hillustrations

Thanks to everyone for the insight and kind words. It's very difficult when you come from the Michigan area and a strong union leadership then go into a small facility run by thugs with less time than I have in the bathroom, lol. I would love to see them have to go into an assembly plant so they could understand what FORD is all about, and then take some lesson's back about union brotherhood. They wouldn't last. Thanks to everyone again, I'll continue to beat the drum!

I'm a 20 yr. seniority brother in a new facility with a hostile UAW. I have a grievance that is in the third stage but I cannot get any information on it from my representative. My grievance has been unresolved for 15 months and it is for more than $2k. I have attempted International but the person I spoke with said "contractually" she cannot help me, outta her hands.... Then she refered me BACK to my local. Square one. Does anyone know the phone number, e-mail or name of the person(s) that I can contact on my own to track this grievance down and resolve it? Any help would be much appreciated. I'm a man on an island. Thanks!

Our plant Chairman spends a great deal of time outside our facility. She barely makes it 2 day's a week. We have no ther representation due to our size, so alot of questions and concerns go unanswered and I (WE) feel as though our union dues are wasted as we are being under-represented. Simple question is this: Is there any minimum amount of time the UAW Chairman is required to be in the building or can they come and go as they please? (sometimes missing weeks on end) Thanks!

It's always doom and gloom from mngmnt. The UAW has gone the extra mile with concessions already. I still see the same amount of salary people wandering around or holding their coffee. They have actually said that they brought one of the supervisors onto the floor to protect him, or to give him a "reason" to stay on while I'm watching fellow union brothers getting laid off. You don't need to say any more. Let's sit tight and see what the economy is going to do before we lock ourselves into a deal that we will prob regret in just a few short months. As far as Gettlefinger being embarrassed? He should be, but not because the membership voted this down. He should be embarrassed for continuing to bow down and accept ONLY what he's given then offering it to the membership as a GREAT deal. I hope he listens THIS time. We're not opposed to working with the company for mutual benefit we're just opposed to being treated like un-informed/un-educated sheeple. Oh, and the $1000 bonus? Ha! Another glaring example. :slap: DUH!!

PORTLAND HVC BABY NO-14 YES-8

I'm sorry to hear about the lack of opportunities for those left in Monroe. I'm also sorry that those of you still there didn't take advantage of the oportunities that were presented multiple times. It was painfully obvious that shuttering plants around the country would create a HUGE AMOUNT of unemployed workers looking to be placed. The list of plants was extensive and they were scheduled to close a various times, some later than others. A decreased number of jobs available due to the closures meant LESS JOBS AVAILABLE! (painfully obvious) Jobs that were open would be filled quickly by those taking the early flowbacks (painfully obvious). Waiting only decreased your chances of being placed, or even having the opportunity (painfully obvious). The union leadership in Monroe always preached about "keeping the doors open" or "bringing in new business" and made the reality of the imminent closure seem unrealistic or unlikely. I understand their position and that they probably felt that they were doing the right thing, but they were NOT. They were only giving people who had limited time to make life defining choices false information and false hope. When the company came to Monroe in August 06' I believe, and held meetings about the pending closure of Monroe, and encouraged ALL employees to attend, the union still stood at the podium and talked about keeping the doors open and bringing in new business. When the Ford rep. got his chance to speak he turned to the leadership and said "You have a union who is fighting to keep these doors open, and I commend that, (then he turned to the audience and said....) but your plant is CLOSING and you will all have to make a hard decision to either move to another location, retire, or take a buyout. Monroe will no longer be in operation by 09'..." I remember standing up and saying "thank you" and walking out. How much more clear does it have to be? But some people chose to keep their heads in the sand, or "ride it out" or " see what happens" ... I've heard all the excuses, and the union wasn't doing them any favors by providing fasle hope. So I fault them both. I signed BOTH flowbacks that were offered, seeing the writing on the wall for a looong time about Visteon/ACH plants. Luckily I managed to get a flowback and bailed out of Monroe, and the state of Michigan, and into a Ford facility in June 08'. Funny thing is that I was ridiculed a bit for signing up to leave. On one occasion, when asking about the status of my flowback, I was told by a union rep. "we don't have time to follow up with the people who are leaving, we're only concerned with the ones who are staying".....nice. Turns out they were actually securing heir own positions elsewhere. I'm sure that WAS time consuming, lol. So those of you who are left "waiting it out" I guess you will get what you deserve in the end. Be happy to have a job, no matter where it might be, in the future. Whining about "who should get a job first" is really just a waste of time. You waited tooo long! I chose to take matters into my own hands instead of letting Ford Motor Co. decide my fate at a time of THEIR choosing. You however, are now at their mercy, and as we all know, they don't really give a sh*t about YOU. You and you're family are just a drain on their profits and if they can get you off their payroll, they will certainly be smiling. Unfortunate....but expected.

