Decker

Thanks, One thing your weather isn`t that much different from ours so that will be one less thing to deal with. You may want to think about Indiana for a place to live. Lower taxes, no taxes on food and some of the GREATEST people in the states !!!! Decker Chi Town Assembly

Driverman I haven`t heard anything. Other than at a general membership meeting, a few months back, the Unit Chair stating he was waiting till the IUAW was done with their negotiations. Well, everything is heading into high gear .... right? I did hand in a suggestion to return "classification description`s" to our local agreement. These descriptions were apart of the Occupational Group Agreement. In the past these description benefited not only the members that were uncertain of what their classification required but, helped the Rep`s with any decisions related to a members operation`s requirements. Like the Lines of Demarcation, Description of Classification would at strength to the membership knowing their rights clearly and not having to rely on a member of management making a guess on anything pertaining a members work requirements. I did hear something about free pop corn with the new flat screens....?? Decker

Totally cool with that young brother. Come on over to Chicago and enjoy a great city on your vaction. There is lots of sights to see in a city as rich in labor history. You wiil be able to have lots of phun too. As for building cars for free, nope not yep. But, I do get a real feeling of satisfaction when I see people driving those new Explorer`s. Or see the Ford`s in the driveway of people that use to have Toyota`s and the like. Hold on brother its never going to be a smooooth ride.... opposing opinions and differing thoughts are like the roads in Chi Town. But, we always make it through. Decker Chi Town Assemby

As a no vote, I too find it time to move on. I can only hope that the Walton Hills members will consider relocating to Chicago. We need their help and the Trades members should consider this as a final transfer also. Hey Fatso, ever in Chicago, there is a little place on Ohio just west of Michigan Ave. that makes great sea food, a small little Korean place, family run and GREAT food. Like I stated in earlier post, the UAW members may argue between themselves but, when the chips hit the table no one will ever bet against the UAW membership. Hell, miti billion dollar corp.`s bank on us.... Decker Chi Town Assemby

There are few situations, where being wrong will give you all the benefits of being right. Opposing opinions, are just that. When dealing with the casting of ballots in this and/or any political or non- political decision, the end result of the decision can benefit all. Or in some cases, not be beneifacial to everyone equally. We can only hope those (myself inclued) that didn`t favor the contract language (for what ever reason) were wrong in their perception of the contract., and those that were in favor of the language (for what ever reason) of the contract were correct in their perception. Perception is not only in the eye of the beholder, but in the exchange of information. We have to become more aware of the full content of this or any other legal, binding agreement. There is no where in this agreement that Ford is giving anything away. Nor, is there anywhere in this agreement that the IUAW is not argreeing to exchange our labor, for any and all benefits in the agreement. Passing judgement, on either side of opposing opinions is unfortunately one trait we in the UAW seem to be very good at. One thing is for sure we may argue between each other at times but, when the chips are down, no one will bet against the membership of the UAW. Satisfaction, is the true form of wealth. Enjoy and become satisfied, with the up front benefits of this agreement. The benefits are not a gift, we all will earn every penny. Decker Chi Town Assemby

Wait a minute... what happened?? everyone was concerned with their sisters and brothers well being, product commitments and help the company be competitive... it wasn`t about the money..... it wasn`t a carrot... Sure wish the retiree`s could be going through this terrible time, figuring out when the bonus money was coming in. Decker Chi Town Assembly

Very well put. Decker Chi Town Assembly

When it`s all said and done we the "no" voters will show up Monday and do the same thing we do every Monday. When someone takes any form of media way to serious, they will be upset whether fore or against, the issues and results at the focal point of the discussion. Both the yes and no voters in most cases seem to feel they are on the positive side of the past few days of discussions on BON. I believe the typical reaction will begin soon if it hasn`t started already. The majority of members will be a yes voters by the time the voting is done. No matter where the "X" really was... So is the way of the secret ballot. (Chicago politics too) After 35 years I can say, I have never seen this type of push and these type of tactic`s or manner of drive that the IUAW used in this "decision" "we" were given to make. I for one tried to ask questions on numerous occasions and found my Local Rep`s were pretty much lost for words or just didn`t want to engage in any discussion that might give away their stance, fore or against. Those Rep`s that were outwardly fore the agreement (very few) were not the strong support at the Hall when IUAW had the Q & A session. The meeting was run very much as an unregulated free for all. This was the first time that our E-Board did not put a letter out, much less a letter signed by them as a united group. I was not sold on the agreement for these and other reasons I have expressed here over the last few days. One thing I have learned over the years, good or bad, fore or against the membership has to bear the weight of any and all agreements. Master, Local or LRO back room. We the membership, have always got through the bad times and are the ones that a Milti Billion Dollar/Milti National Corporation come to for the help, to make it. There are two things for sure, that differing opinions bring out, one thing is the old and new members. Good to see, still only one Imawhosure and Fatso but dam how many General`s are there now....?? The other is, BON is getting its contract season advertising rates.... wow, the Super Bowl had record charges for a 30 second spots but, BON must be setting records too!!!! Hoping someday we all will enjoy a fare and equitable share of the fruits of our labor. Decker Chi Town Assembly

