1033...

OK, we're all familiar with that number now. Along with the phrases 'subject to negotiations' and 'as business dictates'. Bleh. While I'm quite certain that I'm not only one with a million questions, since this is my website, I'm going to put out a few that I hope get asked at the (*...cough...*) informational meeting this Sunday at Harding...

• Does $140,000 on the way out the door constitute getting kissed before they fuck us? Really, it's not the equivalent of taking us out to dinner, but at least it's a little foreplay.
• When will we know about whether or not we'll receive unemployment compensation? That's pretty valuable information. It will let us know if we need to start looking for a job now, or if we can wait a little while.
• When are the union and the company going to let us know what's REALLY going on with the business packages they want to keep? C'mon...do you all really believe that they don't have ANY clue? I may have been born at night, but it wasn't last night.
• What kind of information are we going to be given about TRA & NAFTA-TAA? Or are we going to have to do the research ourselves (again)?
  
• WHAT IS OUR UNION STILL FIGHTING FOR?

That's a few questions that we can ask. Remember, the informational meetings will be held in the auditorium at Harding this Sunday at 2:00 & 7:00.

Don't forget to show up...

Dawn

Dilbert Calendar = Crystal Ball?...

Something tells me this is what should have happened when old J.T. left. I really love it when my Dilbert desk calendar works like a crystal ball. All my apologies to Scott Adams for using this strip.

Dawn

Go On, Take the Money and Run...

OK, well maybe not for all of us, of course. The information is finally hitting the floor, as far as the special attrition package is concerned. We as a union are all faced with, what is probably the most difficult decisions of our lives. Do I stay or do I go?

To all of you that are eligible to take any of the retirement options, congratulations, and thank you. Thanks for helping to build the company that those of us who are left hope to be able to retire from further on down the road. Thanks for instilling in (some of) us a pride in whatever job we happen to hold, from the labor gang, to the trades, to the NTBUs on the floor and in the offices. Surely there will be many a tearful retirement party in the departments, as well as overcrowded 5:05s at the local taverns (where do you want yours, Dad?). You will be missed.

To the younger ones among us that will take the buyout to start anew, good luck and God's speed on your new direction in life. Look upon this as an opportunity to do what you've always dreamed of (within reason, you freaks!). Don't forget us when you're gone (especially if you become rich and famous...).

Now, for those of us who stay, hang on to your ass, because, it's probably going to suck around here for quite a while. We are going to be innundated with more rumors and general bullshit on the shop floor as we wait to see what our negotiators bring us. No matter how tense it gets, remember one thing, we're all in the same boat. And there are rats. And a couple of holes in the bow. We must stand together, and, above all, we must be strong.

No matter what decision you choose to make, take your time in making it. Go see a financial planner (hell, there were a couple of them advertising free consultations in this month's union newspaper). Talk to your family. Talk to God. Try, as best you can, to base your decision on facts, not fear.

Good luck to us all...
Dawn

The Offical Statement from the International...

OK my peeps, here's what was available from the international's website about the attrition plan...


IUE-CWA Reaches Agreement on Special Attrition Program at Delphi

June 16, 2006

More than 3,000 Members Eligible for Special Retirement Package; Others Can Get Buyout Payments from $40,000 to $140,000

TROY, Mich. – IUE-CWA reached agreement with Delphi and General Motors on a special attrition program aimed at providing "soft landings" to thousands of members who face potential plant closings or significant pay cuts as a result of Delphi's bankruptcy filing.

"We have made great progress in resolving the first part of a very complex puzzle," said IUE-CWA Automotive Conference Board Chairman Willie Thorpe, in announcing the agreement the day following his election to succeed previous chairman Henry Reichard, who passed away last week. "Our members now have options that can provide them with some financial security. Next our focus turns to crafting an agreement for those who remain in the plants that gives them a job worth having."

