This issue of the 909 News find approximately 300 of our members on an
indefinite layoff. Not knowing when you will return to work will
undoubtedly cause many of you stress and hardships. I know personally how
many of you feel. During the change of plant product in the early
eighties, I, too, was on an indefinite layoff that lasted 20 months. The
first couple months were a welcome vacation and my family fared well between my
unemployment and my wife's wages. From mid-point of the time off I was
hoping to hear when we would be called back to work. After the first year,
I was really antsy to get back to work (I was All My Children'ed out and Jerry
Springer wasn't around yet), but I made one very bad mistake. I
didn't keep in contact with my Local Union. I want you to keep this in
mind during your time away form Powertrain Warren - Do not lose touch with
Local 909.
It is very important that you keep your address and phone number current, not
only at the plant, but at the Local Hall too.
We cannot pass on any new
developments to you if we have the wrong address.
Periodically check at the Local Hall for new informational leaflets and attend
the General Membership Meeting on the 3rd Sunday of the Month (except for the
April, 2001 meeting being held on the 2nd Sunday, April 8th.) This
is the place to get your questions answered by those who have or can get the
right information for you.
During your time away for Local 909/Powertrain Warren, if you get picked up by
another plant or find a job represented by the UAW, call or stop in at the Local
Union Hall to get and "Honorable Withdrawal/Transfer Card". Give
this withdrawal/Transfer card to the Financial Secretary at your new Local
Union. It will save you the Initiation fee. This
goes for anytime a member of one UAW Local goes to work at another UAW Local
Union. And when you return to
Powertrain Warren, obtain a transfer card and bring it back to Local
909.
Finally, for those of you who will be drawing SUB pay. One hour's pay per
month (SUB Dues) should be withheld from your SUB pay. When you get called
back to work, if you have already paid your SUB dues for that month, and your
plants takes regular union dues for the same month, you can receive a refund of
one hour's dues from your Local. This refund is not automatic and it will
come from your Local Union, but you must
apply for it within two (2) months of the overpayment. In
fact, any member who has paid more that two (2) hour's pay for a single month's
dues, must apply
to the Financial Secretary within two (2) months of overpayment to receive a
refund. Until next time, I bid you peace.
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