We are all unsure of what the future holds for us. No one has a crystal ball to see how this economic crisis will affect us. Rumors are flying all over the Shop flooefloor. Let us assure you, rumors that the Leadership and the Shop Committee are inI discussions with Plant Management to close the Plant are absolutely false. The National parties are still in negotiation and there have been no announcements about which plants will be closed.

We are doing everything possible to maintain and secure new work. GM has products in development and when funding becomes available we will bid on each product as it is launched.

The 4L80 will continue to run until it’s build out at the end of June and components will continue for 6-8 weeks beyond assembly build out.

Any modification of the National Agreement will have to be ratified by the Membership.

2009 SAP
At this time more than 600 members have applied for Pension Packets through the Benefit Office. Management has informed the Union that 54 people have committed with A and B forms through Personnel.

If you intend to take part in the 2009 SAP you must turn in your completed A and B forms to Personnel by March 24, 2009. Hourly Personnel Offices are located in the L-28 Training Center or the main Hourly Personnel Office on the Balcony inside Gate #6.

If you need to apply for a Pension package come to the Benefit Office located just inside Gate 3.

The #1 Question – Can I use the $25,000 voucher for more than one (1) car? Yes, up to $5,000 on 5 cars. You cannot use two vouchers for one car.

To All Standing Committees
We thank you for your service the Local is adjusting to operating with less money. Because of our Financial hardship, we have kept the Committee’s lost time to a minimum. We commend the Chairmen of the Committees for the extra work that they have done on minimum lost time. Thank you.

Knight FM
90% of the contract has been negotiating negotiated and is now complete. We are waiting for the National Parties to finalize Health Care and Wages. Thank you for your patience. Thanks to: Norm Collins, Chairman Jovan Washington, Committeeman Jim Mull, Region 1A

Integrity Workers
Integrity Workers are now represented by Local 735. Region 1A is beginning to commence contract negotiations. Details will be forthcoming.

In times like these we need to join together in solidarity.

Regular Membership Meetings
Union meetings are every third Sunday of the month. Be there. You participation is encouraged.

Black History Celebration
UAW Local 735 Black History Day, Sunday, March 1, 2009 has been postponed. This event has always been funded through Joint Funds. Two proposals have been submitted and both have been turned down. These are trying times and Joint Funds are not paying for anything.

We must deal with the hand we are dealt. This Local will have a Black History Celebration, yet it is obvious it will be scaled back. The Local has donated the use of the Hall and $500. We will work to get as much as we can from Joint Funds. Let’s not lose focus. It’s about the message and the history. The current Committee consists of Audrey Clark, Bryant Thomas, Richard Roach and Karen Riggens. We are asking for volunteers to help this day be successful. Please sign up at the Union Hall. We can still have a great event. Ideas are needed and when funding becomes available we will choose a date and move forward. Thank you for your understanding.

On the lighter side
The Local is hosting a St. Patrick’s Day Party on Saturday, March 14th at 6:00 p.m. Entertainment, refreshments, 50/50 raffle and Dinner (Irish fare). Tickets are $25/couple, $15/single., (see the flyer).