UAW Local 245 President's Blog

2011-05-19T10:26:00.002-04:00

UAW LOCAL 245 ELECTION RESULTS

VICE PRESIDENT
Kim Moore 488 Eric Miesmer 268 rob Johnson 42 James Hall 26

SERGEANT AT ARMS
Ali Shareef Jr. 419 David Klenczar 369

R&E UNIT
CHAIRMAN
Paul Vergari 343 Rodney Clemons 261

BARGAINING COMMITTEE
Kim Moore 359 Eric Miesmer 304 Joe Rencsok 282 Mike Susalla 222 Ed Huddleston 213
Chris Danish 203 Rob Johnson 42

PART TIME COMMITTEE AT LARGE
Art Antal Jr 275 Kevin SMith 158 David Klenczar 142

THE HENRY FORD UNIT
Robert Jennings 59 Ken Gesek 57 Troy Pettit 51 Terri McLellan 44 Heather Lynn Wood 40

Editorial

2011-02-17T21:06:00.003-05:00

One thing I have admired about working in a union shop through my lifetime is the fact that the union represents all people. When privileged enough to become President of this Local, I highlighted those feelings in my first Presidents report stating: that "no matter how long I'm elected it will always be my mission to offer a true union program that offers unconditional acceptance to all." In other words it doesn't matter to me what your heritage, color, sex or creed is...nor does it matter if your Democrat or Republican, pro-gun or anti-gun and the list goes on. What does matter is that I as your rep represent you.
What strikes me odd is that Politicians at all levels are in a similar business as I that being representing people...but yet for some attacking certain groups does not seem to phase them...Last month Congressman McCotter refused to meet Whit UAW delegates in Washington after an appointment was made and while he was in his office but was allegedly too busy.
Of course as you may have guessed Governor Snyder's Budget that was released today is the source of my disdain and confusion tonight...After thinking about this all day...we have a Governor who has in one day waged war on Senior Citizens and Retirees, public workers, Teachers, Police officers, fire fighters, Union workers and many others all in the name of saving our state...Obviously I don't agree with the current budget proposal and ask why it is OK for these politiciansto offer a solution to the whole states problems by only selecting certain groups to endure the pain of his solutions.
Now I am realistic that business needs a break...but at the expense of every worker in the state? Does it come into play that a millionaire running the state who has no worry where his next meal or money for his next tuition payment will come from is making all these decisions??
In the past years children and grandchildren have left the state in mass exodus...with this budget seniors and retirees will be next...the very people that spend money in our state...so who does that leave to flip the bill for these solutions??? People that still have a job in this beleaguered state...but these are those who for many have not received any wage increases and are being asked to pay more healthcare, more at the gas station and more at the grocery store...and now more to our state...
Where does it stop? When do the politicians offer an across the board plan that has the wealthy to the poor and labor to business owners and everyone in between sharing the sacrifice? Logic would tell you that as the unionized workforce and the de-industrialization of this country continue to occur our problems get worse...when will the politicians understand that we have to have vibrant manufacturing to have a strong economy...when that happens people work...then they send their kids to school...they shop...they eat...they go on vacation...Jobs will fix problems...not politicians who want to wage war on certain classes of people.

2011-02-08T21:26:00.002-05:00

Greetings Members and Retirees!!
Great news to pass on to all Bowlers...for some time we have been exploring the idea of having our Local 245 Bowling tournament be a sanctioned/certified event. Well I'm happy to report that this years Bowling Tournament will be a USBC Certified Competition. (number 08850)
My thanks go out to Recreation Chair Tom Rizzo and Bookkeeper Larry Niner for exploring this and making it happen! Over the years many members have requested us to do this and I am proud to report we are now able to provide this certification through the USBC. If you have not signed up for the Bowling tournament feel free to contact Local 245 as there are still lanes available for the March 12th event! Hope to see you there!!

2011-01-31T06:47:00.002-05:00

Reminder to all members at R&E and The Henry Ford Units...Resolutions and surveys are still being received by the unit bargaining committees. If you desire to see anything changed in your local agreement now is the time to submit those ideas! The window is still open and the resolutions can be dropped off at the local or given to any bargaining committee member in your unit. Make your voice heard!! Thank you!

2011-01-21T20:18:00.001-05:00

The local 245 General Membership Meeting will be this Sunday at 1pm at Local 245. the meeting was moved from the third Sunday (last week) due to the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday. Hope to see you there.

2011-01-03T08:50:00.002-05:00

As we move forward from the Christmas Break please keep in mind we are still accepting Local resolutions for R&E Unit. Additionally the local resolution period will be opening soon for The Henry Ford Unit.

Also we are inviting all Brothers and Sisters to join us on Wednesday January 5, 2011 as we continue to fight the A/C code change issue with the City of Dearborn. We will meet at Local 245 at 3 pm and then proceed to City Hall for the Safety Board Meeting which begins at 5:30 pm. Please plan on attending to show your support for our A/C Department. if there are any questions feel free to contact Local 245 at 313-561-7500

2010-12-31T21:28:00.002-05:00

I wish to all of Local 245's Members, Retirees and your families the best the New Year can bring. I hope it is your best year yet! I thank each of you for your membership at Local 245 and for your continued support. I look forward to working with each of you in the New Year! Be Safe and enjoy the celebrations this weekend!
GO BLUE and GO SPARTANS on New Years Day!!!

2010-12-24T20:04:00.002-05:00

May the Joy and Peace of Christmas be with each of you! I wish to every Member, Retiree and your families a Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday Season. Be safe and enjoy your time with family and friends wherever you may be this Season. Please keep those in the Military serving our Country overseas on Christmas in your thoughts and prayers.

2010-12-14T23:07:00.002-05:00

Greetings Members and Retirees! The Annual Food and Clothing Drive ends Friday!! While this years donations are up from last year, we are still down from years prior. There is still time to donate!! Please drop off your new or used clothing or non perishable food donations to any drop box in the plant or drop it off at Local 245. All Donations will be delivered to Fort Street Presbyterian Church on Monday!! Thanks for your support

2010-12-13T08:39:00.003-05:00

Hello...Just a reminder that Tuesday December 14, 2010 is the Resolutions meeting at Local 245 beginning at 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm. Due to the large number of resolutions only National resolutions will be voted on tomorrow. Local resolutions meetings will be scheduled in January or February. In the meantime Local resolutions may sill be submitted. Once again National resolutions will be voted on at Tuesdays Meeting. Hope to see you there and thank you for participating in this process!

2010-12-06T06:26:00.002-05:00

The 2010 Children's Christmas Party at Region 1-A was a huge success! Thanks to all of the members and retirees that attended! There were over 400 Adults and kids that enjoyed Sundays event. There were balloon twisters for the kids and a keyboard player providing background music and a special visit from the jolly old elf himself Santa Claus. My thanks to the Recreation and Woman's committee and all of our volunteers that put in time to make this years event a success! Congratulations to our Prize winners: Lauryn St. Bernard and Austin Forrest who won bikes; Braylin McKinney who won the specially designed balloon Hat; and to Lucas Schaumburger, Olivia Drys, Matthew Urbancczyk, Logan Hartley, Zachery Jeziorski, Maya Sarikonda and Presley who won MP3 players!

2010-11-30T06:02:00.001-05:00

Greetings!
Don't forget that this is the last week to submit Resolutions for the Ford 2011 National Contract as well as the 2011 R&E Local agreement. Resolutions must be submitted by Monday December 6, 2010. The Resolutions committee will review them and then bring them to the special Resolutions meeting on December 14, 2010 for Vote by the membership. Thank you!

2010-11-25T09:38:00.003-05:00

As we pause this weekend to give thanks please keep our Brave Military Men and Woman in your thoughts and prayers. Give thanks for the great freedoms we have in this country, the love of Family and Friends and our health.
I wish for each of you and your families a Blessed and Safe Thanksgiving Weekend!

2010-11-21T18:11:00.003-05:00

The 2010 UAW Ford Food and Clothing Drive will begin officially on Monday November 29, 2010. Donations are currently being accepted at Local 245. Please support this years drive by donating clothing new or used and/or non perishable food. Please remember to get your resolutions in soon. the deadline to submit resolutions is December 6, 2010!

2010-11-11T08:25:00.002-05:00

HAPPY VETERANS DAY! Local 245 would like to THANK all of our Veterans for serving our great Country as well as THANK all of those currently serving. We also pause humbly to remember those who have given the ultimate Sacrifice. No amount of thanks seems fitting for what you have done or are doing but know that you are the True American Hero! May you have an enjoyable day and Thank you for your service!!