The package provides special retirement options for 3,290 members who can either take a $35,000 bonus for a normal or early retirement, take a 50 & 10 mutually satisfactory retirement or elect to participate in a special program where workers with between 26 years and less than 30 years can grow into retirement.

The union made gains in the buyout offerings by creating a third tier for workers compared with an earlier attrition program available to both traditional and competitive rate workers. Workers with at least 10 years' seniority can take a $140,000 buyout payment to sever ties with the company. Workers with between 3 and 10 years' seniority are eligible for a $70,000 payment, while those with between 1 year and 3 years' seniority can receive $40,000.

The attrition program must be approved by the bankruptcy court. The rollout will begin prior to then, but no payments will be made until the court has approved the program.

"IUE-CWA is committed to resolving our issues with Delphi at the bargaining table," said IUE-CWA President Jim Clark, who was a key participant in the talks. "Delphi must understand that getting a court to void our contracts doesn't get us where we need to go."

Court hearings on Delphi's 1113/1114 motion to void labor agreements and retiree obligations have been recessed until August 11. Dates to resume talks on wages, benefits and working conditions at IUE-CWA-represented facilities will be set early next week.

General Motors is a party to the attrition agreement. The corporation agreed to pay half of the buyout payments and cover post-retirement benefits for those retiring.

Keep your eyes peeled...

Dawn

Here's your ticket...

Well, now our people can take the money and run. Here's an article from the Tribune Comical (but don't worry, I saw the stories elsewhere, so it may just be true).


Electrical union, Delphi reach attrition plan

By LARRY RINGLER Tribune Chronicle

TROY, Mich. — It took two days of intense bargaining, but 8,400 Delphi Corp. electrical union workers late Friday finally got an attrition plan to call their own.

The package for the International Union of Electrical Workers-Communications Workers of America provides special retirement option for 3,290 members, the union said.

Those workers can either take a $35,000 bonus for normal or early retirement; take a mutually satisfactory retirement for those who are at least 50 years old with 10 years of service, or elect to participate in a special program where workers with between 26 years and less than 30 years can grow into retirement.

The union said it made gains in the buyout program by creating a third tier for workers compared with an earlier attrition program available to both traditional and competitive rate workers.

Workers with at least 10 years of service can take a $140,000 buyout payment to sever ties with the company. Workers with three to 10 years of service are eligible for a $70,000 payment, while those between one and three years of service can receive $40,000, the union said.

The plan doesn’t need members’ ratification but must be approved by bankruptcy Judge Robert D. Drain, who is presiding over Delphi’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Union leaders said Drain could consider the plan in the next 10 days.

The rollout will begin before the judge rules but no payments will be made until the court approves it, the union said.

General Motors Corp., Delphi’s former parent and largest buyer of its auto parts, will assume financial obligations for the lump-sum payments to eligible Delphi workers accepting normal or voluntary retirement incentives, Delphi said.

GM also will fund certain post-retirement employee benefits for Delphi workers who move to GM in order to retire, as well as half of employee buyout costs, the company said.

‘‘I think it’ll be very well received’’ said IUE-CWA President Jim Clark.

He added the attrition deal was a ‘‘very important’’ part of the union’s effort to create a soft landing for members facing the loss of their job as Delphi restructures.

Willie Thorpe, who took over chairmanship of the union’s Automotive Conference Board after the sudden death of Henry Reichard June 5, said he was ‘‘really excited’’ to get the deal, saying the union will continue to work hard on tough issues remaining in the company’s bankruptcy case.

Delphi spokesman Lindsey Williams said the agreement ‘‘gives the chance for virtually all IUE-CWA represented employees to take advantage of opportunities they otherwise would not have been entitled to. It’s a great opportunity for these employees.’’

The plan adapts a supplemental attrition package reached June 9 by the UAW and Delphi to the needs of the IUE-CWA, bargainers said.

The conference board unanimously recommended the attrition plan, which will allow about half of its members to be able to retire with a General Motors Corp. pension and benefits — something bargainers called very important to their members.

