Dear Sisters and Brothers of Boeing, 

GKN is hiring up to approximately another 30 additional employees off the street by the end of the year and is rolling out a new process for hiring individuals who are interested in becoming Bonding Mechanics.     

            Candidates may apply at one of the following two Missouri Career Centers: 

Missouri Career Center (Florissant)            Missouri Career Center (Deer Creek)

4040 Seven Hills Drive –Suite 166              3256 Laclede Station Road

Florissant, MO  63033                                  St. Louis, MO  63143

(314) 877-3010                                           (314) 877-0001

Betty Townson, Supervisor                          Valerie Moore, Supervisor

             The candidate will need to tell them they are interested in a position at GKN.  They will evaluate the candidate to determine if they meet their criteria.  If so, they will be scheduled for a series of assessments.  They must pass the first one in order to be given successive assessments.

             The assessments are as follows:

·         Locating Information

·            Basic Math

·         Reading for Understanding

·         Teamwork

·         Observation

                                                            Fraternally yours,
                                                            Gordon King
                                                            President Directing Business Representative

• INTER-OFFICE COMMUNICATIONS

  DATE: July 16, 2008

  TO: All Business Representatives and Boeing Plant Chairmen

  FROM: Gordon King, P.D.B.R.

  SUBJECT: Boeing Cost-of-Living

   Please be informed the Cost-of-Living, effective July 25, 2008, will be (.35 Cents) thirty-five cents.  The monthly figures were as follows: 

                                      April                2008                210.6

                                      May                 2008                212.7  

                                      June                 2008                215.2 

  The accumulative total for this contract is .93 cents.   If you have any questions, please let me know. 

• July 24, 2008

  Dear Sisters and Brothers of Boeing,

              Members who want information about employment opportunities that become available in new classifications should be sure to regularly check online at www.boeing.com/employment job postings.  Tell your family and friends they can apply from outside Boeing.  In the future, we will also inform you by Speedfacts of other jobs as we are made aware of them.

               The St. Louis Labor Council is conducting a literature drop Saturday, July 26^th.  Any member who would like to volunteer should meet at the St. Louis Labor Council Building at 3301 Hollenberg Drive, Bridgeton, Missouri by 9:00 a.m.  This is an opportunity to support our Brother Bert Atkins, a candidate for State Representative in the 75^th District.

                                                              Fraternally yours,
                                                              Gordon King
                                                              President Directing Business Representative

   

• July 8, 2008 

                                      FLOOD DISASTER ASSISTANCE

  Dear Sisters and Brothers of Boeing, GKN Aerospace and RTI Tradco,

               The recent levy collapse in the Winfield Missouri Area has left local residents and members in desperate need of donations and supplies. When tragedy strikes our community, the District always looks for ways to help. The Winfield/Foley Fire Protection District is organizing the collection of donations that will be used in helping the area recover from the flooding.

               During the Lodge Meetings this weekend the District will be collecting supplies to take to the Winfield/Foley Firefighters. If you can donate any of the following types of items, please do. (You can drop off any donated items at the Union Hall through next Friday, July 18, 2008 during our normal business hours of 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.)

               The type of items needed most are:

              Canned Goods
              Bottled Water
              Gatorade or similar bottled drinks
              Bug Spray
              Bleach
              Cleaning Supplies
              Mops
              Brooms
              Dust Masks
              Laundry Baskets
              Laundry Detergents

              Any other items that you would find useful are also welcome. If you have large items, such as freezers, refrigerators, or furniture, you can contact the Winfield/Foley Fire Department direct at (636) 566-8406 to discuss how to donate those larger items.

               Service to our Community is just one of the many benefits a good Union provides and this, while under tragic circumstances, is an excellent opportunity to prove that.

  Fraternally yours,
  Gordon King
  President Directing Business Representative

   

• June 19, 2008 

  Dear Sisters and Brothers of Boeing, 

              The HPWO Office has an opening for one Facilitator.  This job is open to any IAMAW 837 Member in good standing.  To apply for this position, you must use the BESS System for Boeing Internal job requests.  The requisition number for the posting is 08-1015748.  You can view the skills and qualifications required for this position at their website. 

