Union Spirit - UAW Local 2488

Union Spirit
UAW Local 2488
Volume 24, Issue 6
“LUCA”
November & December 2013
1st Annual Retiree’s Holiday Feast
The United Auto Workers Local 2488 Retirees Committee is planning
their 1st Annual Retiree’s Holiday Feast on Thursday, December 12,
2013 beginning with a social hour at 4:00pm and dinner at 5:00pm at the
UAW Local 2488 Union Center located at 10226 E 1400 North Road in
Bloomington.
The cost for this catered event is $10 per retiree and $20 per couple. The
event is limited to the first 150 people signed up. Deadline is November
30, 2013.
Don’t miss out on what promises to be a fun annual event!
(cut here)
Retiree Name _________________________________________
Guest Name __________________________________________
Amount enclosed: $_____________
Make check payable to: UAW Local 2488
Inside This Issue:
Bargaining Chair Report
President Report
Benefits Report
Committee Report
Women’s Conference
Children’s Christmas Party
Retiree/Work Comp Info
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Send to: UAW Local 2488—Attention: Retiree’s Feast
10226 E 1400 North Rd . Bloomington, IL 61705
Please indicate if you can bring a dessert to share and type:____________________________________
UnionSpirit
Chairman’s Report
By: Roger Goodwin
The weather is starting to turn meaning another summer is behind us. It
also means that PTO applications for
the following year will be due soon.
They must be turned in to your
Group Leader by the last day of November. The last working day in November is the 27th, which is the
Wednesday before Thanksgiving.
Don’t allow the holiday to let this
important day slip your mind.
Transfers ran at the end of October
with the moves taking place by November 4th. Congratulations to those
that got their transfer and good luck
in your new areas! Please remember
that all transfers on file will expire at
the end of the year. Transfers for next
year may be turned in starting November 1st.
should not be running to keep up on
your job. Work at a safe pace.
Another reminder is that accrued
Comp Days must be used by the end
of October or they will be forfeited.
There is not much time left (if any) to
use them.
This is the last issue of the year, so
from myself and the rest of the Union
Office; have a Merry Christmas and a
Happy New Year!
Grievances:
th
On September 24 we had grievance
arbitration for the PTO allotment for
our recalled Brothers and Sisters. The
Arbiter informed us that his answer
would be forthcoming by the end of
October.
The maximum number of Saturdays
is confirmed through the end of the
year. October 26, November 2, 16,
23, and December 7 and 14 are all
confirmed. Also, the maximum number of Saturdays is tentatively scheduled from January through the end of
March. Add to this the long hours
through the week and member safety
becomes a concern. Most of the plant
is moving to 34JPH also. Please remember to work SAFELY. You
3rd Step – 15
Pre-Arb – 12
Arbitration – 1
Manpower:
Production – 829
Maintenance – 141
Layoff – 100
Supplemental – 39
U.S. Sales:
August: 2171
September: 1883
Exports:
August: 3725
September: 3777
Congratulations to the recent retirees listed below:
Robert Schroeder
Dan Monk
Arlene Gutierrez
Louis Mattingly
Kevin Eberly
Dennis Putney
Diana Osterhagen
Donna Bolter
Charles Runyard
Linda Curtis
Karen Hack Darling
Kenneth Morgan
Scott E. Smith
Billy Frantz
Mark Ploense
Page 2
Volume 24, Issue 6
Union Spirit
President’s Report
By: Jerry Harcharik
FALL CONFERENCE
message that it is not acceptable to continue the trend of takeaways.
take a look at the new roof on the pavilion. That roof was damaged last year
during the big wind storm which swept
down Route 9 west of Bloomington.
Governor Quinn spoke of his relationship with the UAW over the years and
the work he has done to help bring prod- And thanks to a number of members
ucts and jobs to Illinois manufacturing
who volunteered their assistance, we
facilities, including Mitsubishi.
finally replaced the ceiling tiles in the
th
25 ANNIVERSARY COMMEMO- meeting room. The old tiles lived a long
and useful life, but after 20 years, it was
RATION (REDUX)
time for those tiles to head into retireThose of you in attendance saw that the ment. A special thank you goes out to
UAW was present on the stage during
Ramon Reveles, Gary Fern, Dave
th
the 25 anniversary assembly in the
Bevans, Kevin Beard, Brian Tucker,
st
plant on October 1 . MMNA reached
Jerry Arnold, Kay Lanter, Kelli Harriout to the UAW a few days earlier ask- son, J.D. Klunick and Janai, Ken Hutchiing if we could meet. Bargaining Chair
son and Roger Goodwin for all their
Roger Goodwin and I met with MMNA help. The ceiling looks brand new!