Some 1,700 of the union’s 3,800 members at Delphi Packard Electric in Warren can retire with GM benefits, said Bob Sutton, secretary of the union’s Automotive Conference Board.



lringler@tribune-chronicle.com

Okey dokey...now, we wait for the judge...

Dawn

What's in the News...

That's the 'Local 717 Union News' I'm referring to. Now that the elections are over, I've got to have something to write about, so I'm going to start with my own, personal review of the month's union newspaper, section-by-section...

President's Report - by Gary Reiser

There's only a couple of things I'd like to mention here:
First, the Spring Fling. Once again, the Spring Fling will be held at Pioneer Water Park. I'm not exactly sure why we changed from Geauga Lake (Six Flags or whateverthehell it is now) in the first place, but I do know that I'm not the only one who didn't like the change, but, for those who do, hope you all have a fabulous time, and keep safe.

Secondly, discount tickets for Geauga Lake. Now, if I remember correctly, last year at this time, we were supposed to be boycotting all Cedar Fair parks (Geauga Lake's new owner) because they were using non-union labor to build the new waterpark. What I want to know is, what's different this year? Is it OK to go back now that the waterpark construction is done?


Shop Chairman's Report - by Don Arbogast

Nothing out of the ordinary here, but, if you haven't read it yet, take the time, because there is some good information in there this month (and no pot shots at me, either).

Recording Secretary's Report - by Cynda Tindle

No offense, but any meeting minutes are boring. There's a reason the reading of the minutes from the previous month is dismissed at the meeting. But, if you weren't there, read 'em.

Vice President's Report - by Kevin Hartill

The main topic of Kevin's report this month is devoted to explaining why the President's office made the decision to hold the elections at the hall, and not in the plant. He does this in three sections, which I will address one-at-a-time...

1. Yes, to have elections in the plant, we must have the permission of the company to do so. Personally, I don't believe that the company would have been stupid enough to deny the local that permission. With the current atmosphere in the company, to deny us our in-plant elections would have only served to make that situation worse. I don't think they would have wanted to risk any more turmoil on the plant floor.
2. By the time the elections were scheduled, May 8 & 9 already had a big, red bullseye on the calendar as the beginning of the hearing for the company's 1113/1114 motions. Now, anyone who had been paying the least bit of attention to what's going on in the courtroom would know that that was the start of the TRIAL for Delphi to plead its case for cancelling our contracts, and for the unions and creditors to plead their respective cases against granting the motions. What that means is, THERE'S NO WAY IN HELL WE WOULD HAVE BEEN ON STRIKE WHEN THE ELECTIONS WERE HELD (barring a dumbass wildcat strike somewhere).
   
3. The last point fixes on the local's finances. I'll buy this one when we can see the cost of this election at the hall versus the cost of an in-plant election.

Financial Secretary's Report - by Karen Krolopp

In this month's installment, Karen wants to discuss our financial responsibilities to our homes and to our local. This is all, of course, related to the rejection of the Executive Board's decision to send only the automatic delegates (Gary & Donny) to this year's IUE Conference & CWA Convention. And, as a member of the Executive Board, I'm sure she was disappointed by the fact that the recommendation was overturned, but I can see why the membership would want to send more delegates. Since Donny will be tied up by sitting on the National Appeals Committee, it would pay for us to have another delegate on the floor to represent us.

Skilled Trades Sub Chairman's Report - by Brian Lutz

The trades aren't my arena, so I bring his report up only to agree with him about Jim Martin Sr.'s picture that accompanies the Quality Network report. I told him after the meeting that he really needs to update it.

There's not much else for me to pick apart in this month's newspaper. Besides, I think I've made enough friends today...
Dawn

IUE-CWA Mourns the Death of Automotive Conference Board Chairman Henry Reichard

Here's the offical statement from the IUE's website...




IUE-CWA Mourns the Death of Automotive Conference Board Chairman Henry Reichard

June 6, 2006




DAYTON — IUE-CWA Automotive Conference Board Chairman Henry Reichard, 55, passed away last night at his home of what appears to be a heart-related condition.

