Ron: Welcome back
Ron: Welcome back. On this end I considered our first session to be very beneficial, and I hope you did as well. Time flies by in this forum, and we are anxious to get started. Thank you for joining us, and let's get to the questions.
kokomo,in: I am a GM retiree and recently heard that GM employees and retirees were to receive a bonus in December is this true and if so how much is the bonus?
Ron: Modified 11/22/2006, 8 a.m.:
Yes. $800.
[The answer specifically addressed retirees. There is no bonus for active workers at General Motors. Retirees will receive a lump-sum payment of $800 and surviving spouses will receive 65 percent of this amount or $520.]
Indianapolis, Indiana: Can we start a group of U UAW activists to accomplish these things: Take back America, Preserve American Jobs, Address the health insurance issue, and energize our membership to get involved? I propose to call it "Bringing Back our Country" I propose that each one who signs up to commit to making either 5 calls a month, 5 email messages or 5 letters to their congressman or newspapers. Mail each participant a kit to enthus and inform and reward for efforts. Suggestions as to subject or issue can be offered. We can even use the PDF technology to pass on all how to etc. Retiree Bil Hill from Local 933. P S I made 1100 calls with Move-On to get out the vote in this last election
Ron: Thanks. Our group has been around for many years, and it's called UAW Community Action Program (CAP). Through CAP, our local unions and retiree chapters stay on top of the issues between elections, and they are politically motivated when elections roll around.
waterford, MI: If temporary workers get hired permanently will they have rights to stay at that facility before return to community and re-hire rights employees to that facility?
Ron: I am pleased to say that Vice President Cal Rapson communicated this afternoon with the local union leadership at Delphi facilities that an agreement has been signed with Delphi to convert supplemental temporary employees hired Nov. 20, 2006 or earlier to permanent status. There are some restrictions under certain circumstances, i.e., contract employees, and certain others. You can contact your local leadership for an update. This agreement will also be posted under "Delphi Update" on first thing in the morning.
Flint, MI: President Gettlefinger, Now that Delphi is blatantly disrespecting the UAW leaders and membership by refusing to negotiate and asking GM to pay for everything related to the labor restructering, do you regret not taking a strike action at Delphi sooner to put the UAW in the drivers seat?
Ron: No. I am very comfortable with the position our union is in at this point. Delphi is a rogue company that used the unfair bankruptcy laws to take advantage of their workers. Once again, in the final analysis an agreement has to be reached that our membership is willing to ratify.
Montrose/ Michigan: I would like to know how you are going to prevent the recent retirees from Delphi from losing their pensions. Thank You, retiree of Delphi local 651
Ron: The provisions of our agreement ensure the security of present Delphi retirees' pensions.
kokomo,indiana: is chrysler pension fund fully funded
Ron: The fund is in very good shape.
owosso,mich: Many of us that have retired had grieviences in process at time of retirement. Are we entitled to a fair settlement of these grieviences and also can we request this this settlement in writing? If this grievience is "whoped" I believe that the local is responsible to give me the reasons for this decision and can I request this settlement in writing? Thank You
Ron: You should contact your local union leadership to get an update on the grievance you are referencing.
Marquette, Michigan: Hello Brother Gettelfinger! A Local 6000 member here. This year, the union membership got off our butts and showed we can make a difference in state and national elections all because of the leadership you, your executive staff, Local Union Presidents and their executive staff, and all the activists displayed. The approach of educating our membership (especially regarding Right to Work legislation here in Michigan), instead of telling union members who to vote for was really appreciated according to our members attending District Meetings. Our work is not over so what can we do now to make sure those we aided do not forget us?
Ron: We can attend local union membership meetings and CAP council meetings to stay abreast of the issues. Additionally, you can sign up for the UAW's electronic activist network, UAWire, on our web site to keep informed of issues in Washington, D.C.
You are correct, it is incumbent on each of us to keep in contact with our elected representatives at the local, state and national level to see that our issues do not fall by the wayside.
Thanks for all of your help and support.
New York: Hello Mr. Gettelfinger. I'm a correspondent covering the union issues. After winning of Democrats in the midterm election, do you think whether U.S. government will change its not- friendly attitude toward the auto industry and UAW , or not ? In addition, what do you think of Japanese auto makers' rapid expansion in the US market ? Thank you very much.
Ron: Seeing how it took the President so long to meet with the Big 3 and the importance of this industry to the U.S. economy, I'm not sure what the administration will do. However, we have a lot of friends in Congress who will soon be in position to make a difference, and we're looking forward to working with them.