You Have My Vote !!!!! young brother.

Hey now, Machine Man..... Where did you get that picture? the middle one? That`s me!!!!! Great weekend work in the summer but winter`s in the windy city make it a little harder. You should give it a try, 4 to 6 hundred during the 3 day lake front festivals. When the autoworkers are hangin out it can reach 8 hundred bucks !!!! Great group of people, autoworkers.... some little scary, some a little timid then there`s the fool`s and they believe anything there told.... easy touch, you know. Decker

Can you tell me what or if I, have an agenda ? With that veteran track record of almost 5 years as a posting member and that big total of 16 posts, I guess you can be in the judges chair? Scare tactic`s? no way..... come on really? how bout the Labor Relations Dept. printing up flyer`s for the agreement that had to be past?or management asking LTS`s if they will be able to go back to Micky D`s if they don`t vote yes?.... How bout a IUAW dam near getting into something that couldn`t be confused with a warm and fuzzy moment... with one of his Local members. Spend your signing bonus wisely, be surprised with your profit sharing and watch Ford stock run. Yes voters..... Be prepared for the real surprises. Me, my agenda... I guess seeing other VEBA`s on the rocky road to insolvency and wondering what happened to the 80 years our retiree`s had in their VEBA.? But an agenda??, the issues, on my mind that few if any IUAW rep`s would talk about. When seeing 10% of Ford`s profit being promised to this VEBA for what? ( is it legal? to fund a VEBA with company profits?) Letting retiree`s think Ford had anything to do with not getting the "Christmas Bonus". The co pay`s going up, the out of pocket costs doing the same. If these an other questions that our retiree`s have is considered an agenda, then yes I have an agenda. And that, my agenda, is to retire with some if not a little of the benefits I gave up through the years in return for a retirement that our members don`t have to watch their benefits dry up. Was the push in the last concessions for no strike, in reality a move to fund VEBA? Decker Chi Town Assembly

Ok, I`m sorry to offend some but, my south side up bringing is coming out....... Did your Mama have any children that wasn`t a RETARD???? Come dick head..... your VP is recanting statements about "SCAB WORKERS" like you!!!!! BEE ICH !!!! Please feel free to report my offending statements to the nearest NLRB office "DICK HEAD". Wooo that felt good. Decker A proud Chi Town Assembly Member

You remember an agreement a few weeks back? Yep, an Extension. We have been working under the last contract sense Sept. 15. Any pay changes? Benefits ? Excepting the agreement is our choice, not excepting ours also. I can`t remember when, we have had our agent (IUAW) cancel a contract extension... But, then again I can`t remember when our agent (IUAW) has ever taken such a close stand next to the company. One thing is for sure, like with any vote casting situation, there are more than one issue at hand. One, the main issue that is on the ballet and then the much thought about but very less talked about issue of approval rating. Members make decisions based on many reasons and/or feelings they have. Approval ratings are the results of the casting of the vote. What is going through the mines of IUAW, Regional and Local Rep`s? Do they even realize that their approval ratings are showing a level that has never been seen before? Now mix in the scare tactic`s like stating "we`ll got out on strike and not back to the table" or any of the issues brought up since the voting started. Do they really think this is promoting their issues or for that matter their level of concern for the people they work for? (the membership) What are the results when an elected governing body (IUAW) becomes one that threatens its voting membership? Resistance and the general feelings of lack of trust. Really, who has launched this NO VOTE campaign? The membership that had such a difficult time getting answers or the agent that realized their boss (the membership) was not seeing the agreement in the same light as the company and the agent? Then began the never heard of type of push on their membership... Been through a few contracts, but this is a first.... Hold on, be strong and your agent will bring you just some of the fruits of your labor. Decker

