Dakota Kid

Yup, that's what I was told too. Everybody, active employees and retirees. Looks like those the choose a package based on heatlth care benies will be screwed. The $140k is looking better right now. One of my co-workers took the $140k and I thought he was nuts cuz he had health issues. Now he looks like the wise one. Time to close this chapter book.

At Twin Cities, many employees are taking a Commericial Drivers License course. If your ETC can work it out with a local school, your ETAP money will cover it. Ours is running $4400.00. If you land the right job, you could make decent money. UAW members have good luck getting placed, at least here in Minnesota. Have your ETC contact ours for more info. The school we're using, TCE, (Transportation Center for Excellance, Inc.) (www.tcetruckdrivingschool.com) has employers, recruiters etc. They also work with the teamsters. Graduation from the course will prepare you for a CDL Class "A" license with air brake certification. Don't know if I'll ever use it, but it looks good on a resume and gets another 4 grand out of Ford. Hope this helps.

Well, I think TCAP'er is right. Outside of a UAW shop, that UAW Journeyman's card is better used to pick your teeth, at least in the Northern part of the U.S. Now it might be a different story down south in a "Right to Work" states. Is there anything wrong with getting that Appendix F card, none at all. Many Skill Tradespersons worked hard within Ford/UAW to obtain that card. Will another union recognize it? Probably. They'll say, "Why isn't that nice, NEXT!" I've carried a state license for 20 yrs. I also applied for my Appendix F card in June after 18yrs at Ford. I haven't heard a word yet. Don't have room in my wallet now anyway. It's full of buyout $$$.

Ya, there are alot of UAW folks that can't grow into retirement that were let go and several 60 yr old with 30+ yrs still working. We just liked our jobs too. Money pays the house payments where your's is probably paid for. Money pays college tuition where your kids may be grown and gone. Yes the packages are an extra but at 48 yrs old and 23 yrs seniority, going back to school or starting all over isn't so easy. I'll be O.K. , I prepared but several of my friends didn't and are out the door while we have several bros with 40+ yrs still working. I guess we just flush the solidarity thing altogether? After all, what good is money anyway? Make sure you have everything in order so your family can at least enjoy your retirement.

Well, I'm only the son of an accountant but I can add 2+2 and get 3. Dad always told me a good bean counter can make the numbers tell whatever story you want them to tell. So to answer your question with another, and I hate it when my kids do this to me. One of the largest companies in the world is going bandrupt but......... multi-million dollar bonas to Alan Mulally Hire gun slinger Mark Fields pay off Jack Nasser Pay off the Firestone mess to get out of the publics eye invest billions in China invest billions in Mexico buy truck plant in Brazil ( $2 billion) invest a couple billion in diesel plant in India buy out thousands of UAW and salaried workers, then hire them back temporarily Are they going bankrupt? Or relocating? OK they're loosing money but it's a tough pill to swollow when this other stuff is going down too.

Cutting? Concessions? What is the fair market price for skilled trades in India, Brazil and Mexico? If the UAW can get a new contract in 07 and secure fair benifits, great, but for who? http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/fn/4445401.html Mulally is in position to keep the blood off the Ford Families' hands. While Alan is cutting, Billy's abuying, everywhere except North America. It's union busting and corporate greed. There's a line forming for the big bucks, but don't look for it. We're not invited.

FoMoCo is loosing money, so they say. Yet we hear the stories about misuse of corporate jets. The buyout packages are thrown at us then the company turns around and hires us back or hires replacement workers that will run quality into the ground. Skills Trades are coming back to their job only now employed by an outside contractor, for basically the same pay. But don't you suppose that contractor is going to make money? So really it is costing Ford more for skilled trades than before. After it's all said and done, there's still money to invest billions in Mexico, a couple billion in a diesel plant in India and now billions to buy a truck plant in Brazil. It's not about downsizing to match market demand, it's not cost and don't think it's healthcare. It's about breaking the unions. It's about cheap labor. It's about corporate greed. If Ford would sell a million or so more vehicals per year, provided they had products the public wanted, they probably wouldn't be on this slippery slope. http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/fn/4445401.html I thought this article by George Will was interesting. Do you suppose the bigs shots read these articles? This is an example of several similiar articles we've all read. If the general population sees this, why does there seem to be so much arrogance by Ford leadership, not to heed some of this advice? I'm just a little worker bee that's been around long enough to see the problem, know how it should work but probably don't know exactly how to accomplish this turn-around. But then again the company wouldn't listen anyway, so I'll just keep making wax. http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/opini...cle_1395871.php Good Luck to those that didn't take the money when they had the chance.

