GKN SpeedFacts
Recent SpeedFacts and Media Events
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INTER-OFFICE COMMUNICATIONS
DATE: July 16, 2008
TO: All Business Representatives and GKN Plant Chairmen
SUBJECT: GKN Cost-of-Living effective July 21, 2008
April 2008 210.6
May 2008 212.7
June 2008 215.2
The accumulative total for this contract is $1.39 cents. If you have any questions, please let me know.
If you have any questions, please let me know. -
July 30, 2008
Dear Sisters and Brothers of GKN Aerospace,
We have received a few questions about the Company’s decision to hire new employees through its contract with Volt Technical Services. So you know, the Company has the right to decide the process it uses to hire new employees.
However, the Company must adhere to contractual obligations at the time it hires any employee to perform collective bargaining work. These obligations are the same regardless of the hiring process or if the employee’s wages are paid through a third-party. As in the past, the Company can terminate employees during their 40-day probationary period. Following probation, new employees are subject to the union security clause in our contract as a condition of employment. Currently, GKN has hired 5 employees through Volt and anticipates up to approximately another 20 employees by the end of the year.
In addition, 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
If a person is successful in meeting the designated achievement levels for each of the assessments, they will receive a call from GKN. GKN will give them two or more assessments. If they are successful, they will be given an interview. If everything is still acceptable, they will be invited to attend a three-week Composites Assembly Training course (50% classroom / 50% hands on) – three weeks of five days per week, eight hours per day.
If the candidate successfully passes the class, a validation interview will be completed. Once the candidate has successfully passed all steps, a background screen will be completed. If everything is acceptable, an offer will be made contingent on passing a company physical and hair follicle drug screen.
They will start with day classes and will add night classes. The night classes will accommodate those candidates who work full time during the day. These classes will be for six weeks, five days per week, four hours per day. -
July 24, 2008
Gordon King
President Directing Business Representative -
July 8, 2008
FLOOD DISASTER ASSISTANCE
Dear Sisters and Brothers of Boeing, GKN Aerospace and RTI Tradco,
Canned Goods
Bottled Water
Gatorade or similar bottled drinks
Bug Spray
Bleach
Cleaning Supplies
Mops
Brooms
Dust Masks
Laundry Baskets
Laundry DetergentsAny 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.
Fraternally yours,
Gordon King
President Directing Business Representative
June 13, 2008
Dear Sisters and Brothers of GKN Aerospace,
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 20th. 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.
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.
Make sure you received your IAM 2008 Pension Pay Survey that was recently handed out. The surveys must be returned to the Union Hall by July 18, 2008.
Fraternally yours,
Gordon King
President Directing Business Representative -
May 7, 2008
Dear Sisters and Brothers of GKN,
By now, everyone should have received his or her survey on Healthcare issues. If not, copies are available from you Union Shop Steward. I urge each of you to complete the survey and return them back in as soon as possible. Your responses will be used to set goals and agenda as we begin the contract negotiations this fall.
On April 22, 2008 the Union notified the Company that we were immediately withdrawing from the previous agreement/understanding on In-plant Workshops because of the actions of some in management. A new agreement negotiated on May 2, 2008 includes the following guidelines:
- Non-Bargaining Unit Personnel will be allowed to assist CBU employees in conducting manual tasks associated with the rearrangement of shop floor areas and associated cleanup activities due to lean activities.
- Follow-up painting activities related to subject lean activities would be performed by CBU employees from within the work cell. Such painting activities will be of ordinary nature (i.e. painting of lines and general area sprucing up and not to include major painting projects or efforts.) The Company, however, reserves the ability to allow third parties to perform follow-up lean associated painting activities should it realize an unintended result not meeting expectations.
- At no time during work rearrangement activities should Non-Bargaining Unit personnel out number CBU employees.
- It is agreed that the Shop Steward of the area involved will be invited to the initial meeting of the proposed workshop. An open invitation will also be extended to the IAMAW Chairmen.
- Both parties will review this agreement after 30 days. Identified problems will be addressed to correct the situation.
- This agreement shall remain in effect for the duration of the current Collective Bargaining Agreement dated January 9, 2006.
Please notify your Shop Steward of any problems or concern you may have because of lean workshops.
