
Recording Secretary, Elijah “Smiley” Buxton: 842-3149
Mattie Solomon: 313-842-3149
FAX NUMBERS
Benifits Fax: 313-842-3373 Retirees’ Chapter Fax: 313-842-3372
POSTMASTER:
Send only mailing label of undeliverablecopies with Form 3579 attached to:
UAW LOCAL 600 • 10550 DIX AVE., DEARBORN, MI 48120
(313) 842-5350 EXT. 201
TOLL FREE NUMBER 1-800-442-5350
(OUTSIDE TRI-COUNTY AREA)
PAGE 6
MARCH - APRIL 2011
MILAN PLANT
Bill Ellis, President
NEGOTIATIONS CONTINUE
In our last Union Meeting we committed to sharing information regarding the future of the Milan Plant when it
became available. Negotiations between the UAW and Inergy Automotive Systems is expected to reconvene at the beginning
of March. The international, Region, and Unit UAW Negotiators are prepared and ready to go!
The three undisclosed critical areas of the commercial agreement between Ford Motor Company and Inergy has been tentatively agreed upon. However, there are still loose ends that have to be tied between the two. Most importantly the CBA
between the UAW and Inergy has to be completely negotiated and ratified, because it too is part of the commercial agreement.
PRODUCTION SCHEDULES
As stated in my previous report, Production (still) has been very heavy in our Blow Mold Tank area. As a consequence, overtime for our members has been in abundance (12 hours 7 days). All voluntary TLO’s have been called back to work to help ease
the burden of the heavy workload.
BENEFIT INFORMATION
Mutual of Omaha optional hourly life insurance will mail Ford hourly members a postcard of the open enrollment period to
start or increase this insurance. Rate charts, enrollment/change forms, and information booklets are available in the Benefits
Office. Please contact Mutual of Omaha (800-742-8215) when your dependents are no longer eligible for coverage under
the plan.
ACH members were able to start their contributions to a 401k plan on January 1st. This is a great way to save for retirement
and ACH does provide a percentage of matching contributions. Please logon to www.401k.com or call Fidelity at
877-310-7662 to get started.
MILAN ESSP NEWS
The ESSP office is here to assist you in a confidential manner with alcohol dependency, loss of loved ones, anger management,
financial counseling, living wills and trust, workplace bullying, emotional distress and other
personal issues. Stop by or call me at 734-481-9401.
QUALITY
Several quality alerts are in effect until 3/31/11, please pay attention to these alerts making sure you understand the
instructions before signing off. The Q1 flag could be back no earlier than May of this year, if we don’t have more stop
shipments. Training continues this week for some operators.
SAFETY
The committee would like to extend a special thank you to the membership for their patience during the decommissioning
work. The membership went out of their way to make sure it did not compromise anyone’s safety, or the daily operation of
the plant.
The membership has also been very diligent on reporting safety issues needing attention. The committee is working to improve
any and all safety issues.
Safety is everyone’s job. Thank you for your support and help throughout the year.
RETIREES
As stated in the last report. For the members who have taken the bridge and did not receive your 30-year certificate as well as
your gift, we still have not received an acceptable answer. We are still fighting and will not quit. Please contact Noel Thompson
at 734.481.9401 for further questions. Thank you!
FORD MEDICAL SERVICES UNIT
Michael Osborne, President
FEBRUARY WAS BLACK HISTORY MONTH
In recognition of Black History month, I want to tell you a little about one of the finest pediatric neurosurgeons I have ever
had the privilege of working with. Her name is Alexa Canady, MD. Prior to joining the Ford Medical Services team, I worked
at Children’s Hospital of Michigan in Detroit for 7 years. As a part of the x-ray department, part of my duties was to provide
x-rays in the operating rooms at Children’s as needed during some of the most interesting and life saving surgical procedures
that were being performed on newborn children.
During my time at Children’s Hospital, I witnessed Dr. Canady delicately caring for her patients with remarkable precision
and skill. To say I was blown away would be an understatement. How a person’s greatness is realized, is in how easy they make
the most difficult tasks appear. Dr. Canady has that type of greatness coursing through her being. A lot of Children in this
world are living testaments to Dr. Canady’s greatness, and so was I.