2010-11-06T18:48:00.002-04:00

I am encouraging all R&E Unit Members to take advantage of the open resolutions period that we are in right now. Resolutions are being accepted for the 2011 National Ford Negotiations as well as the 2011 R&E Unit local negotiations. Resolution forms have been emailed out, are posted in buildings, are available at the R&E Unit committee room and are available at local 245. You may fill the forms out in great detail or with simply a sentence stating what you would like to see changed or modified. The resolutions committee will review them all and prepare them for delivery to the respectivebargaining committees. ALL RESOLUTIONS ARE DUE BY DECEMBER 6, 2010. A resolutions meeting will be held at Local 245 on December 14, 2010. This is the time to make our voices heard!! If you have any questions feel free to contact any rep for help!!

2010-11-01T09:03:00.002-04:00

Greetings Members and Retirees! Please Remember Tuesday November 2, 2010 is Election Day across the Country. Please exercise one of our greatest Freedoms the right to vote! Go VOTE and make your voice heard!
If anyone is interested in helping labor endorsed candidates on Election Day please report to Region 1-A at anytime on Tuesday! Thank you!

2010-10-17T20:24:00.002-04:00

The third Annual STRIKE A CURE was a great SUCCESS THANKS to all of you that could participate, all of you that donated and because of all our prize donors! The event was bigger this year than last and featured a touching tribute to those survivors that came forward and were recognized for beating cancer and were given a certificate and Rose. There were over 30 gifts donated and given away and a good time had by all. I Thank all of you that participated in any way and look forward to doing it all again next year!!!
I also thank the woman's committee for their work on our Halloween party that took place Friday as well...
Thanks also to those who made it to the General Membership Meeting on Sunday...

2010-10-05T22:40:00.002-04:00

Greetings Members and Retirees! As you may know October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month! This year marks the 3 rd annual Strike A Cure fundraiser hosted by Local 245 to help raise funds to fight breast Cancerand all cancer! Our fundraiser was started to honor and support those who are currently fighting cancer, remember those who have lost their battle and gone before us and to celebrate with those who are survivors! Thanks to your efforts we have donated over $7,000 in two years to the Karmanos Cancer Organization. The third annual Strike A Cure will be held on Saturday October 16, 2010 at 2pm. The bowling fundraiser will begin at 2 pm at Thunderbowl Lanes in Allen Park. It is a fun day with discount drinks, pizza for bowlers and many nice gifts that will be raffled off. Come on out even if you do not bowl and enjoy the day! If you wish to reserve a lane to bowl or have questions about the event please call Local 245 at 313-561-7500

2010-09-28T14:16:00.002-04:00

Greetings Members and Retirees...As many of you know Rodney, Paul and I are attending the UAW National Ford Council Convention this week. This is always an important conference as local leadership from across the country gathers to share information and give reports on their local issues as well as hear from the National departments on progress and issues they are working on. This weeks conference takes on greater importance as some Sub Councils are electing officers and all Sub Councils will be electing National Negotiators which will represent the different Councils and their memberships at the main bargaining table in the 2011 National Negotiations with Ford.
I have thought for some time that having representation from our local at the National Table in the form of an elected negotiator would be a positive opportunity. Today that dream is realized! In the election this morning in Sub Council 3 (which is Skilled Trades) R&E Chairman Rodney Clemons was elected as one of two National Negotiators!! This is historic for our local and I CONGRATULATE Rodney for this monumental achievement.
Also in Sub Council 1, I was humbled to be nominated and re-elected to serve as Vice President of the Council. I will keep you updated on other items as they become available!
Watch for information in the coming weeks on information pertaining to submitting resolutions for the national contract.

2010-09-15T20:38:00.003-04:00

Greetings Members and Retirees!
I wanted to make you all aware that the channel 7 media in Detroit has done something that is outstanding! Perhaps some of you have already seen the program channel 7 is airing called Its Made in Michigan. tonight they focused on the Chrysler Jeep being assembled in Detroit at Jefferson Assembly, Jets Pizza and Belle Tire. You can see the program by visiting the www.wxyzdetroit.com website. They also said at the conclusion of the program that they are looking for more product Made in Michigan to air in future shows. So...pick up your pens or type a letter and make a phone call to tell them about our Ford products manufactured right here in the great state of Michigan by union labor! Tell them about the greatest History attraction right here in Dearborn the Henry Ford also! It is long overdue that Made in Michigan is being played on local television, so lets spread the word!!!

2010-09-10T22:04:00.002-04:00

As you well know today marks the 9th Anniversary of one of the most tragic events in American History, that being the 9-11 attacks on our United States. Take a moment today to remember all of those who lost their lives that day, those that gave their lives trying to save others and also keep our troops in your continued thoughts and prayers as well.

2010-09-07T21:47:00.002-04:00

Greetings Members and Retirees!
As many of you know I resigned my position with the International UAW on Friday and have returned to the Presidency at Local 245. This happened after very open discussion with acting President Kim Moore and Director Gamble at Region 1-A. I appreciate the advice support and friendship Kim offered on my return and Thank her for a great job while serving as President. I also appreciate the confidence Rory Gamble had in me and for his understanding upon my desire to return as well.
I thank each of you that I have seen in the plant for your kind words for both Kim and I and for your continued support and understanding. We look forward to continuing to serve the membership in our elected positions.
As always if there are questions or concerns feel free to contact me anytime!
It is great to be Home!!!

2010-06-21T21:15:00.001-04:00

Vice President Jimmy Settles has been assigned to lead the UAW Ford National Department along with still overseeing the Aerospace Department. President Gettelfinger has assumed not only the Presidents duties but also the National Organizing assignments as well. For full details check out the www.uaw.org website

Greetings Members and Retirees

2010-06-17T12:16:00.003-04:00

It's official the UAW has a new president. Bob King was just sworn in as President along with the King Team which includes past Region 1A Director, Jimmy Settles, re-elected as Vice President and Rory Gamble re-elected as Region 1A Director. Additionally, Cindy Estrada who is also from Region 1A was elected for the first time as Vice President.

The Convention was an exciting place to be on Wednesday as Local 600 member Gary Walkowicz challenged Bob King for the presidency. In true democracy, the Rules Committee ordered a roll call vote which means every local had to declare their vote. In the end, President King had 4038.451 votes to Walkowicz's 74.549 votes.

I also congratulate Rodney Clemons who was elected as a Region 1A, Michigan CAP, Executive Committee Delegate an the Regional Caucus.

Finally, I thank the Local 245 delegation for their participation, hard work and commitment of time during the long days at the convention. The delegates made our local proud.

Greetings Members and Retirees

2010-06-16T10:11:00.002-04:00

I apologize. It's been a while since I updated this blog due to technical problems.

I am so pleased to be at the 35th Constitutional Convention in Detroit. Know that Local 245 is well represented with a delegation that serves with your best interest at heart.

Today is Election Day. In just a short while nominations will open and your delegates will vote on new leadership for our great union.

Also know that in proceedings yesterday the resolution committee recommended equality of sacrifice to have the International elected board members to sacrifice as our membership have. The delegates approved that International Executive Board (IEB) members will not get a raise or C.O.L.A. in the next 4 years. Their pay will remain the same until the next convention 4 years from now.

I wish to thank Ed Huddleston and Brian Brown for their great work this week at the convention to provide you breaking news and pictures.

I thank all of the delegates and guests who are at the convention on behalf of our local. Thanks also to both the active and retired membership for their continued support.

My Blog was moved to a new server.

2010-05-23T12:08:00.002-04:00

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2010-04-27T07:28:00.002-04:00

This Saturday is the Dearborn Relay for Life!! This event begins at 10am on Saturday and goes 24 hours until 10 am on Sunday. The Local 245 Community Service Committee has been busy planning this event and would appreciate your attendance or donations or both to support our participation! If you have a few minutes to spare come to the Dearborn Performing Arts Center and walk a lap in honor or memory of a loved one! It is an amazing event with many things to do see and buy! Thanks to your generous support last year Local 245 was a silver sponsor of the Dearborn Relay for life! I look forward to seeing you there!

2010-04-01T14:08:00.003-04:00

A big Thank You to the teams from Local 245 that participated at the Region 1-A Bowling Tournament. I am pleased to announce that one of the Local 245 teams qualified for the National Tournament and will represent Local 245!
Congratulations to Mark Blankenship, Aaron Fuchs, Dave Krussel, Bob Thornton and Robert Trockley all Local 245 members who did outstanding and are moving on to the National Tournament! Great job guys and Good Luck at Nationals!!
I wish all of our Members, Retirees and your Families a Blessed and Safe Easter weekend!

