USW Local 2-232

formerly PACE 7-232

Representing  employees at Briggs & Stratton Corp. and Strattec Security Corp. in Milwaukee, WI

Membership Meeting 

Sunday December 7, 2008

Frank Monreal's El Matador

9155 W. Bluemound Rd. Milwaukee 

9:30a.m.

   Members are urged to Attend this Meeting.

   by Jesse Edwards

Die Cast

The die cast division stopped casting the Model 19 and the Model 40/42 cylinders around the end of April. These jobs ran in three machines. However, since they lost those jobs they will be using two of those machines for the Model 20 cylinder which is machined and assembled in Auburn, and they will use the third machine to cast the vertical Intek cylinder for Rolla. So, even with the loss of the Model 19 and Model 40/42, they are pouring more pounds than they were before.

Right now, die cast is casting the covers, heads, and the Model 20 cylinder for Auburn. Machine #75 has been upgraded and the plan is to run a new part, a transmission extension for Chrysler, and in July they plan to start production on the Honda water pump. The company has been honoring transfers and has recalled employees to open labor grade 18 jobs in die cast. They have added 18 people in a four week time frame.

The die cast division has 370 people employed as of May 17, 2002.

Just recently some safety issues were brought to the union’s attention, and because of these issues, a safety committee will be formed.

Department 188 started up on second. shift about a month ago, and department M3Y will be shut down on third shift, and moved to second. shift effective May 28, 2002.

Vacation Checks

If you don't have pay as you go, vacation checks will be issued on June 19, 2002.

Resource Center should be used

I encourage all employees to use the Resource Center. You can be an active employee, out on lay-off, in rehab. or recently retired. The Resource Center offers easy-to-use software for learning how to use the computer.

Summer catalogs for the technical schools are available. They have audio tapes & CDs for check-out. Topics include: Life planning, job searching, self-esteem & more.

They offer individual help for all employees to upgrade skills including help with basic academic skills (math, reading, writing) and help with learning computers. They also have test preparation assistance (L.G. & GED).

The Resource Center is located in the Corporate Office Building. across from Landmark Credit Union. The hours are Monday & Wednesday from 7:30--9:30 A.M. and noon to 5:30P.M. and Tuesday from 2:00-5:30P.M. For further information and assistance call 414-259-5422.