              We are pleased to learn the GAO ruled in Boeing’s favor on their appeal of the USAF Tanker decision made earlier this year.  Your letters to your Congressional Representatives will be more important now than they ever have been.  The GAO decision does not have the teeth to force re-opening the bid nor have the ability to deny use of your tax dollars to pump up the European economies.  If the United States Air Force does not step up and do the right thing, your letters will ensure your Representatives and Senators that they MUST act to overturn the decision entirely. 

              If further action is needed, we will send out another SpeedFacts explaining what needs to be done next. 

                                                              Fraternally yours, 
                                                              Steve McDerman
                                     Assistant Directing Business Representative

   

• June 13, 2008

  Dear Sisters and Brothers of Boeing, 

              At the June 2008 District Delegate Meeting the delegates approved action to liquidate all the office furniture that has collected over the years and is no longer in use.  While there is not a lot of excess furniture, you may find something you are looking for.  These items will be available for members to view and purchase between the hours of 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. only on June 16, 18 and 20^th.  The price is $10.00 per item and payment must be made by cash or check, which can be made out to District #837.  All remaining items not purchased by June 20, 2008 will be disposed of.  Sales are “ as is” on a first come first served basis.  

              Members should know we are nearing the end of Period 6 of the Share Value Trust.  Everyone should verify their current mailing address is correct in their Total Access.  Until Period 6 ends on June 30, 2008 there is NO assurance of any pay out.  More details of how employees will receive any potential distribution will follow in July. 

              As a reminder there are a few remaining Team openings for our Annual Guide Dogs of America/Joe Vogler Memorial Golf Tournament, Saturday, June 21, 2008 at Incline Village Golf Course.  Please contact the Union Hall to reserve your team.          

                                                              Fraternally yours,
                                                              Gordon King
                                                              President Directing Business Representative 

• April 22, 2008

  TANKER LETTER & COLA 

  Dear Sisters and Brothers of Boeing,

              In support of American jobs I am asking you to sign and address the accompanying letters.  Please return them to your Union Shop Steward by Friday, April 25, 2008.  Be sure to include your zip code.

              I will see that these letters are mailed to your congressional leaders.

              Also, the Cost-of-Living, effective May 02, 2008, will be (.16 cents) sixteen cents.  The accumulative total for this contract is now .58 cents.

                                                              Fraternally yours,

                                                              Gordon King

                                             President Directing Business Representative

• April 9, 2008

  Dear Sisters and Brothers of Boeing, GKN Aerospace & RTI Tradco, 

              The results of the election last Saturday for District Lodge 837 President Directing Business Representative can be viewed at www.iam837.org.  Now that the election is final I am required by District Bylaws to fill any vacancy that occurs in office for the rest of the unexpired term. 

              After discussion with the Staff, I have taken the following actions: 

  ·        Selected current elected Business Representative, Steve McDerman to serve as Assistant Directing Business Representative effective immediately. 

  ·        With approval of the District Delegate body appointed Plant Chairman, Earl Schuessler to fill the Business Representative vacancy, effective Monday, April 14, 2008. 

  ·        With approval of the District Delegate body appointed Shop Steward Ron Evola to fill the Plant Chairman vacancy, effective Friday, April 11, 2008 on second (2^nd) shift. 

  ·        Plant Chairman Roger Smith will transfer to first (1^st) shift effective Friday, April 11, 2008.

   This weekend, members of both Lodge ‘A’ and Lodge ‘B’ will be nominating members to serve as delegates to the IAM Grand Lodge Convention.  Meetings will be Saturday, April 12, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. for Lodge ‘A’ and Sunday, April 13, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. for Lodge ‘B’.  I encourage every member to attend and take an active part in what is sure to shape the future of this great Union. 

                                                  Fraternally yours
                                                  Gordon King
                                President Directing Business Representative

• From Archives:

  April 4, 2008 

  Dear Sisters and Brothers of Boeing, 

              On January 14, 2008, the Department of Defense issued a news release of the proposed sale of 900 Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM) to Saudi Arabia.  If this sale is approved, Saudi has expressed interest in additional F-15 fighters, which would extend the production line.  However, there are a number of lawmakers who oppose this sale and are trying to prevent it. 

              Please take the time to contact your Congressmen and Senators and ask them to support the sale of JDAM and F-15 Fighters to Saudi Arabia.  We have provided a link on the District web site at: www.iam837.org to send an email letter or you can print a copy to send by mail.  Ask your family and friends to do the same. Please see the sample letter below: 

                           The Honorable Senator & Governor of State, 

  As a member of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers,  I am writing to ask your support for the sale of the Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM) to Saudi Arabia.  This sale will help to ensure the viability of the American defense industrial base and provide jobs to thousands of IAM members across the U.S., as a JDAM sale will likely lead to a Saudi F-15 Fighter jet sale. 