2010-03-24T06:47:00.002-04:00

I am receiving many calls with questions pertaining to the new Health Care legislation passed in Congress Sunday night and singed into Law yesterday by President Barack Obama. At this time we have been given no details about the bill. I continue to search for a summary of how the Bill will affect our members Retirees and your families as well as bargaining agreements. As always use extreme caution when listening to the media as they report their opinions on this new legislation. I will keep you posted on any progress and information that I may get. Thank you for your interest in this historic legislation.

2010-03-19T14:53:00.001-04:00

The General Membership Meeting will be this Sunday at 1 pm at Local 245 headquarters. This month will feature Wayne county Executive Robert Ficano as the guest speaker. We will also be voting on resolutions for the 35th UAW Constitutional Convention. Hope to see you there!

2010-02-24T06:46:00.002-05:00

At the General Membership Meeting on Sunday February 21, I announced that I will be convening a Local 245 Constitutional Convention Committee to prepare for the UAW Constitutional Convention that will occur in Detroit on June 14-18, 2010. Due to the importance of this years convention I feel it necessary to go above and beyond to give each member an opportunity to have their concerns heard. This is a committee that will bring ideas from each unit together to be discussed and have that information shared with the elected delegates and taken to the Convention. I expect this committee to meet three times before the June Convention. If you are interested in participating please email president@local245.com or call me at 313-561-7500.
Local 245 is allotted 5 elected Delegates (3 from R&E and 2 from all other units) and they will be elected in a special election on April 14, 2010.
We are also at this time accepting resolutions for the convention. Resolutions must be based on something you would like modified or changed in the blue UAW Constitution book. All resolutions must be to Local 245 Headquarters by Sunday March 21 in time for discussion and vote at the General Membership Meeting.

2010-02-12T12:36:00.000-05:00

Last week I had the privilege of attending the 2010 Census Kickoff in Detroit. I wanted to relay some of the information to each of you to prepare you for the census itself and to remind you of the importance of this questionnaire. I have included a list of ways that the census data is used for on the back of this communication.
The US Constitution requires a national census once every ten years to count the population and determine the number of seats each state will have in the US House of Representatives. More importantly the data is also used to determine federal funding for community services such as school lunch programs, senior services and new construction for highways and hospitals. The census bureau is reaching out to all organizations including labor for their assistance in this year’s census.
The census will be conducted again this year with questionnaires being mailed to families in March by US Mail or by being hand delivered. Each census will have ten questions pertaining to your household.
It is important to note that this information is confidential among the Census Bureau and an individual’s responses cannot be shared by law with anyone, including other federal agencies and law enforcement entities.
I also wanted to inform you of the potential job opportunities that the Census can provide with wages ranging from $8.25 to $19.50. If you know of anyone that is searching for work the census does provide temporary job opportunities. We have been told to have interested parties call 1-866-861-2010 or log on to the web and go to www.2010censusjobs.gov to apply.
Finally I have copies of what the census will look like as well as other literature and information available at the local if anyone is interested. If you wish to view this information on the web go to www.census.gov/2010census As always if there are questions or comments feel free to contact me at the local.

2010-01-26T07:03:00.000-05:00

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

On January 20, 2010 we attended the UAW National Ford Council Meetings in Detroit and voted overwhelmingly to support Vice President King’s recommendation to file policy grievances in every UAW Ford and ACH bargaining unit signed by every member protesting Ford’s recent announcement to restore certain non represented salary compensation and benefit programs. Vice President King reported that top UAW leaders had immediately protested Ford’s announcement and have held numerous meetings expressing our strong disagreement and anger over the announcement.
We are outraged that after UAW members have sacrificed so much to keep Ford viable that Ford would so irresponsibly violate the terms of the letters of understanding in the 2007 UAW Ford National Collective Bargaining Agreement and the 2009 Modification dealing with Equality of Sacrifice.
The UAW and Ford have accomplished important goals by working together. Most importantly though our collective bargaining efforts we have kept numerous plants open and put major investment and products in our plants in the Untied States when other auto companies were closing multiple plants and shipping work to countries outside of the United Sates. Many communities have been saved by our members’ sacrifices to keep products and investment here in the U.S.
Also through the great work ethic and cooperation of our UAW Ford members working with Ford management at both the plant and National level the Quality of Ford products has risen to the best in the industry. The fact that we were able to accomplish dramatic improvements in quality at the same time we were going through tremendous churning of the workforce due to the retirement and buyouts is unprecedented in any industry and a huge tribute to the UAW Ford hourly members who accomplished this in their day to day work.
We cannot allow Ford to make the huge mistake of undermining the morale of the most important players in their path to recovery. Alan Mulally has led this recovery under the theme of One Ford, One Team, One Goal. It is a flagrant violation of the language and principles of the UAW Ford Contract and ill advised in the midst of this recovery to restore the compensation and benefit programs for one group without equitable restoration to all.

We are asking every member to stand in Solidarity and sign the policy grievance protesting Fords flagrant contract violations!

In Solidarity,

Rodney Clemons Keith Brown
R&E Chairman President

2010-01-19T09:00:00.002-05:00

There will be a Special General Membership Meeting on Monday January 25, 2010 at Local 245. The meeting should be brief, will begin at 2:30 pm and be primarily for the purposes of swearing in new Executive Board Officers and R&E Unit representatives. Hope to see you there...

2010-01-13T19:45:00.003-05:00

UNOFFICIAL ELECTION RESULTS

EXECUTIVE BOARD

VICE PRESIDENT:

Kim Moore 368

Art Antal Jr. 263

GUIDE:

Jim Bell Jr. 382

Scott Abernathy 213

RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING UNIT:

BARGAINING COMMITTEEMAN:

Paul Vergari 247

Chris Danish 121

Art Antal Jr. 120

COMMITTEEMAN at LARGE:

Joe Rencsok 310

Ali Shareef 170

2010-01-13T09:22:00.001-05:00

Today is ELECTION DAY at Local 245! Please remember to VOTE!! Ballot boxes will be traveling to off site locations and outside units. Thank you in advance for coming out and to all the candidates for their efforts!!
VOTE!!!! VOTE!!!

2010-01-08T20:10:00.002-05:00

Greetings Members and Retirees!
We are currently asking for members and retirees to volunteer to stand in solidarity with brothers and sisters from both Region 1 and Region 1-A as we picket the North American International Auto Show in Detroit! We will be picketing Toyota after their harsh decision to idle the California NUMMI plant which was a joint venture between GM and Toyota with its workforce being UAW members. These members are going to be out of a job due to this unnecessary action by Toyota. As a result Vice President Jimmy Settles is asking brothers and sisters across the country to picket Toyota at all Major US auto shows throughout the year! You will be asked to volunteer in a 2.5 hour time slot on Saturday January 16, Sunday January 17 or Monday January 18, 2010. Please call Local 245 at 313-561-7500 for further questions and information or to volunteer! I look forward to seeing you at Cobo!

2010-01-07T06:30:00.002-05:00

Our January General Membership Meeting will be held this Sunday January 10, 2010 at 1pm at Local 245. The meeting was moved as a result of Membership action to move the meeting ahead one week to accommodate for the three day Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday weekend. The Holiday this year will be observed on Monday January 18, 2010. Hope to see you at the meeting...

2009-12-29T21:50:00.003-05:00

Greetings Members and Retirees...As we watch this year come to an end I wish to thank everyone for their patience understanding and continued support of our local during this difficult year. While we faced many challenges I am proud of our membership for their solidarity in tough times and proud of how our local was a prevalent organization in the community this year with Strike A Cure the Bike Run for Autism another successful Food and Clothing drive and the Dearborn Relay for Life to name a few! I look forward to working with all of our committees and bargaining units in the new year to represent each of you the best way we can. I wish for each of you and your families a Very Safe and Happy New Year!

2009-12-27T13:12:00.003-05:00

The Funeral arrangements for UAW Local 600 President Jerry Sullivan are as follows:

VIEWING MONDAY DECEMBER 28, 2009 1-8 PM @
KEEHN FUNERAL HOME
706 WEST MAIN
BRIGHTON, MI 48116

FUNERAL SERVICE TUESDAY DECEMBER 29, 2009 @
ST. JOSEPH PARISH CHURCH
6805 MAST ROAD
DEXTER, MI

TUESDAY VIEWING AT CHURCH BEGINS AT 10 AM
TUESDAY FUNERAL SERVICE AT CHURCH BEGINS AT 11 AM

Please keep the Sullivan family as well as our brothers and sisters at Local 600 in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you.