upper management prior to the assembly
MPW BROTHERS AND SISTERS
and explained that while the company
executives must answer to corporate in- Negotiations for the first contract beterests and shareholders, the UAW lead- tween the United Auto Workers and
ership answers to only the membership
MPW Industrial Services are continuing
and that will not change.
at the time of this publication. Patience
A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure to
attend the 2013 UAW Region 4 Fall
Conference at the Pat Greathouse Education Center in Ottawa. Speakers included
Region 4 Director Ron McInroy,
(recently named the Northeastern Illinois
Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO “Person
of the Year”), UAW International Secretary-Treasurer (and good friend to UAW
Local 2488) Dennis Williams and a brief
visit from the Governor of Illinois, Pat
Quinn…a great advocate for the United We also assured the company that while
we may approach things from different
Auto Workers.
directions and will probably continue to
During his remarks to the president’s
“butt heads” on issues down the road,
and chairs, Director McInroy talked
our goal is the same: Success for both
about the importance of our plant and
the workers and the facility. On a side
our success in regard to the organizing
note, I thought that Charles “Rudy” Ruefforts at the other transnational facilidolph did an excellent job in summarizties…especially Nissan and Volkswagen ing his 25-plus years at the plant.
in the south. He stated that once those
UNION CENTER
plants are organized, it will be a great
IMPROVEMENTS
accomplishment for the UAW.
is the key word as we move forward in
talks. No other MPW unit has ever been
organized by the UAW. While it is a
familiar path for the in-plant management at our facility, it is a completely
new experience for the corporate folks
with MPW in Hebron, Ohio.
ANN CALLIS AT MEMBERSHIP
MEETING
I would like to extend a big thank-you to
the membership for extending a warm
welcome to former Madison County
We
have
just
recently
concluded
a
numChief Judge Ann Callis at the October
Secretary-Treasurer Williams emphaber of improvements at the Union Center membership meeting. Callis is one of the
sized that with contract negotiations
candidates running in the Democratic
looming in 2015, it is time to “Bridge the that were approved by the membership
th
at the Union Center Corporation meeting primary in the 13 Congressional DisGap” between the first and second tier.
on September 18th. Swing by the hall and trict.
He said that it is important to send the
President Report cont. on page 4
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Volume 24, Issue 6
Union Spirit
President Report cont. from page 3
ARE YOU READY FOR
SOME FOOTBALL?
We put the new ceiling in place in time
for the Super Bowl Party which is set for
Sunday, February 2nd. As always, the
Veteran’s Committee has a large number
of exciting prizes to give away this year
including a 50-inch plasma TV, a 42inch plasma TV, a surround system, a
blu-ray player, cash prizes and a special
unadvertised prize to be given away to
one lucky person in attendance. Be looking for Veteran’s Committee members
among others selling those familiar raffle
tickets any day.
hour and enjoy the displays. We have
our long Thanksgiving weekend beginA little bit of togetherness can go a long ning Thursday, November 28th and, of
way! We have been spending a lot of
course, Christmas shutdown beginning
time with our coworkers over the last
the week of December 23rd. Please take
several months…like it or not…and after advantage of this time away. We cera long wait, we are finally heading into tainly need it. But please do not take it
the holiday season. I know what you’re for granted. These are union-negotiated
saying. “What are you talking about? We holidays that were fought for and won at
just got through Halloween!” What I
the bargaining table. They were not
mean is: November and December pro- given to us. Without a strong union, you
vide a lot of opportunities to enjoy some might get the time off, but you certainly
union-negotiated holiday time with our would not be paid for it. This is a small
families and friends…away from work! example of what your union dues do for
Monday, November 11th is Veteran’s
you.