Our union has always believed that automobiles sold here should be built here. Unfortunately, the foreign nameplate operations are continuing to import a lot of the vehicles that they sell here.
Mancelona, Michigan: Retiree Local 849 Dear Ron, After being thoroughly thumped by the voters and struggling to keep his poll numbers above 30%, Bush heads to Vietnam, a country whose war he avoided (checked the “no” box when asked if he would volunteer for overseas duty) . What a disgrace to this country! Bush is the second post-war U.S. President to visit Vietnam. Mr. Clinton went there to recover our M.I.A.’s by establishing a better relationship with the Vietnam people. Bush has made it clear that rather than dwelling on old animosities, he wants to focus on Vietnam as an “Emerging Trade Partner” and an “Economic Success Story”, (My opinion, there goes more of our jobs!!!) I hear Bus is pushing hard to bring Vietnam into the WTO…is this true? Ron, I would like to hear your opinion about Bush going to Vietnam.
Ron: The lame-duck session of Congress recently voted down Vietnam's entry in the WTO. As you are aware, China was admitted to the WTO with no strings attached and we are feeling the repercussions of that move every day.
We share the same opinion on the President going to Vietnam.
Kansas City, MO: Why is the international letting the locals fight it out over COA/MOA? Its putting union brother against union brother, not much unity there.
Ron: The International certainly is not encouraging locals to fight it out over COA-MOA's. It is up to each local union to negotiate changes in local agreements that are in the best interest of their membership. As you are aware, these agreements have to be ratified at the local level, so the membership has the final say.
spring hill: brother gettelfinger, i would like to know in the 07 contract talks if the issue of corporate seniority will be addressed vs the current structure? Seems that we have many different seniority dates like day one at Saturn in spring hill, Delphi getting 1/7/85. This need to be fixed UAW wide. Thank you for your time
Ron: Contract proposals are submitted by the local union and then reach the national bargaining committee by way of the various councils. It is too early to say what the demands will be.
spring hill tn: i work at spring hill manufacturing formerly Saturn, and have just heard we will not being getting the van as our new product? is this ture and if so what happens to us in march 07 when the shut the plant down?
Ron: This came up in today's noon discussion. You should review the answer that was given then. Thank you.
Waterford, Michigan: General Motors is heavily invested in China. Meanwhile, the big three bosses go to the President of the United States and from a media report I heard that one of the issues on the "Big Three's" list was fair trade. Do you think that fair trade is really an issue? Or, are the Big Three hiding behind this complaint trying to get Americans on their side so they'll buy more products? The Big Three sure does get cheap labor all over the world while leaving American workers holding the bag.
Ron: The Big Three's list, in addition to trade, included currency manipulation and health care. The intent of the meeting with the President was to level the playing field.
Products assembled by our members are very high quality and durable, and all of us hope the consumers will give the Big Three products manufactured in the U.S. consideration when buying a new vehicle.
Buffalo New York: When is the barganning convention and if you were elected to the Constitutional Convention are you also a delegate to the barganning convention?
Ron: A call letter will be coming out after the first of December announcing the dates for the Special Convention on Collective Bargaining, which will be held at Cobo Hall in Detroit, March 27-28, 2007. Delegates to the Constitutional Convention are also delegates to the Special Convention on Collective Bargaining.
West Carrollton: Ron.
Ron: Sorry, I missed your question.
NY/NY: My company gives us a 401k. Unfortunately we have not met with a representative from our investment firm for many years. (When I say investment firm I am referring to Scudder, which manages our 401k investments). Doesn't our company's management have a responsibility to bring a representative from Scudder to see us every 3 months, or at least once every year, to answer questions about our investments in our 401k plans and about the quarterly statements we get from Scudder? Bob Nearier
Ron: Please have your local union president contact your regional servicing representative for assistance with this matter.
Montrose/ Michigan: Local 651 doesn't seem to answer retirees questions about our retiree benefits or pensions. Who do we go to for answers.
Ron: You may contact our Retired Workers Department at 313-926-5231. Thank you.
Buffalo, NewYork: When will we UAW/GM Retirees get our Full Health Care an Pensions back? What are you doing to make sure this never happens again?
Ron: I very much appreciate your question. The decision to give concessions on health care at GM and Ford rested with me, and I accept full responsibility for taking this course of action. This was only done after a very careful analysis of the companies' finances by our inside and outside experts. While this was a painful decision for me personally, I was totally convinced it was the right approach to take to provide long-term security for our retirees. I appreciate the fact that our active workers supported our retirees. Their concessions enabled then-Vice Presidents Gerald Bantom and Richard Shoemaker to craft agreements that had minimal impact on our retirees.
