June 30, 2011

Greetings Members,

                As many of you already know I attended the GM Council Meeting on Tuesday, June 28, 2011. In my effort to keep all of the Members informed I want to share this with you. Vice President Joe Ashton addressed the Council and spoke of the Unions desire to negotiate the best Contract possible in 2011.  He cautioned that these negotiations would be very complex and despite GM’s better financial position we could not assume that it would be easy. Vice President Ashton spoke of the need for the Company and the Union to find a way to succeed in these negotiations because the country was watching and waiting to see if we would fail. Ashton stated that in order for the Union to succeed that the company must succeed. Our greatest strength would be to grow GM and in this we would grow jobs.

                President Bob King also addressed the Council and said that this contract was far larger than just another set of negotiations. Brother King spoke passionately about the extreme attacks on the middle class standard of living from some elected officials. Brother King spoke that in order for us to maintain a strong Democracy in this country that we must maintain a strong middle class. Unions, he said are the foundation of that strong middle class. Some of the key points of his comments are listed below.

                *Republicans want the UAW to fail in these negotiations

                *the foundation to winning justice is to gain power and we can gain power by organizing the entire industry.

                *the attacks on the middle class have resulted in the greatest transfer of wealth from the middle class to the wealthy in decades.

                *we have to be smart enough and have a long term vision to negotiate for gains for our Members while still keeping the domestic auto industry competitive with the transplants.

                *to be successful in the long term we must organize the transplants and bring them into the UAW

                *we must retain retiree benefits

                *our goal must be to rebuild the UAW, we are the middle class

                *quality is everyone’s responsibility and it is much too important to leave to just Management, UAW built vehicles must be the best built in the world.

                President King wanted to be sure that everyone understood that without the support of President Obama and the Democratic Party we would not have the opportunity to negotiate these contracts today. The importance of getting out the vote in the upcoming elections could not be underestimated.  If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at any time.

In Solidarity

Rudy Krakeel

                           Chairman's Letter

                               April 18, 2011

Greetings Brothers and Sisters,

            I wanted to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt appreciation to all of the Membership of UAW Local 2404 for your unanimous support to allow me to serve another term as your Chairman.  I look forward to accepting the challenges that lie ahead of us for the next three years.

            I was very encouraged by the great turnout at our Membership Meeting this past Sunday, and I look forward to even greater participation from all of our Members as we continue to making UAW Local 2404 an even greater Local. As 2011 unfolds we all know that there are still many challenging issues that face us, National Contract Negotiations and the Local Contract are two of those challenges that most concern many of us. I commit to you that I will keep the Membership informed on these two very important issues.

            I also wanted to update you on what is happening in regards to hiring new employees. I have been informed by Management that there are no other National Hire Transfers coming to the Charlotte CCA at this time. This means that Management is waiting on approval for new Entry Level hires. This process may take some time to complete but I will share this information with you as it becomes available. I want to encourage all of the Members to submit referrals for new hires since the deadline has been extended until April 25, 2011.

            I also want to comment about the daily pressures on our Members concerning Productivity. We are all hearing from Management about how bad Charlotte is doing and that we are last in the country in some areas.  This Membership is amongst the best workforces in the country and I challenge Management to work with the people rather than trying to force increases in productivity. I have spoken with Ray Kenney on several occasions and told him that we have no greater asset than the Membership of this Local Union and the employees of Charlotte CCA. I am 100% convinced that if Management embraces the knowledge and skills of our Members that we can succeed. It is only through Management’s commitment to work together with the Membership that we can improve.

            In closing I want to encourage all of us to work together towards our common goals. I want to thank you for your support and remind you that in Solidarity we can achieve great things.

                                                                                    In Solidarity,

                                                                                                Rudy Krakeel

                                                                                               Chairman, UAW Local 2404

                             Chairman's Letter

                            February 3, 2011

Greetings Brothers and Sisters,

                I wanted to take a few minutes to inform you of some issues that are important to all of us. First you will find attached to this letter some information from the desk of Brother Joe Ashton, UAW Vice President, General Motors Department. Brother Ashton gives a review of some of the issues that are important to us as far as GM is concerned.

