LAWSUIT DISMISSAL: The appellants/plaintiffs have dropped their lawsuit (without prejudice) that prevented the elected collective bargaining officials elected in the May 5th, 2005 general election from taking office. As of Monday (6/20/05) both Unit 1 and Unit 2 will be represented by those elected on May 5th, 2005. Both Unit 1 and Unit 2 local contracts remain in effect.

The appeals and one election protest are in process in accordance with the UAW International Constitution.

PAYCHECKS AND UNEMPLOYMENT FORMS: Paychecks for week ending July 3rd will be distributed on Friday, July 8th, by the main cafeteria between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., along with unemployment forms (if needed). Paychecks for the week ending July 3rd (4th of July holiday pay) will be distributed on Friday, July 15th (if yours is being issued), by the main cafeteria between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

UNEMPLOYMENT INFORMATION FOR VACATION SHUTDOWN: Members with less than 80 hours vacation MUST file for unemployment (if eligible) by calling 1.877.644.6562 or by filing online at http://unemployment.ohio.gov. Information for filing your claim is listed below:

1. You must use claim number 500281 for any layoff during the vacation shutdown.
2. If you have forty (40) hours vacation, but less than eighty (80) hours, claim the second week.
3. Anyone with less than forty (40) hours must sign up for both weeks.
4. Holiday pay is to be claimed the first week (only if you are receiving unemployment for that week).
5. Forms available in Human Resources with full details and instructions.

SUB PAY: You can sign up in Human Resources during normal business hours: 8:00 a.m. through 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday ONLY IF IT IS A WAITING WEEK or if you are paid 20 hours for the second week of vacation. You must bring your denial slip from the state to sign up for sub. Once you start getting an unemployment check, your SUB pay will be automatic (no signing up necessary). Human Resources will be closed Monday, July 4th.

WORKING THE 4th OF JULY?? – IMPORTANT NOTICE: Anyone scheduled to work July 4th still needs to sign-up for the conversion in Labor Relations, otherwise you will be paid holiday pay in your paycheck along with your weekly wage.

MEDICAL LEAVES: If your medical leave ends during the shutdown, you MUST CLEAR through Medical and Human Resources at that time, and you will then be put on vacation. If your medical leave expires during the shutdown you must provide continued medical leave coverage from your doctor to the plant Medical Department. If you DO NOT do so, you will be sent a five (5) day notice. Human Resources staff will be on duty from 8:00 a.m. through 3:00 p.m. during the shutdown, except for Monday, July 4th.

INVERSE SENIORITY SIGN UP for periods of temporary layoff will also take place beginning July 18th, 2005, for Skilled Trades, Plant Services, Material Handling and Executive Board members starting Monday, July 18th at 8:00 A.M. until Friday, July 22nd until midnight. This list will become effective August 8, 2005 until February 2006.

2004 EARNINGS AND BENEFITS SUMMARY ERROR: For your information, the Statements for employees that elected Optional Life Insurance limits of $175,000 and $200,000 do not reflect the true amounts. For example, if they elected $200,000, the Statements read $20,000. Employees can contact Mutual of Omaha at 800.742.8215 to verify the amount of their true elections.

PRESIDENT AND CHAIRMEN: If needed during the shutdown, you can reach Tim Donovan, President, by calling the union hall at 934-3151 Ext 22 or by calling pager number 1-888-517-8256. Nick Gallogly, Chairman/Unit 1, can be reached by calling his office in the plant at 933-1321 or by calling pager number 1-888-780-3098. Chris Viscomi, Skilled Trades Chairman, can be reached by calling his office at 933-1424 or through the plant paging system at 933-1483, number 231.

NEXT UNION MEETING: Due to the membership’s action at the June union meeting, our next membership meeting is on Sunday, July 24th, 2005 at Southview High School, 2270 East 42nd Street in Lorain.

The Executive Board, Chairpersons, Bargaining and Committee Structures, Appointees and I would like to wish each and everyone a safe and happy vacation.