MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY: Our next paid holiday is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, on Monday, January 15th. You must work the day after, Tuesday, January 16th, or have an excused absence for that day to receive holiday pay, but you MUST work your next scheduled day. Example: If you have January 16th and 17th off with an excused absence, you STILL MUST WORK January 18th to get paid for the holiday.

TENTATIVE SATURDAYS: The company has advised Chairman Nick Gallogly and the Bargaining Structure that there will be mandatory Saturdays for both shifts on the following dates: February 3rd, February 17th, March 3rd, April 14th and April 28th. Please note: Schedules are always subject to change.

SMOKING CESSATION SIGN-UP will be on Thursday, January 18th from 3:30 to 6:30 PM and on Friday, January 19th from 7:00 AM to 10:30 AM. Both sign-ups will be in the main cafeteria and inside the old cafeteria on Miller Road side.

SMOKING CESSATION TREATMENTS will be given in the Thunderbird Room on the following dates and times: Monday, January 22nd from 2:00 PM to 11:00 PM, Tuesday, January 23rd from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Wednesday, January 24th from 2:00 PM to 11:00 PM and Thursday, January 25th from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. The treatments will be available at Local 2000 Union Hall for retirees and spouses on Monday, January 22nd from 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM and on Wednesday January 24th from 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM. Please note: The treatments being given at the union hall are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Appointments will not be scheduled for treatments being given at Local 2000 Union Hall.

HOURLY OPTIONAL EMPLOYEE AND DEPENDENT LIFE INSURANCE: Limited Open Enrollment Period. When: January 22nd through March 5th as provided in the UAW/Ford agreement. Active employees who currently have coverage under the Employee and Dependent Optional Life Insurance Plan may increase the amount of coverage one level only during the specified period regardless of their health history. To obtain the enrollment forms, contact the Optional Insurance Plan office at 1-800-742-8215. Representatives will be available at that number from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. For further information please contact Benefit Rep Ron Bills at 934-3151 ext. 29.

UAW LEGAL SERVICES MOVES: As of January 26th, UAW Legal Services’ new address will be 5300 Baumhart Road, Suite 3, Lorain, OH 44053. Their new telephone number will be 282.1392 and their fax will be 282.1504.

BENEFITS -- DEPENDENTS’ AUDITS: Ford Motor company is continually running audits on eligible dependents on your health care coverage. If you have a son or daughter or ex-spouse who is no longer eligible to be covered, it is YOUR responsibility to call the N.E.S.C. and tell them to remove that person or persons. Their phone number is 1-800-248-4444. We have many members who are repaying the premiums paid by the company for dependents not removed in a timely manner. In order to be an eligible dependent, you must be able to claim them on your 1040 Tax Return. If you have any questions call Ron Bills, Benefits Representative, at 440-934-3151, extension 29.

CORRECT ADDRESS & PHONE NUMBER NEEDED: To protect your job, it is very important that you keep your records up to date. If you have moved and/or your phone number has changed, please go to Human Resources to update your current information. You can either call or stop in at the union hall to be sure your records are correct there (440-934-3151 Ext. 21).

NATIONAL UAW FORD AND SUB COUNCILS 2, 3 & 8, MEETINGS: The Unit 1 and 3 Chairpersons, one (1) Bargaining Committeemen, Skilled Trades Chairman and myself will be attending these meetings January 16th through January 19th. Jerome Williams, 1st Vice President, will be replacing me as President and can be reached at the Local or by the paging system 933.1483, then enter 0059 at the prompt. The Unit Chairpersons will list their replacements for those attending this conference in their respective units.

UNION MEETING: Due to membership action at the December monthly membership meeting, the next scheduled union meeting is Sunday January 21st at U.A.W. Local 2000 Union Hall.