03-05-2009, 10:08 PM
Financial Status
The year 2008 was to say the least challenging, both locally and nationally, for the UAW, along with the rest of our nation with unparalleled layoffs in all sectors of the country coupled with bankruptcies, foreclosures and concessions from employees in many companies. We here at Local 599 have not been immune to these problems. Our membership has dwindled to a number unheard of at this site. We carry approximately 550 active members as of this date (Feb. 23rd) with more layoffs expected. Many changes have taken place within our Hall and to the Local as a whole. During the previous year, staff reductions have again been made. We now carry one full-time and one part-time office staff.
These are very difficult moves to make as it affects their lives the same as when any of our members are reduced. However, these moves must be made in response to revenue reductions. Estimated cost reductions for next year are in excess of one hundred thousand dollars at this time.
Regular membership dues have decreased from a total of over $2 million in 2003 to only $786 thousand in 2008. The numbers will further decrease in the coming year with the expected membership reductions. Unless the trend is reversed, it will be impossible to maintain our Local as we currently do. Our account balance at the year ending 2008 was $1,003,469.71.
During the past year, efforts were put forth to move area Locals into one combined location. These attempts were not successful.
New Work
On February 24th, we were informed that the new Zero Family Engine project will finally move forward. The engine production will not take place in the Flint South complex with Local 599 representing the workers involved with the Zero Family engines (refer to the Chairman’s article for more specifics). This is hopefully a beginning to a revitalization of our Local.
Shop Chairman Terry Everman and I have held numerous tours of our Great Lakes facility, located at Atherton Road and Saginaw Street, in an effort to also bring work into those buildings. These tours have been attended by some of the highest level GM management, along with higher level Regional and International UAW Representatives.
Although the buildings were well received by management, we as yet have not been successful in achieving our goal. That battle will continue to be fought. It is imperative that we increase our membership for the survival of our Local and to bring back our remaining members.
Community Activity
Even though our members are suffering through some of the toughest times in memory, many of them continue to step forward to represent Local 599 in community services, both monetarily and with their time and labor.
Our main activities for 2008 included Old Newsboys, the Make-a-Wish Foundation, the Eastern Michigan Food Bank, and the United Way as charities. Along with these charities, Local 599 worked on community projects such as environmental clean-up, ramp building and volunteer work.
Political Actions
After eight years of an anti-labor political agenda, changes were made at all levels of government. This was in no small part due to the efforts of union members walking the streets, manning phones and donating their time and money. I am proud to say that Local 599 members were right at the forefront of many of these activities. Our Local has also been the venue for many Democratic functions throughout the year, keeping us in constant contact with our representatives. The economy is in such a chaotic state that it will take many years to recover. Hopefully, the people who we helped elect will help expedite the process.
Appreciation
With all of the difficulties we face, it is important to convey my deep appreciation for all of the help I received at the Union Hall from both active and retired members. Without your help, we would not be able to continue to operate and continue with our activities as we do.
The year 2008 was to say the least challenging, both locally and nationally, for the UAW, along with the rest of our nation with unparalleled layoffs in all sectors of the country coupled with bankruptcies, foreclosures and concessions from employees in many companies. We here at Local 599 have not been immune to these problems. Our membership has dwindled to a number unheard of at this site. We carry approximately 550 active members as of this date (Feb. 23rd) with more layoffs expected. Many changes have taken place within our Hall and to the Local as a whole. During the previous year, staff reductions have again been made. We now carry one full-time and one part-time office staff.
These are very difficult moves to make as it affects their lives the same as when any of our members are reduced. However, these moves must be made in response to revenue reductions. Estimated cost reductions for next year are in excess of one hundred thousand dollars at this time.
Regular membership dues have decreased from a total of over $2 million in 2003 to only $786 thousand in 2008. The numbers will further decrease in the coming year with the expected membership reductions. Unless the trend is reversed, it will be impossible to maintain our Local as we currently do. Our account balance at the year ending 2008 was $1,003,469.71.
During the past year, efforts were put forth to move area Locals into one combined location. These attempts were not successful.
New Work
On February 24th, we were informed that the new Zero Family Engine project will finally move forward. The engine production will not take place in the Flint South complex with Local 599 representing the workers involved with the Zero Family engines (refer to the Chairman’s article for more specifics). This is hopefully a beginning to a revitalization of our Local.
Shop Chairman Terry Everman and I have held numerous tours of our Great Lakes facility, located at Atherton Road and Saginaw Street, in an effort to also bring work into those buildings. These tours have been attended by some of the highest level GM management, along with higher level Regional and International UAW Representatives.
Although the buildings were well received by management, we as yet have not been successful in achieving our goal. That battle will continue to be fought. It is imperative that we increase our membership for the survival of our Local and to bring back our remaining members.
Community Activity
Even though our members are suffering through some of the toughest times in memory, many of them continue to step forward to represent Local 599 in community services, both monetarily and with their time and labor.
Our main activities for 2008 included Old Newsboys, the Make-a-Wish Foundation, the Eastern Michigan Food Bank, and the United Way as charities. Along with these charities, Local 599 worked on community projects such as environmental clean-up, ramp building and volunteer work.
Political Actions
After eight years of an anti-labor political agenda, changes were made at all levels of government. This was in no small part due to the efforts of union members walking the streets, manning phones and donating their time and money. I am proud to say that Local 599 members were right at the forefront of many of these activities. Our Local has also been the venue for many Democratic functions throughout the year, keeping us in constant contact with our representatives. The economy is in such a chaotic state that it will take many years to recover. Hopefully, the people who we helped elect will help expedite the process.
Appreciation
With all of the difficulties we face, it is important to convey my deep appreciation for all of the help I received at the Union Hall from both active and retired members. Without your help, we would not be able to continue to operate and continue with our activities as we do.