My transfer came last June 07'. I opted for a flowback and signed off my rights to "return to base" thus making my new plant my "home plant". I received a check from payroll for $2200.00 BEFORE my last day for "moving expenses". This was the amount given to a single person moving outside their zone. Married I believe is double, but NOT a reason to hurry out and find a bride. She'll cost you more in the end, but that's for a different thread. Upon arriving and providing proof of residence (apartment lease, utility bill in your name, etc.) I signed a form and within 10-14 days I received the first installment of my $45,000.00 Special Incentive Transfer money, $10,000.00. After taxes it came out to around $5800.00 (thank you Federal taxes). I am currently awaiting my one year anniversary to receive my second installment of $15,000.000 and an additional $20,000.00 on my third year anniversary. I haven't had any issues, nor has anyone else that I know who transfered (flowback) with the payments. Just make sure that the HR person is up to speed with what needs to be done because if anyone can hold this up, it would be them. Don't be shy, it's your money and your right, just be tactful. Good luck to all of those who have chosen to move on with Ford and change what they have known for sooo many years. It's always scary to step into the unknown, but it can be exciting as well. I moved far away from friends and family, and from the only place I'd ever lived .... for 40 years! But I'm glad that I have a job, a new opportunity and new surroundings. No more wondering IF their going to close the doors, IF I'm going to have a job, IF, IF, IF! I just go to work under the Blue Oval again and pray that the idiots that make the crucial decisions get it right. I feel most sorry for those people who are still undecided, or the ones who are just gouing to "ride it out and see what happens" I can't tell you how many times I heard that one, lol.

The only fair thing to do is flowback the employees to Ford plants and lay-off lower seniority workers. I'm not saying that's what WILL happen, but that would be fair to everyone who has invested their lives working for Ford. With that said however, will their be enough jobs to absorb all the displaced workers? Their will undoubtedly be people left out with all of the plant closings, scheduled future closings and down sizing of the company as a whole. Another possible scenario: Current flowbacks that are already signed up will be moved into openings, then the temps that are currently filling the remaining open positions at Ford plants will be kept and hired in as Ford employees, but on a two-tier wage system, saving the company $$ while addressing the need for employees. The remainder of the employees that chose NOT to flowback or take a buyout would just be out of luck when their facility closes. Basically by not accepting the offer to transfer into a Ford plant they were saying that they did not desire to work for Ford anymore. The offer was there and turned down, individually. That's how a lawyer interpreted the flowback offer atleast. And as we all know, no one who is buying any part of this business, driveshafts, catalytic converters, etc. wants a FORD WORKER to go along with the jobs! Let's get real and face the facts.

I'm posting this for a friend. Does anyone know of a provision in the contract that compensates an employee who was physically injured on the job? Event: Injured two fingers during a production/engineering run machine malfunction. One finger was severed, one was severely damaged. The severed finger was re-attached and the damaged finger is workable, but scared. Only 70% mobility in entire hand and fingers, not back to 100%. Employee did NOT get a write-up and has been ok'd by lawyers for a lawsuit. Litigation isn't the way the employee wants to go, just interested if there were some contractual provisions already in place to help. Thanks to everyone in advance.

