Hello Local 14 Brothers and Sisters and Welcome “Spring”

National Primary elections for the Democratic Nomination (the Republican nominee has been determined) continue to take center stage in the news and in conversations everywhere. Involvement and interest abound not only because of the unprecedented composition of the two remaining candidates, but also because of the struggles with our economy, the war in Iraq, high gas prices, unemployment, healthcare and etc.! Everyone is focused and excited about electing the candidate that will best represent our working middle class Union issues. As we all know we are in dire need of an administration that’s dedicated to creating and preserving good paying Union jobs as one of their top priorities. The election in November is one of the most important one in our nation’s history. I’m sure our Local 14 membership will do their part to work for success and victory in the fall. The UAW will be working hard to get our families, friends and neighbors out to vote, by going door to door, working phone banks, passing out literature, posting yard signs, etc. Information on how you can participate will be forthcoming in later editions of the Union Progress and here at the Union Hall.

At our Region 2B Conference held on May 2nd and 3rd at the Seagate Center, Regional Director Lloyd Mahaffey re-iterated the need to take seriously our responsibilities as conscientious UAW members by working hard during this year’s election. The conference was energized with a number of good speakers, videos and information which prepared the membership for the task ahead.

Speaking of elections, now that the Local elections are behind us, the Retiree Chapter took nominations for office on May 8th. By acclamation Jesse Oyerbides became President, Alice Artrip- Vice President, Ron Kossow-Recording and Financial Secretary. Congratulations to them and thanks to all who supported the selection process and all of the voting over the last couple of months. UAW elections demonstrate just who runs the Union- the members do! Not only do we elect our officers, but we run our own local affairs, decide important polices and actions by majority vote and you the membership are the final voice of authority and decision in your UAW Union. The great thing about our Union is our By-Laws and Constitution that keep our focus on mandated checks and balances. Each officer and member has their own responsibilities and roles as all of us accomplish, achieve and succeed together.

The strike at American Axel continues at the time of this writing. It has been difficult to schedule another bus and caravan to go up and support them, because of the up again, down again progress reports. If we order a bus and the strike ends- we are still on the hook for the cost of the bus. We continue to support them and their families and pray for a fair and equitable agreement. American Axel CEO Richard Dauch still seeks major wage concession from its UAW membership, despite a $38 million dollar net profit in 2007, and he himself made 10.2 million in salary the same year. This outrageous salary is roughly equivalent to that of Toyota’s Top 46 executives combined. But as always it is Union workers who are portrayed as greedy, overpaid and underworked. We have got to stand up and speak against the Corporate greed that is destroying our Unions and our working middle class.

The rear wheel drive six speed continues to ramp up ahead of schedule. The first sellable transmissions are slated to be produced by Aug 1st. It is probable that all three shifts over there could be up and running by the end of fall.

Local 14 Union Hall repairs will continue into the summer months. The remodeling plan will be finalized in upcoming weeks. Local 14 trades from the plant have done an excellent job on the carpeted meeting room and three offices upstairs. Our trades over here and in the plant continue to demonstrate the skill and quality work they are capable of when given the opportunity.

GM Powertrain Toledo and UAW Local 14 are working together this year to help raise funds for The United Negro College Fund (UNCF). There will be at least two barbecue cookouts; the first is May 16. We are also sponsoring a volleyball tournament and Diversity Taste-Fest. Through these fun events, we hope to reach our goal of $20,000 for UNCF. Look for more information in the POWERLine and in the Union Progress. The POWERLine can be viewed by following the link on our website www.uawlocal14.org.

The annual UAW/GM Family Picnic is going to be on Saturday, Aug 9, this year - one (1) day. There is going to be more activities and events this year. We hope everyone will make plans to attend. Stay tuned for more details.

Be positive and stay encouraged. In the words of Henry Ford “Whether you think you can, or whether you think you can’t - you’re right.”

“Solidarity and Unity are the Strength of our Union”

Ray Wood, Local 14 President