Rochester, New York: Mr. Gettelfinger, We in Rochester, local 1097, have great respect for you. We have put our faith entirely in the hands of the International Union to help us through this. Our concern is, as much as flowback to GM makes good sense, many remaining members for one valid reason or another cannot leave our area. After retirements, buy-outs, etc. Our headcount will contain approximately 300 original GM employees, from a prior count of 1450. It would be especially hard to bow to any concessions, after learning we are a core facility and not slated to close, and are currently relocating the coopersville facility into ours, with an additional 300-400 jobs being added. We firmly believe Delphi has received enough relief, and we also believe GM has a liability to previous GM employees. We are prepared to fight to the finish here, and hope Delphi realizes this. The rumored buydown will in no way make up for the potential loss of income the wage cuts will bring.
Ron: I can appreciate your comments. This has been a long road for our membership as well as our leadership. Vice President Cal Rapson, his staff and our support departments are working extremely hard to stay on top of all of these issues. We will do all that we can to give our membership the best representation possible. We have done well to this point in taking care of our membership, and we will address your issues as best we can. Thank you for your support and understanding during this uncertain period of time in our union's history.
Elkhart,IN: I have never heard of a vote to resess a strike. Why was this an option for Local 364 after 6 months into a strike, and what contract would a member be under?
Ron: Under Article 50, Section 5, of the UAW Constitution, the membership can recess a strike after a special meeting has been called for that purpose. I am well aware that Local 364 members voted overwhelmingly to reject the company's last offer and also against recessing the strike.
Buffalo, New York: We need Universal Heath Care in the USA. I support a single payer Government plan so that all Americans , Rich, Middle Class and Poor, recieve the same quality health care. Do you support a single payer plan?
Ron: The UAW supports a single-payer, universal, comprehensive national health care program that covers every man, woman and child in America.
Chicago: It has been said that Ford retiree benefits are guaranteed through 2011 with the Veba. Is this VEBA agreement any stronger than our contract that was supposed to last through September of 2007?
Ron: I've already answered the first part of your question in the earlier discussion. The VEBA is secure.
Monroe La 1977: hey:just wondering if there is a date that we can expect to be told to leave plant in Monroe
Ron: Not at this time.
kokomo.in: the temporary workers at Delphi were recently told at their local union meeting, that there was a large possibility that they would be hired as full time workers by christmas. Is this true and if not is there a time frame for them to be hired?
Ron: Good news on this one. Please see the earlier response in this discussion and look for our Delphi Update on this web site tomorrow.
Hagerstown, Maryland: Dear Ron I work at the mack plant in Hagerstown MD. I have noticed that in our past three contracts we have heard nothing but concessions, while our employer made record profits! Do we, because we are not in detroit have to make concessions for GM, Ford, and Chrysler?
Ron: For brevity's sake, we have edited your question. Our union's approach to negotiations is different based on the particular circumstances with the various employers. Once your bargaining committee has reached an agreement, the membership has final say in the settlement.
Chicago: Is there anything that you see coming in the next negotiations that should help make a decision on a retirement eligible employee taking a buy out package from Ford?
Ron: It's too early to predict the outcome of any negotiations, but it is not our intention to go backwards in the '07 bargaining.
Flint, MI: Mr. Gettelfinger: Your response to the Delphi Retiree asking about what the Union is doing to protect Delphi retiree's who did not get to opt out for GM benefits seemed somewhat vauge. Talking to Local Union Benefit Reps. did not answer the question.I retired in 2004, from Delphi, and I know about the GM Guarantee, but I also am concerned about Delphi & GM stalling long enough so that I will no longer have any GM guarantee to fall back on. What is the UAW doing to insure that the GM guarantee will be activated to insure our pension & medical coverage? In solidarity,
Ron: Perhaps the response was vague but in order to address any question all of the facts need to be on the table, and it is important to begin with the local benefit representative to address these types of issues. In the event the benefit rep. does not have the answers, we have representatives in the national department who can assist members.
I would not be concerned about Delphi stalling in order to avoid the GM benefit guarantees.
Grand Blanc, MI: Mr. Gettlefinger, Earlier today you were asked the question do you think Delphi will default on or modify their pension plan? To which you responded; The benefit guarantees in our contract prevent them from defaulting. My question is that the benefit guarantees made by GM to qualified Delphi employees expire in Sept 2007 so why should anyone feel comfortable trusting Delphi to fund their pension plan beyond that? Obviously, I am assuming this is a serious topic in the upcoming 2007 GM negotiations?
Ron: The issue here is not trusting Delphi. Just remember, Delphi has to deal with our union.
