02-19-2009, 12:20 AM
President's Report - December, 2008
Year in Review
As the final days of 2008 wind down there are so many unnerving situations and unanswerable questions that it’s hard to know where to start or what to include in the final Headlight for the year. Membership numbers are constantly dwindling. The big three are struggling to stay afloat. The true unemployment numbers are staggering. The financial sector of not only our nation but world wide is in total chaos. These are just a few of the daily problems that we as a nation and the UAW as a whole face. Here at our Local members are on edge wondering what our specific future holds for us. Will the new engine plant still be built? If built will it be on schedule. The answer to those two questions depends on who a person listens to. Management has told us that the plant is still a go but is being delayed. The union side of the house has said that all systems or a go on schedule. The highest level of General Motors “Rick Wagoner” has stated that the Cruz and Volt cars will be built on schedule.
All that is known for sure is that the left hand doesn’t seem to know what he right hand is saying or doing. With membership on a constant downturn finances are a continuing issue. We have made numerous cuts again this year saving many thousands of dollars. Some of these cuts are very difficult to do. Finances dictated that we reduce the staff at the hall. We now have only one full time secretary and one maintenance/bookkeeper. The additional work for those left is only part of the problem. It is also very difficult to have to let friends go. Hall rentals have been on the increase and almost all comments are positive from the renters.
We have now opened up the program to non members also. What is the future of the big three is the biggest question of all. A bridge loan for the companies has been requested of the federal government. Currently the final answer on the request is being debated by congress. Business plans from the big three have been requested. Without the loan it remains to be seen if the big three can survive for even the next few months.
Without the loans the impact on the nation’s economy would be devastating. Hundreds of billions of dollars and millions of jobs would be lost. How could a bailout of the financial sector of 700 billion dollars be granted and 25 billion dollar loan for real jobs not warrant the same consideration? Legislators better open their eyes to reality. You can help, please see page 5.
Happy Holidays
With the times being as such they are I would hope that every person that reads this does whatever they can to help the people that are in need this holiday season. With less people able to help and more people in need of assistance charities are stretched to their limit. Because of the lack of manpower available we are not able to continue with the toys-for-tots program but are continuing with the old newsboys program. It has definitely been a year to remember. I want to thank all of those who have helped with the many volunteer programs and donations throughout the past twelve months. Without you our goals could never be reached. Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all the members and their families. Have a safe holiday.
Year in Review
As the final days of 2008 wind down there are so many unnerving situations and unanswerable questions that it’s hard to know where to start or what to include in the final Headlight for the year. Membership numbers are constantly dwindling. The big three are struggling to stay afloat. The true unemployment numbers are staggering. The financial sector of not only our nation but world wide is in total chaos. These are just a few of the daily problems that we as a nation and the UAW as a whole face. Here at our Local members are on edge wondering what our specific future holds for us. Will the new engine plant still be built? If built will it be on schedule. The answer to those two questions depends on who a person listens to. Management has told us that the plant is still a go but is being delayed. The union side of the house has said that all systems or a go on schedule. The highest level of General Motors “Rick Wagoner” has stated that the Cruz and Volt cars will be built on schedule.
All that is known for sure is that the left hand doesn’t seem to know what he right hand is saying or doing. With membership on a constant downturn finances are a continuing issue. We have made numerous cuts again this year saving many thousands of dollars. Some of these cuts are very difficult to do. Finances dictated that we reduce the staff at the hall. We now have only one full time secretary and one maintenance/bookkeeper. The additional work for those left is only part of the problem. It is also very difficult to have to let friends go. Hall rentals have been on the increase and almost all comments are positive from the renters.
We have now opened up the program to non members also. What is the future of the big three is the biggest question of all. A bridge loan for the companies has been requested of the federal government. Currently the final answer on the request is being debated by congress. Business plans from the big three have been requested. Without the loan it remains to be seen if the big three can survive for even the next few months.
Without the loans the impact on the nation’s economy would be devastating. Hundreds of billions of dollars and millions of jobs would be lost. How could a bailout of the financial sector of 700 billion dollars be granted and 25 billion dollar loan for real jobs not warrant the same consideration? Legislators better open their eyes to reality. You can help, please see page 5.
Happy Holidays
With the times being as such they are I would hope that every person that reads this does whatever they can to help the people that are in need this holiday season. With less people able to help and more people in need of assistance charities are stretched to their limit. Because of the lack of manpower available we are not able to continue with the toys-for-tots program but are continuing with the old newsboys program. It has definitely been a year to remember. I want to thank all of those who have helped with the many volunteer programs and donations throughout the past twelve months. Without you our goals could never be reached. Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all the members and their families. Have a safe holiday.