Nope no guessing, and you thought wrong, Chi Town UAW members have been becoming more and more united over the last few years. Many brothers and sisters are thinking this ratification vote has shown some of us a different side of our IUAW and Local Rep`s..... Me I`m still thinking this mad dog push for a yes vote, has shown just what our Rep`s are really concerned about. Locally, the Rep`s unwilling way to interact with their members on this agreement has become a frequent topic of discussion all over our plant. You thought CAP was a "yes", why? Because the deck was stacked for a yes vote? The promises were made? Decker

What I remember about American Axle most is how the bastards wanted the people to take a 50% pay cut and little or no benefits..... Oh and a rep by the name of Jimmy Settles, right? Ford drooling...?? how much profit rings up when one F150 rolls off the money line? Ever wonder how much is profit when a Focus roll out the plant? Those new Explorer might bring a buck or two of profit... and on and on... Now I know Ford is more than willing to turn the money spickets off just to help you be so scairrr eeee Mr. Reaper .... I think the real thing that has me scared is the IUAW threatening its members with not going back to the table if "their" agreement is turned down. What the hell happened to "our" agreement? Decker

OUTSTANDING!!!!! young brother Decker

Dam nookey, the IUAW dosen`t have the "LUXURY" of bargaining for their members needs or wants??? Work with the company .... you have went a long time... come on, use some of that Ford money to get you some, soon. Your train of thought will pick up real fast!!! you`ll see the difference, really. Decker

Reaper, Have you ever in your time as a UAW member heard of a LRO Department in a plant, print up a letter stating why the members should ratify an agreement. Listing the $10,002.00 reasons? (weird) Have you received the text that stated "vote the contract down and CAP will be on strike in 8 days"? (scaring who?) Have you ever had an E- board (all but 2 members, one for and one against) that during a negotiation would not engage with their membership on any level of dialogue, for or against? (who is intimated?) Have you ever heard of a Mayor of a city (Rohm) call a local President and suggest that his members should past the agreement? (strange) Because he needs police cars? (possible) Then gave the President his cell number so he could be reached tonight about 2am when the results were in. (really weird).. (a pick up line, ???) As hard as the push is, I believe the IUAW has started there own vote no campaign. I mean all but, a physical confrontation in a local union hall, between a member and IUAW Rep. Answering questions, then look at each other, talk amoung themselves and then re answering with even more confusing answers. I posted a venting post a day or so back and I`ll say one thing again, these guys "CAN`T SELL ICE TO SOULS IN HELL"..... Good or Bad, the agreement is know secondary to the point that every member is seeing very clear, "VOTE YES" or either your not intelligent or the ice cold hand will be on your shoulder and you`ll hear the deep voice say "BE CAREFUL YOUNG BROTHER".... Completely Impressed with the Transparency and Professionalism...... and the warning to beware. The suicidal reference is really a good touch. OH, I get it GRIM REAPER, your suppose to be scair eeeee..... Decker

Sounds like someone has got a $1.50 promise ....... or maybe like other group leaders, going to the management side promise? So sassis leader your saying retardation runs deep in Chi Town? or you just saying we don`t have enough handy cap parking spaces? Decker Chi Town Assembly

ROFLMAO !!!! will the real Walkinshits please call this silly shit out... WOW, OK .. OK.. a few locals have voted "no", let the crazy shit hit an all time high level !!!

I went on a limb, (gave my support to the agreement) like so many other members. I was hopeful and ran right into the same puddle of who knows what, as others.... Could we get those that sat at the table on the same page? (why was there only 2 members at the press conference?) Then could we have the people that sat at the table get those at the Regional offices on the same line? And I mean please could we try real hard to bring the Local people that sell these things some where in the same paragraph?? Ok, I had limited information I know, but the hope level was high, the stress level was higher and my open mind said... Ok, if I keep this or that dosen`t change and I see the same money per hour, I can live with it. Well, then the Highlights, the Q&A Regional information meetings, the White Papers, Red Books and our Local Rep`s stating how they thought the Regional Rep`s looked and acted unclear on a lot of issues and things or had multiple answers for the same questions (not all remotely the same). Then the comment "we`re not having a meeting, its their contract International can explain it". Now we have Local district Rep`s handing out fliers stating THERE IS NO CAP ON PROFIT SHARING..... when asked who is behind this handout well the response from our district Rep was, International Rep`s? Members asked why there was no letter head or union bug, once again the Rep`s stated " I don`t know I was told to hand it out and they made a mistake"? Why can`t we get this right? One group tells the next group then that group tells the next that tells us... Really if they come up with an agreement and everybody listens and asks questions to come up to the same level of understanding why then, all this confusion? Really, how would you guys expect to sell anything? I have an E-board member handing out a letter in some kind of support of the agreement and I have E-board members that still look like they are not sure what to do. (little or no engagement on the contract) Then one E-board member that is standing strong with his stance that he had before this contract thing came to ahead. But, everybody states that they are not sure about the facts, I mean Regional wasn`t sure, either.... they keep saying. Now the district rep`s being forced to hand out a letter and to tell the membership there was a mistake. Once just Once, could we try this selling of this or any agreement a little bit better? Information about the product backed up by facts = SALE .....cha ching Ok, I know one of you veteran poster`s is going to throw in something about my two references to high and higher. Come on lets all giggle together, hehehe... Dam, I`d hate to be walking point with you guys. I`d take a quick look and you guys would be gone on every path possible... the saying "couldn`t sell ice to people in hell" keeps coming to mind. A, no membership meeting, go look on line, its not in the White Pages, but, the Red Books look like the White pages with a red cover... very uninformed, Decker. Please, I mean no offense to anyone. But, dam we could have used those members that work part time in retail to help sell this agreement.... want cheese on that??? just venting, Decker