  It is important to note that the current F-15 Jet Fighter line at the Boeing facility in St. Louis, MO will be winding down production as the current international orders end.

   Shutting down production of the F-15 line would be felt nationwide by the thousands of suppliers and contractors who constitute the backbone of our aerospace manufacturing base. 

  U.S. sales of critical defense systems to key allies have been vital to sustaining our nation’s manufacturing base.  Saudi Arabia has in the past bought U.S. made F-15’s, and if this sale goes through they would likely purchase additional aircraft. 

  Please support the effort to preserve American jobs and our defense industrial base by supporting the sale of JDAM’s and F-15 fighters to Saudi Arabia.  I look forward to your response. 

                  You need to sign your letter AND provide your address if you write your own letter. 

              Also, I expressed outrage last Friday to Labor Relations when I learned several members did not receive their live paycheck in the mail on Thursday as they had agreed.  The vendor Boeing uses to process paychecks has been instructed to pre-sort the checks before mailing to expedite the post office handling and ensure the proper delivery date.  In the future, please notify your Shop Steward and/or Plant Chairman immediately in the event you do not receive your paycheck on Thursday payday.  

                                                              Fraternally yours, 
                                                              Gordon King
                                              Assistant Directing Business Representative 

  March 27, 2008

  RETIREMENT SEMINAR SCHEDULE 

  Dear Sisters and Brothers of Boeing, 

              The Boeing Pension Department is putting on a Retirement Seminar for those of you that are eligible and contemplating retirement. 

              If you’re thinking about retiring within six months, consider signing up for a retirement process overview seminar in your area.  These seminars will give you the tools you need to make informed decisions about your retirement.  The presentation includes information about pension benefits, savings distributions, and medical coverage after retirement. 

              To prepare for the seminar, please review and print the seminar materials from the pension plans section for union-represented employees of the Benefits web site (http://www.boeing.com/benefits/). Sign-up sheet will be available at the seminar. 

              All employees that attend the Retirement Seminar are asked to see the dates, time and locations that are listed below: 

  Location		2008 Dates*		Time
  Berkeley, MO		Tuesday, April 8		Two Sessions:
  Building 100		Tuesday, October 7		7:30 to 9:30 a.m.
  McDonnell Blvd and				3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
  Airport Rd

  *This schedule is subject to change.  Before you attend your session, please check back at this site to make sure that you have the latest information.

  Fraternally yours,
          Gordon King
  Assistant Directing Business Representative

  March 17, 2008 

                                      Support Striking Workers against Valley Ford 

  Dear Sisters and Brothers of Boeing, GKN and RTI Tradco, 

              I have been contacted by our sisters and brothers from Machinist District #9.  They are asking District #837 members for our support in their fight against Valley Ford.  Below is a copy of a notice with detailed information.  Let’s show our solidarity for our Union sisters and brothers in our community.

                                                               Fraternally yours,
                                                              Gordon King
                                    Assistant Directing Business Representative

  Notice                                                 Notice                                                 Notice 

  Members of Automotive Local 777 and Teamsters Local 618 went out on strike against Valley Ford on November 1, 2007. 

  The reasons for this strike were the unreasonable concessions demanded by the company including but not limited to:

  q       Gut paychecks (a 10% cut for current employees, a 25% cut in base pay for new employees)

  q       Kill their current pension and replace it with a nickel donation to the company’s 401K plan

  q       Destroy their current family-protecting health plan and force them into a much lesser plan (with the employee being forced to pay up to $540 of the cost monthly)

  q       Cut tool allowance by 30% 

  The importance of winning this strike is the fact that the outcome of this strike could possibly affect all future contract negotiations in this area especially the automotive shops. 

  As we enter the 3^rd month of the strike, we are requesting your support of these striking members by volunteering to walk picket duty to relieve these members so that we may continue to keep the pressure on the Valley Ford. 

  If you can help by walking a specified picket assignment, Monday thru Saturday, please contact your Business Representative at 314-739-6200 or Automotive Local 777 at 314-739-6217 so that we may schedule you to walk. 