Just for thought, I was listed as 7 overall (flowback wide) for Denver HVC. Denver was # 1 on my list. Denver informed me of six openings. I was listed as 23 overall for Portland HVC. Portland was # 3 on my list of choices. I was informed on Feb. 16 that I will be going to Portland............go figure. I have 90' seniority.

I recieved my flowback notification Feb. 16 and was told by the union that the company CANNOT make me go (out of zone) sooner than 60 days from notification (April 16) but could hold me 90 days if needed. The rep in my transfer facility said that he could take us now, and boot the temps. As of this post, I have NOT recieved a firm report date, but I'm still on the posted list ot transfer. Hmmmmmm, interesting.

I guess everyone is as confused as I am.........................

So here is the problem/question: I have received notification of my transfer to Portland from Monroe ACH (Michigan). There are two (2) different moving allowance provisions that I qualify for, but I need clarification from those who know first hand or just have knowledge of the process itself as to what my best move is. My H.R. rep. is overwhelmed and trying her best, but I'm not sure if she has ALL the correct answers (based on getting a different story every day) and I NEED the correct info. for this HUGE decision. I thought that with all the knowledge on this site, I could get the correct info. that I need, so here we go..... Choice # 1 TRANSFER MOVING ALLOWANCE ELIGIBILITY: Accepts transfer as a result of transfer of operations under Article VII, 24(B). Atleast 50 miles between former and new plant (2600 miles for ME) BENEFIT DISTANCE 1000 plus miles = $2149 for single MY OPINION: I AM NOT being transfered as part of a "transfer of operations" so I don't feel that I qualify for this allowance, however, HR says this IS my option for moving expenditures. I am also eligible for the $45000 SIT package. Choice # 2 ENHANCED MOVING ALLOWANCE ELIGIBILITY Eligble for transfer or layoff moving allowance Terminates seniority at all other Ford locations and therefore not eligible for recall/rehire (Appendix O) or return to basic unit (Article VIII, 1 (B). Must utalize Company's Relocation Center preferred real estate brokers and van lines. BENEFIT $6500 signing bonus (each employee if more than one in household) Reimbursement of moving costs, up to $17000. Lump some payment of payment of balance of $23000, limited to max. final payment of $7000. MY OPINION: I'm being told that if I take option # 2, I will forfeit the $45000 and I will NOT be eligible to transfer to ANY other Ford facility if Portland ever closes. I interpret it as I am signing OFF my rights to return to Monroe (changing my home base) and I get $6500 for that, but still able to transfer in the future if I have to. The ENHANCED MOVING ALLOWANCE is listed as a "benefit" and is seperate from the STI, so I should get BOTH. I need some answers fast, the clock is ticking.......

What's up hendew_15, I received my transfer notification on Feb. 16 to go out to Portland HVC. No report date however. I'm being told by the union that I cannot be forced to transfer any sooner than 60 days (report on April 16 then). I feel blessed to finaly get off this sinking ship (ACH) and I will echo your thoughts about giving the ACH'ers a chance at some great locations. I think Portland is one of them.....too bad we didn't get the chance to work together again in Denver though. I was soo close! Keep in touch. By the way, 9 people total were on the transfer list to Portland, 2 from Monroe ACH (including myself). 6 from other Michigan facilities and ONE from Tulsa. Any info from anybody about Portland would be appreciated. Huge move into the unknown.....

You're correct, it was Nick Tengler the building chairman. My seniority is 4/17/90 for those who care. Any other information would be helpful, trying to gear up for the move.

Granholm......"and in five years......you'll be blown away!"