2009-12-23T09:47:00.002-05:00

It is with deep regret and sorrow that I inform you of the passing of Jerry Sullivan, long-time President of UAW Local 600. Jerry died at approximately 3:30 pm on December 22nd. Jerry was a dynamic leader at Local 600 and served his memberships well and will be missed greatly in the Ford Department! Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers. Arrangements are incomplete at this time and will be posted when we receive the details.

2009-12-10T07:04:00.002-05:00

Please Join us as we conduct our annual UAW-Ford Food and Clothing Drive. Please bring any non-perishable Food or donations of clothing to Local 245 or place your donations in drop boxes at EMDO, PDC and Facilities Services. We are running an abbreviated Food and Clothing Drive this year so the deadline to drop off donations will be Friday by 9am. We have received numerous requests for help this year due to the state of the economy so please consider participating in this years drive! All donations will be delivered on Friday December 18, 2009 to the Open Door at Fort Street Presbyterian Church in Detroit. Thank you!!

2009-12-01T06:04:00.003-05:00

Many Retirees have called and asked about the Christmas Bonus. Retirees are still entitled to a Christmas Bonus per the 2007 National Agreement which states: UAW Retirees and surviving spouses whose benefit started before October 1, 2007 will receive four lump- sum payments during the proposed 2007-2011 agreement. The payment for December 2007 will be $700 for all retirees and $455 for all surviving spouses. The lump-sum payments to be made in December 2008, December 2009 and December 2010 will be $23.33 times years of credited service, with a minimum of $233.33 and a maximum of $700. Surviving spouses will receive 65 percent of the retiree amount.

We have been informed that this year the lump-sum payment will be distributed the week of December 21, 2009.

There will be no Christmas Bonus for active Members this year.

2009-11-24T06:34:00.004-05:00

My warmest wishes for a safe and Happy Thanksgiving weekend to all Members Retirees and your families! Go Lions!

2009-11-06T07:50:00.001-05:00

Greetings Members and Retirees!

THE GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING SCHEDULED FOR SUNDAY NOVEMBER 8, 2009 AT 1 PM HAS BEEN CANCELLED. HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!

2009-11-04T06:10:00.001-05:00

Please join me in congratulating Brian Arp our current CAP Chairman for his big Victory in the Gibraltar City Council election that was held yesterday! Brian worked hard for the last several months along with his family knocking about 500 doors in Gibraltar and the hard work paid off as he had the highest vote count and finished first. Brian is now the second UAW Local 245 member to run for a City Council position and finish in the top spot as Retiree and former Recreation Co-chair Tony Lalli was successful at this two years ago in Allen Park.

2009-11-02T14:06:00.002-05:00

Tuesday November 3, 2009 is ELECTION DAY!! Please excercise one of our greatest freedoms we enjoy as Americans by going to vote in your respective municipality or Township.

2009-10-29T17:24:00.002-04:00

Greetings Members and Retirees!

The Ford R&E Ratification Vote results are as follows:

Skilled Trades 87 % No (Modifications Defeated)

Non Skilled 90% NO (Modifications Defeated)

We are extremely proud to report on behalf of the Election Committee that the Voter turnout was an outstanding 71%. Thank You to all of our members that came out to make their voice heard! Thank you to Kirk Brayman and Steve Vines from the Election Committee for handling this Vote!

Keith Brown & Rodney Clemons

2009-10-24T14:26:00.003-04:00

Greetings Members and Retirees,
Thank you to each of you that have called to support Rodney and I during this on-going contract modification explanation and vote process. We appreciate all feed back. As you can imagine We have been receiving a high volume of calls and emails and are doing our best to get back to you in a timely matter...we thank you for your patience and understanding as we have both been in many meetings and will continue to get back to you as quickly as possible.

UAW International Representatives from various departments are on site at R&E and walking the floor to answer questions and receive feed back and comments on these proposed modifications. Please feel free to talk with them and give them your input on the new deal. We look forward to seeing you at the explanation meetings on Tuesday and the Vote on Thursday!

Ratification Meetings Scheduled

2009-10-20T15:11:00.001-04:00

Greetings Members and Retirees! It has been very good to see many of you in the R&E Unit over the past few days as Chairman Rodney Clemons and I have visited many areas to distribute our letter to you in regards to the current modifications of the National Agreement. We appreciate the support and feed back this membership has provided. As promised, explanation meetings have been scheduled and will Occur on Tuesday October 27. The first one will be at Local 245 at 8 am followed by a meeting at 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm both of which will be at the Fuel Cell Center on Trackside. The Vote itself will occur on Thursday October 29, 2009 beginning at 5am and polls will close at 5pm.As we have discussed Rodney and I are not in favor of this agreement due to the three reasons we pointed out in our letter but also due to numerous local issues that we need to have resolved. With that though, we feel very strongly and are encouraging our membership, to try to attend the explanation meetings and ask questions of the National Team. It is especially important that every member exercises their right to vote as you see fit. If there are further questions feel free to call Rodney or I at any time. Thank you for your continued support!

2009-10-20T14:46:00.002-04:00

Greetings Members and Retirees! It has been very good to see many of you in the R&E Unit over the past few days as Chairman Rodney Clemons and I have visited many areas to distribute our letter to you in regards to the current modifications of the National Agreement. We appreciate the support and feed back this membership has provided.
As promised, explanation meetings have been scheduled and will Occur on Tuesday October 27. The first one will be at Local 245 at 8 am followed by a meeting at 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm both of which will be at the Fuel Cell Center on Trackside. The Vote itself will occur on Thursday October 29, 2009 beginning at 5am and polls will close at 5pm.
As we have discussed Rodney and I are not in favor of this agreement due to the three reasons we pointed out in our letter but also due to numerous local issues that we need to have resolved. With that though, we feel very strongly and are encouraging our membership, to try to attend the explanation meetings and ask questions of the National Team. It is especially important that every member exercises their right to vote as you see fit. If there are further questions feel free to call Rodney or I at any time. Thank you for your continued support!

Contract Modifications

2009-10-13T20:06:00.002-04:00

Greetings Members and Retirees...Rodney Clemons and I attended the National Ford Council meeting today in Detroit. National Ford along with the National Negotiators came to an agreement on further modifications to the 2007 National Agreement and presented them to the National Ford Council Delegates today. After explanation, questions and a great deal of discussion, the Delegates voted to accept the modifications and send them to the membership for vote and ratification. This was not a unanimous vote. High-lite books are in and will be delivered and/or picked up beginning tomorrow. We do not have a date for the National Team to roll out the changes to our membership as of yet but as soon as we do we will notify all members. As always feel free to contact Rodney or I for further information.

2009-10-09T08:37:00.002-04:00

Greetings Brothers and Sisters,
There are many reports that the UAW has again negotiated modifications with Ford to our 2007 agreement. Leadership has heard the same reports and while we have been given no details at the local level, local leadership has been called to Detroit on Tuesday October 13, 2009. There will be a President and Chairman's meeting at 11 am and a National Ford Council Delegate Meeting at 1 pm. As we receive information we will pass it on to membership promptly or convene a membership meeting if necessary to get you any information that may be coming.

2009-09-14T16:20:00.002-04:00

Its that time for our Second Annual Strike A Cure Bowling fundraiser!! The event will take place on Saturday October 3, 2009 at 1:00 pm at Thunderbowl lanes. This years event will feature cancer awareness information, over 20 gift baskets to be given away, including an overnight stay at the Hyatt, Toledo Mudhens tickets for 2010 and an autographed Detroit Lions Football to name a few...there will also be t-shirts, food and discounted beverages! Please consider joining us for the days activities even if you don't bowl. We will also have a survivor recognition to honor those that have fought this terrible disease! I look forward to seeing you there and you may reserve your lane by calling Local 245 at 313-561-7500. Forms and information are also available on this website.

2009-08-31T10:20:00.004-04:00

LABOR DAY is Monday September 7, 2009 and as usual the Local will be participating in the annual Labor Day Parade. This years parade will again be on Woodward Avenue and all Members Retirees and Families are invited to come out and enjoy the day. You can meet us downtown as we line up on Parsons Street near Woodward before the start of the parade. You may also join us here at the local for a continental breakfast and a bus ride downtown to Seldon Street where we will line up for the parade. Following the parade a bar b q lunch will be served at Local 245. Buses will leave Local 245 by 730 am. the parade begins at 930 am. Come and join in the fun and solidarity by marching in the Labor Day Parade! If you have any questions call Local 245 at 561-7500.

2009-08-28T12:54:00.002-04:00

Dont let the rain dampen your spirits...the R&E Unit Party in the Park is still on! This is a rain or shine event and will be taking palce under the large pavillion at Ford Field. So plan on attending if you have purchased a ticket, and if you did not purchase a ticket you may do so at the park. Thanks to Melisa, Jack Mike and their crew there are There are many gifts to be raffled off and good food ready to eat...Hope to see you there!

