08-07-2009, 12:15 AM
Flint UPF Ends Production
More Brothers and Sisters of the UAW have been displaced. The week of July 27th marked the end of another production site represented by UAW Local 599. The “Frame Plant,” which has been represented by Local 599 since the start of production, ceased to operate due to the Flint Truck’s ending of the 560 Line production. The plant’s only product line was the frame for that specific truck line. The people at the plant have done a magnificent job with both quality and cost. Their closing was in no way a result of their performance, rather a result of GM’s continued restructuring. We are currently working on acquiring TRA/TAA assistance for the members affected by this closure.
Provider Forum
With all of the changes in the National Agreement and the continuing job loss within the community, many people are left in extenuating circumstances through no fault of their own that requires special assistance. Because of these issues, we are organizing a Provider Forum to be held at Local 599 on August 21st from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. This forum will have various assistance organizations such as Michigan Works, Working America, PEER, MI Child, etc.
This meeting is not restricted to union members. The meeting is a community service project open to anyone who wishes to attend. The agenda will be general information on how to get assistance rather than individual cases. Questions will be taken during and after the meeting.
New Funds Available
The Salvation Army has received funds from its Territorial Headquarters for newly unemployed. These funds are for those who have lost their jobs between October 1, 2008 and the present. The monies are for assistance for food and medical prescriptions. You must have proof of employment as of October 1, 2008, Social Security numbers for family members, and a personal photo ID to be eligible. This program will run until the money is exhausted or September 2009, whichever comes first. To apply for assistance, call the Salvation Army’s Social Service Department at (810) 232-2196 at the start of the day (9:00 a.m. Monday through Friday) to make an appointment.
Special Attrition Program
We have finished another of what seems to be an unending string of SAPs. To those members who chose to take the offer and move on in their lives, we want to say good luck and happy retirement. To those of us who chose to stay, we may need even better luck. Only time will tell which ones made the good or bad decision. The members who accepted the program are listed elsewhere in this issue.
Flint North TRA/TAA
As was mentioned earlier, we are attempting to acquire program certification for the Frame Plant. At the same time, we are working on approval for Flint North. These are two separate programs for two separate groups. One is strictly money for schooling while the other is a weekly payment made after unemployment benefits are exhausted, along with other available monies. As we get information on our progress, we will pass it along.
More Brothers and Sisters of the UAW have been displaced. The week of July 27th marked the end of another production site represented by UAW Local 599. The “Frame Plant,” which has been represented by Local 599 since the start of production, ceased to operate due to the Flint Truck’s ending of the 560 Line production. The plant’s only product line was the frame for that specific truck line. The people at the plant have done a magnificent job with both quality and cost. Their closing was in no way a result of their performance, rather a result of GM’s continued restructuring. We are currently working on acquiring TRA/TAA assistance for the members affected by this closure.
Provider Forum
With all of the changes in the National Agreement and the continuing job loss within the community, many people are left in extenuating circumstances through no fault of their own that requires special assistance. Because of these issues, we are organizing a Provider Forum to be held at Local 599 on August 21st from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. This forum will have various assistance organizations such as Michigan Works, Working America, PEER, MI Child, etc.
This meeting is not restricted to union members. The meeting is a community service project open to anyone who wishes to attend. The agenda will be general information on how to get assistance rather than individual cases. Questions will be taken during and after the meeting.
New Funds Available
The Salvation Army has received funds from its Territorial Headquarters for newly unemployed. These funds are for those who have lost their jobs between October 1, 2008 and the present. The monies are for assistance for food and medical prescriptions. You must have proof of employment as of October 1, 2008, Social Security numbers for family members, and a personal photo ID to be eligible. This program will run until the money is exhausted or September 2009, whichever comes first. To apply for assistance, call the Salvation Army’s Social Service Department at (810) 232-2196 at the start of the day (9:00 a.m. Monday through Friday) to make an appointment.
Special Attrition Program
We have finished another of what seems to be an unending string of SAPs. To those members who chose to take the offer and move on in their lives, we want to say good luck and happy retirement. To those of us who chose to stay, we may need even better luck. Only time will tell which ones made the good or bad decision. The members who accepted the program are listed elsewhere in this issue.
Flint North TRA/TAA
As was mentioned earlier, we are attempting to acquire program certification for the Frame Plant. At the same time, we are working on approval for Flint North. These are two separate programs for two separate groups. One is strictly money for schooling while the other is a weekly payment made after unemployment benefits are exhausted, along with other available monies. As we get information on our progress, we will pass it along.