As the end quickly approaches, I would like to use this forum to thank past and present members that have I believe have positively led this local.. Thanks to Tom A. for his time as SKilled Trades Rep and Barginer Thank you Mike Fr. for your time as Barginer, Skilled Trades Rep and Chairman. Your committment and leadership wasn't appreciated as much as it should have. :slap: Thanks to Jay C. for turning the apprenticeship program around and becoming one of the top JAC Reps in the company. :shades: Thanks to Lynn H. for his committment to the Health and Safety of all the employees of Twin Cities Assembly. Thank you to Denny and Brenda D. for all of their volunteer efforts. You could always be counted on. The union and FSLC will miss folks like you. Thank you "Cubby" for you efforts in establishing education programs and facilities for the education of our membership. Thanks to the membership of UAW Local 879 for making Minnesota proud. We made the best product for nearly 20 years, often with old or salvaged equipment. Before that we proudly built F-Series and long before that we were building armored tanks for our troops in WWII. We should be proud of what we have done at TCAP since Ford came to Mn in the early 1900's. When the final day comes for each of us, let's walk out with our head held high. Should we feel anger, yes, frustration, yes. We'll survive, but will Ford Motor Company?

Very well said. I have been critical of Ford's marketing for years. Especially the "Life in Drive" program a few months back. But this last one has to be their most successful one, so successful they underestimated how effective it would be. At TCAP nearly 90% of the hourly folks signed up for a package. I talked to a manager yesterday and she said they actually only expected a couple hundred to sign-up at TCAP. I said you've got to be kinding! We're closing, you told us there isn't a bright future, you might or might not get a transfer. Don't gamble with your future, buy a Little Ceasers franchise, move on. I asked the HR manager how does he expect to run in Jan. He didn't care, his job was to get as many people out the door as possible. Now the company is in a tail spin because the hourly workers finally did what we were told! The replacement workers they have brought in so far aren't going to make it, let alone produce a quality product. How do you replace hundreds of skilled production workers and 200 skilled tradespersons? Can all of this be done? Probably, but not in time to save their pencil necks. Am I bitter, a little. I am very thankful for what the UAW and Ford negotiated for me. I gave them 8 hours work in return for 8 hours pay. I'm just dissappointed to see the end come around this way because of mismanagement and the company's arrogance. Could the UAW have helped their own cause. Over the years, probably yes. But ultimately it is the keeper of the keys that says yes or no. Enuff ranting and whinning. Thank you again to the leadership of UAW Local 879. Mr. Eagle and his troops have done their best and a bad situation.

I was told, Ford has positioned themselves that if enough people signup for the buyouts at TCAP, the company can discontinue the Ranger as early as Jan 07 rather than risk quality going in the tank with replacement workers. Some of the bosses actually realize they can't replace us or retrain McDonald's employees to build trucks in a matter of days. I've seen some of the temps they've brought in and most won't last a week on the line. It's a shame to see it go down this way. Hold your head high, we did our best. Good Luck to all the UAW bros and sisters.

You are exactly right. The TCAP union leadership, believe it or not have been working on this for a while. The company and international union were the ones slow to the table. Hats off to the Local 879 Bldg Chair and his committee for trying to do what's best for the membership and surprisingly this makes better business sense too. I've been told that quality went down the toilet in the 80's when they tried line speed reductions. All of this just drags out an already slow death. TCAP knows the what the last chapter of the book says, let's skip the details and get some closure so folks can move on, sooner than later. Company wide buyouts so everyone gets a piece of the pie, 1 yr senority and up.

