USW Local 2-232

formerly PACE 7-232

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

Season's Greetings 

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Membership Meeting 

Sunday January 18, 2009

Frank Monreal's El Matador

9155 W. Bluemound Rd. Milwaukee 

9:30a.m.

Nomination and Election will take place for Recording Secretary to fill the vacancy of Karen Clark, who is retiring January 1, 2009

Nominations will take place for the following positions:

Trustee at Large, Strattec Grievance Rep, Briggs Grievance Rep, 2 Briggs Bargaining Committee Members

   Members are urged to Attend this Meeting.

West Allis Plant

By John Nalepinski (From Local 7-232 Reporter)

            We had an informational meeting on March 14. At the meeting we were informed that by August of the year 2001, all flywheel operations will be moved to the Burleigh Plant. Department 551 is scheduled to be all moved out by shut down of this year. The Wisconsin drill head the that runs the Model 17-19 flywheels has been dismantled and sent out to be retooled. Because of the reduction in Model 19 engines, this machine will not return to the West Allis Plant but will be moved to the Burleigh Plant. This machine will be able to run Model 17-19 and Model 25 after it is retooled.

            We were also informed that the Model 28 and V-Twin flywheels are going to the Statesboro Plant in Georgia. This is approximately 60 percent of the flywheel department. The people were hopeful that these models could be saved are now devastated.

            Voluntary layoffs were posted in both departments 551 and 552. Six members put in for voluntary in Department 552 but not all were  granted the layoff. In Department 551 only one member got the voluntary layoff.

            I have been asked to speak at the OSHA hearings on the new ergonomics standard on April 14 in Illinois. I had bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and have spoken about the experience at another forum.

            Without the new ergonomics standard and proper education our members and all other people in the workforce are potential victims of repetitive motion injuries. This new standard will force employers to modify jobs to prevent these injuries and offers added protection for injured workers.

            I want to take time and give the stewards a pat on the back for a job well done.

                                                                          In Solidarity,

                                                                        John Nalepinski