"We are all greatly saddened at the sudden loss of a great friend and a great union man," said IUE-CWA President Jim Clark. "Not only was he a skilled and intelligent colleague, but he was a dear friend of mine. He will be sorely missed. My heart goes out to his family."

Reichard has been leading the IUE-CWA response to Delphi's bankruptcy, serving as the chief negotiator and as the union's representative on the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors. Scheduled negotiations on a Delphi attrition proposal have been postponed until after the burial.

"Over the last eight months, Henry has spent countless hours protecting our members and retirees as we face the challenges of the Delphi bankruptcy," said Clark. "At the same time, he oversaw negotiations at DMAX and General Motors. There are thousands of IUE-CWA members, retirees and their families who have Henry Reichard to thank for their wages, pensions and benefits."

Reichard was elected chairman of the Automotive Conference Board in May 2005. The conference board negotiates and enforces contracts for 17,000 members at five companies: Delphi, General Motors, DMAX, Visteon and Valeo.

Reichard hailed from IUE-CWA's founding local, Local 755 in Dayton, Ohio, where he worked for Delphi Energy and Chassis Systems starting in 1969. At the local he served as skilled trades district committeeperson for nine years and as a negotiator during the 1987, 1990 and 1993 national and local negotiations. He also served on the local executive board for 17 years as both a member-at-large and vice president. He was a delegate to IUE-CWA District 7 for six years and in January 1997 he was appointed Local 755's health and safety representative.

In November 2000, Reichard joined the IUE-CWA District 7 staff as an organizer. He was appointed to the IUE-CWA Automotive Conference Board staff as the director of safety in March 2001.

Reichard is survived by his wife, Kathy, and four children and five grandchildren. Funeral arrangements have not been announced at this time.

Dawn

STOP!...Hammer Time...

OK, today's hearing was brought to an abrupt halt (screech!) with news that the sides were getting hot and heavy (pant, pant) at the negotiating table. Here's a late article from the Tribune Comical with some details...


Delphi hearing postponed, Labor talks to continue

By staff and wire reports

NEW YORK - Negotiations between Delphi Corp. and its employee unions intensified amid the postponement of a meeting set for today, although the level of progress is unclear.

''There is bargaining going on today that would not have occurred but for the adjournment of the hearing,'' Delphi lead attorney John W. Butler Jr. said this morning in Lower Manhattan bankruptcy court.

Judge Robert Drain agreed to put off the hearing until Friday following a request from Butler.

Butler, who declined to say whether either side had presented a proposal over a ''long weekend'' of talks, said negotiations were ''focused.''

Drain has stressed the need for negotiations during the lengthy hearing on Delphi's motion to scrap its labor agreements as it tries to reorganize in Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization.

International Union of Electrical Workers-Communications Workers of America lead attorney Tom Kennedy, said the auto parts maker made proposals just on attrition and retirement ­ areas in which the union has been trying to win offers at least as good, if not better, than one already available to the United Auto Workers.

If the parties reach a decision before Friday, the judge agreed to meet with attorneys in a meeting in his chambers. Kennedy said Friday's hearing could be delayed further if negotiating progress is being made.

The electrical union will discuss attrition and retirement, among other issues, in Troy, Mich., starting Tuesday and continuing at least through Thursday, Kennedy said. Those meetings already had been scheduled.

The UAW is the company's largest union with about 24,000 members. The IUE-CWA has about 8,400.

Henry Reichard, chairman of the IUE-CWA Automotive Conference Board, said the opponents aren't close to an agreement but want time to see if they can hammer out a settlement.

However, IUE-CWA Local 717 Shop Chairman Don Arbogast said the meetings aren't being held to review some new ''earth-shattering development.'' He said the company hasn't made any progress with the IUE-CWA.

''There's been no proposal. We're not reviewing anything,'' he said. ''The ball's in Delphi's court.''

