paulpegx@aol.com

IN REGARDS TO EXISTING TESPHE LOANS, THEY WILL SEND YOU ACOUPON BOOK AND YOU SHOULD AT THE MINIMUM MAKE THE PAYMEWNTS DUE FOR THIS YEAR OF 2007 OR WHN YOU TOOK THE BUYOUT AS THE "IRS" REQUIRES THAT FORFEITURE OF A 401K PLAN LOAN BE DECLARED IN DEFAULT IF NOT KEPT UP TO DATE. WHY REPAY ? BECAUSE YOU WILL HAVE TOO PAY APENALTY ON THE AMOUNT OWED AS WELL AS THAT AMOUNT GETS ADDED TO YEARLY INCOME FOR 2007, ADD MOST LIKELY IN ALL CASES YOUR MONEY IS TAXED A A MUCH HIGHER RATE THSN IF YOU CAN PUT OFF DEFAULTING TILL THE YEAR AFTER THE BUY OUT. YOU NEED TO SPEAK TO A GOOD TAX ADVISOR, TOO EVALUSTE EACH SITUATION, AS WE ALL HAVE DIFFERENT SCENERIOS. HOPE THIS HELPS, MOST IMPORTANT PART IS ASK AROUND FOR A GOOD TAX PLANNER , PAY THE FEE, YOYU'L USUALLY END UP OFF MUCH BETTER IN THE LONG RUN!!!! BEST OF LUCK, I'M NOT A KNOW IT ALL BUT MANY LIKE MYSELF CARE ABOUT HELPING OTHERS IF POSSIBLE. CALL FIDELITY HAVE YOUR QUESTIONS REAdy, have found them to accurate and reliable.

buffalo stamper - recieved my $35000 .00 sat 1-27 in the mail!! good luck to all!!! GOD SPEED!!

Everything they told me has so far has fallen in place according to the time table given me by the UAW benefit reps,[ he did a nice job for the memvership given the volume of work they dumbed on him] the pay checks, the retirement notices, the new health care cards for retirees, etcetc, you may recieve the check in the mail before the 19th, dearborn likes to run things in "batches " to reduce costs, which is slang for doing one thing at a time. In other words they will run all the buyout checks at once rather than run buffalo this week and some one else's nexx week etc, that way they do not have to pay overtime to anyone in the system any where. Brst of Luck to you and yours Have a blessed day!! call abdul mackie [hr labor]at 821-4207. on wed 1-17 to verify!! Hope all this helps you!!

" we were told checks would be mailed to us after January 19th of 2007.

Good Post, but you forgot your union, I to am grateful for 34 years of life with Ford BUT also for being a UAW member all those years, thank you, brothers Woodcock, Frazier, Bieber, Yokich, Lofton, And all my local people who were never perfect but made it a better work place.

they told us here in buffalo the same number?? They have a master plan, but haven'y annouced it yet

