Standing Committees

Updated 7-2-2008

Don Mohn

Forge Plant Chair 

don.mohn@uawlocal1050.org

Forge Plant Update

Brothers and Sisters,

            It has taken some time, patience and many more gray hairs but for the first time as an elected official, things seem to be slowly improving at Cleveland Works. Business is great at a time when most businesses are closing shop or cutting at alarming rates. Cleveland Works is the new “Big Three”…efficient, productive and most importantly profitable. Never forget that we didn’t get where we are without all of our sweat, dedication, experience and expertise. Our workforce can compete with and in most cases exceed any other workforce in the world. As much as we all should be proud of this facility’s accomplishments, there should as well be recognition for the way this plant’s management has taken the position of really trying to work with our union, listen to our voices, consider our recommendations and targeting moral that has been at an all time low in the recent past. The Plant Manager has been very vocal about the above mentioned agenda. It’s obviously taken longer than we all anticipated, but the road is starting to straighten out. The new H.R. Staff has been very challenging on all issues that arise day to day. Again, it’s taken longer than expected, but they really are trying to work with our union. Now I’m not saying we always do or will agree…but the respect piece and professionalism is coming around. The Forge Plant to date has been successful in grievance settlements exceeding $56,000.00.

            We recently had an election for 2^nd Shift Chief Steward because Rick Middleton had to resign his position for personal reason and would like to wish him well and appreciate how hard he worked in his elected position. The new 2^nd Shift Chief Steward is Barbara Barnes. She currently works in A-Plant Inspection and would like to congratulate her in the new role. I’m sure Sister Barnes will do a fantastic job serving this Local as Chief Steward.

            The company is in the process of hiring more Production Trainees to fill permanent positions. The number that was communicated to the Union was somewhere in the neighborhood of 20-25. There have also been discussions with the union about a possible apprentice class for the Skilled Trades Millwright positions. This would also add more openings for additional hires.

            On an unfortunate negative note, I’m sure you’ve heard by now of the passing of another one of our Brothers, Anthony Middlebrooks. Some of us just called him “Brooks”. He will be missed and would like to send our condolences to his family as well as friends. Brooks was a 29-year member in good standing and be assured he is in goods hands.

In Solidarity,

Don Mohn