Thanks Builderdad, I have pasted your information on to our sisters and brothers. We could have used a special meeting yesterday, also. Decker

Thanks Len A, you did your home work and put it way better than I could have. Great Bridge, Len A hit it on the nose. One thing is for sure you like my parents live in one of the higher states for coverage costs. But, one thing is for sure even if VEBA reaches a level that the fund can (and I can only hope it does) start paying a higher percent of the cost coverage, unfortunately Florida will still be one of the states eating up more of the buck, in the way of overall cost for benefits. Great Bridge I`m not sure if this will help or fit your situation but I called and believe it or not talked face to face with Dad`s V.A. Doctor. He went into length with giving some advice and suggested calling Humana for some possible additional coverage. They, Mom and Dad have saved money over and above the cost of the coverage in the first six months. I stressed this time and time again to our Local retiree`s, ask questions and seek help from your Retiree Organizations and yes sit down with your Doctor and see what she or he may be able to help with. Some Doctors may be able to help with prescriptions also. One other thing, and I know this on a first hand basis. Take advantage of the different government both state and federal agencies that offer help. I had 9 years after Dad retired that I and Mom tried to talk Dad into going to the V.A., just to talk. Then his long haired baby boy (55 years old) said one morning we`re going to breakfast and got to Tampa about 9:15am, just in time to start filling out paperwork..... that's history and now the pride that once kept him from going is apart of going and being with others that served and are waiting for their share of the benefits. Thanks again Len A, and I know your information should help. Great Bridge. just wondering is Great Bridge, is referencing to that bridge leaving Tampa and heading over that beautiful bay, heading for Sarasota? Decker

I heard the questions year after year, then I received the honer to become the person that some of these questions were directed at. When will I get my "Christmas Bonus"?, "where is my Christmas bonus"? and why did they send my "Christmas bonus after Christmas" ? Being one that took his service to the membership serious, I looked into these issuses. Well, after the first hunderd questions... I talked with the Retiree`s Chapters Financial Secretary. (former IUAW auditor) He stated thats just the way it was with the "Christmas bonus". If I had to press the issue I could get in touch with Region. I did, and was instructed to call Solid House and talk with the Retiree`s Benefits Rep`s. I did, and thats when I became aware of something that was a little confusing at first but, sinse then has become very clear.... First it was not a "Christmas Bonus" benefit, So, what it was and now may never be again.... It was a 13th payment that would be issued to the retiree`s as an offset for out of pocket costs for Medical Expences. This payment will be issued in the 12th month of the year after receiving the regular monthly retirement benefit. As I was told by the Rep. Hence, payments sometimes well after "Christmas". I took this information back to the Retiree`s Fin. Sec. and asked why they keep referring to this payment as a "Christmas bonus"? It was stated thats its just there (retiree`s) way of thinking. It comes close to "Christmas" so they think its a "Chirstmas bonus". I asked why he had not tryed to present the real information, the responce, "I wasn`t going to take their "Christmas Bonus" away.... Now, we come to a point in time when the IUAW agrees to manage all the Retiree`s medical benefits, VEBA. If this managed fund reaches a level that benefits have to be reduced, then benefits have to be reduced... higher co-payes, higher office visit costs and yes... no offset for out of pocket medical cost, "13th payment". But, the Retiree`s think ther "Christmas Bonus" has been cut out.... Once or if this VEBA ever reaches a level at which there is enough money in it, the retiree`s will get their "Christmas Bonus" back. Decker