IF THE COMPANY AND UNION HAD SERIOUSLY STOPPED AND CONSIDERED THERE OPTIONS, I BELIVE THEY COULD HAVE GOTTEN MORE OF US EMPLOYEES[ AGE 62 OR 30 YEARS] TO CONSIDER THE 'BUYOUT' OPTION OF LEAVING FOR RETIREMENT! LET ME DIGRESS, TAKE MY CASE, AS AN EXAMPLE MY RETIREMENT PLANS AND FINANCIAL PLANNING WERE BASED ON WORKING TILL I WAS 60.5 YEARS OLD, WHEN MY MORTGAGE AND TESPHE LOANS, ETC WERE EITHER REPAID OR PAID IN FULL. BY NOT OFFERING THE LARGER SUM OF SAY $75000.00 OR MORE,[ RATHER THAN THE $35000.00] , THE PRESENT FINANCIAL OPTIONS DID NOT FIT INTO MY GOALS . THERE ARE A NUMBER OF SENIOR EMPLOYEES HIRED IN WITH ME IN A SIMILIAR BOAT FOR VARIOUS REASONS. I WOULD LOVE TOO LEAVE AND LEAVE A OPPORTUNITY FOR A "JUNIOR EMPLOYEE", BUT AT PRESENT I CANNOT, DO IT. MANY OF THE BROTHERS AND SISTERS THAT I HIRED IN WITH 30+ FEEL THE SAME WAY, IF A BIGGER BUYOUT WAS OFFERED TO THE GUYS CLOSE TO THIER RETIREMENT 28 +YRS, THIS WOULD'VE ALLOWED THEM TO RE EVALUATE THIER PLANS AND TAKE AN OPTION AND LEAVE. THE COMPANY THEN COULD EASILY HAVE DOUBLED THE AMOUNT OF EMPLOYEES[ WITH 30 OR MORE, AGE 55] WILLING TO LEAVE.THUS LEAVING THE JOBS OPEN FOR THE YOUNGER UAW MEMBERS, MORE WILLING TO ADOPT TO CHANGES[ TO SURVIVE OR DIE] THAT WILL BE NECESSARY TO MAINTAIN THE BUSINESS AND THE UNION HERE IN THE USOF A. FINALLY, IN CLOSING I WISH ALL BROTHERS AND SISTERS THE VERY BEST IN THIER DECISIONS THEY HAVE TO MAKE, NO ONE IS HAVING AN EASY TIME DECIDING WHAT TO DO!!! THE DECISION(S) TO BE MADE IMPACTS EACH OF US DIFFERENTLY, BUT IS A LIFE CHANGING TRUMATIC DECISION TO MAKE, NOT JUST FOR EACH EMPLOYEE BUT FOR HIS LOVED ONES AS WELL.. FOR THOSE OF YOU WHOSE PLANTS ARE CLOSING, A SPECIAL GOD BLESS AND THANK YOU, FOR ALL YOUR EFFORTS I HAVE DRIVEN MANY VERY GOOD FORD TRUCKS AND PRODUCTS YOU WORKED HARD TO PRODUCE, AND IN 34 YEARS CAN HONESTLY SAY NEVER HAD A "BAD VEHICLE" , TO THOSE RETIRING , REST WELL MY LEIGE, REST WELL, YOU EARNED IT , YOU PAID FOR IT, YOU DESERVE IT, TO THOSE STAYING BEHIND, KEEP THE FAITH, AND REMEMBER A BAD DAY WITH THE UAW, BEATS A GOOD DAY WITH MANAGEMENT. [/size] [/size] FOOT NOTE::AS PART OF THE 2007 AGREEMENT IF I WERE EITHER PARTY I WOULD OFFER PEOPLE WITH 30 OR MORE YEARS, 55 +10, A ONE TIME BUYOUT OF $100,00.00 YOU LEAVE UPON RATIFICATION OF THE NATIONAL AND ALL LOCAL AGREEMENTS. BELIEVE ME THE COMPANY WILL BE RIGHT SIZED IN NO TIME AT ALL!! ALSO TO THE "JUNIOR" EMPLOYEES MEMBERS, BE NOT BITTER ABOUT THE SENIOR GUY NOT LEAVING, IN A FEW YEARS YOU WILL BE THERE AND YOU MAY HAVE TO BE FACED WITH THIS, I REMEMBER 1979 TO 1984, THOSE WERE HARD TIMES ALSO,BUT MY HOW FAST THE TIME HAS GONE. I WOULD GLADLY TRADE 10 YEARS OF MY SENIORITY FOR 10 YEARS OFF MY LIFES AGE. AGAIN GOD BLESS ALL THE UAW AND FORD PEOPLE I HAVE HAD THE PRIVILEGE TO CALL MY FRIENDS.

