Good Bye 2009

Tim Booth

   2009 has not been the most pleasant time for many of us. We have seen as many as 130 of our Sisters and Brothers on lay off during the course of the year. We have battled through a contract extension and the frustration of the uncertainty surrounding the 50,000 Ton Press rebuild. We continue to survive in one of the worst economic down turns that our country has been through. I could probably make a list of things not so good that would be as long as my arm but it has not been all doom and gloom lately.

   In November the company did secure financing for the rebuild of the 50,000 ton press. Many of our Sisters and Brothers have been recalled due to new work that the Company has received. FSW and CVW wheel orders have picked up, Small Aero has received new work from Oshkosh and hopefully this will turn into a long term deal. Large Aero of course has the JSF work and is continuing to ramp up for that. Also with the rebuild of the “50” gearing up, the Company has committed to a schedule that should see all of our laid off Skilled Trades people back to work by May 2010.

   Economists are saying they are starting to see a rebound in the economy. Hopefully this will occur very soon, industry will pick up and this will result in recalling all of all our Sisters and Brothers.

   With all its trials and tribulations, I will be glad to see 2009 gone. Most of all I am proud of all of our members for battling through these tough times. I am optimistic by the promise of ushering in 2010 and what it will/may bring.

   I would like to wish all of you and your families, Happy Holidays. Please, as you sit with your families during the Holiday Season, remember to keep those that are less fortunate than yourselves in your thoughts.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Timothy O. Booth

Recording Secretary, UAW Local 1050