2009-08-25T07:09:00.002-04:00

PARTY IN THE PARK is this Friday!! All active and Retired R&E unit members are encouraged to come out to Ford Field on Friday August 28, 2009 from 1pm until 8:30pm and join in the fun! This is the third annual event and it proves to be another great one. Tickets are $5 and dinner will be served. This year there are some very nice prizes and gift baskets to be given out through the raffle including a grand prize trip to St Martin's LaVista Resort. Tickets are available on the day of the event or you may stop by Local 245 to pay and reserve a spot! The Party will take place at the large pavilion at Ford Field which is located at Cherry Hill and Brady just minutes from the R&E Center. For further questions call Local 245. Hope to see you there!

STRIKE A CURE!

2009-08-18T07:13:00.002-04:00

Its that time again!! We are excited to announce sign ups are open for our 2nd annual Strike A Cure Breast Cancer Bowling Fundraiser! All proceeds from this event are sent to the Detroit Race for the Cure. It is a great day of fun at Thunderbowl Lanes and will again feature many prizes, free pizza and Cancer prevention education representatives on hand from Karmanos to educate all that are interested. Get your team of 4 to togehter and sign up at Local 245 before all the lanes are gone! If you dont want to bowl...thats ok too... just come and try to win a prize! This event is open to the public...Hope to see you there to raise money to fight a disease that has touched every one's life in some way!

2009-08-05T08:06:00.003-04:00

The 2009 5th annual Bike Run for Autism was a big success! Around 225 bikes were on hand in turn raising over $10,000 which will be donated to the Autism chapters in Macomb County, St. Clair County and Southeastern Wayne County ASA Chapters as well as the Autism Connection at the Judson Center. The Ride started at the Southfield Civic Center and ended at Biker Bobs in Taylor. Local 245 Troy Design Members Pete Joseph and Sal Ferra organize this event each year and do an outstanding job. Pete and Sal started this bike run 5 years ago with the thought of helping one of our brothers at Troy Design as their son Victor is Autistic. What these guys didn't know is how successful they would be and watched a small event to help one family turn into a large event that every year helps many families in the tri-county area! Fox 2 news anchor Ron Savage served as this years Grand Marshall and also did a very nice TV interview about the Bike Run and Victor. Pete and Sal do an incredible job with this event and help countless families with the money that the Bikers and guests donate to this ride! Local 245 is proud of your work! GREAT JOB and THANK YOU to Pete and Sal for organizing this event! Thank you also to all of the workers/helpers that cook breakfast and help make the event a sucess as well as to all of the members, families and guests that showed up to the Bike Run trying to help find a way to cure Autism! A big Thank you to Victor and the Cherenenko family for always being on hand to drop the flag to start the Bike Run!!

2009-07-31T22:20:00.002-04:00

Effective Monday, August 3, 2009 the following changes will take place in the structure of the R&E unit of Local 245 Elected and Appointed Union Positions.
Kim Moore will become a full-time Bargaining Representative as a result of the recent elections, filling the unexpired term vacated by Carl Ford.
Sherry Kraft will be the new R&E Unit Recording Secretary
Bob MacDonald will move to the Appointed Benefits Representative position.
Angelique Peterson will be returned to the floor after operating as the Temporary Benefits Representative and continue to serve as the Alternate Benefits Representative.
Darryl Schaumburger will temporarily fill the vacant Bargaining Representative position left vacant by Bob MacDonald.
Ali Shareef will become the temporary At-Large Part Time Committeeperson for afternoon shift employees.
Darryl and Ali's Temporary fill in positions will be in place until the next election period.

2009-07-27T09:44:00.002-04:00

I am pleased to announce that Local 245 is expanding once again by adding a new unit!! This is the second Unit that is being added to our local in the last year! Please join me in giving a warm UAW welcome to our new brothers and sisters at Industrial Quality Control in Allen Park! This is a parts sorting business and has been officially assigned to Local 245.
Congratulations to those members are also in order as they voted on their first contract and ratified it by 100%!
That is great news and we welcome and Congratulate our new members on their first contract!!

2009-07-15T09:49:00.002-04:00

ELECTION RESULTS...

The R&E Unit held elections to fill the unexpired term of Bargaining Committee and Unit Recording Secretary. The results are as follows:

Bargaining Committee
Art Antal Jr. 168
Kim Moore 243 ELECTED

Unit Recording Secretary
Sherry Kraft 214 ELECTED
John Ferrara 171

Congratulations to the four candidates for good campaigns and thank you to all members that voted!

2009-07-14T07:18:00.002-04:00

VOTE! VOTE! VOTE!
Research and Engineering Unit Members are encouraged to come and vote today in the election being held to fill vacant positions.

Additionally the Beacon listed that there would be unit meetings in the month of July and August. This will not happen as per the bylaws Unit meetings and General Membership Meetings do not occur in the months of July and August.

2009-07-08T12:16:00.002-04:00

Thank you to all of those members, Retirees and families that participated in the Blood Drive here at the Local. Please take a moment to vote at the bottom right hand corner of this website for the slogan you would most like to see on the next Local 245 bumper sticker. We are closing the voting this Friday July 10, 2009. Region 1-A will be hosting CAP screening for 7 cities next Wednesday. This CAP screening is for local politicians that have requested the UAW endorsement for Mayor and/or City Council seats. The candidates come to Region 1-A and are interviewed by our members to see if they qualify for our UAW endorsement. If anyone is interested in being part of the screening committee please email me or call the local.

2009-07-03T08:28:00.002-04:00

Have a very Safe and memorable Fourth of July Holiday! Make sure to remember all of those who have served our Country and those that continue to serve our Country in our Armed Forces as they have provided us with the Freedoms we celebrate this weekend!

VCAP Gifts are in!

2009-06-16T08:05:00.002-04:00

The 2009 VCAP Century Club Member gifts are here at the Local and ready for pick up. We are finalizing all orders today and are available to distribute them starting right now! Please come by the local and pick up your jacket vest or blanket if you have a chance. We will be delivering some of them but this might take a little longer. The Local is open until 4pm. Thank you for signing up for this important resource to give members a voice with the government and issues!

2009-06-15T06:18:00.002-04:00

Currently the phones at the local are not working. We can receive the call but hear nothing but static, and we cannot dial out. We hope to have service restored as soon as possible.

2009-06-13T23:07:00.002-04:00

There will be a General Membership Meeting Sunday June 14, 2009 at 1pm at the hall. This meeting was moved per membership action due to the Fathers Day Holiday next Sunday. There wont be a meeting until September per the bylaws we do not have meetings in July and August. Hope to see you there!

2009-06-02T06:51:00.003-04:00

I ask that you keep all brothers and sisters in your thoughts and prayers that will be affected by yesterdays announcements by General Motors to close More plants. Having recently spent some time at the Willow Run Assembly plant I am still amazed at how easy it is for these auto companies to wipe plants, dealers and communities away with one announcement. President Don Skidmore (local 735 GM-Willow Run Assembly ) has fought along with his elected team, local and state politicians and his members and Retirees to make their best business case to the company and despite their tireless commitment received word they will close.
In an email yesterday Ford President Alan Mulally stated "At this time, we do not expect any major disruptions to our operations as a result of today’s news."
Your Local 245 leadership will keep you posted on the changes that occur rapidly.

2009-05-30T07:53:00.002-04:00

Saturday marks one of the biggest fundraisers of the year for breast Cancer research as thousands of people will fill Woodward Ave for the Detroit Race for the Cure. This event is amazing to see and has long been supported by our Local 245 Woman's Committee. Additionally this year, beacuse of the genrosity of the bowlers at the Local 245 1rst annual Strike A Cure Fundraiser event we were able to donate the money to Race for the Cure making our event a sponsor of the Detroit Race for the Cure. Monday June 1, 2009 is a statewide lobby day in Lansing to support American Manufacturing. Many different unions, elected officials and residents took part in the bus tour a few weeks ago that stopped in Dearborn, Hamtramack, Sterling Heights and Pontiac. This is the final stop for this tour right now and the rally will begin at noon on the steps of the Capital in Lansing. It is my hope that a Rally at the United States Capital occurs later in the year! All are welcome to attend.

2009-05-24T20:53:00.003-04:00

Have a Happy and Safe Memorial Day! Don't forget to take time to celebrate the freedoms we have been given at the sacrifice of our troops! Remember to thank a Veteran for their past or current service! Enjoy the day!

