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.

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West Allis Plant Grievance Rep Report

by John Nalepinski

Asbestos Removed

Asbestos has been found on one of the washers at the West Allis Plant. Management reassured me that on Saturday, March 10th, the removal of asbestos would be done safely. The Company called Insulation Removal Ltd., who specialize in asbestos removal, would be doing the job. The whole area is contained in a tent-like cover so no traces can get loose. The Company told me that any material that they were not sure of would be sent in to be analyzed. All of our ovens were tested as well and found to be asbestos free.

On March 19th, we had 7 operators bumped back into our department after being laid off from various areas. There was also a reduction of 5 members, for a total of 12 operators laid off.

Question??

This question has been coming up frequently. What is the difference between voluntary and in-voluntary layoff?

VOLUNTARY LAYOFF COUNTS TOWARD YOUR VACATION AND INVOLUNTARY DOES NOT.

Moves

I was surprised at how quickly the Model 40 Line was removed from the West Allis Plant. Between now and Easter, 2 set-up people will be moved to the Burleigh Plant. Since orders are so weak, there have not been any operators moved to M8X. The Model 28 flywheels are supposed to be up and running down South by May of this year. At this point, I am not sure how long we will continue operations at this plant, but I can’t see us completely out any time soon.

As for me and many others here, I am not sure if I should stay until the end and take my chances or sign up and go to the Burleigh Plant when an opening becomes available. The stress and tension is mounting for many of our members in not knowing what to do either. Layoffs seem to be the reality for most of us who have worked long and hard in this department.

On March 28th, Department 552 laid off 6 machine operators and 2 set-up. More layoffs are contemplated around the end of April.

In closing, I just want to say thanks to the folks for putting their trust in me and for having supported me as their Union Representative. Also, thanks to the Stewards for their dedication and hard work fighting for our members on the shop floor daily. I know your job is not an easy one and I want to say, “Thank you”.

        In solidarity,