Blasting anyone was not the intent, I was trying to point out that we too were a plant with a poor future at best and now we are a "have" plant. Product, facility improvements and overtime. But through the past, former or prior negotiators we were given all the information they had and turned this information over to members to use in their decision on the last group of concessions. They knew that it was not a popular or for that matter a good political move. But the information was pasted on. Then as now, I gave my feeling to the members that asked for my opinion. (never telling anyone to vote for or against) Exchanged what information I received. I even stated, like this situation, I supported the chance of helping our membership and along with possible help for other plants in our situation through any benefits the agreement might give. On the basis of the information I had at the time. I went to Region4 for the Q&A and sat in two meetings at our Hall with IUAW Rep`s and listened to their explanations. I always kept an open mind through these meetings and came away with a feeling that these Rep`s were not to sure of them selves or the material they were presenting. But, then after they left and before the voting started our Chairman had a meeting and spelled it out to those that came. We, CAP, were in line for products, investment and facility improvements and other plants were not. He went on to say how we had to go out and give as much information and try to explain as much as we can to the membership so they can make their decision. He stated we should not be confrontational but, let the members vent and remind them that we would be getting a lot of work and the products are projected to be very good sales units. We projected all the information we received to our members, the best we could. It was voted down. But, we did what was asked. (and received what we were told) Now at present, I received some information on the contract and was sure I would be able to back up my good feelings on this contract with additional information (facts) that I was sure was coming soon. I did go out on a limb and with my hopeful way of being, stated I would support this agreement. Then a few day`s and asking many questions later, I find myself short on information, facts and any sort of reason. I compiled some questions and received many questions from members. Went to the web site read, read, and read some more. Asked members that attended the Regional Q&A and well lets say, I was sure these members would be more resourceful... Then I took a wrong turn and mistook the White pages for contract language. Was quickly pointed in the right direction and proceeded to try and see a copy of the Red Books. In the mean time, I think... hey, lets have a special membership meeting? It was only Wednesday and Sunday would be a day or two before we vote. So my old ass texted both the President and the Unit Chair along with most of the E-Board. In the mean time I'm still texting and trying to catch up with the Unit Chair to look over the "RED BOOKS". All the time my phone and the (dam) textings is getting more and more intense and just a little goofy.... Ok, to cut this down a little... I never was called or texted back from any E-Board member, the President and Unit Chair either.... NO SPECIAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING??? I was told by an appointed Rep that their wasn`t going to be a meeting because "its their contract let them "IUAW" explain this thing"... After reading and reading I had a good idea of the White pages so, when I did catch up with the Unit Chair and asked please, I open the RED BOOK. My face must have sent a funny message because the Unit Chair said, WHA?? I said "this is the same as the white pages"... ??? He stated yep. I asked to see the book with the contract language as it will be and he stated your looking at it. I was given the defensive posturing and the attitude of a man that wished he was somewhere else or much larger maybe... so I left. I`m not sure if the so called LTS to Entry Level is clear enough to me to consider it a problem for any political gain. One thing I still can`t get an answer to is the 20% LTS cap. Will it be a one for one? Who will keep track of the LTS numbers? At 41 thousand members do we have to hit 8200 LTS before any of these members become entry level? If there is a reduction in force will they hit the street? or will they go back to LTS level and LTS`s hit the street? How would their rate of pay be adjusted if they reduce to LTS? There is a political gain in this agreement, stop and think of the $1.50 for Group Leaders... it is applied on a plant by plant basis with the Bargaining Units doing the deciding. As i read it. So, if I or any other member is so inclined, I would hope and pray our Unit Chair gives this "block" there $1.50.... Hmmm... how that would go over at CAP I can only wonder. My questions on the back up time, over time for anything over 8 hours, how will this effect 4 - 10hour days or the 5 - 8 hour days My question on the 20% cap and if it has to be reached before LTS become entry level, My question on just seeing the strike clause My question on the cap on eligible hours for Profit Sharing My question on the 12 thousand dollar cap on profit sharing and how much profit would ford have to make to reach this cap and on and on.... With this said, I had to with draw my support on the basis of lack of facts to back up the early information. And the non engaged Local Representatives. I think the IUAW could have helped a little better with the passing on of information and the Local Rep`s could have thought that this was "our" contract and engaged a little more. Blasting, no. Sometimes a little touchy on my part, sorry to much stress.... no offense taken young brother. Decker Chi Town Assembly