Day. Prior to that, be sure to join the
Veteran’s Committee in the plant Com- Until next time, I’ll be seeing you on the
munications Center November 6, 7 and 8 shop floor.
for a piece of cake during your lunch
HOLIDAY SEASON
Benefits Report
Class Schedules for our
Dependent Children
If you have a child under the age of 26
that is not attending college and has no
access to healthcare through their emJust a reminder: We can keep our chilployer, they are eligible to be placed
dren on our Health and Dental Policies
back under our healthcare benefit.
up to the age of 25 as long as we proThis will provide them with medical,
vide current class schedules (Spring
prescription, vision, and hearing beneand Fall) and the child verifies (with
fits. The affidavit forms are available
the class schedule) what college they
in the UAW Benefit office or the Comare attending and that they are a full
pany Benefit office.
time student. The child must also remain unmarried. The company curTuition Assistance Program
rently suspends the eligibility until
they receive the current class schedule.
Just as a reminder, applications for this
This can create problems when the
benefit can be submitted at this time.
child attempts to fill a prescription, or
It will reflect on the 2013 taxable inhas a medical or dental bill. To precome if you have the forms and approvent this from happening, make sure
priate documentation turned in by Dethe spring schedule is turned in by December 31st. You will need the tuition
cember 31st and the fall schedule is
reimbursement application, proof of
turned in by June 1st.
Page 4
the tuition costs, proof of payment of
the tuition and a copy of your child’s
grades.
In Other News….
There will be a Wellness Fair on December 4th sponsored by the Company.
Open enrollment for changes to benefits will be held the week of December
2-December 6.
If you have any questions we can be
reached at:
Johnna Jackson 888- 8008 or
Ron Dixon 888-8015
Volume 24, Issue 6
Union Spirit
Women’s Committee Report by Barbara Fisher, Chairperson
During the last few months, the Women’s committee
has asked for your help and assistance with several
projects for our communities. Some of our projects
included an eye glass drive, 50/50 raffles, tablet raffle
and a food drive.
Earlier in the year, we did our annual eye glass drive
which was very successful. We have collected hundreds of glasses and cases during our last two drives
and we continue to receive your kind donations. The
Women’s committee has held several 50/50 raffles.
This has made it possible for us to make donations for
breast cancer and our food drive.
portant to one of our past committee members and coworker, Kim Goben. Kim was a long time dedicated
volunteer in many of our local’s endeavors. Therefore, as a tribute to her involvement, we took on this
project along with the assistance of the Community
Services committee to help the community and as a
way to continue Kim’s good work.
In the future, we plan to host the food drive twice a
year, once in the fall and again in the spring. Please
keep this in mind when you go shopping and pick up a
few extra cans of food when they are on sale. Home
Sweet Home has connections with suppliers, which
means they can stretch cash donations that they reAccording to the American Cancer Society, more than
ceive to feed even more people. For example, they
one million people in the United States get cancer
will use $57.38 to feed approximately 30 people a
each year. Cancer is something that has affected
Thanksgiving meal. With your generosity, a donation
many of our families, friends and coworkers. The
from UAW Local 578 in Oshkosh, WI and assistance
Women’s committee held a tablet raffle to benefit
of the Community Services committee, we collected a
breast cancer and with your continued support we
van full of food and donated $180.00 as well.
raised over $1400 to benefit “Making Strides against
Breast Cancer”.
I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you
for helping us continue to help others in our communiOur most recent project was a food drive for Home
ties.
Sweet Home Ministries. We chose this because it is
important not only to the community, but it was im-
Page 5
Volume 24, Issue 6
Union Spirit
Fall Women’s Conference by Kelli Harrison
The Local 2488
Women’s Committee
sent delegates to the
UAW Region 4 Pat
Greathouse Center. The
delegates were present
for the 2013 Fall
Women’s Conference.
Polly Byrne. Polly is
UAW Region 4 Women's
Coordinator and was diagnosed with cancer and
unable to attend due to
illness. The conference is
being video taped and it
will be sent to Polly with
well wishes from all of
the delegates for a speedy
recovery.
Marilyn Spradling
opened the Women's
conference in Ottawa,
Illinois with a letter from Conference attendees
Barbara Fisher, Sylvia
Cooper, Lisa Parker,
Kelli Harrison, and Fred
Jones had the pleasure of
listening to Bea Lumpkin, activist and author of
"Joy In The Struggle".