Dr. Alexa Canady was born in Michigan, a graduate of the University of Michigan School of Medicine. After completing
her surgical residency at Yale University in Connecticut, she became the first African American woman neurosurgery resident
in the United States when she was accepted as a resident at the University of Minnesota in Duluth. Much of her surgical career
was spent at the Children’s Hospital of Michigan where through her efforts the neurosurgery program achieved national
recognition as a top pediatric neurosurgery department in the Country. After only four years at Children’s Hospital, she
became chief of the neurosurgery department at the age of 36. She retired after 18 years having trained all four of the
remaining neurosurgeons.
Her academic career was spent at Wayne State University where she held the position of professor and vice-chairman of the
Department of Neurosurgery. She was a well respected teacher and received the Teacher of the Year award from Children’s
Hospital of Michigan and the Distinguished Service Award from Wayne State University.
Although she had no ambition to be the dean of a medical school, she passed on her knowledge through her hands-on,
“patient-care first” techniques, instilling these qualities in the surgeons she trained and those she worked alongside. This world
is a better place for having Dr. Alexa Canady in it. Thank you Dr. Canady for all you have done and all that you continue to do
for the betterment of everyone you touch.
UAW LOCAL 600 FACTS
PARTS DEPOTS
UNIT
Frank Fabrizio
President
UNIONS AND THEIR
MEMBERS UNDER ATTACK
Michigan Governor Snyder and his republican co-hort
from Wisconsin have decided to undo what has taken years
of good faith collective bargaining and throw it out the
window. Make no mistake about it, their agenda is to strip
every working man and woman in both Michigan and
Wisconsin of the dignity and respect they have earned. The
taxing of pensions (Michigan) and the outlawing of
collective bargaining (Wisconsin) are just the first steps in an
all out assault of all UNION members. Both of these
Governors were elected by the citizens of their respective
states but we failed to warn the voting public about these
wolves in sheep’s’ clothing. Nothing can be done to change
the past elections but the future is now. We must vigorously
defend our futures. Part of this defense is the V-CAP
contribution through pay-roll deduction, so the next time
we come asking for this contribution do not use the” I cannot afford it “ reply. Can you afford not to?
If Snyder has his way he will be asking the legislature that
certain areas of Michigan can declare themselves as right to
work. Right to work, now there is a misnomer, if adopted
this gives no one the right to work, but only gives
management the right to hire/fire, discriminate, ignore
health/safety, pay less than decent living wage and ignore
all of those principles that have been forged over the long
history of Organized Labor.
PLANT UPDATES
At both DHVC and NPDC the inbound has fallen off but
the outbound seems to have leveled off and the overtime
has been reduced. On February 8th myself, Bernie Ricke
(President of Local 600) Dave Russell (Unit servicing rep and
Financial Sec’y from Local 600), Reggie Ransom (Representative
of the UAW International Union) and Darryl Nolen
(International AD of the UAW/Ford Dept) had a meeting
centered on the ICC work that was moved from the
DHVC to the NYHVC. Our position was that this work
properly belongs within the DHVC. We will keep on top of
this issue until this work is returned to DHVC. At WPAC
the Company has notified the Union that they will have at
least a one week vacation shutdown in July.
ELECTIONS
Retirees can vote on April 28th or April 29th at UAW
Local 600 from 4am-6pm. Retirees can also vote on April
29th within the Unit. Unit elections will take place on April
29th. Detroit HVC and National PDC hours are from
6am-12pm and 3-6pm. SEDTC will be voting from
8:30-8:45 am. WPAC will be from 9-9:30am. You can only
vote in one location and you must show proper ID in order
to vote. We look forward to seeing you on Election Day.
CONDOLENCES
To those members who have lost loved ones, the entire
committee expresses their condolences, may God comfort
you in this time of sorrow.
UAW LOCAL 600 PRESENTS
9TH ANNUAL
SPIRIT OF KING
COMMUNITY AWARD DINNER
This years recipients:
General G. Baker Jr. and his wife Marian Kramer
April 19, 2011
5:30pm – Social Hour
6:30 – Dinner & Entertainment
(Business Attire)
UAW Local 600 | 10550 Dix Ave. | Dearborn, MI 48120
TICKETS: $20
AVAILABLE AT UAW LOCAL 600
YOU MUST RSVP BY APRIL 14, 2011
ONLY 500 SEATS AVAILABLE
For tickets RSVP to: Brenda Gamble, (313)-842-2978
Hosted by Local 600 Women’s Committee with Men
UAW LOCAL 600 FACTS
TOP COUNCIL/
HAP
CLERICAL UNIT
Tiffany Coger,
Chairperson
RIGHT- TO- WORK IS WRONG
FOR MICHIGAN
Why right-to-work doesn’t work? Workers in states with
right-to-work laws pay a heavy price in lower wages, poorer
living conditions, and generally lower standards of living.