  Again, I cannot stress enough the importance of winning this strike and with the collective efforts our membership we can win. 

  In Solidarity 

              Roger E. Poole                                                                                    Tony Rippeto
  Directing Business Representative                                      Assistant Directing Business Representative

                                                              Tim Young
                                                         Secretary Treasurer

   

  March 12, 2008 

                                                              TANKER  DEAL 

  Dear Sisters and Brothers of Boeing, GKN and RTI Tradco, 

              Outrage continues to grow over the U.S. Air Force decision to award a $40 billion Aerial Refueling Tanker Contract to European Company EADS a contract which could eventually be worth $60 billion.  Appearing on CNN’s Lou Dobb’s tonight, IAM President Tom Buffenbarger ripped into the Air Force’s decision. 

              “How we could turn over the crown jewel of support of our nation’s Air Force to foreign manufacturers is beyond me,” said Buffenbarger.  “We’re going to take this on tooth and nail and get the decision overturned.  We’re going to see that America gets what it deserves in the form of economic justice and fairness for American workers.” 

              The AFL-CIO Executive Council, meanwhile, called on Congress to “defund” the contract, as well as conduct a full investigation into the circumstances under which the contract was awarded to a foreign contractor. 

              The House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee also held a hearing, beginning a formal inquiry into the contract, “I personally consider our Aerial Refueling Program to be a major weapons system that is essential to our national security,” said the committee’s Chairman, John P. Murtha (D-PA).  “I think it’s imperative that the Air Force explain to this committee its decision to award a major U.S. weapons system to a foreign company.” 

              Boeing’s KC-767 tanker would be built with over 85 percent domestic U.S. content and would support more than 44,000 U.S. jobs and 300 contractors in over forty states.  The tanker competition was mandated in 2003, allowing a heavily subsidized European manufacturer, EADS to bid against Boeing, a U.S. firm that received no subsidies.  Boeing had filed a protest with the Government Accountability Office. 

              The decision does not impact the jobs of District #837 members directly, but in addition to several other reasons, I am concerned that it opens the door for our government to outsource other military manufacturing work like the fighters we produce. 

              I met with KSDK (Local Channel 5) yesterday to express these concerns and issued a press release to all local media outlets.  I strongly urge every member to voice your outrage by contacting your elected officials.  We have provided links on the District Website, www.iam837.org, for you to easily deliver an email message to your Congressional Representatives.  You can also view my press release. 

              This issue is not about Republican or Democrat, Union or Non-Union- it is about what is right for the taxpayer dollars and Aerospace Manufacturing jobs of America’s working families.  I will keep you informed about the Districts actions as they develop. 

                                                                 Fraternally yours,

                                                                 Gordon King
                                             Assistant Directing Business Representative

  Press Release Issued Wednesday, March 12, 2008

  Machinists Speak Out on Recent
  USAF Tanker Deal 

  The Machinists Union is opposed to the awarding of the USAF Tanker deal to a foreign company as it is not the best decision for the U. S. economy, will not create the 44,000 jobs in the U. S. that Boeing would have created, and poses a potential threat to our nation and its military, while further eroding the U. S. manufacturing base by allowing foreign governments to continue subsidizing aerospace work.

   It’s Tankers today; will it be fighters tomorrow? 

  Issue One: The U. S. economy will not realize the gain of 44,000 high paying jobs by allowing foreign companies to build the next generation tanker. Our economy cannot afford to lose that type of boost.

  §        Boeing estimates that 44,000 jobs would be created across the United States if they were the supplier of the next generation tanker. With our current economy in the tailspin it is in, we need these jobs to keep America economically strong.

  §        EADS has promised around 1,500 jobs in Alabama. This was done to appease some Congressmen but will not have a large impact across the U.S. (Yesterday, Northrop revised that figure to 48,000 jobs across the U. S. making us wonder where the extra jobs came from.)

  §        It is American tax dollars being used to procure this tanker but we will be sending our tax dollars overseas, pumping up European economies, while Americans continue to lose out. We owe the American people the respect to use their money to assist in the American Economic recovery first. 

  Issue Two:  The security of the United States and our men and women in uniform are compromised by allowing foreign companies to build the products used to defend our freedoms. It’s tankers today, will it be fighters tomorrow?

  §        In the event of war or conflict where any of the countries involved in the EADS deal are involved, we are not guaranteed continued production of promised but un-delivered aircraft or spare parts that would be crucial in keeping the tankers functional.

