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You can find out who your Congressmen (Senators and Representatives) are by going to your local 735 webpage: Resources : Government .
What's happening from your Local 735 President:
March 4, 2010
Mr. Rory Gamble, Director
UAW Region 1A
9650 S. Telegraph Road
Taylor, Mi 48180
Dear Brother Gamble:
As you are well aware UAW Local Chapter 735 will cease to exist after December 31, 2010. I believe this location could serve a higher purpose than just another empty, decaying building in Southeastern Michigan. I propose that this location be converted to the Region 1A Westside Retiree Servicing Center.
I know this sounds farfetched or is it thinking out of the box. With the loss of local unions in the area this could be a place where all UAW retirees could function and be serviced, thus not forcing all these retirees to continue to be relocated. I believe it could be structured to be self supporting and even generate income for the International Union, as well as job retention for the community.
The real estate people have said our locations value is 1.5 million now as of March 2010. This value is in a down market and economy; if the value were in a better economy I believe this location could be worth 3 times 1.5 million.
The details would be very difficult and may take resolutions to the convention and legal advice, yet the UAW as a whole may need to move in this type of direction to assure the servicing and meeting space for all whom have worked and served. We believe that the union movement has to serve its people. In Mathew 25:40 it is written, “Whatever you do for the least of my brothers you do for me”. Our facility could be converted for the greater good to a place where all retiree chapters in need could call home.
We could provide benefit and EAP services to our retirees on site as well as possible recreation opportunities. I will continue to cooperate and help facilitate all action being taken currently and I trust that no matter what happens we will be united in the outcome.
I appreciate all you have done and continue to do. On behalf of UAW Local 735 we say thank you. I just cannot let go without sharing my thoughts and dreams of a better tomorrow.
I thank you in advance for your consideration. I look forward to your thoughts.
In Solidarity,
Don Skidmore, President
UAW Local 735
CC: A Przydzial, Representative, UAW Region 1A
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From your Local 735 President:
International Union UAW
Executive Board
8000 E. Jefferson
Detroit, MI 48214
Dear Brothers and Sisters:
UAW Local 735 has a proud history. The HYDRAMATIC Local and its plant The Willow Run Bomber Plant are American icons. Our plant defended the world from fascist aggression and Hydramatic made driving safe and convenient. Like the nation we provided for and defended, Local 735 is in extreme financial distress. Our current local’s size and fixed expenses (taxes, utilities, wages and maintenance) were structured for a membership of 3650. Since 2006 we have lost 86% of our membership to:
- 2006 Special Attrition Plan (S.A.P.) - 1135 retirees.
- 2008 S.A.P. – 827 retirees.
- 2009 S.A.P. (April) – 529 retirees.
- 2009 S.A.P. (August) – 357 retirees.
- Doc. 96 Move to Toledo Powertrain (announced plant Closing on 6/1/09) -200 members.
- Additional losses of 100 members to Death, T&PD retirements and Regular (non-S.A.P.) retirements.
When our administration took office, we recognized some hardship ahead and took the following actions to conserve expenses:
- We have amended the bylaws twice to cut expense pay for members of the Shop Committee, Executive Board, Appointees and Chairs of the Standing Committee
- Our standing committees operate with no lost time and are mostly filled by Retiree volunteers.
- We have cut travel to the minimum amount necessary to represent and support our membership.
- We ceased having the Annual Christmas Party for our children. We also stopped all other annual events unless they are self funded.
- We reduced our lawn care and snow removal costs when a retiree gave us a much lower bid for this maintenance.
- We created “Day of Caring”, Sunday before union meetings where members volunteer to work at the local to maintain the facility @ no labor expense to the local.
- We cut our production costs and circulation of our newspaper, “The Liberator”. We then ceased publishing altogether.
- We have chosen to communicate with our membership through our website, local735uaw.org which is maintained and updated by a retiree at no cost to the local.
- We have reduced our utility costs by insulating and dialing down. We no longer run our outside lighting unless there is an event at the local.
- Executive board members- 10 retirees, 2 active.
- 12/1/09 - Our OPEIU secretary, Jenny Johnson, volunteered for early retirement and incurred a reduced pension.
- We cut our janitors time by 50%.
Since the announcement of our closing on 6/1/09 we have endeavored to represent our members and retirees as we have always done. Our workers surprise visitors to the plant with the pride and dedication that they show to their jobs and the quality of our products. Our plant continues to make the “Best Transmissions in the World”, in spite of our pending demise.
UAW Local 735 has in no way intended any disrespect to The International UAW by our actions. It is our greatest hope that we can support and represent our active membership until the plant closes, and our retirees there after. We would also like to be there for our new units. We, with great sadness, find our selves at this point in our illustrious history where we can no longer proceed on this path. We now come to you with this legacy and place it in your capable hands and will accept, with humility, your decision.
Fraternally,
Don Skidmore, President
UAW Local 735
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