As of this writing, we currently have 23 members on layoff. The recall dates are as follows:

• There are no pieceworkers on layoff

• The recall date for daywork without restrictions is October, 1998.

As reported last month there were some questions regarding the layoffs. The Company has agreed with the Union to offer voluntary layoffs if the reduction was not the result of job elimination. The Company has offered voluntaries in the area of Receiving Auditor, Set-Up in Plating, and more recently in Assembly.

More jobs to Mexico

On September 16, 2002 the Company met with the Union to inform us of more job loss. The work leaving Milwaukee and going to SCA is the Shutter Machines that will affect 3 labor grade 18 Machine Controller B's. Also leaving Milwaukee and going to SDM is the Knaack cell and P-Truck Handle. The Company said this would result in the loss of 1 labor grade 14 Set-Up, 1 labor grade 20 Cellular Machine Operator, and 1 labor grade 27 Piece Worker. The Company also said that there was indirect jobs also affected by this decision but they are not able to identify them at this time.

It would appear management is looking at all the jobs in Milwaukee. This is evident by the Machine Repair and Method Sheet Coordinator jobs lost in February of this year and more recently the Receiving Auditor and Set-Up in Plating.

The reason the Company did not offer voluntary layoffs in February is they had open jobs that needed to be filled.

The other major dispute the Union has with the Company is departmental layoff language in the Tooling Trades.

The Union has asked the Company if they have changed the procedure on how they train our members. Their response was in the past we have offered training to the most senior and forced the least senior. We now feel training should be done by seniority. I would expect anyone in training at this time should complete their training and any new training should start with the most senior.

Speaking of training, I have asked to be trained in my department. I have cleared my calendar on Mondays and Fridays and I will be training in the conventional area of Die Cast. Stewards that have issues come up on those days should contact Chief Steward Nancy Lesniewski.

I strongly urge every member to ask for training if they feel they need it and if you are on layoff or expect to be laid off I encourage you to contact Rosemary in the Educational Center. She can assist you with any materials needed to prepare for any job that requires a test.

Trade Assistance approved

I was informed today that the applications for Trade Adjustment Assistance Program under NAFTA have been approved by the state. This will make it possible for members dislocated by the jobs moving to Mexico to receive training and benefits.

If anyone is interested in severance they should notify HR. They will be putting an official form together for that purpose. The next offer under the contract would be in December 2002.

United Way

The last thing I have in my report is the United Way campaign. I have a meeting with a representative from United Way on October 22nd. We will be putting together this year's campaign. I will publish more information, as it becomes available.

In Solidarity,