White Lake MI: Greetings Brother Gettelfinger, I am a Ford employee, and I am likely to take the EDOPP plan. My concern is with the ambiguity of the contract. My ten-year anniversary is in two weeks, and I really hate to just sign off on a "long fought for" great contract for a "at their convenience" contract. I am applying for Graduate School at UofM Ann Arbor, and am looking forward to my "way forward". Yet, with a large family, I need the assistance to make it possible, and this EDOPP application makes one feel more than a little vulnerable! My only hope is that as always, you and the other brothers and sisters stand behind Ford and make sure they honor their word.
Ron: Vice President Bob King negotiated an excellent agreement for our membership at Ford. He and his staff will ensure it is implemented and adhered to.
Buffalo, New York: When will the UAW plan on allowing it's members the ability to email the International Union, with their concerns and complaints? Currently we can only email our locals , that is simply not good enough.
Ron: As you are aware, your first line of defense and your first contact is your committeeperson. It is necessary for us to follow this procedure in order to ensure that your issues are dealt with in a timely manner. Based on the particular structure in your location, you also have access to the bargaining committee, chairperson and/or president. Thank you.
wilmington, de: What are your thoughts on the so-called competitive operating agreements that GM is asking plants to review?
Ron: COA's are not new, and it's left to the membership to have the final say. In many instances COA's have worked to the benefit of our local unions. You need to give careful consideration to any COA that is negotiated on your behalf.
Kokomo, In: As a new hire w/ over 90 days we are hearing that there is a possability of being made permanet in Dec. Is this rumor or is there any truth to this. this info came out today thru a union rep thank you for your time
Ron: Please refer to earlier discussions in this broadcast.
Waterford, MI: Can you suggest specific line items for international trade agreements that we can urge our congressional representatives to adopt? Thank you. Solidarity, Brother!
Ron: Trade agreements should include workers' rights, human rights, environmental protections and protections from import surges. Additionally, enforcement mechanisms must be in place. Lastly, if a trade deficit exists between trading partners two years in a row, the agreement should be renegotiated. Our country's trade deficit for 2005 in goods and services was nearly $725 billion. This occurs because we have unfair free trade agreements.
Mason, Ohio: My question is.. Is the UAW attempting to bring union representation into foreign companies operating in the United States such as Toyota, Honda, and Nissan?
Ron: Yes. Workers can contact our Organizing Department through this web site.
Lansing/Michigan: Now that Democrates have the house, how do we as members make a differance on changes concerning NAFTA & CAFTA? although I am a new member; It's not rocket science to see that we are heading towards disaster what we have now, any suggestions? Local 724 Lansing, MI
Ron: Let's keep the pressure on our elected representatives by keeping in contact with them and encouraging our friends and coworkers to do the same. We have to be involved throughout the year, as opposed to just at election time, if we want our voices to be heard.
Marshall, MI: President Gettlefinger, How can we as unions work together collectively to prevent more division and come together to create a more solid union movement?
Ron: It was gratifying to see all of the unions, as well as support groups, working together to elect candidates who support the cause of all workers. Those of us in leadership positions need to let go of our egos and work toward a common goal of helping not only our union brothers and sisters, but also the non-union workers. I think you will continue to see this kind of strength as we take on issues like minimum wage, the Employee Free Choice Act, Fairness and Accountability in Bankrutpcy Reorganization, health care, trade and protecting our seniors.
New York, NY: Ron, in the 2007 negotiations, do you plan to start with Ford or GM first? I would think that Ford would be an easier negotiating partner given how much the Ford family has to lose but heard that the UAW is thinking of negotiating with GM first?
Ron: The decision as to who the lead company will be will be made in August 2007.
Melvin,mi.: I am a retiree from local 247 which is now defunct, and included in local 155. the plant that I worked for 30 years is closed as of this month. My question is who and where is my representative??????? TRW has closed and dedided to change our health ins. and we can't seem to find out who represents us.
Ron: Please send your inquiry with the specifics to the Competitive Shop/IPS Department at 8000 East Jefferson, Detroit, MI 48214, and an answer will be given to you.
smithville, mo: Why did the UAW agree to the VEBA with Ford? Not one of these plans have substained itself for more than 6 years. What makes the UAW able to make it work when others haven't?
Ron: You're incorrect. The VEBA at Navistar (International Harvester) was negotiated in 1992 and is in excellent shape today.
sharon,pa: do you think the democratic could become more pro labor concerning nation health care
Ron: You will see the discussion on health care will get much more attention because of the gravity of the situation in America in regard to health care. We have the best health care professionals in the world, but because of the bureaucracy that is built in to our system, when comparing our country to two dozen other industrial nations, we have higher infant mortality and lower life expectancy for people over age 60. Addditionally, our health care system puts many employers at a competitive disadvantage with the rest of the world.
