USW Local 2-232

formerly PACE 7-232

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

         As usual we write our article with all the stats of the plant, depressing as they might be. It is our obligation to tell you all the facts as we know them.

        Die Cast - Have you heard any more rumors? They are running rampant. There is not one day that goes by that we are not confronted with a question regarding someone’s future. Our members just want to know where they stand. That’s a reasonable request. Die Cast management are you listening? What our members need is a confirmation on an announcement regarding the sale or partnership of Die Cast. This will at least begin the process to determine the future of that business and explain what options our members may or may not have.       

        Not only do our members have a daily worry about their jobs, now all Local 7232 members have to be concerned about possible harassment charges against them. People be careful.

        The company has implemented a new harassment policy that puts all of us  under scrutiny and the possibility of a “counseling.” This document is placed in your personal file. The company’s definition of harassment is very broad and can lead to a member’s actions that in the past were perfectly acceptable, being defined as harassment. A protest letter regarding their Standards of Conduct manual has been sent. We are asking that if you have a problem with harassment, please notify your steward or grievance rep before notifying the company.

MED North

        Model 9   - The Model 9 line will cease to produce model nine engines on December 20th. The production of that engine is being transferred to the Auburn facility.

        Micro Line – There are no current orders for the micro engine. Delays in getting the engine effectively into production caused by vendor problems led to missing the season for spring orders. The company is currently looking for buyers of that product. As soon as the orders come in the micro line will go back up.

        M 8 - Flywheels  There will be a layoff at the end of December of 6 operators, one setup man and one supervisor. Another tentative layoff is scheduled for March, at that time second shift will be eliminated.

        M7P -  will be going down December 20, until that date they will be producing service parts.  As of today there are 3operators and 2 set-up supervisors.

        MED South - orders are the same

Menomonee Falls

        The company is implementing the Preferred Daywork Standard –  Any issues that come up regarding this system we will be addressing with the Company. The union daywork analyst, Tom Bishanell will be involved when the issues come up. Tom has been out there already regarding some of the concerns that our members had. We are having meetings with the Company trying to address the Vacation issues. Since Menomonee Falls does not have a shutdown, some of our members are not able to get any vacation, especially if they are requesting a week at a time.

       We would like to encourage all of our members to help with the holiday season approaching us to make donations to Community service.  A lot of our laid off members need help during this season. Please give anything you can. Cash donations at this time would be greatly appreciated. 

        Fire in Die Cast

        Around 10:30a.m.on Friday the 13th(December 2002) there was a fire in the Die Cast department-machine number 92. The fire was in the hood caused by a pinched hot oil line that was too long. No one was seriously injured, however, one member was sent to the hospital due to smoke inhalation. The area was evacuated and Die Cast departments 191, 192 and 197 were sent home. Some employees stayed to help with the cleanup. Damage was minimal and most things were eventually up and running on second shift.

        We both would like to wish all members a Happy Holiday Season.

               In Solidarity