Thursday is the end of the 30 days from the May 9 start of the hearings in which Drain is required to rule. The judge told the lawyers he needs them to state ''on the record'' they agree to a 30-day extension, a timeframe that also could change, IUE-CWA spokeswoman Lauren Asplen said.

lringler@tribune-chronicle.com

Well, it's nice to see that Donny's optimistic about what's going on. That's the spirit...

Dawn

Speaking of a little news...

Good morning, all...

I found this article at MSN Money...

Out of Court Talks Heat Up in Delphi Case


NEW YORK (AP) - Auto parts supplier Delphi Corp. and its employee unions said Friday they are pursuing negotiations out of court as the company finished presenting its case to determine whether it will be permitted to void its labor contracts.

"Every day we get up, we ask ourselves what we can do to further the operative to have a consensual deal -- sooner rather than later," Delphi's lead attorney John W. Butler Jr. said.

U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Robert Drain adjourned the hearing Friday. It is set to resume Monday, with the unions starting to present their case. After that, Butler said, there are no other public dates on the calendar, which may offer the two sides a reprieve from court proceedings so they can work toward a deal.

Thomas Kennedy, an attorney for the International Union of Electronic Workers-Communications Workers of America, said he hoped Delphi and the unions could use the time constructively.

"I don't know what happens Monday. I don't know what happens after that," Kennedy said. "You can infer from that, we have some time to bargain."

Kennedy said it's possible that Delphi and the unions may want to reach an agreement by the start of the United Auto Workers' annual convention, which is scheduled to begin June 11.

Butler said the company was in active negotiations with six of the seven unions representing Delphi employees, and was in discussions with the seventh.

The UAW, which represents the largest number of Delphi employees, is expected to begin presenting its case Monday, the seventh day of the hearings that could determine the future of the company's labor contracts and its employee retirement benefits.

Delphi has proposed cutting wages from $27 an hour to $16.50 an hour, a plan that would require a contribution from General Motors Corp., Delphi's former parent and its largest customer. GM, however, has not said it would supplement the wages, and if GM does not help, Delphi has said it can only pay employees $12.50 an hour.

Delphi filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in October. It is seeking the right to cancel its contracts with the UAW and other unions, saying that is a crucial step in its efforts to cut its costs and ensure its survival. UAW members overwhelmingly authorized their leaders to call a strike.

With two sides trying to reach a deal, a professor at Northeastern University, Harlan Platt, said, "In this case, I think the judge is being King Salomon." Platt predicted a favorable outcome to the negotiations. "I think, at the end of the day, (Delphi CEO) Steve Miller will be a winner, Delphi will be a winner, American workers will be winners, and the union will have proved itself to be a hero."

Friday's testimony focused on information sharing between financial advisers to the two parties.

Two days earlier, Delphi said its monthly losses more than tripled from March to April as GM bought fewer parts from the company.

Delphi reported on Wednesday a net loss of $192 million in April, compared with a loss of $56 million in March. The company took in nearly $1.4 billion in revenues, including $761 million from GM. GM spent nearly $1.1 billion on Delphi parts in March.

In a separate motion, Delphi is asking the court to allow it to alter supply contracts with GM. Those hearings are scheduled for June 19, 20 and 23, Butler said.

© 2006 The Associated Press

We'll see...
Dawn

All's quiet on the western front...

Too quiet if you ask me. Am I the only one that gets a little crazy with the complete vacuum of information being offered? Nah, I can't be. I can't be the only person that starts their day by surfing the same websites ad nauseum looking for any scrap of news available. Perhaps a tiny kernel of knowledge? A small headline here and there? No? Ugh.

On a brighter note, it is Friday, after all. I'm glad the weather seems to be cooperating (if you like grey, wet & dreary). I think this weather fits the mood at work, too. Well, I'll keep doing my best to, at the very least, try to keep bring whatever news I can find to my little slice of internet.

No news is good news, right?

Dawn