2009-05-17T23:18:00.002-04:00

Greetings to all! I apologize it has been a while since I updated, however it has been pretty busy the last couple of weeks. I was pleased to be invited to Divine Child High School in Dearborn to speak to the 12th grade Government and Economics class about unions. I had some pretty tough but very thoughtful questions from the group and it was a very interesting and great time! This is something that I have been wanting to start for some time, and I look forward to traveling to other schools to speak to students about the importance of labor. I also attended the Keep it made in America Rally in Dearborn. it was a good turnout as the front of City hall was full. It was also good to listen to Lansing Mayor Virg Benero, Mayor O'Reilly Bob Ficano, Rory Gamble and Steelworkers President Leo Girard. The Rev. Jesse Jackson also spoke. I will be bringing more information to the Retirees and Members about this aggressive campaign. Most notably the Rally that will occur in Lansing on the Capitol steps on June 1, 2009! Plan on attending. Cedar Point tickets are here and we will have tickets for June 29 to July 5 as well as the week after the Ford shutdown which is July 6 to July 13, 2009. We are sharing tickets this year with Local 931 and that will enable us to offer the second week! Tickets are an incredibly low $21.00!! They will be available after Wednesday! Until next time...

Local 245: A force in our community!

2009-05-04T22:13:00.004-04:00

Congratulations to Local 245 for a tremendous showing at the 2009 American cancer Society's Relay for life in Dearborn. This past weekend about 50 of our Members, Retirees, Friends and Family came out to the Ford Performing arts center to walk in the 24 hour relay. Local 245 raised over $2,400 towards the overall total of $92,000 all this weekend. The money is donated to the American Cancer Society! In all there were 46 teams and over 500 walkers! Not only did we fight to find a cure for a disease that has touched everyone in some way...we were a visible force once again in our community! I wish to thank all of you that donated money, time or both to make our Team successful! I especially thank the community service committee...Kirk Clemens and Rick Mariles worked hard to pull this event together as well as many others! I also appreciate the support from a good majority of the elected and appointed representatives of our Local. It was truly a great weekend and I am extremely proud of our team and the good that was done at the Relay! GREAT JOB and THANK YOU to all who made it possible!!

Looking for something to do tonight??

2009-05-02T19:03:00.004-04:00

Are you bored tonight?? Come join the community Service committee and many members and families as we walk for The American Cancer Society at the Dearborn Relay for Life! We started walking at 10 am this morning (Saturday) and will continue through the night until the completion of the event at 10 am Sunday! Please come join us if you have a few minutes or hours to spare! This is a wonderful event and the team from Local 245 is approaching $2,000 in donations thanks to everyones generosity! Please come and join us at the corner of Michigan Avenue and Greenfield in Dearborn at the Ford Community and Performing Arts Building. I look forward to seeing you there and thank all of the volunteers who have donated and walked! I especially thank the committee for organizing this event!!

Phone/e-mail campaign!

2009-04-23T05:58:00.002-04:00

To all Members, Retirees, Friends and Families:

As the Detroit three and the UAW continue to face great uncertainties as to the future of our industry, elected officials have weighed in as to how our union should bargain and how the companies should make decisions. For months we have listened to their remedies for the auto industry and as you know some of their plans are not favorable for working families. We have watched long enough and as deadlines loom for Chrysler and GM it is time ALL auto industry workers stand up and make their voice heard! We are encouraging all members, retirees, friends and family to call, write or e-mail the White House and Congress to let them know that they need to stand up for working families!
Additionally please write President Obama and tell him that it is unacceptable that his appointed Auto Task Force members drive foreign made products. According to reports in the Detroit News, out of the 8 members named to the Presidential Task force and the ten senior policy aides who will assist them only two of 18 own American made models! This is not what we were hoping for in a Presidential Auto task force!
The Detroit News article will be on the website (www.local245.com) so you can see more details as will links to the White House and Congress. Please take the time to send a letter to Washington voicing our concerns.
If you have further questions or need assistance feel free to call Local 245!

President Barack Obama United States Capitol Switchboard:
The White House 1-202-224-2131
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue or find your Congressperson by
Washington, D.C. 20500 logging on to: www.house.gov
Switchboard 1-202-456-1414
www.whitehouse.gov/contact/

American Cancer Society Relay for LIfe

2009-04-13T08:56:00.002-04:00

Greetings Members and Retirees!
The Community Service Committee is planning for Local 245 to once again be a force in our community as we are inviting all Members, Retirees and your families to walk in the 24 hour Dearborn Relay for Life on May 2 and May 3 at the Ford Community and performing arts Canter. We are looking for all able bodies to man the track. This is open to family and Friends as well! Additionally we are asking for one time pledges to raise funds for the American Cancer Society during this walk! If you wish to donate please click the following link and do so. We deeply appreciate any support you can give. If you wish to sign up to walk during the 24 hour period please call local 245 or email me with your availability.
http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?pg=entry&fr_id=14442

I would also like to bring your attention to what Detroit Tiger owner Mike Illitch has done for the Detroit autoworkers! The center field fountain at Comerica Park was sponsored by GM. When GM decided to not renew their sponsorship, Mr. Illitch had many companies willing to -pay big money to have their name in Center field. However Mr. Illitch showed his Detroit pride and his commitment to the Detroit community by placing the logos of all three companies in center field with a statement that says the Tigers support our auto workers. Send Mr. Illitch an email to thank him and be proud of what he has done in making a very bold statement at Comerica park!

2009-04-10T22:03:00.001-04:00

A Blessed Easter to all Members, Retirees and your families. Have a safe and enjoyable Holiday weekend!

Fords knee jerk decision really Union busting?

2009-03-28T17:55:00.000-04:00

“This is what is best for the company”
“This will help us return the company to profitability”
“Fords top priority is to continue making progress on our transformation plan…We are exploring all cost-effective solutions for air travel” (Wall Street Journal 11-21-08)
We have heard all of those quotes for the last several months…and in most cases I agree. We do need a profitable company…we do want the company to survive…and the UAW has never been interested in anything that would harm the companies it represents. Hence, the UAW renegotiated the contracts to help them. In fact labor is the biggest cheerleader for the company due to one simple fact if nothing else: If the company does not survive we are not employed! Our workforce takes extreme pride in the work they do and the company they work for, but why is that not reciprocated sometimes?
I call your attention to the two articles in regards to corporate travel listed below my article on the website…We were told on December 2, 2008 in a “meeting” in which our members thought was normal business, that Ford would be closing the Hangar and selling its jets and they in fact would be offered severance packages.
True…Congressional T.A.R.P. legislation reads that you are not allowed to own or operate corporate jets if you receive federal funds…a slap in the face and quite hypocritical if you ask me! Corporate America can’t travel on private jets yet some in Congress travels via private jet! I guess were used to the double standard from the government. The last time I checked Ford was marketing the fact that they were not going to be receiving federal funds. Again a decision I support 120% if we don’t need the money.
This past week we are confirming by talks at our Ford Flight Unit and it is has been reported in the Press that Executives will travel on another corporate travel service not owned by Ford and through a NON-UNION company. Let me be bold enough to remind you that we still have a Hangar and 5 jets parked in that Hangar not being utilized! So it’s ok now for them to go and utilize another company to fly on for company business?
Let me be perfectly clear…I believe in corporate travel for the purpose of company business. It only makes sense! Private Company planes for executives, the engineering community and other customers provide safety security and a tremendous convenience for those flying. Here is one example: The line stops in Kansas City while the company is launching a new vehicle. An engineer in Dearborn has to look at parts to verify what the problem is and work in earnest to get it fixed and get the line running again. Do you think it is best to get an emergency flight out on Northwest from Detroit to KC? It would make more sense for him to fly on the corporate jet eliminate the hassle of the main airport get to KC fix the problem and fly home the same day.
Our bargaining committee at the airport expected some reductions in staff and aircrafts, that too makes sense in these times. It certainly makes no sense to go to another corporate travel service fly with them and spend more money and risk security of work and safety of our employees….it certainly makes no sense for the company to utilize a non-union third party to travel when we have 5 jets at their disposal 24 hours a day 7 days a week…It certainly does not make any sense to hire employees, spend $455,000 in training of the employees, get rid of them and spend millions more on severance packages close the operation and still fly just pay more with another company. How does this help bring the company back to profitability?
Ford Motor Company cannot continue to employ “third” party entities and expect profitability, point in case Visteon.
Before the company testified before Congress the Executives flew on corporate Jets…Today the executives fly on corporate jets…what’s changed?
The UAW does not maintain their new corporate jets!
Maybe…the management only really wanted to eliminate the UAW workforce…68 years of Ford Flight…36 of those years UAW members serviced their aircrafts…The company seen an opportunity and took it…Union Busting at its best? Are management decisions like this going to return us to profitability? Only time will tell…You decide…

2009-03-19T22:30:00.003-04:00

ALL BENEFITS INQUIRIES MUST BE DIRECTED TO THE NESC AT 1-800-248-4444. Thank You

2009-03-19T06:45:00.002-04:00

All questions in regards to benefits must be directed to the NESC at 1-800-248-4444. Currently there is not a full time Representative to handle benefits Locally and all questions must be directed to the NESC until further notice.
Plan on attending the Sign ups at the Technical Learning Center on Friday March 20, 2009 for the business expo that Region 1-A will be hosting. There will be a business seminar to teach you how to run a website, apply for grant money and other business start up activities. You must sign up on Friday to be eligible to attend.