I spoke directly with the local president of the Denver HVC on Feb 1, 07 to discuss openings. He told me that he had six openings with ONE definately filled and one on the fence due to "medical" issues. It would be the companies call on whether or not they would let that individual transfer. If they do not, that leaves 5 openings. He also said that ONE person might be leaving on a return to work/home flowback, which of course bumps the number back to six again in my scenario. I also noticed something on the posted flowback sheets in my facility (Monroe, Mi.) that I thought was interesting. ONE of the names listed, just after mine in most cases, took the buyout and no longer works for Ford. It made me wonder how many people on any of the lists were actually still employed? What I'm driving at is you may be #10 on the paper list, but in actuality you may be #7 due to buyouts who were NOT removed. Just something to ponder.... Back to Denver....I just thought it was ironic that I am #7 overall to flowback to the Denver HVC and they have 6 positions available. I've signed up for that damn place everytime it was offered!! Occording to the local pres., I would be #4 in plant seniority, lol. I'm still hopefull though, anything can happen... By the way, the local president in Denver seems to be a really great guy. He transfered from Mich. three years ago. He told me to let him know when I'm being transfered and that he would have a place for me to stay and would show me the best apartments in the area. He also said that he understands I will need time off to get my sh** together and that he would accomodate me in any way that he could. That really took a load off my mind and set me at ease. I thought that I would be treated with some disdain and hesitated for days to even make the call. So if you make it to Denver before me, congratulations, you're getting into a great place. You BASTARD!!!

I appreciate all of the opinions that have been posted so far. I knew that this would be the best place to get the information that I needed, along with some truth. My local union officials don't want to be bothered with those of us who are leaving. I believe the quote was " I'm going to worry about the people who are staying, NOT the ones who are leaving"....we're ALL leaving eventually idiot, the plant is scheduled to close in 08'....but anyway.... Like I said in my earlier post, getting into an HVC isn't going to be easy with the small plant populations. I'm kind of basing my optimism on the slim, but yet reasonable assumption that many of the high seniority folks that are currently working will see the Ford wide buyout as a one time opportunity to retire with an addded cash incentive, and leave now. There was also a low number of ACH people who even signed up for the flowback (less competition). My plant had about 200 production sign, but most are staying in the Detroit region. Not too many want to relocate across the country, and I'm going to assume the same is true in other regions as well, thus increasing my odds slightly. Again guys, and girls, let me say thanks and please keep the info coming. The house and boat are going on the market as I write this cuz the times are changin' for most of us.

Maybe I could get some information from those of you who are experienced in the HVC system? I currently work at an ACH facility in southern Mich. with seniority of 4/90, and have put in for flowback to HVC's across the country. I will list them in order of preference. 1) Denver 2) Phoenix 3) Portland 4) Memphis 5) Lakeland, Fla. I'm not very confident on being able to flow, based on the low plant population of HVC's, but would really appreciate ANY information on the #'s of openings at ANY of these facilities. Also, I'm a little apprehensive about moving from a town, and area, that I have grown up in my entire life, the past 39 years. So I would appreciate information about the lifestyle and living conditions of any of the areas listed. It doesn't have to be specifics, just an overview would be nice. Not afraid of the work involved, I've been bustin my butt for years welding catalytic converters and building driveshafts, but would also enjoy hearing some stories of the daily grind. Some people say I'm crazy signing up to move across the country, some people say I have big Kahuna's. I say that I don't have much of a choice. My plant is scheduled to be closed in 08' and I think this is a great opportunity to free myself from this rusted graveyard of the auto industry. Thanks to all who post on this site, it's nice to know that I'm not alone.

I'm pretty set on going into the medical field. I'm not one for blood and guts, so my options are limited. I have been researching X-ray Tech. and Ultrasound tech. positions and they seem to be around the same pay scale ( $25-30hr. ) with benefits from day one. In addition, most hospitals will pay for you to further your education, and may even hire and train you "on the job". College is about 18 months for both and you're ready for employment. Everyone knows that the medical field won't be going away anytime soon, and the benefits are a clean environment, descent work, descent pay and a prestigious position with the ability to relocate to an area of my choice. Not to mention the sweet, little nurses you get to mingle with. I can see the downfall of my new profession already, lol. I'm 39 in an ACH and have put in for flowback to a couple HVC plants (seniority 4/90 ) : choices in order are Denver, Phoenix, Portland, and Lakeland but without much hope, and plan on starting classes with ETAP money in the mean time. Even IF I get a transfer, I'm going to finish my education and probably move on after that. Bye, bye Fords. Good luck to everyone in these scary, trying times. Hope this helps someone....