                I also want to let you know that Management has informed me of their intention to put in a request for some additional permanent employees. Management has said that they want to hire up to eight (8) employees here at Charlotte. I told Management that I felt that six (6) was a more realistic number based on the business and the concerns of our Members. Management is reviewing this and I will let you know as soon as I know.

                I have spoken to Brother Matt Teachnor, International Servicing Representative several times last week and asked for his continued effort to find a resolution to the Focus Group Process.

                Management has also told me that on February 7, 2011 they will introduce a new process in over pack called Enhanced Coarse Sort. This basically is picking into a uni-pak those parts that do not have to be packaged into a tote or cage for shipping. Your Union opposes this action by Management because we believe it violates the Moratorium on Outsourcing in the 2007 National Agreement.

                I also want to remind everyone how important this year will be to all of us. Next week Marc and I will be attending Sub-Council Meetings to review and vote on forwarding National Contract Resolutions the National Negotiating Committee. When a date for kick off of National Negotiations becomes available I will let you know.  We will also negotiate a new Local Contract this year. As we move forward into this year more information will become available to you. Last but not least this year is time for elections for all of the UAW Local 2404 Leadership. Sometime in April or early May we will have nominations and elections for Shop Committee as well as for the Executive Board. I urge all of you to keep in mind the important issues that we face this year.

                I could continue with several other items that I know are important to all of us and will address those as we move forward this year. Thanks for your continued support and remember that together we can achieve many things.

                                In Solidarity,

                                Rudy Krakeel, Chairman UAW 2404 

                         Chairman’s Letter

Greetings,

I would like to take this time to share with you some information that affects all of us in the upcoming few weeks. I have recently received a call letter from the International Union outlining the process and time lines for submitting National Contract resolutions. You can find forms and a drop box in the Cafeteria for the members to submit Resolutions. Remember, this is for the upcoming National Negotiations in 2011. Please fill in 1(one) resolution per form and drop them in the locked drop box in the cafeteria. The time period for submitting Resolutions will run from November 22, 2010 until December 10, 2010.

A Holiday Dinner is being tentatively scheduled for December 15, 2010. Management is in contact with a caterer and is planning the Holiday Dinner.

Management has approached the Union to bring in 6 additional temporary employees for the period of November 22^nd thru December 31^st. The Union was able to negotiate for additional vacation slots for our Members so that we can maximize our Vacation requests. I know that this is not always popular with the Membership but I do feel that this will benefit those wanting to take time off during this Holiday period. Due to the number of Members taking time off during the Thanksgiving Holiday (Nov.26^th) and the Christmas Holidays (Dec.27^th-31^st), Management could utilize some additional temps on those days also if needed. Management has discussed the possible need to hire some permanent employees and will evaluate that need after the Holidays. The Union will keep you aware of any developments about this issue.

I want to remind the Membership that Vacation and ATO time is not payable in lieu of as in years past. If you have time available and need to schedule that time contact your Supervisor or Committeeperson. Any VR time not used will be paid in lieu of time off around the 3^rd week of January, 2011. In regards to Vacation time that is scheduled by the Members I ask that you be aware of the hours that you have available and only request that amount of time be entered into the Vacation Book. If you have time scheduled that you are not going to take or don’t have the hours to cover please let your Committeeperson know. There are many Members trying to schedule time off during this Holiday period.

As you know this past October we were audited on our Planned Maintenance process and I am happy to report that the Charlotte CCA was awarded Phase III, Best in Class. I want to congratulate all of the Planned Maintenance Members for this achievement. Also our annual Health & Safety Audit was held on the 3^rd and 4^th of November. The Auditors found many areas throughout the Plant that needed improvement. As we already were aware stacking and storing was a major concern for the Auditors. Additionally they felt that the overall cleanliness of the warehouse should be improved on. The Union urges all Members to be sure to stock parts correctly. It is extremely important to make sure that parts are not protruding beyond the uprights in reserve locations as well as picking locations. When picking be sure to push all parts back into the bins. Please help in keeping trash such as pick tag backings and license plate tags off of the floor.

In closing I want to personally wish every Member and their Family a Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas, if you are traveling during the Holidays please be safe. Also please remember to take an Angel off of the Angel Tree this year so that we may make other children’s Holidays as Blessed as our own.