THIS BROTHER IS CORRECT, IF MANAGEMENT DID THIER JOB CORRECTLY, WHICH IS DOWN NEAR IMPOSSIBLE FOR MOST OF THEM BECAUSE THEY ARE SO INEPT, GETTING A TERMINATION BACK WOULD BE DOWN NEAR IMPOSSIBLE, BUT BECAUISE OF THIER INEPTNESS, WHILE I WAS CHAIR IN BUFFALO I LOST 1 OUT OF 23 3.5 STAGE TERMINATIONS.[ THE ONE I LOST WAS A 4-PEAT OFFENDER] IT WAS MY JOB TO HELP EVERYONE WHO PAID DUES TO THE UNION, IF YOU ARE ANY KIND OF UNION OFFICIAL YOU CANNOT PICK AND CHOOSE, WHO YOU REPRESENT, REMEMBER IN ALL MOST ALL CASES IT IS A MANAGEMENT PERSON WHO VIOLATES THE AGREEMENTS. IN MOST CASES OF ABSENTISM, MGMT STILL SCREWS UP IN THIER ACTIONS. MOST CAUSE I WAS ABLE TOO PROVE THERE WAS NO EQUAL APPLICATION OF THE AGREEMENT, IN SOME /MOST ALL CASES THE MANAGEMENT PEOPLE JUST DISLIKED SOMEONE OR SOME OTHER BALONEY THE COULD NOT JUSTIFY. MOST CHAIRS WILL TELL YOU THE SAME THING, WE KNOW WHO THE SLACKERS ARE BUT WE TOOK A OATH WE TAKE SACRED TO UPHOLD THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UAW, WHICH ENCOMPASSES US TO TREAT EACH ONE EQUALLY. THE OLD ADAGES ABOUT STANDING TOGETHER MAKES YOU STRONGER IS MORE TRUE TODAY, THAN EVER. IN UNITY THERE IS STRENGTH, SOLIDARITY FOREVER!!!

Because if the work comes to buffalo it is because they will have plenty of what is considered press load time open, what with the discontiuance of the taurus, I'm sure buffalos' press load is wide open, press load is term for the number of hours a press/line used in stampings has no particular jobs assigned to it. Sometimes these are just temporary moves , sometimes they are permantely sourced to a plant, there are other factors besides being a surrogate stamper to a particukar assembly plant, although location to a ass';y plant is one consideration, perhaps at this time the rouge and woodhaven stampers have no open press time and the correct press lines to handle the work. The best thing we all could do is being honest and try to help each other understand how the car business is really run, how decisions are made, and why. Other wise this forum is just a place for crybabies etc. is useless for all of us.

Compamies defined pension plans are not a pay as you go system as we have in the social security system. that is why, companies use the bankruptcy law to get out of current legacy obligations. they then are free to use the money put in a defined plan to subsidize the future of the them selves, and screw the older people who have made it possible, please take time to get your facts in order. educate yourselves about issues. Do not jump to conclusions based on other members opinions, again take some time and educate yourself. I s bankruptcy an opportunity for ford and gm yes, but so is struggling to make a success out of thier current failures!! In regards to thev 07 contract, rather than pay lump sums of money as present they should increase the yearly benefit amount payable I would personnally get a larger monthly check, and know my spouse will be better taken care upon my timely demise, than a lump sum now!! in regards to the union, I have lived a very nice life, much better than my parents, do to the opportunity to work for one of the big three REPRESENTED BY THE UAW!! HAVE A GREAT DAY AND GOOD LUCK TO ALL!!

For all you union bashers, your day is coming!! if you forget the past , you are doomed to repeat it. Yes these are tough times, but I would always would be union, I bleed Uaw BLUE for blood. look at what happens when unionized workers lose thier political clout. The teamsters and trucking industry are next up for getting wacked with our gov't deregulating everything!!! THE OLD ADAGE THAT SAYS, "WHAT YOU DO AT THE BALLOT BOX, REFLECTS DIRECTLY WHAT HAPPENS TO YOUR FAMILYS' BREAD BOX". is never more true than in todays world. The union members in this nation for past thirty years have voted with thier greedy selves!! greed begets greed, when you stop looking out for each other and you are afraid to help the next guy by sacrificing a little on your part, everyone loses, evenyour self. My dad taught me many years ago life is like a ladder, if you help the guy below on the next rung up to your rung, you'll have nowhere to go but up with his help. So learn a little about lifes' lessons , be willin' to give , because you will get your share back ten fold. one more salient point, whenthe new middle class are alll making $10.00 per hour, trying to get a good life for thier selves or thier families, they will want to rise up and get thier faie share of laborsefforts, from the aristocrats. The selfish[ anti-union] guys day of reckoning is coming!!!! very quickly. It took us over 100 years of labor history to build a good middle class, the thing you guys are destroying you will rebuild again, I only hope it does not take you guys all the sacrifices and years it took the past 5 generations. When the Big Companies are done with thier union workers, wait and see how they'll treat thier so called "salaried workers". Already they beat them to death, why do you think most salaried guys if given a second chance would ratger go hourly!! MAY CONTINUE GOD TO BLESS THE UAW AND THE US OF A. AND PRAY FOR ALL OF US TO SUCCEED!!!! SAY A PRAYER FOR OUR GUYS OVER THERE WHILE YOUR AT IT.

