06-08-2009, 08:28 PM
IMPORTANT NOTICE!
See Chairman Terry Everman’s article (at right) for specific information on the re-
cent announced of the closing of GM Powertrain-Flint North. The Reality & The Shame On Thursday, May 28th, a very sad occurrence took place. For the first time in many years, the UAW, GM Division, had to make contract concessions of this magnitude in order to, hopefully, secure a future for GM and our members. Without these concessions, the members would have been at the mercy of a federal bankruptcy judge, who could have completely invalidated our National
Agreement. This could have put an end to all health care, pension supplements, seniority agreements, etc. We have been told that the new adjustments to our Agreement have made it acceptable to the federal court. Only time will tell if this is for sure. That is the reality. Unfair trade laws, coupled with Americans’ unwillingness to support American businesses in favor of cheap labor, which many times comes in the form of child labor, have caused many of our economic problems. When our government allows imports (autos or otherwise) from countries that do not adhere to basic human rights for workers or a decent living
wage to workers, they are condoning a form of slavery which we, as Americans, fought to abolish almost 150 years ago.
When our government allows importation of products from countries that do not adhere to environmental, ergonomic, and/or safety regulations, they are making the playing field unlevel for American workers. Furthermore, the government must address the current tax rules that allow American corporations to take their business offshore for tax breaks. Until these issues are addressed, we, as Americans, cannot compete in a global market. That is the shame of it all! I believe that, as Americans, it is time to stand united against these inequities and demand Washington halt all imports from these countries.
How To Buy American
If you are looking to buy American, there are ways to find products made in the USA. When purchasing automobiles, the first number of the VIN is the key. Automobiles made within the United States have a VIN that starts with the number 1. When looking for other American-made products, you can visit a number of web sites which give that information. One such site is http://www.madeinusa.org.
Workers’ Compensation & Disability Issues
Under the new Agreement with GM, disability and Workers’ Compensation cases may be restructured or changed. I am inviting the Workers’ Compensation lawyers to an informational meeting at the Union Hall. This will be held on Monday, June 15, 2009 at 4:00 p.m. in the auditorium. At this time, we will have the Workers’ Compensation lawyers who wish to participate there to answer our members’ questions.
Golf Outing
The golf outing to benefit the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan and The Salvation Army is coming up on Saturday, August 1, 2009. We are still accepting teams or
individuals who wish to participate. Also, any donations or sponsorships that anyone wishes to make may be done at the Union Hall, Dues Office or President’s Office.
See Chairman Terry Everman’s article (at right) for specific information on the re-
cent announced of the closing of GM Powertrain-Flint North. The Reality & The Shame On Thursday, May 28th, a very sad occurrence took place. For the first time in many years, the UAW, GM Division, had to make contract concessions of this magnitude in order to, hopefully, secure a future for GM and our members. Without these concessions, the members would have been at the mercy of a federal bankruptcy judge, who could have completely invalidated our National
Agreement. This could have put an end to all health care, pension supplements, seniority agreements, etc. We have been told that the new adjustments to our Agreement have made it acceptable to the federal court. Only time will tell if this is for sure. That is the reality. Unfair trade laws, coupled with Americans’ unwillingness to support American businesses in favor of cheap labor, which many times comes in the form of child labor, have caused many of our economic problems. When our government allows imports (autos or otherwise) from countries that do not adhere to basic human rights for workers or a decent living
wage to workers, they are condoning a form of slavery which we, as Americans, fought to abolish almost 150 years ago.
When our government allows importation of products from countries that do not adhere to environmental, ergonomic, and/or safety regulations, they are making the playing field unlevel for American workers. Furthermore, the government must address the current tax rules that allow American corporations to take their business offshore for tax breaks. Until these issues are addressed, we, as Americans, cannot compete in a global market. That is the shame of it all! I believe that, as Americans, it is time to stand united against these inequities and demand Washington halt all imports from these countries.
How To Buy American
If you are looking to buy American, there are ways to find products made in the USA. When purchasing automobiles, the first number of the VIN is the key. Automobiles made within the United States have a VIN that starts with the number 1. When looking for other American-made products, you can visit a number of web sites which give that information. One such site is http://www.madeinusa.org.
Workers’ Compensation & Disability Issues
Under the new Agreement with GM, disability and Workers’ Compensation cases may be restructured or changed. I am inviting the Workers’ Compensation lawyers to an informational meeting at the Union Hall. This will be held on Monday, June 15, 2009 at 4:00 p.m. in the auditorium. At this time, we will have the Workers’ Compensation lawyers who wish to participate there to answer our members’ questions.
Golf Outing
The golf outing to benefit the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan and The Salvation Army is coming up on Saturday, August 1, 2009. We are still accepting teams or
individuals who wish to participate. Also, any donations or sponsorships that anyone wishes to make may be done at the Union Hall, Dues Office or President’s Office.