Fraternally yours,
Gordon King
President Directing Business Representative -
April 22, 2008
TANKER LETTER & COLA
Dear Sisters and Brothers of GKN,
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 April 21, 2008, will be (.16 cents) sixteen cents. The accumulative total for this contract is now $1.03.
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 (2nd) shift.
· Plant Chairman Roger Smith will transfer to first (1st) 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
Fraternally yours,
Gordon King
President Directing
Business Representative
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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 RepresentativeNotice 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 3rd 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
Tim Young Secretary TreasurerMarch 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 RepresentativePress Release Issued Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Machinists Speak Out on Recent
USAF Tanker DealThe 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.
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March 3, 2008
Dear GKN Sisters and Brothers,
I wanted to give you an update following our walk through the plant on Friday, February 15, 2008, with Steve Pulliam and Bart Wiehl. I was very proud of your professionalism when you voiced your concerns to the company. It was a big eye opener for both men. Apparently, your concerns had never been elevated past Shop Floor Managers before.
The company met with us in my office on Monday, February 25, 2008, and presented a list of 39 action items they are addressing as a result of your comments. I will provide the Plant Chairmen and Shop Stewards with a copy of the list for you to view.
The company has agreed to join us on walks through the plant and listen to the concerns of 2nd and 3rd shift members. This practice will continue periodically on all shifts indefinitely.
While I do appreciate the company taking a step in the right direction, we all are still waiting for a positive change.
Fraternally,
Gordon King
Assistant Directing Business RepresentativeFebruary 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 RepresentativeFebruary 15, 2008
REVISED SCRAP POLICY
Dear GKN Sisters & Brothers,
It appears GKN Management understood the message I delivered to them in our meeting earlier this week about their unfair Scrap Policy.
They are immediately changing the policy that would not result in a suspension for a first occurrence. It includes other changes that address your concerns. Copies of the new policy will be given to Team leaders for you to read.
No one should question your continued dedication to quality but, we are all human and mistakes can happen. This change reflects that human element.
I am pleased that GKN took action on their unfair and inconsistent Scrap Policy. While this is a step in the right direction more action is needed to address your issues. I will continue to pressure the company to make improvements.
Fraternally yours,
Gordon King
Assistant Directing Business RepresentativeFebruary 12, 2008
Dear GKN Sisters and Brothers,
In a meeting yesterday, with GKN Vice-Presidents Burt Weihl and Steve Pulliam I delivered our concerns. I pointed out the continued lack of respect by management towards our members, the unfair scrap policy, their refusal to cancel shifts during inclement weather and the general way management interacts with our members.
These issues have been brought to their attention many times in the past and we have seen no improvements. So, I asked for this meeting to inform them that until I hear from you of improvements on these issues District #837 will no longer be involved with or endorse joint efforts of any kind.
GKN indicated they haven’t heard much about our concerns from the members on the shop floor. So, I invited both men to walk through the plant with me, Steve McDerman, Mike Edwards and Major Ross this Friday and speak directly to you. We will visit the other shifts next week. I strongly encourage you to take this opportunity to voice your concerns directly to those who can implement the changes we need.
Fraternally yours,
Gordon King
Assistant Directing Business Representative
February 7, 2008SURVEYS
Dear Sisters and Brothers of GKN,
We will begin negotiations this fall for a new Collective Bargaining Agreement with GKN Aerospace Company.
So, this year you will be asked to complete three different surveys to collect more detailed feedback for your Bargaining Committee.
· The first survey you will see this week is like what you have been used to in prior contract years. Please return the surveys to your Shop Steward by Friday, February 15, 2008.
· We will follow the first survey a few weeks later with one solely focused on Healthcare for our members.
· Finally we will ask you to complete a third survey that will prioritize all the issues important to our members.
We are conducting these surveys earlier then we have in the past in order to
utilize the staff at our International Strategic Resources Department in the most effective way and, so our negotiating team has this information ready when we begin drafting the contract proposals.
I encourage each of you to fully complete each survey and return them as soon as possible. Your responses will be used to set goals and agenda for contract bargaining.
Fraternally yours,
Gordon King
Assistant Directing Business RepresentativeJanuary 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, MissouriParking 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 RepresentativeJanuary 24, 2008
RALLY * RALLY
AMERICA’S EDGE
OUR SKILLS
OUR KIDS
www.americasedge.tvDear 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 63042This 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 RepresentativeJanuary 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