This estimate will get you in the ball park!! take your hrly rate plus cola times 40 hours multiply this amount by 95 % deduct all aplicable fed income taxes[ based on your w-2 statements filed on record with the company] deduct any applicable state income taxes this gives you an approximate amount then deduct 17.00 for incidental expenses[per the benefit agreement] deduct your state unemployment amount this will give you a ESTIMATE OF THE AMOUNT YOUR SUB CHECK WILL BE WORTH. ON A WEEKLY BASIS. as a note file a new w-2 with the company, claiming as many deductions as you are allowed, here in NYS it is i belive 6, for more you may have too bring proof.As I said I may have a few errors in the calculation method. If this does not help you, see your benefitt representative he should have a more accurate formula. Best of Luck to everyone in these trying times,

If you get yourself a copy of the master agreement between the company and ford motor, start with appendix "mm"- job security and read thru the entire language- got to a union meeting seek out your bargaining representative and your job security rep, they should be able to help you get the correct answers! orseek out a past bargaining unit member from thr late 1970's or early 80's and discuss the language re: transfer leveling dates of october 1983 and susequent language. I hop this helps you. ps: you shoulk be able to get a copy of the master agreement volumeI and a letters of understanding from your local union hall, if you do not have it after 6 years, why not??

4] after all the time spent here at ford, anumber of salaried people are decent friends i've made, I do not wish anyone any ill harm, on either the union side or the management side. only the best. 5] I apologize for any misspellings in my post my typing skills leave much too be upgraded. thank you 6] You cannot cost cut your way out of a problem, I liken it to not being able to pay your mortgage so you cut back on your groceries and the family is warm, but darn hungary. 7] Answer this questio? IF ALL PLANTS HAVE THE SAME COMPETITIVE AGRREMENT IN REGARD TO COTRACTUASL OBLIGATIONS, THEREFORE THEY ALL ARE COMPETITIVE IN EQUAL WAYS, WHO WILL SOURCING DECIDE GETS THE NEW WORK? THE COMPANY OF THIS STATURE DOES NOT MAKE LAST MINUTE DECISIONS, SOURCING KNOWS WHWERE THE WORK IS BEST SUITED TO BE PERFORMED, ALL PLANTS ARE BEING BULLIED BY THE WAY BACKWARDS RESTRUCTURING PROGRAM, THIER WAY OR THE HIGH WAY IS VERY REMINISCENT OF THE toyota and other non union shop philosophy!!

Lewt me digress pleae on some points: 1- as far as the union goes I have been a member for 34 years of which 24 spent involved either asa amember of a standing committee, or an elected official[from alterenate committee pwerson to president /chair] So I only Know too well the value of a union. 2] you misinterrupteed by post- my point about management was how quick they blame something other than thier own levels of incompetancies for the individual plants poor performances and quick too blame others including thier "own" for what is happening. 3] they preach a good game about team work, but the have never learned that the letter "I" does not exist in thier word team.

Perhaps instead of down trodding on the hourly people we should bring toyota mgmt people in here to replace the salaried. then lets compare. The vast majority of hourly people come in to do thier jobs right, but mangement @ ford always has gone after the "lowest hanging fruit" on the tree, [your hourly workforce because that is all they can see, thier own incompetence keeps the from seeing the real crux of the problem! thier selves