The time for action is now, and we need to contact our elected representatives to ensure they support health care reform.
San Francisco, CA: Thank you for taking the time to try out a new technology that will give more of our members access to information about the UAW. As you may know, workers at the Sierra Club office in San Francisco are organized under TOP. We are wondering what the UAW is doing to encourage the development of more fuel efficient vehicles at the Big 3. Given the circumstances in the world, this seems important both from an economic, national security and environmental standpoint.
Ron: Our union is supporting a "Marshall Plan" to encourage the development and production of advanced technology vehicles in America. Additionally, we support advancing the infrastructure for E-85 vehicles. These types of approaches, and others, will lower our country's dependence on foreign oil and at the same time reduce pollution.
smithville, mo : Will our next contract be for 4 years or open-ended?
Ron: Going into Big Three negotiations, we will be looking at four-year agreements.
redford, michigan: brother gettlefinger friends of mine are always asking me how do they know what vehicles to purchase anymore to support union labor in the U.S. My answer is very complicated, it involves identifying the vehicle id number, are they any plans by you and your staff to make this procedure much easier to explain and understand to those who want to do their part and support us uaw members?
Ron: Thanks for your question. You can refer your friends to our web site, here: uawmade/auto/2007/index.cfm for a list of UAW, IUE and CAW vehicles.
Anderson, IN: Just received the news about becoming a permanent employee at Delphi in Anderson. Thanks and keep up the good fight!!
Ron: On behalf of Vice President Cal Rapson, his staff and our local union leadership, thank you.
Redford michigan: will all future labor day parades in michigan continue to be in the current structure, will there be a return to the ford field venue on labor day?
Ron: We tried Labor Fest as opposed to the parade, and it appears the parade was by far and away the most popular. Following the parade, many of our local unions go back to their halls and have Labor Day festivities. This seems to be the approach we will take in the immediate future, assuming the majority of the international unions involved want to continue with the parade.
Detroit MI>: what other plants, Ford are they going to close, we heard there are more closing coming, which ones?
Ron: At this time, we have not been advised by Ford of any additional closing beyond those announced in Way Forward I and Way Forward II.
Bloomington, IL: Hello Mr. Gettelfinger, Thank you for this chance to speak directly to you. I am a member of Local 2488, Mitsubishi Motors. I have been following the discusions and noticed some asking about organizing the transplants. I am taking this time to let everyone know we at Mitsubishi Motors are proud UAW members and have been since 1989. We manufacture great cars and have had excellent leadership in the Region and International. Vice President James Settles and Director Dennis Williams recently visited our facilty and gave our membership a great boost in confidence and moral. I would like to extend an invitation to you, Mr Gettlefinger, to visit us and see our great union friendly facility and greet our members as Brothers Settles and Williams did. I understand the constraints of your schedule. but it would be great for the membership and would be an excellent fact gathering trip when dealing with the other transplants. Thank you again for your time.
Ron: Thank you for your kind comments, which I'm sure will be appreciated by Vice President Settles and Director Williams. Local 2488 is a great local union, and we are proud of the quality, durable products you assemble. I appreciate the invitation and will see if I can work in a visit.
columbus,ohio: There is a rumor that GM and Ford may merger. Do you have any knowledge of this?
Ron: No.
wentzville, Mo: This question and answers seemed to workout well , Will this happen again in the future?
Ron: Absolutely. This has turned out to be wonderful forum, and we will expand on it by including other officers in the future.
kokomo indiana: please say something about kokomo
Ron: I'm not sure what local you're from or what you're referencing, but Kokomo is a wonderful community and we have two large locals there -- Local 292 and 685, and we're proud of our membership. You're a great group.
Dayton, Ohio: Ron, I am a big supporter of the Employee Free Choice Act. Do you know if there is any progress being made in bringing this act to Congress and having it pass?
Ron: The AFL-CIO has identified this as a priority, and we are looking for continued support from Congress. Labor law reform is badly needed and this legislation will help level the playing field for workers who are seeking representation in their workplace.
Ron: We really appreciate the number of responses we've received, and I want to personally thank all of you for your participation. Once again we have had overwhelming support for this endeavor, and I have done the best I could to combine related inquiries in order to respond to as many questions as possible. We are signing off, and I look forward to participating with you in this web discussion again in December.
Happy Thanksgiving!
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