She talked of struggles in
the labor movement back
in the 1930's. This included how the unions
fought for a 40 hour
work week, safety stan-
dards, etc. People were
hungry during that time
as they were going
through the Great Depression. They formed
rallies in Detroit and
New York to fight for the
people who were struggling to let their voices
be heard. They won that
fight and found joy from
their struggles.
Members of Local 2488 shown above at the Fall 2013 Women’s Conference. Pictured L
to R are Barbara Fisher, Fred Jones, Kelli Harrison and Sylvia Cooper.
Reminder:
The next union meetings are on Wednesday November 20 at
5:00 pm and Wednesday December 18 at 5:00 pm.
Page 6
Volume 24, Issue 6
Union Spirit
Sunday, December 8th
Eastland Suites
Breakfast from 8:00am – 12:30pm
Eastland Drive in Bloomington
TICKET SALES WILL BE HELD ON:
Monday, October 28th through Saturday, November 2nd
in the UAW Benefits Office
Tickets are $5.00 each and children 3 years and under get in free!
These tickets have been limited to Local 2488 members and family!!
BRING YOUR CAMERA TO TAKE PICTURES WITH SANTA
Contact: Ron Dixon at x8015 or Johnna Jackson at x8008 or the Union Hall at 828-2880.
Sponsored by Local 2488 Conservation & Recreation Committee
Community Services Committee Events by Ralph Timan, Chairperson
The Community Services Committee is
looking for volunteers to join us in ringing the Bells for the Salvation Army on
December 21, 2013 in front of JC Penney’s inside Eastland Mall in Bloomington beginning at 10:00 am thru 8:00 pm.
For information and to sign up contact
Ralph Timan (rtiman2488@gmail.com)
or Rosie Goff in F-5 or call the union
hall at 828-2880.
It was announced at the Bloomington/
Normal Trades & Labor meeting that
Page 7
Rosati's Pizza at 1720 Bradford Lane in
Normal is offering a 20% discount to
Union Members on food purchases. To
receive the discount you must show your
Union Membership card. This is good
for both dine in and carry out at the Normal location. Jon Young, Special
Events/ Fundraising Coordinator for
Rosati's noted that the store was built
with Union Labor and they wanted to
recognize the union members in the
community with this offer.
The Bloomington/Normal Trades and
Labor Assembly AFL-CIO is looking
for Volunteers to help with the annual
Children's Christmas Party for the unemployed and under employed at Bloomington High School on December 14.
Set up starts at 9:00 am. This program is
a great Union Labor outreach to the
community. For more information contact Ralph Timan or Ronn Morehead,
President B/N Trades & Labor at 309828-8813.
Volume 24, Issue 6
UAW Local 2488
10226 East 1400 North Road
NON-PROFIT ORG.
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Permit No. 622
Bloomington, Illinois 61705
Phone: 309/828-2880
Fax: 309/829-2128
E-Mail Contact for the hall:
JHarcharik@UAW2488.com
Retiree Meetings Schedule
Meetings are scheduled on the second
Tuesday of every month and all meetings
will start at 10:00 am.
November 12 Meeting at the hall
**Thursday December 12**
**Retirees’ Holiday Feast at the hall**
UAW Local 2488 Union Spirit Policy
The opinions expressed in this publication are not
necessarily those of UAW Local 2488 or its Communications Committee. Items submitted to the Editor,
UAW Local 2488 or Communications Committee
become the property of this Local and Committee.
All submissions must be signed and must contain your
group name and a telephone number. We reserve
the right to edit and/or reject any material submitted. Any use of materials appearing in our publication is prohibited, except with the written consent of
the Editor and/or the Local President.
Page 8
U.S. Postage Paid
Bloomington, IL
Please remember to keep the Union informed of
your current address and phone number.
Follow us on: Facebook — UAW Local 2488
Twitter—– @UAWLocal2488
Contact Us
Editor: Linda Hickey
Contact us by postal address or e-mail us at:
uaw2488spirit@yahoo.com
Workers’ Compensation Attorneys
Katz, Friedman, Eagle, Eisenstein, Johnson and Bareck
will be at the Union Center on the following dates to
answer questions about Workers’ Compensation.
Richard Johnson
November 12 10:00am—5:00pm
December 8 10:00am— 5:00pm
Phil Bareck & Chris Mose--Call for an appointment
Downstate Injury Hotline: 1-800-444-1525
Volume 24, Issue 6