USW Local 2-232

formerly PACE 7-232

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

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Strattec Security Corp. Grievance Rep Report

by Karl Schneider

Serious Accident in Die Cast

On March 12, 2001 there was a serious accident in Die Cast. A member was severely burned when the machine made an unexpected shot. He was hospitalized with first, second and third degree burns to his face, arm, chest and stomach. Currently, he is recovering at home. President Greg Gorecki was at Strattec the next morning. Greg and I did an initial investigation of the accident. Since then, OSHA has been referred by an outside agency to investigate this accident and I am continuing with my investigation as well.

26 salaried employees laid off

On March 13, 2001, the Company did a rearrangement of management. They laid off 26 employees, of which 6 were in the Union at one time. One of the benefits your $32.26 dues each month gets you, is that you cannot be discharged without just and sufficient cause. What that means is no matter how many times the Company rearranges the salary side of the business, as a member of a union, you cannot be terminated as part of that process.

Four members on layoff

As of this writing we have 4 pieceworkers left on layoff, 3 voluntary and 1 involuntary. We want to remind members that there is training available in the learning center for any job for which the company requires a test.

Members on voluntary layoff are reminded that they may volunteer for recall between April 1st & 15th. They will be returned to work the first scheduled workday in May. This is per Article VIII, Section 8 (a) (2) of the contract on page 24.

On closing, the Company has informed me that there are approximately 20,000 hours of vacation that has not been used. I encourage people to schedule their vacation and if they have trouble getting their days off, to see their steward.

In solidarity,