You're right on jshep, bout the name calling. I know several that are in their late 40's, with 30 yrs. I understand that they may not want to retire. Where emotions will run high is those senior folks that are basically debt free, nearly 40 yrs or whatever and are sitting for the big bucks. Yes they have every right to the money too. This may not be an issue if the company wide buyouts are thrown out there. But if a plant gets a specific number of packages, say 500, that may be enough for the employees with 28 yrs or more seniority. Our younger bros and sis that are 40 something and 9 yrs senority could miss out on a package, a pension and they're at an age where it's more difficult to start a new career. I can understand their frustration if they're number 501. Company wide buyouts will solve many of these problems. Bring'm on.............. lets git-r-done :happy feet:

http://www.businessweek.com/print/autos/co...0809_022914.htm Hot off the press, Check out slide #16, Highest Ranked, Most Dependable Midsized pickup truck, Ford Ranger. Ranger and Grand Marquis are the only Ford/Mercs that made the list. Even after the plant closing anouncement, the hourly workers are still putting out a great product. Hats off to UAW Local 879! I hope the boys in Detroit are second guessing themselves yet? Maybe shutting down US plants isn't the answer? Should Bill get newer advisors, or just listen better? I read this articles somewhere on this site and thought it'd fit here too. http://www.forbes.com/2006/08/07/costs-det...lint_print.html

I'm not at all confused and have my story straight, it's my experience, my family's experience. I don't need to read stats or the stickers on the windows. Been at Ford nearly 20yrs. and drove Fords before that. What have I got to gain by making stuff up? Just passin the talk around the coffee shop. Maybe if you're driving from Starbuck's to the mall you"ll have a different experience, but I won't call you a liar. Are Ford trucks sales up right now? I haven't checked lately.

Ya that's cute, but unfortunately alot a folks don't research or read up on all the stats and numbers thrown at them. Alot of those truck guys know that if they want pulling power you get a Ford or Dodge, if you want fuel economy you buy a Chevy. In the farming country where I'm from, the Dealer couldn't move the F-150's cause they were too fancy to climb in with on your boots. Yes there are basic, striped F-150's but not enough to go around. You're probably right about the stats and all, but experience and word of mouth travel faster. An old F-250 in the field with a big fuel tank in the box and a new Silverado, 23mpg to go to town in, yup, that's Dakota country. Personally my last 2 F-Series got around 10 mpg when pulling, friend's 2006 Avalanche, avg about 17 mpg pulling a trailer with a skidloader, 23 mpg empty in the highway Don't know what the stats say, do I care? Gas pump says it all. :shrug:

Littledarlin, while we're "tryin" to talk history here, I'll give you some more learn'n. TCAP used to make the F-350, F-250, F-150, full sized cars and even armered tanks during WWII. All this before the Ranger came in '84. So LAP "used to" build Rangers, who cares besides you and Gettelfinger. Edison and TCAP were considered "the homes" of the Ranger, not much to brag about, but a fact. FoMoCo needs to learn from history, not live in it. If ya feel pretty comfy at your big truck plant, just think how long are folks going to continue pouring $3.50-$4.50 per gal. into Billy's gas guzzlers. Just about everybody's full sized trucks get better mpg than the F-Series. So let's build extended versions of these pigs Ford's future is in Mexico and China. School's out, let's go home.

Diesels are coming? Help me understand the diesels VW and Mercades have been selling for years in the US. I'm not a motor head but to some extent, isn't the major difference in drivetranes between a truck and car in the transmission and gear ratio? The 4.6 in my F-150 is the same 4.6 in a Crowne Vic/Mustang, 4.0 in the Ranger the same 4.0 in the Mustang? I beleive the "can do" is there but the "want to" is lacking. When FoMoCo is discontinueing Focus Wagons, Rangers and FreeStars and launching Extended Expeditions and SUVS, somebody's sleeping! The 3 sisters made in Mexico isn't enough. Hybrids aren't proven and expensive let alone always available. :shrug: I don't know...just ask'n

Hey, chaumpers, I gotta take issue with you here. As a past union rep, the UAW is there to assure the membership is treated fairly according to the contract and federal law. If the company has a legitimate issue with an employee, whether it be attendance, preformance or actions, it has every right to deal with it, correctly. Key word, "correctly". Unfortunately the company doesn't know how to handle people or know the contract. A smaller percentage of our members feel because they pay dues they're protected no matter what and many of our union leaders have been sucked into believing they're suppose to save these bums. 90% of a rep's time is spent on less than 10% of the membership. An intelligent idea, read and follow the contract, local and national. Don't read between the lines. Save a slug today and you'll have to save him again tomorrow. Quality.....get it right the first time