2009-03-17T07:08:00.002-04:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Remember the R&E Unit Meetings will occur on Wednesday March 18, 2009 here at Local 245 at 1:30 and 3:30 pm.
I appreciate and Thank You for the good turnout for our General Membership Meeting on Sunday!
The Local Benefits office is currently not staffed. If you are in need of answers to Benefit Questions, until further notice, please call 1-800-248-4444.
Last Call for V-CAP! If you did not sign a card or would like to sign up please contact the Local by this Friday as we will be delivering the cards to Region 1-A on Monday of next week! Thank you and be Safe!

2009-03-12T15:34:00.002-04:00

There is a General Membership meeting this Sunday March 15, 2009 at 1 pm. Election committee Members will be elected to serve for a three year term. Hope to see you there...

Contract Modification Update

2009-03-03T06:13:00.002-05:00

The Contract modification to the 2007 National Agreement Vote was held yesterday at Local 245 Headquarters. Membership in the R&E Unit passed the modifications overwhelmingly. The Skilled Trades Vote passed in favor by 66% and the Non Skilled Vote passed in favor by 70%. Thank you to everyone that came out and made their voice heard through their vote! A big thank you to Ruben Flores from the National Ford Department as well for dedicating his day to be here to answer questions.

Ratification Vote set for Monday March 2, 2009

2009-02-27T23:38:00.002-05:00

All members of the Ford R&E Unit are strongly encouraged to come to Local 245 and vote for the modifications to the 2007 national agreement. I ask each of you to give sincere thought as to how you will vote on this contract modification. If the contract is rejected and the committee is able to return to the bargaining table, the modifications they would come back with the next time will be worse than what we see right now. As you know we are going through unprecedented times in the auto industry and this vote as well as the concessions the rest of the stakeholders are administering are vital to the success of the Ford Motor Company. Your voice is in your vote and it is vital that you make your voice heard! Thank you to the members that took time to come to the explanation meetings on Friday, I do appreciate your attendance. Details for the vote are as follows:
VOTE at UAW Local 245 Headquarters Monday March 2, 2009 (313-561-7500)
POLLS OPEN 7:30 am POLLS CLOSE 5:30 pm
Additional copies of the modification booklet will be available at that time. Thank you!

CONTRACT MODIFICATION EXPLANATION!

2009-02-25T16:29:00.002-05:00

In an effort to get you the information as quickly as possible , and also to make sure you have an opportunity to have time to get your questions asked and answered we have scheduled a Contract modification explanation meeting.

ALL meetings will occur on FRIDAY FEBRUARY 27, 2009

The times of the meetings will be as follows: 8 AM, 1:30 PM, 3:15 PM and 4:15 PM

All Meetings will take place at the Ford Fuel Cell Center Auditorium (formerly Auto Safety)

Contract modification update booklets will be available at this time. National Ford Department Representatives and National Negotiators will be on site to answer your questions.
Thank you for your support and we will see you at the meetings!

Contract Modifications

2009-02-25T05:09:00.002-05:00

Rodney Clemons and I attended the contract modification meeting last night at the National Program Center for Presidents and Chairs in the National Ford Department . There is a leadership meeting today to discuss and roll out with all leadership and plans are in the works to have explanation meetings with the membership as soon as possible. All changes that have occurred are subject to ratification, which means you will have a vote on the changes. We are in the act of setting up the dates and times of the vote and the explanation meeting. The modifications do include give backs by active members to the company to get them through the economic downturn, however it kept retirees virtually untouched. Additionally we were told that the Executives including CEO Alan Mulally are taking a pay cut as well as many other salary give backs. We will be getting you more information as we soon as we can get the highlight books to distribute. Thank you for your patience and watch for postings and emails concerning explanation and ratification meetings.

2009-02-23T06:55:00.002-05:00

Greetings Brothers and Sisters!
Thanks to tom Rizzo and his crew of volunteers as well as to all of you that supported the Bowling Tournament! It was another successful event and I thank all of you that worked hard to put it together!
Our fight to preserve the jobs of our brothers at Ford Air Transportation has hit a brick wall and as the company initially planned our members will be finished there on Friday Feb 27th. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers as our members and their families go through this transition!
Be Safe!

2009-02-20T00:57:00.002-05:00

Greetings Members and Retirees,
I appreciate the big turn out for the R&E Unit meeting as well as our Retirees meeting and thank Brother Ed Huddleston for filling in for me in my absence. I have been attending the financial conference out of town and will return on Monday. All registered Democrats please come out to the State convention on Saturday starting at 8 am and support your UAW brothers and sisters seeking election and re-election. Don't forget about the Local 245 Bowling Tournament that will take place Saturday at Thunder bowl in Allen park. Please continue to keep our brothers at Air transport in your thoughts and prayers as they are being offered severance packages next week and Ford has given them a very bleak future...We have fought in earnest to help our brothers at ATO but run into resistance! Have a good weekend!

R&E Unit Meeting Today!

2009-02-17T22:19:00.002-05:00

Attention all R&E Unit Members...today is the day in which most of you have been waiting for...a unit meeting during the week. There will be a meeting at 1:30 pm and at 3:30 pm to accomodate as many members as possible. A bylaw was submitted and approved by memerbship action in the January meeting to allow this to happen. Please plan on attending as there are many issues happening in the unit.
Thank you to those of you that attended the 2009 VCAP sign ups at the local the last two weeks. VCAP Cards must be signed by March 1, 2009 to be eligible for this years Centruy Club gifts. If you need to sign please call Local 245 or watch for the CAP committee member in your area.

2009 VCAP Drive is Here!

2009-02-06T05:28:00.000-05:00

Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Each Year Local unions across the United States conduct their annual V-CAP Drives. V-CAP stands for the Voluntary Community Action Program and is the main fundraiser each year to fund the UAW political action fund. V-CAP dollars are voluntarily given by members. The money can be used for political endorsements such as, the last Federal Election in November to community elections such as school board and leadership of cities and townships. The money is also used to fight bad legislation at the state and national level, and anti-worker agendas like the Right to work effort. V-CAP dollars can also be used to make TV and radio commercials to promote labors view on issues.
We enjoyed great victories in 2008 in regards to electing what we hope will be a pro-labor Administration in Washington D.C. and also have a tremendous opportunity to re-build the Union movement in this country this year as well when the Employee Free Choice Act legislation begins getting deliberated. Past successes and future victories for a successful labor movement can be achieved with funding in our CAP programs.
This year the R&E Unit drive will be conducted in the month of February and we have taken a little different approach in kicking off the event. Our CAP committee has decided to host two Hot Dog Lunch Days at Local 245 on February 10th and 17th from 11am until 12pm. We invite you to come to Local 245 and sign your card and enjoy a complimentary lunch for signing up. For Century Club Members, those who give $9.00 per month or more will have three gifts to choose from including a jacket, a vest or a blanket. Additionally this year if you sign up for $5.00 per month or more you will receive a t-shirt. I am extremely proud to report that your local leadership leads by example with an almost 100% participation rate by all appointed, elected, alternates and volunteers! I know that this economy makes it easy to eliminate extra spending on items such as this. However I am asking you to renew your VCAP contribution, or sign up for the first time as the funding to our CAP account has never been more critical with the issues we have to take on in the near future. If the Big three testimony in Congress showed us nothing else, we learned that we have a long way to go as an auto industry and a union to promote the good we do, and the need to get manufacturing/labor friendly candidates in elected positions has never been greater. Thank you for your support and if there are any questions feel free to call Local 245 at 313-561-7500.

