UNIT TO UNIT MOVEMENT INTACT...

The unit to unit transfer will take place per our local agreement The seniority employees that have chosen to transfer from Unit 1 to Unit 2 will be moved in seniority order. Employees that have chosen to work in Unit 1 have already started to report to the Econoline System.

I would like to thank Nick Gallogly and Ken Kruse and their respective Bargaining Structures for working together to resolve the issues. Whether the company intentionally put one unit against the other or not, both structures were united to insure that every member of Local 2000 would still have their choice of which unit they would like to work in.

We would also like to thank the membership for their understanding and support during a week that was difficult for all those involved.

I'd also like to thank Nick Parente, U.A.W. Region 2-B International Servicing Representative for his assistance and support. We met on Thursday, February 13th for many hours with the Human Resource Department, that proved to be very productive and positive.

You may have noticed an article in the Chronicle Telegram on Friday, February 14, 2003, one of our concerned members thought this situation needed to be aired out in the news media. Why someone would do this is beyond me. The last thing we need is for our differences or disputes in the local news. In the collective bargaining process there are disputes daily. The disputes are resolved through the process not the news media. This kind of attention we dont need or desire!

Since Local 2000/Ohio Assembly became a two (2) unit facility, we have overcome many stumbling blocks and hurdles. This has been accomplished by working together as Local 2000.

We must continue to build the best van in the market and make every effort to insure that the launch of the Escape is successful for the future of this membership and the Ohio Assembly Plant for years to come.