There is a version of the Ranger currently being built in Thailand. FoMoCo says it will never be shipped to the US for various reasons. Not too long ago there was a push for a fair trade agreement with Thailand and that failed to pass, that may have something to don with it. There was talk that it may go to Louisville but the boys in Detroit get real quite when they're asked to confirm. I heard that Hermosillo was test building diesel and hybrid Rangers. It'd be great if someone out there could confirm this. TCAP was told that Ford was getting out of the compact truck market. That decision fits with many of thier past business decisions. Gasoline hits $3.20 per gallon and Ford comes out with an extended Expedition :shrug: Apparently these guys don't put gas in their M10's when they don't have thier heads in the sand.

It amazes me that there have been so many responses to your post, No1Eman, and we're all experiencing the same thing. I've been a tradesman for nearly 20yrs and have said about the same thing as you, excluding the bad language. Wouldn't you think someone, somewhere would listen to the multitude? Are they really that arrogant? As a tradesman, I am proud of my work and I'm confident that FoMoCo got their moneys worth. I think I can honestly say that for 90% of our crew. I don't care where you go, there'll be 10% slugs and it is the leadership's responsiblity, union and company to deal with it correctly. Unfortunately the UAW and FoMoCo haven't done that. I bet FoMoCo deals with the slugs in Mexico or whereever there's no union representation. I've tried to stay positive, stay away from the "us" vs "them" cause bottom line we'll win or lose together. Well, WE lost and some of these management goofs actually believe FoMoCo will take care of them. If you believe that, I have a 79 Fairmont to sell ya. Have you seen the survey salaried employees got? Trades bros and sis, keep your skills and your integrity and we'll be alright.

Marty95 and Quickdraw, time to wake up, you're dreaming! 4-10hr work week with no O.T. , 2 tier wage system, mass relief, cleaning as inspections, FPS, blah blah blah. TCAP did it all. At one point #1 in Quality, Cost, Safety, highest level in FPS for an assembly plant. We did everything the company asked without prostituting ourselves and some may argue that, and look where it got us! When Chicago works Saturdays for no pay, gives up skilled trades classifications, you better start smelling the coffee! You're dreaming if you think a MOA will save you! It just prolongs the inevitible. When Chicago gets down to $4 per day and no benifits, Mark and Bill will listen and you might have a chance, but no retirement. If you haven't heard, THEY'RE MOVING TO MEXICO! The Rouge will be a museum, a historical landmark where the automotive industry really began. A Meca for those south of the border.

Relying on the past is the sort of arrogance that got the big 3 into the position they're in today. We made junk small cars in the 70's until we got it right and got comfortable. Foreign makers have now passed us. Foreign makers make junk trucks but sooner than later they'll get it right and pass us there too. What is the big 3 doing? Anything in the small/mid size truck market? Not after 08, so they say. Besides, at the rate big mfg is crossing the border, there won't be enough good jobs to pay those big trucks anyway. I'll just pull a wagon behind my KIA

If you truely understood what the President's job is and what the role of his new position as a regional rep. you'd realize a quality man like Rob will serve TCAP much better at a higher level. We got it covered in the plant. Besides, who are you trying to kid, if you were offered a similiar opportunity, you'd say I'll love to but I'm gonna take one for the team! Right

Yes he is a decent guy. That probably why he left. A man with with some integrity and moral convictions is rare nowadays. I think it was difficult for him, the way the plant closing anouncement was handled. I commend him for walking away and wish him the best. FMC's plan is working already. Many of their best employees are leaving for better jobs already. It will be real interesting when the lines won't run because the "aces" have left and the company didn't prepare for this day! Somebody should revisit Webster's dictionary and check out loyalty. I got your loyalty. Yes Ford gave me a great opportunity for 20 years and the UAW made sure I was treated fairly and I gave them eight 4 eight. I guess FMC doesn't owe me anything and I don't owe them. Anyone got the number for Honest John's Used Car Sales?