Rudy Krakeel, Chairman UAW Local 2404

                  Sub Council Report

October 13, 14, 2010

Greetings Brothers and Sisters,

                Marc McQuillen and I attended Sub-Council Meetings last week in Atlantic City, We would like to this opportunity to share that information with you.

Vice President Joe Ashton addressed the Council and reminded everyone that times are still tough and that we need to continue to grow the business as well as promote our products and services.

Brother Ashton went on to say that the International Union has not done a very good job in communicating with its Membership and that he is committed to improving the flow of information to the Leadership and all of the Members of the Union. Brother Ashton stated that the information that we read on the Internet or see on blogs do not always actually portray the facts and that it is the Internationals responsibility to get accurate information to its Members. Brother Ashton also stressed how very important it is to get out and vote during the mid-term elections. Mid-Term elections could have a significant impact on the 2011 negotiations as well as other issues of importance if the Republicans win the House or Senate. Brother Ashton stressed the need to support the working families making $60,000 vs. those making $6 million a year. Remember to VOTE

Several other International Reps came in and spoke to the Sub-Council.

 Brother Larry Ericson spoke about the proper ways to investigate and document Paragraph 183 issues. Larry also spoke about a renewed look at the minor- major rules that affect the Skilled Trades.

Brother Randy Lentz gave an overview of the National Employee Placement Center and how many job offers and Paragraph 96 moves were created this past year. 

Bother Dwayne Waldrop spoke on the many efforts being made in the sourcing of work back into the GM Plants. Some of this discussion was direct ship parts that we don’t see here in the Plant but instead are shipped through the Cross dock.

The Sub-Council then went on to discuss the many issues that are affecting our Plants. Among those issues the Focus Group- Stamp Process. Brother Matt Teachnor said that this issue is being discussed at the National level and he hoped to see progress in it. Also the increased pressures on productivity were a topic of discussion.  Some Plants complained of specific issues at their locations and shared those issues with the Sub-Council.

One issue that seemed to generate a lot of agreement from all of the attendees is how often we are faced with Member against Member issues. Too often we are seeing that the biggest problems are not the issues we should be arguing with Management over but instead we are mediating between our own Brothers and Sisters. The need for SOLIDARITY has never been greater and we all need to come together to work towards the common goals of our Membership. Nothing about any new buyouts was mentioned. After the first of the year the Sub Council will begin work on the 2011 National Negotiations. We will get this information out to you as soon as it is available.

Rudy Krakeel, Chairman                                                               Marc McQuillen, President

 SUB COUNCIL REPORT

President Marc McQuillen and I attended SUB Council Meetings on the 10^th and 11^th of May ,2010. In an effort to keep you informed this is a brief summary of those meetings.

                The number one subject most of you are probably asking about is a SAP. Unfortunately we can only report that there is currently no mention or discussions at the National level about an attrition program.

                UAW Legal Services Rep. Brother Dave Shoemaker gave a brief presentation about how the ongoing economic conditions have affected our Membership across the country. The number one message that they want us to share with you is that Legal Services is available to help us if we find ourselves in need due to Debt Collectors, foreclosures, Bankruptcy, etc. The first call that you need to make is UAW Legal Services.

                Brother Dwayne Waldrop gave a presentation on the Unions ongoing efforts to protect UAW work across the country as it relates to SPO. Outsourcings of work and different issues are constantly being monitored to ensure that UAW work remains UAW work. In these efforts the Union has been able to realize a net gain of 31 jobs by holding SPO accountable.

                All Chairpersons of SPO Locals across the country reported out on specific issues at their locations. We all agreed that the problems being faced by the different SPO’s are pretty much the same. Focus Group and Stamp Process, Pressures on productivity, continued harassment and intimidation by Management to achieve productivity numbers, Cross dock issues, outsourcing of work, are all common areas of concern at every Local. The Sub Council committed to work together in all of these areas so that we can have a common approach to argue these issues and provide support to our International Servicing Rep. Jim Holton.

                Brother Holton was unable to attend the Sub Council Meetings due to the death of his Mother in Law and our heartfelt condolences are with him and his family during this difficult time. In Jim’s absence Brother Chuck Davenport sat in for Jim.

