expolice

Just about any PN96 F150 from Michigan will be missing the rocker panels. I have over 210000 miles on mine but the rockers are GONE. I met with the corrosion engineering team on a tour of the Romeo/Michigan Proving Grounds where the salt test occurs. It was an interesting presentation and display of the process. I walked away thinking 2 things; 1) the company knew that they would rust out but it doesn't care about that (perhaps becasue it is no a safety issue?) 2) the company had no idea that it would rust out this way because the testing being done is not representative of what happens in the real world. I asked if they ever performed a teardown of a 10 year old PN96 so they could compare the "test" results to the real world results. I was told that it would not be statistically valid as it would only be a sample of one. However when they showed us the competitive vehicle they tested. It was only a sample of one of the brand X model for the given year. Isn't that also a sample of one? We only had a bazillion $ recall due to rust on Windstar front AND rear suspension. A recall on DN101 for the front cradle /frame mounts that rust out back in the 1994-5 models I believe with out looking that one up. Ranger frames are like swiss chees. Broken springs due to rust happen all the time! Another mega $ recall might be in the works for another product that I won't name at this time as it has not yet been approved.

Management answer to most of these things is "We're not proud of the performance of the xyz part or design, but that doesn't mean we're going to fix them for free or do a recall." Cost redcution programs get people promoted (and lead to most of our recalls). But the responsible engineer is now a director and can find a million reasons why its not his fault.

My son started at FRAP a couple of weeks ago as a full time hire. Not sure if that is the right term or not. He initially was a Long Term Supplemental employee. Was laid off for about 3-4 weeks and got a call back with the committment to become a full time employee. He will probably end up on 2nd shift. Anyway, I'm trying to find out when he is eligible for health care benefits. Is there a "Waiting Period" he needs to complete before being eligible?

Union at FRAP didn't help my referral very much. He started in Mid August and was told today that today was his last day. He and several (he didn't say how many) Long Term Supplemental Employees (aka new hires) will be laid off indefinitely. He said his team leader was very upset about the handling of the lay-offs but nothing can be done. He was there early every day and didn't miss any days and says he never gave any back talk or argued with anyone at anytime so I don't belive it was a quality of work or "attitude" issue.

I agree with nothing wrong with being an LEO but he has decided that that is not what he wants to do/be. His uncle is a retired LEO from NJ. Uncle just was certified/recertified to be an LEO in Florida. Apparently retirement is A) costly and B) boring for my B-I-L! Update on my referral...He was told today that he and several other Long Term Supplemental Employees will be Laid-Off indefinitely. He said he was training his replacement late last week/earlier this week! I advised him to not burn bridges, etc. and perhaps there will be a chance to get called back.

Update for my referral; He was called on August 13th. Was sent some paper work for his physical, which had to be done at the specified location by August 15th. He reported to the plant on August 19th. So far he is liking it well enough. Remember its called a job and work and not a party! He is current on 1st shift, but I suspect that is just for the "training" and will be moved to 2nd/B shift. He has a college drgree in Criminal Justice but does not want to be a LEO. I guess that makes him a "loser" in some posters opinion since this is the best offer he had in some time other than permanent part time work installing office furniture. Hopefully the economy and the auto business specificallywill improve over time and the wages and benefits will return!

My son did the testing back in Mid April. He says he hasn't heard whether or not he "passed" the test. Should he have heard by now? I'm not sure how to contact the labor relations department at Flat Rock to check to see what happened/what is results are.