Membership Meeting Recap

by Scott Godshaw

The membership meetings were held on June 20, 2002 at 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. respectively at the AMF Bowlero. Vice President Colin Campbell presided over both meetings as this would be his last membership meeting due to his retirement effective on July 1, 2002.

Reports

Ralph Schweiger read the Trustee report at the 12:30 meeting and Vicky Black read the report at 3:30.

Joe Chambers in his Financial Sec.-Treasurer report stated there were 1582 members at Briggs and 437 members at Strattec for a total of 2019. Motion to accept the report as read passed.

Communications

A Thank-You letter from Waukesha County Labor Council for our $75.00 donation.

Membership approved donating $225.00 to the United Way of Greater Milwaukee.

Membership approved placing an ad in the Annual Labor Day edition of The Labor Press at a cost of $110.00.

Membership approved purchasing $1700.00 worth of food and beverage tickets for Laborfest. $1200.00 up front and up to $500.00 as needed on Labor Day.

Adam Lubin, the MALEC Coodinator from the Milwaukee County Labor Council, gave a brief political presentation on the upcoming events.

Reports of Officers

The President’s Report was written and delivered by Vice-President, Colin Campbell. At Strattec 30 people attended The Hire Center presentation in the cafeteria. There will be a 1- day shutdown on July 5th. The Joint Board was given a presentation from several financial services. The possibility exists that the Union will set up a one-on-one seminar if there is interest. The Local will not endorse any company but will make these companies available to members. More details will follow. The Union will be reducing office hours. The office will close at 4:00 p.m.

At Briggs, the productivity reward was paid out 17 cents an hour to dayworkers and 52 cents an hour to machine operators. Vacation shutdown will begin on June 28th. Personnel will be open for reinstatement. A list of stewards that will be working will be provided. If you have a bereavement during shutdown you would take the days at that time and save the vacation days.

Laborfest will be held on Labor Day, September 2, 2002. We had a large turnout last year and hope for the same this year. Food and beverage tickets will be provided and free t-shirts will be given to all those participating in the march.

Karl Schneider reported that a tentative agreement had been reached regarding similar work. Some set up though will be laid off. The Union is looking to protect seniority. There is more bad news the Company is moving more jobs to Mexico. There is a shift balance in Department #64.

Karl gave dates and numbers of eliminations which are subject to change. For attendance purposes you should call in for the first 5 days if you are off. Schneider encouraged members to join in for Laborfest and thanked the stewards for their efforts.

Dennis Nowak reported on insurance rates for Strattec.

Mike Merrill reported on an update on the north end including M-3, green line, Micro and the Outboard motor. Also reported was the Company’s new director of Worker’s Compensation. Members are being sent to an independent medical examiner immediately. Contact your representative and continue to report injuries.

Merrill stated, "I would like to thank Colin for all the help. Couldn’t have done it without you. We appreciate all the help."

Barb Schuller reported on Department #716 – 3rd shift may go down completely. There was a fire in the Sweco department. If an evacuation is called, please leave. Also, die cast gloves are missing fingers. Took Fred Quilling for a walk to show him. Some progress was made on the die cast time studies. Barb stated, "I want to thank Colin. He will be missed."

Jesse Edwards reported on more problems in die cast, working shutdown. We have a major dispute over blocking the full week. M-8 will be adding some bodies. In M-3 there will be more job elimination. An order of 50,000 to 60,000 cranks was cancelled. I have 2 discharges out. Burleigh Plant Union room moving to M-5. Jesse also said," I want to wish everyone a good shutdown and congratulations to Colin- He will be missed."

Joe Chambers reported that the friends of Community Services will be holding a rummage sale.

Scott Godshaw presented Colin Campbell with a plaque commemorating his many years of dedicated Union service. No discharged members were present. There will be no meeting held in July. The next meeting will be held on August 22, 2002 at 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. at the AMF Bowlero.