Did you know that Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida,
Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi,
Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota,
Oklahoma, South Carolina, Virginia and Wyoming are
all right-to-work states? The average annual pay is around
$6,590 less in right-to-work states than the average in free
bargaining states, such as Michigan. In early February there
were several house bills that were introduced to legislation,
HB 4214: gives emergency financial manager’s power to
eliminate collective bargaining agreements. HB 4215: gives
the emergency financial manager power to impose on
collective bargaining agreements. HB 4059: prohibits
paying union officials for conducting union business. If
these bills are passed, it will cripple our union existence.
We are in the fight of our lives against anti-union legislators
in Michigan, it is time to do the right thing. In answering
the UAW’s call; we need everybody, members, retirees,
students, community activists, civil rights advocates, and
political allies to fight along side us. No more sitting on the
side lines. We must protect our rights as workers to organize
unions and collectively bargain for fairness, dignity, and a
democratic voice.
IN CELEBRATION OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Frederick Douglass (1817-1895) “If there is no struggle,
there is no progress. Those who profess to favor freedom yet
deprecate agitation, are men who want crops without
plowing up the ground. They want rain without the thunder
and lightning. They want the ocean without the awful
roar of its many waters. This struggle may be a moral one;
or it may be a physical one; or it may be both mental and
physical; but it must be a struggle. Power concedes nothing
without demand.”
Elizabeth “Liz” Jackson, we honor you, thank you for paving the way and for your lifetime commitment toward the
fight for social and economic justice. Solidarity Forever!
Please support UAW Local 600 TOP units for your health
insurance, medical, dental and optical needs.
Henry Ford Health Services RN Unit:
Annie Sanders, Chairperson
New Directions: Phil Rolack, Chairperson
Macomb ARC: Lloyd Biscorner, Chairperson
Midwestern Vision: Jamie Davidson, Chairperson
Henry Ford Health Svcs SMTC Unit:
Fred Garland, Chairperson
Health Alliance Plan Marketing:
Antonio Ramirez, Chairperson
Health Alliance Plan Labor: Bill Dolan, Chairperson
Medilodge Nursing: Dorothy Payne, Chairperson
Midwestern Dental: Yvette Ogden, Chairperson
Heritage Optical: Naomi Knox, Chairperson
Wayne County JAA: Stephen Malyn, Chairperson
LOCAL 600 CHARITY
GOLF TOURNAMENT
SUNDAY, June 26, 2011
WOODLANDS OF VAN BUREN
GOLF COURSE
39670 ECORSE ROAD
WAYNE, MI 48184
CONTACT
STAN KING: 313-842-5648
VINNY PFURSICH: 313-842-2974
MARCH - APRIL 2011
PAGE 7
DEARBORN DIVERSIFIED
MANUFACTURING
Tony Richard, President
WE ARE UNDER ATTACK
I know everyone has been hearing on the news about Wisconsin trying to break up unions, and trying to take away state
worker’s collective bargain rights. Well, do you think it is going to just stop there? We are seeing what direction the States of
the North are leaning towards, it’s the Southern States’ mentality of union busting. They are trying to push the middle class
down to the poverty level, and keep the poor from trying to grow. We have a fight on our hands, and I do mean we! I’m not
talking about just unions, everyone, needs to understand that collective bargaining causes a trickle down effect. When we
negotiate for wages, benefits, safe work environments, etc., other companies that don’t have a union know that they have to
put things on the table like benefits and wages before they hire in order to compete. Can we take care of our families with
what is put in front of us? We understand that the minimum wage is not a living wage! We understand that we, the tax paying
working class, jump start the economy when we get our income tax, profit sharing, and even our retirees with monthly
pension checks. We are continuously being blamed for companies’ bad investments & governmental mismanagement. That is why V-CAP is so, so, so, important. We had a candidate in Virg Bernero, who was a fighter for the middle class,
working class, and for human rights. However, with the small turn out in the election, we are now faced with a fight on our
hands. We should have been educating our family members, neighbors, and friends on how important this past election was
and how it would affect us all! Now everyone will see the effect of what that election will have on us. The UAW goes through
a rigorous screening process to find the candidates that will be working for us, the hard working American. We support who
we know will put up a fight for unions and everyone’s collective bargaining rights. So when you see the V-CAP cards coming
around for you to sign, please remember how this will help. We will be having a lot of rallies coming up soon to support
Wisconsin workers and also to let this Governor know where we stand! Solidarity! Solidarity! Solidarity! It is easy to say but
it’s time now to do!
