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United Aerospace
Workers |
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Updated
Union Representation - Don't Go Without it! As union members, we are very fortunate to have so many rights and benefits. Rights and benefits that non-union workers can only dream about. What we have as union members can truly be counted as blessings; blessings that we shouldn't forget to count. You may not know that, Our Local, UAW Local 1558, is 39 years old this year and we've progressed a long way and we've come through a lot together. So, having, and getting used to having, so much, can sometimes cause us to be complacent and we may tend to take things for granted. I guess that's the human nature in all of us. But there is one thing we should never be complacent about and never take for granted...your right to union representation! This right was too hard fought and there is just too much at stake, possibly your job; to ever forget it or take it for granted! I can't stress enough... NEVER, and I mean NEVER go unrepresented to any disciplinary or investigatory proceeding with the Company. YOU HAVE THE ABSOLUTE RIGHT TO REQUEST YOUR UNION REPRESENTATIVE BE PRESENT TO REPRESENT YOU, PRIOR TO THE START OF THESE TYPE MEETINGS. Many times in the past UAW Local 1558 members have had their discipline either rescinded or reduced, as a benefit of having their elected union representative present at disciplinary or discharge meetings. On the other hand, we have also lost members, who chose not to have their representative present; or chose not to grieve initial discipline, only later to regret it, when the Company's disciplinary progression increased to discharge! DON'T BECOME A STATISTIC FOR ME OR SOME FUTURE CHAIRPERSON TO WRITE ABOUT... TO FUTURE MEMBERS! As union members, there are a few basics we all need to do CONTINUOUSLY:
WHY? Because:
As I said earlier, we've been through a lot in the past 39 years and whatever we've done, we've done it together, from the original charter members of this local to all the past members that have come and gone over the years...all have given their contribution, their little piece, to build this union. But it's an ongoing process that never ends and we all need to keep giving our little pieces of thought, time and effort to continue to build this local for ours and our childrens future! Mike
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NO COLA CHANGE DUE IN OCTOBER There will be no increase in the Cost Of Living Allowance or COLA for October 2007. According to CPI Index, located at www.bls.gov , there was an increase, but not enough to meet our contractual threshold for an increase in cents per hour. Our COLA float will remain at $1.41 per hour, at least until the next COLA adjustment, due in January of 2008.
Updated It won't be long before we're in Contract Negotiations, so it's not too early to start thinking of the changes you want made to the agreement and to begin planning for negotiations. The best planning involves having your finances in order, by saving money and debt reduction. It can be done, but it's harder to be militant and stand up for yourselves and your families livelihood if you're broke. The more sound we are as a body financially, the stronger we are as a union body, It's as simple as that. Don't wait until we are actually in the negotiations process to put something back; be prepared...START NOW!
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