  §        Our military depends on inter-service dependability. Boeing consistently upgrades or modifies their products to achieve this goal whenever possible. Foreign companies may not be cleared to have access to the latest technologies and delays in obtaining that approval may delay our military from having the best of the best to save American lives.

  §        During a not to distant conflict in the Middle East, our supply of military parts from a nation involved in that conflict delayed delivery of contracted parts. Any nation involved in a war will take care of their own needs first. We need our military production to take place in the United States for this purpose.

   Issue Three: Foreign governments subsidize EADS, allowing for an unfair competitive advantage over U. S. aerospace companies and U. S. congressmen are investigating what they call “shady practices” inside the European aerospace community. Americans cannot compete without a level playing field.

  §        The World Trade Organization currently has a complaint over the unfair state-funded subsidies European nations give their aerospace companies. The U. S. companies cannot compete with this type unfair practice.

  §        Senator Pat Murray is collecting information on Airbus’s “checkered past” and “shady dealings” when it comes to securing contracts from the U.S.

  §        American Aerospace workers are the most productive and efficient workforce in the world, but if they are not allowed to compete on a level playing field, they do not stand a chance of securing new work.

              ----END---

   

                                                            

     March 7, 2008

  Dear Sisters and Brothers of Boeing, 

              Last week, I attended a one-day Boeing Summit at our International Headquarters in Maryland.  Along with the Presidents of other IAM Districts, the IAM Coordinator, Mark Blondin, and International President, Tom Buffenbarger, we met with the Boeing Executives and Management Leaders from each business unit.  The following comments were made by Boeing CEO, Jim McNerney, and IDS President, Jim Albaugh, during this informative Summit. 

              They suggested there would be a stable workforce for District Lodge 837 Union Members well into the next decade.  Saudi is looking at more F15’s in the near future. They said, you have reduced the cost of the F-18 planes to under $50 million and that will help secure a mid multi year sale to the United States.  The C-17 has tremendous support in Congress and believes it can be extended four or five more years.  They plan to “warp” it into a heavy lift airplane to secure even more sales.  It would be the only one of it’s kind.

              Boeing stated that they are determined to be the bomber company of choice for the military and have partnered with Lockheed Martin to develop the next generation long range bombers.

               Finally, we had a lot of discussion about our plan to pool 700,000 of our IAM members from Boeing and Lockheed Martin and others to create an industry wide healthcare plan to reduce the cost for our members and the companies.  Boeing was receptive and joined the IAM Committee already formed to move the idea forward. You will hear more about this as plans are cleared. 

                                                              Fraternally yours, 

                                                              Gordon King
                                 Assistant Directing Business Representative

  February 25, 2008

  Union Dues 

  Dear Sisters and Brothers of Boeing & GKN, 

              There have been numerous calls to the District Officers with questions concerning the proposed dues structure changes that may be voted on at this year’s IAM Grand Lodge Convention. 

              I want to take a moment to ensure all our members understand the way Constitutional Changes work within the IAM. First, the District has no influence over the decisions made by the elected Local Lodge Delegates attending the Convention. Convention Delegates are elected at the Local Lodge level. This is in accordance with Article II, Section 3 of the Constitution stating that “At a meeting of each Local Lodge in April of convention year, a nomination of Delegates and Alternate Delegates shall be held by all Local Lodges. At a meeting of each Local Lodge in May of convention year, an election of Delegates and Alternate Delegates by secret ballot shall be held by all Local Lodges….” Some members are confusing the duties and responsibilities of the District with those of the Local Lodge Convention Delegates. I hope this clarifies some of the misconceptions going around that the District Staff is attempting to change your dues structure. The only way your dues structure can be changed is if the Local Lodge Convention Delegates from across the United States and Canada approve any proposals made at the 2008 Grand Lodge Convention held this September.

               Setting this aside, I can report to you that the International Law Committee is currently considering making a proposal to change the dues structure. Attempts to change the dues structure have occurred at past conventions, however; I believe the last actual change was made in 1974. We have heard the International is considering the adoption of a 2% dues based on your 40-hour workweek. What we do not know is exactly what their final proposal will be. Having attended several conventions as a Local Lodge Delegate, I have seen dozens of proposals reviewed, modified, or even rejected between the beginning of the Convention and the end. 