                Marc and I were also fortunate to attend the Retirement Banquet for Brother Cal Rapson, UAW Vice President GM Dept. It was an evening to honor Brother Rapson and to give recognition for all he has done not just for the UAW but also for social justice to all working men and women.

                For more information please attend the May Membership Meeting to be  held this coming Sunday, May 16, 2010

Rudy Krakeel, Chairman                                                                                                                Marc McQuillen, President

AN OPEN LETTER TO THE MEMBERSHIP

UAW LOCAL 2404

Recently several Members have approached your Shop Committee to voice their concerns over what has been perceived to be an unsafe work environment. This concern has been ongoing for some time now and the Committee feels that it is important for us to respond to this concern. This open letter in our hopes will raise the awareness for all Members that any action that may make individuals feel threatened, harassed or intimidated are extremely serious. There is already enough stress and pressure from Management to reach Metrics; let us not add to that stress by our unwillingness to show common courtesy and respect to each other.

We as Members of the UAW have a responsibility, a duty under the Constitution of the International Union to conscientiously seek to understand and exemplify by practice our intent and purpose of our obligation as Union Members. First among these obligations is our duty to our fellow Brothers and Sisters. We must, in fact we are obligated to treat each other with Dignity and Respect.

The Policy of General Motors is simple, “GM will not tolerate any threat, direct or implied, or conduct by any person which results in harm to people or property, or which harasses, disrupts, or interferes with another’s work performance, or which creates an intimidating, offensive or hostile work environment”.  The Management staff here at Charlotte SPO will act decisively and without hesitation in their efforts to enforce this Policy. We do not want to jeopardize our jobs just because we don’t like someone or don’t understand them.

We, the Members of UAW Local 2404 are a very diverse group from many different cultures and backgrounds. It is this difference that should make us a strong Union. We must always look for ways to understand our differences. We will not always agree with each other, in fact we will not always like each other, but we must always show respect to each other. Rude actions or derogatory comments towards each other only serve to weaken us as a Union. There has never been a time when it is more important for us to come together to further the causes of our Union. We may agree to disagree on many different issues but let us all agree that we have to work together and that we must do this with mutual respect towards each other.

In closing, Your Shop Committee remains focused and committed to representing all of the Membership here at Local 2404, SOLIDARITY begins with each of us, our common goals and interests, and loyalty to each other can only be achieved when we treat people with the respect and dignity that we all deserve.

In Solidarity,

UAW Local 2404 Shop Committee

Chairman’s Letter

UAW Local 2404

Brothers and Sisters,

There are many concerns out on the shop floor in regards to Paragraph 96 moves to Martinsburg as well as what will occur in the future concerning possible layoffs. I am able at this time to give you some positive news on the Paragraph 96 moves. I have been informed by the International Union that a tentative agreement has been reached and will be posted shortly. We are exploring every avenue to prevent layoffs here in Charlotte. I am in touch with Brother Jim Holton our International Servicing Rep. with our concerns. I also would like to touch on several other issues that many of you have voiced your concerns about.

            Stamp Process and Focus Group. Your Shop Committee is in complete disagreement with Management over their use of this process. We feel that it is both demeaning to the Members and not in the best interest of improving quality. The Union has informed Management that this process does not comply with the guidelines of Document 40 of the National Agreement and that a jointly developed plan that provides appropriate training and tools is far more conducive to improving quality. I encourage all members to speak to their Committeeperson if they are placed in the focus group by Management. Using discipline to improve quality is counterproductive and detrimental to our Members. We encourage you to take the time to pick the right part and the right quantity. We should be concerned about customer service.

            Management’s expectations and Goals for LPH.  The National Agreement under Paragraph 79 is clear on any job that doesn’t have a negotiated work standard. We as employees should follow the prescribed SOP for our respective jobs using the tools and methods that Management provides and working at a normal operators pace. SAFETY and QUALITY should be our overriding priority. Members cannot be disciplined for not reaching Management’s LPH goal. We as members should give a fair days work for a fair days pay.

The Shop Committee encourages all Members to seek the advice of their Committeeman when they have questions or concerns over any quality issue, productivity issue, or any other concern as it relates to the workplace. In closing I would like you to think about the meaning of SOLIDARITY: A Common interest and active loyalty within a group. We as Brothers and Sisters of Local 2404 need to be committed to EACH OTHER and OUR common goals and interests.