History

2009-01-23T22:35:00.003-05:00

Tuesday January 20,2009 marked one of the most significant days in our Nations History and will also go down as one of the most significant days in the lives of the four Local 245 delegates that were in the Nations capital to witness the Inauguration of President Barack Obama! I was humbled and proud to represent our local along with Vice President Bob MacDonald, R&E Unit Chairman Rodney Clemons and CAP Chairman Brian Arp! Our Journey started on Sunday as we drove to Washington DC followed by a day full of events on Monday which included attending the Michigan Delegation reception at the Library of Congress hosted by Governor Granholm, Lt. Governor John Cherry, Senators Debbie Stabenow and Carl Levin as well as all Republican and Democratic Congresspeople from all 15 of Michigan's Congressional Districts. Following the reception and a great deal of conversation with elected representatives about our retirees, each of our Untis at Local 245, the auto industry and middle class issues, we then waited in line to receive our tickets for the Inauguration itself. After 2 hours waiting we received our tickets and then attended a Congressional reception in the House Office Building.
Tuesday of course brought us to the National Mall as the four of us stood and witnessed the swearing in of President Obama. Not only was this historic because he is the first African American to become President, but also because of the huge number of people that turned out to witness the event. As I have told many of you that have asked about the trip; First of all, It is hard to put into words but what was nice to see was that no matter your color, origin, looks or party everyone on that mall that day were friends. Definitely no other description or classification that day except that we are all "Americans." Everyone we came in contact with was friendly and willing to talk like we have known them before, and some of those that we talked to extensively showed support for the UAW and labor. I watched people befriend the elderly, handicapped and those with little children. it gave me a clear vision that this country is about people, especially people helping people! What matters most are the people and we need leaders only to lead and unite the people no matter what party.
That is what we have now, a leader who can unite. How long will it last? As long as the people demand it! Tuesday was historic because of the President that took office, but it was refreshing to see the positive energy and hope of a nation at a time of peril and distress. A nation whose people thirst for a leader to unite them, and get our country back on track!
I am humbled and proud that Local 245 got to be represented at this momentous occasion as we usher in a change that this country has needed, as well as witness the good in people, perfect strangers as a matter of fact, from all corners of our nation and the world! Thank You!

Historic week

2009-01-17T22:13:00.004-05:00

I now have an email address that is finally functional at the local after a couple of attempts. My new email is president@local245.com and runs in conjunction with our new website. All feed back I have received about our website has been very positive! Thank you to Ed Huddleston who continues to work and maintain our site on his own time. We have much more to get on the site and will continue adding material to the site to make it as informative as it can be!
The first Holiday of the New Year, Monday, gives us a chance to remember an American Legend Martin Luther King Jr. Please take a moment on your negotiated day off to remember the remarkable achievements that Dr. King contributed to history. We are a better society today due to his tireless efforts in Civil Rights.
As Inauguration Day approaches on Tuesday, All Americans have the hope of a new administration as President elect Barack Obama gets sworn into office. So many of our members worked extremely hard to get Senator Obama to this point and we continue to have high expectations for him to support labor and get our country back on track! My continued thanks to each of you that worked to get Obama elected! Enjoy Tuesday it is the change and hope we worked for!

Update

2009-01-09T21:49:00.003-05:00

I have received quite a few questions about the upcoming "contract modifications." At this time there is not an update as the teams will not begin talks until Monday. This week I received a letter from Vice President King stating that the bargaining teams were meeting in Detroit this week and will begin talks with the companies next week. Remember that any modifications must be sent to the membership for their approval. If you have suggestions or ways the company can cut their cost please email me and I will forward it to the bargaining team.
Don't forget the bowling tournament is right around the corner so get your teams together and sign up at Local 245.
Thanks to all parties the UAW Ford food and clothing drive was a good success and we thank each of you that contributed and I thank our community service committee for spearheading this years drive along with members of all Ford management groups for their participation.
Finally my email has changed at the local. My new email address is president@local245.com
Have a great weekend and be safe!

Union Meetings!

2009-01-05T06:36:00.003-05:00

Hello!
Just a reminder that the R&E Unit and General Membership Meetings are this Sunday January 11, 2009 at noon and 1pm. The meetings were moved up one week in honor of the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday. Please plan on attending. Also if you are trying to contact me via email, my email account at the local is not working, so please call or page me. Thank you!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2008-12-30T18:36:00.002-05:00

Greetings Brothers and Sisters!

As we come to the close of another year, I wish to Thank everyone in our local for their continued support and participation throughout this year. The Local was extremely busy this year thanks to old events and new ones as well as a very active part in the historic election of Senator Barack Obama. I thank all elected and appointed representatives from all Units, Staff, Standing Committee members and volunteers for their hard work in organizing events and representing our membership. I especially thank our active and retired members for your continued support of our local! It is an honor to serve you as President and I look forward to another year. Although 2009 will be filled with challenges, I know that through hard work, perseverance and Solidarity we will remain strong! Finally I wish for each of you a very Prosperous, Happy and Safe New Year!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2008-12-25T00:08:00.002-05:00

As Christmas arrives remember those that are serving our Country proudly in the military and away from their families this year. I wish for all of you both retired and active as well as your families a very Merry and safe Christmas.

US Senate votes against America

2008-12-12T08:37:00.002-05:00

In a historic vote last night the US Senate voted against working families, the American manufacturing base and families across this country whether they work for the auto industry or not. The effects of their vote will be catastrophic and far reaching. Senate Republicans staged a filibuster of the bill approved in the US House just a day earlier which would have given the big three a bridge loan to get to next March. A filibuster is a procedural measure used to delay the vote on a bill by lengthy debate. Late in the evening Senator Harry Reid (D-NV) who is the majority leader invoked cloture and called for the vote. Cloture was used by the majority leader to end debate and bring the bill to an initial vote. 60 votes are needed to end a filibuster in the Senate. After Senate Republicans announced the single reason for their lack of support was the excessive wages of the Auto Worker, Senator Stabenow rose to the podium and went on the defense for the big three the UAW the economy and American manufacturing. Despite their best efforts as well as those of many others, the bill failed 52-35 late last night in the Senate. Senate Republicans opposing the bill demanded the UAW set a date last night for wage parity with the transplants to take effect. The only hope for a bridge loan now is for the Bush Administration to approve one which can be done, but at this time unsure as to its probability.
Thank you to those who called Congress and voiced their support of our industry. Feel free to call the offices of Senators back and continue to voice your opinion. I will keep you updated as I get information. Thank you

UAW Council Meeting

2008-12-04T06:31:00.001-05:00

As you may know, all UAW Presidents and Chairpersons from across the country representing all GM, Ford and Chrysler Facilities were called to Detroit yesterday for an unprecedented joint council meeting.
At this meeting we were given the latest highlights and statistics about the current state of the Big three financial picture. To say the least the situation is grave for all three companies and all stakeholders are being asked to come to the table to help get through this current situation. President Gettelfinger mentioned that “the problems of the past pale in comparison to what is happening right now.”

The International Executive Board stressed to us that they are ensuring that all stakeholders are contributing in some way and that it is not just labor making adjustments. The International Executive Board offered three recommendations that they felt were vital to helping the companies succeed:

1. Revise the 2010 VEBA pay schedules and allow them to defer payments to a later date. (This will not cause any harm to our current Retirees.)
2. In accordance with Volume I (pg 202) of the UAW Ford master agreement, Suspend the Job Bank program. The Individual departments will work to implement the changes to this program.
3. Engage all elected National Bargaining Committee members at each department to return to meetings with the company to see where any modifications might be made to the current agreement.

The International Executive Board was clear that they do not want to re-open the current agreement, but will look at modifications. If there are any modifications made to the agreement it will be brought to the membership for a ratification vote before changes are implemented.
The National Ford Department is looking for ways that each plant can run more efficiently or cost effectively. If you have a constructive idea or suggestion please contact us and let us know so that we can relay that information to the National team.

Those are the details that we have as of right now. As information becomes more available we are both committed to letting members know as expeditiously as possible via letters and/or the website. Thank you for your continued support through these difficult times and please remember to call your elected officials in Washington D.C. to let them know you support Manufacturing!

Air Transportion Unit Shut Down

2008-12-02T13:33:00.001-05:00

December 2, 2008

Brothers and Sisters of Local 245,

It is with great sadness and frustration I have to notify you that on December 2, 2008 at 7:30 am the Ford Motor Company notified our members that effective immediately they would be closing the Ford Hangar at Metro Airport.

This means that our brothers and sisters that make up the Air Transportation Unit of Local 245 have been relieved of their duties by Ford Motor Company and all flights on Ford Corporate jets should cease.

This is truly a sad day and the closure of a good operation. Please keep our brothers and sisters and their families that have been displaced in your thoughts and prayers.

Regrettably,

Keith W. Brown