              I would encourage each of you to attend your Local Lodge Meetings in the coming months and engage your Lodge Leadership in discussions concerning the dues structure. When Lodge Delegates are elected, I strongly encourage you to let them know how you feel as they will be your voice at the 2008 Grand Lodge Convention. 

  If anyone would like to view the entire Article II, Section 3 of the Constitution they can visit the Districts website at www.iam837.org.  (Select the left hand link titled "Art II Sec 3" for viewing.)

  Fraternally,
            Gordon King
  Assistant Directing Business Representative

  February 12, 2008

   Dear Boeing Sisters and Brothers, 

              The “snow” day announced by Boeing last week created some problems for some members.  We want you to know if you see inclement weather prior to leaving your house, you can call 1-800-899-6431 for the Boeing hotline.  But remember, the company can use the hotline, or a radio announcement at KMOX Radio, or a message on KMOX’s website at least 2 hours before start of shift.  Please realize it can be any one of the three. 

              The PPSP for 2007 will be one week’s pay and should be on your 2^nd paycheck in February.  If you have any problems receiving this pay, please contact your Manager and Shop Steward right away. 

              Don’t forget, you will be receiving a $2500.00 bonus due in May.  The Share Value Trust (Negotiated in 2007) should be paid out in July of this year.  As our members were excluded from the prior Share Value Trust to May 2007, we will be pro-rated for this payout. 

                                                              Fraternally
                                                              Gordon King
                                      Assistant Directing Business Representative

  January 24, 2008  

  STRIKE RALLY FOR IAM LOCAL 777

  Dear Brothers and Sisters, 

              IAM Local 777 members have been on strike against Valley Ford since November 1, 2007.  This Saturday, January 26, 2008 there will be a Rally by Union. Members throughout the area to show our support and solidarity for the striking members. 

                                                  Date:                Saturday, January 26, 2008
                                                  Time:                10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. (NOON)
                                                  Location:          675 Dunn Road, Hazelwood, Missouri 

              Parking will be along Dunn Road or at the UAW Regional Office nearby.  Please make every effort to attend.  It is vital that we display the strength of unity. 

                                                              Fraternally yours,
                                                              Gordon King
                                                              Assistant Directing Business Representative

   January 24, 2008

  RALLY * RALLY 

  AMERICA’S EDGE
  OUR SKILLS
  OUR KIDS
  www.americasedge.tv

   

  Dear Brothers and Sisters, 

              Good jobs come from good skills – it’s America’s Edge in the global economy.  But will our kids get the training they need to keep America’s jobs here?  Will our children work in safe factories with good pay and benefits, or will the work be done overseas? 

  (It is up to us to demand affordable training for the next generation of workers, our kids.) 

              You are invited to a rally with IAM International President Tom Buffenbarger and other special guests to keep America’s Edge at the forefront of the 2008 Presidental Campaign. 

                                                  Date – Sunday, January 27, 2008
                                                  Time – Doors open at 12:00 P.M.
                                                  Place – District Lodge 837
                                                               212 Utz lane
                                                               Hazelwood, MO  63042 

              This rally is sponsored by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, AFL-CIO, www.goiam.org.  Bring your children.  Refreshments will be provided. Group photos will be taken for use in the IAM Journal.   

              I look forward to seeing all of you this Sunday. 

                                                  Fraternally yours,
                                                  Gordon King
                                                  Assistant Directing Business Representative

  January 18, 2008 

  Dear Brothers and Sisters, 

  With deep sorrow and a heavy heart I must report to the membership that our Brother and President Directing Business Representative, Rick Smith, passed away on the morning of January 18, 2008. 

  Currently, Funeral arrangements are being made at Stygar Funeral Home, 5987 Mid-Rivers Mall Drive, St. Peters, Missouri 63376, (636) 970-7200. Further information on visitation and burial arrangements will be available tomorrow at www.iam837.org or by contacting Stygar Funeral Home.           

  Rick was a proud union member for 41 years and served the District 837 membership as President since 1998. He was and always will be admired for his conviction and dedication to organized labor and his devotion to our members which never wavered. He will be greatly missed by everyone. 

  The Smith family has requested that any memorial contributions be made to the Guide Dogs of America – St Louis Chapter.

   Our thoughts and prayers are with the Smith family.

  Fraternally yours,
              Gordon King
  Assistant Directing Business Representative