In Solidarity

Rudy Krakeel

Chairman UAW Local 2404

                          Sub Council Report

Marc McQuillen and I attended the Sub Council Meetings in Chicago this week and would like to give you a brief summary of those meetings. I think that the most important question on everyone’s mind is if we have any information on the impending 96 moves from Jacksonville or to Martinsburg. Unfortunately there is nothing new to report about this. When information becomes available we will get it out to you. There is also no information on any possible Attrition program.

Vice President Cal Rapson introduced his new counterpart from the Corporation, Denise Johnson and gave her an opportunity to address the Sub Council. Ms. Johnson spoke of the Corporations goals and the need to work with the UAW for the benefit of all of us. After her comments VP Rapson asked them to leave so that the Union could get on with the Councils business. Vice President Rapson spoke of the Unions outrage about the restoration of Management’s merit raises and other benefits while not restoring some of the concessions made by the Unions Members. Brother Rapson also criticized congress for failing to find resolutions to the problems that plagued our Country. Brother Rapson said that if we as a Union can make sacrifices and find common ground with our Companies than Congress should be able to find resolutions as well. 

UAW Vice President for Ford Bob King spoke of the need for all Union members to mobilize and fight for the causes of working people. VP King stated that in order to regain the power that we once had we had to keep the pressures on our Congress. Vice President King challenged all members to become involved in all areas of politics and our Union.

David Schumaker from the International spoke about the VEBA funds as well as the Pension funds and their current status. Anyone having questions about the funding or other benefit issues should see Bevis Southern.

After the General Session each SUB Council broke out to their own meetings. All of the SPO UAW Locals reported on their specific locations and what issues they were having in the Plants. As you might expect all plants are dealing with the same problems as we are here in Charlotte. The Focus Group and Stamp process was a big issue for all of us. Anyone having questions should see myself or Marc for any additional information.

Rudy Krakeel, Chairman                                              Marc McQuillen, President

                                   Chairman’s Report

December, 2009

I would like to take this opportunity to inform you of current news and happenings of our Local in regards to contractual issues as well as the work that we will be receiving from the Jacksonville SPO. The Union and Management have found a resolution to the Local Contract. The Agreement was tentatively agreed to on the 14^th of December and thanks to the support of the Membership it was ratified with 87% of the vote on the 17^th of December. I want to thank all of the Bargaining Committee for their continued efforts and work to complete what had been a long and sometimes frustrating process. I especially want to extend my sincere appreciation to the Membership for their patience and support during the Local negotiations.

We currently do not have any additional information relating to when additional employees from Jacksonville will be coming. We are tentatively scheduled to start shipping approximately 3000 additional lines on February 15, 2010. More lines from Jacksonville will be phased in again towards middle to late February with the final lines coming in early March. Again, we do not yet have all of the final line totals or the numbers of people that we will be receiving from Jacksonville. As this information becomes available we will let the membership know. The Committee has requested that all information regarding this work be given to us as soon as it becomes available.

I have had numerous discussions with both Jim Holton from the International Union as well as with Ray Kenney and Gerri Jacks-Hopson about the work that we will be receiving from Jacksonville. I have no doubt that after the first of the year that this will start to come together fairly quickly. I hope that as we receive this work that we will welcome the additional Jacksonville employees and that we will all work together to provide the best service possible to the additional dealers that we are going to be servicing. The addition of this work is a great opportunity for our Local and for our Plant to grow.

In closing I would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas, and my best wishes for the New Year. I, like many of you will be traveling to visit friends and family during the Holiday Season, please travel safely and enjoy this special time with your family and friends.

                                                In Solidarity,

Chairman UAW Local 2404

              Chairman’s Report

                UAW Local 2404

I would like to take this opportunity to keep you informed of all the things that are going on here at UAW Local 2404. Local contract negotiations are still proceeding, albeit at a snail’s pace. Management offered another proposal to the Bargaining Committee on the 11^th of November. The offer by Management failed to address several key issues that the Bargaining Committee feels must be answered. The Committee will continue to press forward for a fair and equitable contract for the Membership. The Committee will meet again with Management sometime the week of November 23^rd, 2009.