FAMILY BUSINESS
I would like to say Congratulations to Mike Thompson, on his new addition to his family, and to Chris Reid for the one that’s
on the way. Keep them coming guys.
RETIRED HONORABLE MENTIONS
To those who worked hard before us, this tribute is to you. Thanks go out to Garland Riley, Gale Laidler, Augusta Samuels,
Sultuna Salavtore, Frankie Guzman, William Thomas, Roger Johnson, Rochelle Ison, Alex (Skip) Brownlee, Aaron Wilson,
Levern Rossell, John Gunter, Curtis Johnson, Raymond Harrington, Ann Hernandez, Mary Currington, Paul Little, Richard
Whitfield, Ken Martin, Steve Tricsli, Micheal Archie, Patricia McDuffie, Oliver Niblett, Tom Suggs, Linda Beard, Leo
Williams, Mark Tolbert, Arthur Dozier, Tyrone Middlebrook, Walter Benton and Bazil Azar, Ali A. Fetteh, Arthur
Copeland, Arthur (Pretty Boy) Weems, Abdel S. Elhaj, Allen Ducan, and Louis (Railroad) Raglin. Your hard work and
efforts paved the road for us to have what we have today. We will never forget you! THANK YOU SO MUCH.
CONDOLENCES
Our prayers go out to Ali Joumaa, who lost his son; Al Jordan, who lost his Mother; Oscar Brown, who lost his sister; Gary
Vanochten (Skilled), who lost his mother in law; Scott Nichols (Skilled), who lost his grandmother; Joe Bush (Skilled), who
lost his grandmother; Darrell Smith, who lost his father-in-law; Joe Kolet (Skilled), who lost his grandfather; Shawn
Arbogast, who lost his mother-in-law; Robert Alvarez, who lost his father; Scott Smithson (Skilled), who lost his grandmother; we also lost one of our retiree’s, Mr. Walter Marshall, our condolences go out to his family; also Karen Jaugar, lost her
mother; Linda Beard, who lost her son. Our prayers are with you and your families.
BROWNSTOWN PRC
Angelo Marotta, President
RETIREES
We are planning to have our forth annual retiree lunch-in at Local 600 at 12pm on March 24, 2011. We had a great turnout
last March and I hope to see more and more retirees show up every year.
ELECTIONS
Elections will be held some time at the end of April for the Brownstown Complex. A special advance thanks for all of the
sisters and brothers who run for any office. It is a pleasure to see sisters and brothers taking the initiative to share their
experience and knowledge to help their co-workers through the hard times the membership is facing. Reminder, you don’t run
against your sisters or brothers, you run for the positions. The membership will vote for the best qualified sisters or brothers
who will work the hardest for them now and for their future.
NEGOTIATIONS
Local negotiations will begin right after the elections. The past two contracts have been the toughest negotiations in my career.
With the status of the economy that had to be dealt with, it was hard to receive more gains than were accomplished. Now that
the Company and the economy are flowing in our favor, it will only be a more positive outcome in the next upcoming
negotiations. We will be working many days and hours to present you with a contract you can be proud to vote yes on.
In the public and private sector, Company attacks on workers ultimately are attacks on our children and their ability to have
the kind of life we wish for them. Make no mistake: attacking workers is a choice – a choice to tear down our Union, rather
than building us up. They would rather take modest pensions and collective bargaining rights away from employees than to
win them for working families struggling without. Today, working people have every right to be angry. Our economy has
betrayed them. But all of us must work to keep that anger from turning into hatred, we need to keep it from turning us
against one another and to channel it in a positive direction toward change. We should be passionate, and even patrician, but
it’s important our words be peaceful and we recognize each other’s humanity. We must find ways to debate with each other
without using words that can give individuals an excuse to engage in unwanted acts. Let us work collectively to stop this
from happening.
