National Negotiations
As of 3/18/09 there hasn’t been any word from downtown except for a correspondence from UAW Vice President Cal Rapson stating GM’s contractual provisions are patterned after Ford’s Agreement with the exception of (1.) Appendix A (employee placement process) and (2.) employee’s will not have to undergo an annual mandatory physical exam. The National Parties have stated that there will not be any big announcements on plant closings. GM isn’t tipping their hand on which plants will be closing at this time.

S.A.P. Participants
It is management’s position that the date that an employee signs the S.A.P. papers starts day 1 of their 7 day revocation period. Reminder: March 24th is the deadline for the sign up for the 2009 S.A.P. If you have not applied for a Pension and are taking part in the S.A.P. it is important that you see the Benefit Office to generate a Pension package ASAP. As of 3/18/09, 295 employees have signed up to take advantage of the current S.A.P. program. This number will likely grow decreasing the need for an indefinite lay-off. We realize that to some, this is a bitter/sweet decision but we wish you all the best of luck in your endeavors. Congratulations to all who are retiring. Don’t forget the retirement celebration on March 31st at the local starting at 11:00 a.m. and is open to all members active and retired. Food and refreshments will be served. Volunteers are needed. Come out and celebrate with our retiring brothers and sisters.

S.A.P. Participants / Unemployment Compensation
For those employee’s hat will be participating in the S.A.P. program but will be laid off 3/30/09 & 3/31/09, you are instructed to file for unemployment but will be denied because of pension benefits. Bring your written denial to the benefits office and they will manually file for your sub pay. Any questions call benefits at 734 481-7107 or 7108.

Clothing Allowance
As you know, in Dec. 08 the clothing allowance was suspended until 4/1/09 due to lack of funding. Since the announcement of the S.A.P. program, Management has been adamant that they will not allow future retirees to utilize clothing allowance knowing that they will retire 4/1/09. After many discussions and debates we came to an agreement of $150.00 to be used by S.A.P. participants by 3/31/09. This settlement had to be made quickly as the deadline is approaching and under S.A.P. guidelines retiree’s are not entitled to grievance monies or procedures. The clothing store will open on 3/20/09 - 3/31/09 for S.A.P. participants to utilize their clothing allowance. The Employees on a temporary lay-off (who will be retiring 4/1/09) will be allowed to enter the plant to utilize their clothing allowance. We ask that employees not participating in the S.A.P. program please wait until after 4/1/09 to utilize their clothing allowance.

Vending Machines
Aramark has unexpectedly started pulling vending machines from our break areas. They notified management that they will be closing the food mart and the Y.T.O. cafeteria effective 3/23/09. Aramark was supposed to give a 60 day notification to mgt. on any decision to close operations in order to facilitate a transition to another provider. It is the intention of management and the union to have a cafeteria in Y.T.O. and to provide vending services throughout the plant. Management is currently contacting and interviewing other companies to provide us with vending services.

Fire Dept
A special thank you goes out to our Fire Dept. for extinguishing a fire in Assembly last week that could have really gotten out of hand. We appreciate your expertise and dedication to this plant and its employees.

UAW Summer Family Education Program at Black Lake
Any Members who have never used the Family Scholarship for Black Lake’s Family Summer Program, may apply for the 2009 UAW Summer Family Education Program.

Members wishing to apply for this program may get applications at the Union Hall or the Chairman’s Office. The scholarship is open to members, spouses and up to 3 children under 18. All who are eligible and apply will be accepted. The dates are:

St. Patrick’s Day Party
I want to thank the Recreation Committee for the fine job they did on the Inaugural Local 735 St. Patrick’s Day Party & Dance. A great time was had by all in attendance. A special thanks to Bill Muncie who lined up the comedians as entertainment for the party.

Knight FM
The contract is complete except for finals on Benefits. As we work toward ratification vote, Management has discharged more employees. Be vigilant on your jobs and watch out for each other. SOLIDARITY FOREVER

Integrity Workers
The International UAW has been in touch with your Management to secure all records for the upcoming negotiation. Please prepare your resolutions for these negotiations.

Scholarship Applications
Applications are being taken for the Annual UAW Local 735 College Scholarship. Applications are available at the Union Hall and must be submitted by 4:00 p.m., April 10, 2009.

Annual Muscular Dystrophy Association
President Don Skidmore and Benefit Rep. Jeff McDowell will be locked up by the Canton Police Department for Charity on Wed., April 1, 2009. They are taking part in the annual Muscular Dystrophy Association Lock Up. We will be having a gate collection on Tuesday, March 31, 2009. Give generously.

Environmental Disposal Systems (EDS)
Due to Michigan’s economic strife our State has become a garbage dump for Ontario and the Great Lake Region. A Hazardous Waste Deep Injection Well in Romulus was closed on November 2, 2006 due to non-compliance with Environmental Quality Regulations. Environmental Disposal Systems (EDS) was issued a notice to revoke license and a mandatory hearing for the public is scheduled for April 23, 2009 at Romulus High School. The public comment period is March 23 through May 8, 2009. Contact Ms Rhonda L. Blayer at Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, P.O. Box 30241, Lansing, MI 48909-7741 or by e-mail at .