Union pioneers like Olen Ham say concessions -- championed in particular by the Republican Party -- spell disaster. "This time they say give us back some of what we gave you," he added. "Next time they'll say give back all we gave you."

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June 5, 2009

To Our Local 735 Members:

The Plant closing announcement has shocked the leadership of this Local Union as much as you, the Membership. We will be here for you and your families for all your needs. We want everyone to attend the Union Meeting on 6/14/09 at 2:00 p.m. at the Hall. The Union has currently demanded that all temporary hires be released and YTO employees fill these positions by seniority ASAP. This process will take 1 to 2 weeks to complete.

Currently we have 2 plans: Plan A & Plan B

• Plan A is: We continue the fight to keep Willow Run YTO open! In this plan we intend to rally support from our elected officials, petition the International Union, and hold a protest at a sight and date to be determined. We must hold GM accountable for making an unsound financial decision by moving our work to Mexico, France and Ohio.
  
  
• Plan B is: On Monday, June 1, 2009 in the a.m., we requested a Paragraph 96 Move for our people to move with the 6 speed work to Toledo. The number of people eligible and the date of the move will be determined by the National Parties and the Corporation. A 96 move is for the entire site meaning all Local 735 members by seniority.

We are insisting that the decisions on the 96 move be made without delay, so our members can make a decision that is best for them and their Families in correspondence with the Special Attrition Plan.

There will be a Corporate wide mailing to all GM employees regarding the new buy-out.

Once received you can contact our UAW Benefit Reps. at 734 481-7107 or 7108 and/or stop by the Union Hall on any Wednesday for assistance.

Note: We are in discussions regarding scheduling benefits reps. more days at the Union Hall to assist during these most important times. Information will be forthcoming.

New Special Attrition Plan

The 2009 Special Attrition Program will be presented to all UAW represented employees at all Assembly, Stamping, Powertrain, Engineering, SPO and PPO facilities.

The plan will be presented no later than June 9, 2009.

Entry level employees are not eligible to participate.

Employees will be given the opportunity to accept the following opportunities within 45 days of roll-out:

Retire:
• Production employees - $20,000 and a $25,000 vehicle voucher less taxes.
• Skilled employees - $45,000 and a $25,000 vehicle voucher less taxes.

Voluntary Quit
• Less than 10 years - $45,000 and a $25,000 vehicle voucher less taxes.
• 10 years, less than 20 - $80,000 and a $25,000 vehicle voucher less taxes
• 20 years or more - $115,000 and a $25,000 vehicle voucher.

• Pre-retirement 29 years of service as of Aug. 1, 2009 - $2,900 gross monthly wages.
• 28 years of service as of Aug. 1, 2009 - $2,850 gross monthly wages.

Mutually Satisfactory Retirements (MSR) will be offered to employees aged 50 or older and 10 or more years of credited service. (All details are available and should be thoroughly reviewed by interested members.)

We are actively seeking all available assistance from Federal, State and Local authorities regarding unemployment, TRA (Trade adjustment assistance), ATAA (Alternative Trade Adjustment Assistant). The assistance we seek is above and beyond the contractual obligations of the GM National Agreement. They will include education benefits/retraining and monetary extensions.

Once all information is obtained we plan to have an Informational Day at the Union Hall with a service rep. here to represent and answer all your questions.

As to the fate of UAW Local 735, we are seeking clarification as to the process to save this location. Details will be forthcoming.

Enclosed please find attached letters from Congressman Dingell and Governor Jennifer Granholm/John Cherry, Jr.

Please everyone thank them for their support, you can e-mail or call or write President Obama, www.whitehouse.gov. You can go to our website www.local735uaw.org, there you can link to all our State Representatives and Government Officials.

In closing, we want you to know how proud we are of this membership, for your patience and understanding during these difficult times it is recognized and admired by this Local Union Leadership. Please know now is the time to stick together and help one another, the Union is on full alert and we want you to know we are here for you and your families.

“Solidarity Forever”

Don Skidmore                     Ken Figley
President           Bargaining Chairman