OHIO ASSEMBLY / LORAIN CONSOLIDATION: At this time, your local union leadership does not have any details of the consolidation. UAW Region 2-B Director Lloyd Mahaffey has informed us that he will meet with UAW National Ford Director Gerald D. Bantom sometime this month. As soon as we have facts provided to us by the International Union, we will inform the membership.

MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY: Our next paid holiday is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, on Monday, January 17, 2005. You must work the day after, Tuesday, January 18th, 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 18th and 19th off with an excused absence, you STILL MUST WORK Thursday, January 20th to get paid for the holiday.

2006 ECONOLINE MODEL CHANGE: The company informed your Chairmen and Bargaining Structure that the model change for 2006 has been moved up to April 18, 2005. With April 18, 2005 now the job one date, the 120-day clock will begin May 2, 2005. If you have any questions contact your Committeeperson in your area.

HOURLY OPTIONAL EMPLOYEE AND DEPENDENT LIFE INSURANCE: Limited Open Enrollment Period. When: January 17th, 2005 through March 2nd, 2005 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. For further info please contact Benefit Reps Tom Orlando at 933-1322 or Dotti Washington at 934-3151 ext. 29.

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. 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 Dotti Washington, Benefits Representative, at 440-934-3151 extension 29 or Tom Orlando, Benefits Representative, at 933-1322.

CORRECT ADDRESS & PHONE NUMBER NEEDED: To protect your job, it is very important that you keep your records up to date. Please go to Human Resources and give them your correct address and phone number. You can either call or stop in at the union hall to be sure your records are correct there (440-934-3151 Ext. 21).

THE WINNER IS: The Veterans’ Committee Christmas Basket Raffle winner was Bill Barendt, from the Unit 2 Body Shop. The Veterans’ Committee would like to thank all those who contributed to this fundraiser.

BJ’S AND COSTCO WAREHOUSE MEMBERSHIPS: Discounts for UAW Local 2000 members/Ford employees will continue to be available only at the union hall until further notice.

UNION MEETING: The next scheduled union meeting is Sunday, February 13, 2005, at the Local Union Hall, 3151 Abbe Road at 2:30 P.M. Agenda: Discussion and vote of proposed by-laws changes and recommendations from the By-Laws Committee.