You are all probably aware of the Paragraph 96 moves that were negotiated at the National level. We will be receiving 3 additional members from the Jacksonville SPO sometime in early December. As a result of the “96” moves, Management will be hiring 3 transitional temps until the members from Jacksonville arrive.  The Shop Committee will continue to keep you informed of any information regarding these moves. The Union has also requested that Management provides us with all information relative to the closing of the Jacksonville SPO. We need to know how many lines we will be receiving as well as how many lines may be lost from Charlotte to other SPO’s. Again, speak to your committeeperson or myself for information regarding this issue.

                Management has also informed the Union of its intentions to hire temporary employees for the upcoming Holidays. The Union does not feel that the hiring of temps for these days is necessary and we will continue to have discussions with Management about this issue.

                Some of you may elect to defer your Holiday pay for the upcoming Holidays, if you elect to do so please contact your committeeperson so that you will have all of the pertinent information regarding this action. Under the New National Agreement the deferment of Holiday time affects us significantly different than how it did in the past. Also, please be aware of how the use of your ATO time will affect your 40 straight time compensated hours. Please call your committeeperson for important information regarding this issue.

                Many of you have commented to me as well as your committeeperson about the ongoing pressures Management is placing on us in regard to productivity. I want to take this time to relay to you that we have a responsibility to provide a fair days work for a fair days pay. This does not mean that we are bound by any certain productivity number. Do your job effectively and be certain to pick the right part and correct quantity. Quality should be the primary concern for all of us as we do our jobs. The Union does not feel that the current Focus Group process Management utilizes is the best way to address quality issues and we will remain committed to urging Management to use the Quality Network Process to minimize errors here at the Charlotte SPO.

                In closing I would like to wish all of you the very best Thanksgiving Holidays. With all of the things that have occurred over the last year we are still more fortunate than so many other people including Brothers and Sisters in our own Union. Take the time to enjoy your Holiday and when possible share your good fortunes with those less fortunate. Finally, let me assure you that the Leadership of Local 2404 will continue to be very clear in its message to Management on all of the issues. The Shop Committee along with all of the Leadership will continue to be diligent in our efforts and committed to serving the Membership.

In Solidarity,

Rudy Krakeel

Chairman, UAW Local 2404         

2009 JOINT LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE REPORT

OCTOBER 22, 2009

The President and I attended the Key Four Conference this week and want to share with you the message and information that we received during the Conference. Numerous speakers addressed the Leadership and the overriding message is that we all need to be Ambassadors for General Motors and the products that are being built by all of our Brothers and Sisters.

President Ron Gettelfinger stated in no uncertain terms that we as Members of the UAW as well as all the salaried employees of General Motors owe a huge debt of gratitude to President Obama for standing behind and supporting the bailout of the US automotive industry. Without President Obama’s unwavering support the outcome of the bankruptcy would have been vastly different and the livelihood of the Members of the UAW would have been devastated. President Gettelfinger thanked all of the UAW Leadership for their support during these uncertain times and realizes how tough it has been on the shop floors. Additionally President Gettelfinger stated that we were still in trouble and challenged everyone to work together with respect and honesty.

Cal Rapson, UAW Vice President and Director of the General Motors Department spoke about the many sacrifices that have been made by the UAW members and challenged Management to commit to the workforce and look for every opportunity to further the UAW workforce. Brother Rapson also said that Management must take the lead to rebuild labor relations and that every Local should move forward in that area.

Fritz Henderson, President of General Motors spoke of the many changes and sacrifices that have occurred since the bankruptcy. Mr. Henderson also stated that with determination, hard work and continued efforts that we could not only maintain market share but that with all of the new and exciting car lineups we could grow market share.

Ed Whitacre, Chairman of General Motors spoke of his reluctance to accept the offer of becoming Chairman but has since become very excited about the direction of the company and his belief in the workforce. Mr. Whitacre spoke of the need for us to all work together and become the best car company in the country.

Numerous other speakers addressed the Conference and each gave their insights as to the direction of the Company. The products, the quality, fuel efficiency, design and appeal to consumers was highlighted by the different speakers.

In closing the most important task that we all face is to change the public perception of General Motors cars and products. We are competitive in every one of our 4 remaining brands and are willing to compare any of our products to any other manufacturer. We all must be committed to educating the public of how good our cars and our workforce are.