SPRING SAFETY REMINDER
I hope you are enjoying a touch of spring fever but also remembering to use good safety practices at work (follow safety
regulations), on the road (buckle up), and at home (check smoke alarms, etc.). BE SAFE!
IN CLOSING
We have negotiated to have the retirement and the memorial boards placed at the east employee entrance side of the plant so
that all employees can view. I am looking forward to the day I can print out a newsletter without extending our deepest
sympathies to those of our members we have lost and that have lost loved ones.
It is always a pleasure to post any employees name on the retirement board and wish them a healthy and blessed future.
UAW LOCAL 600 FACTS
Journal
Photo
10550 Dix Avenue
Dearborn, MI 48120
UAW 600 BLACK HISTORY MONTH
FEBRUARY 2011
Periodical
Postage Paid
at
Dearborn, MI
48121
VOLUME 73 - NUMBER 2
Representing the members of...
Ford Motor Company
ACH Medical Services Unit
Brownstown Parts Redistribution Center
Dearborn Diversified Manufacturing Plant
Dearborn Engine & Fuel Tank Plan
Dearborn Stamping / Truck Body
Dearborn Truck Plant
Ford Medical Services Unit
Maintenance, Construction & Transportation Unit
Milan Plastics Plant
Parts Depots Unit
Tool & Die Unit
Severstal N.A.
Severstal North America
Severstal Fire Fighters
Severstal Salaried Lab
Independent Parts Suppliers
Bridgewater Interiors
Ceva
Ceva Commercial Fleet
De-Sta-Co
J.C.I.M.
Mobis North America
Omnichem
Penske
Premier
Ryder Integrated Logistics
Technical Office Professionals
Arc Services Of Macomb
Golden Dental Plans
Health Alliance Plan-Labor
Health Alliance Plan-Clerical
Health Alliance Plan-Marketing
Henry Ford Health Services-RN Unit
Henry Ford Health Services-SMTC Unit
Heritage Optical
Idea Consultants
Medilodge Nursing
Midwest Health Center
Midwestern Dental Centers
Midwestern Vision Center
New Directions
St Claire
Wayne County JAA
MARCH - APRIL 2011
BERNIE RICKE
President
LOCAL 600 RECOGNIZES “LIZ JACKSON”
In celebration of Black History Month we held a breakfast at UAW
Local 600, and Elizabeth “Liz” Jackson, one of our own retiree’s, was
recognized and presented with a plaque. It was inscribed from Local 600
“In honor of Liz Jackson’s lifetime commitment toward the fight for
social and economic justice in the community and her tremendous
contribution to working families everywhere”.
What is Black History Month?
It is the month in which we bear witness to the progress, richness and
diversity of African American Achievement. During the 1920’s an
African American named Carter G. Woodson created and promoted
Negro History Week. This period in February was chosen because it
included the birthdays of Frederick Douglass (19th century abolitionist
activist) and Abraham Lincoln.
In 1976 the month long celebration was implemented, and time for all Americans to reflect on both
the history and teachings of African Americans whose contributions are still too little known.
Here at Local 600 we have a deep and long history that includes social and economic activists, and
one of those activists is Liz Jackson. Liz Jackson was hired into the Aluminum Foundry
at the Rouge in March of 1943 and became a member of Local 600. She later was transferred to
the Highland Park plant in 1944 and then returned to the
“In honor of Liz Jackson’s
Rouge in 1947. Liz spent the next 19 years at the Dearborn
Assembly Plant.
lifetime commitment
toward the fight for social
Liz got involved in Union activities early and was elected as a
General Council Delegate at Local 600, serving for 16 years.
and economic justice in the
She also served as chair of the Education Committee, and
community and her
acted as Chair of the Ad Hoc Committee at Local 600 to
tremendous contribution
elect a woman to the UAW International Executive Board.
to working
Beyond Local 600 Liz was active in the community and
served as an officer in the Trade Union Leadership Council.
families everywhere”.
She has been an active member of the Michigan Democratic
Party, Vice President Michigan Black Caucus, appointed member Detroit Fire Commission, Detroit
Branch NAACP and many other organizations where helping people is the primary goal
and concern.
continued on page 2