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The Governor Appoints A Local 6000 Member |
Congratulations to Caroline Ross our Health and Safety Representative who has been appointed to the Occupational Health Standards Commission. Ms. Ross has been active in our Local in health and safety issues for a number of years and has worked on health issues with the State of Michigan for numerous projects such as Ergonomics and Chemical standards.
The Michigan Legislature created the modern Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Act, Public Act 154 of 1974, in order to better prevent workplace injuries, illnesses and fatalities in Michigan by setting and enforcing occupational safety and health standards; promoting safety and health training and education; and working with partners to develop innovative programs to prevent workplace hazards. P.A. 154 went into effect for private sector employers on January 1, 1975 and for public sector employers on July 1, 1975.
Caroline will be the Labor representative and has stated, “I am proud now that our Local will have a voice.” Once again we congratulate Caroline Ross, our Health and Safety Representative.
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Retirement Legislation Included in FY 11 Budget |
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Senate Majority Leader Republican Mike Bishop and House Speaker Democrat Andy Dillon will present a retirement proposal to lawmakers today. The retirement proposal if passed will be included in the 2010-11 fiscal budgets. Bishop claims, the projected plan provides $84 million dollars in funds that is needed to balance the budget and provide funds for transportation which opens the door for $475 million in federal funding.
Under the proposal, state employees eligible to retire would receive a 1.6 multiplier if they retire within the specified timeframe. Employees with a combined age and 30 years of service equal to 80 will also be eligible with a reduced multiplier of 1.55. In addition, the remaining work force will have to contribute 3 percent of their salary to a health care trust which will be phased in over a three year period.
Many Republican legislators have threatened to cut revenue sharing which could include public safety officers for local communities if the retirement proposal does not pass. The Fiscal budget for 2010-11 will not include funding for the 3 percent raise which for all State Departments will affect essential services provided.
UAW Local 6000 has aggressively spoken out against any legislation that will cut the pay of our members. We stand by the contract and all wages and benefits cuts must first be presented at the bargaining table and ratified by the membership. The leadership supports a retirement plan that would allow members that have dedicated their lives to public service to retire with reasonable benefits and dignity. We will continue to fight against the forced three percent salary contribution but we can’t do this alone.
On the left side of the page you will find the Legislative Information tab that will direct you to your State Senator and Representative.
Tell your State Senator and Representative to make a real plan for retirement that does not penalize YOU, the State Employee; let them know all state departments are already drastically understaffed and the consequences will be devastating if the safety net is further weakened. ACT NOW and let your Senator and Representative know the State has over $13 billion in PRIVATE contracts and a cut of 5% would save the State $800 million annually!
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State Senator McManus Introduces "Right-To-Work" Legislation |
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Senate Bill No. 1466 and 1467 were introduced by Senator Michelle McManus and referred to the Committee on Commerce and Tourism on August 24, 2010. This is “right – to – work” legislation. The bills are a way for people to reduce your pay and weaken your family’s health insurance. The bills would also take away your dignity at work and funnel more money and power to corporate leaders. The truth is “right – to- work” is really ‘right- to- be fired” or right – to – work for less”. When you set up a system that allows people to skip paying dues, it means some people get the benefits of collective bargaining without paying. Over time, fewer people choose to pay dues and unions lose members and become financially ruined. This in turn weakens the labor movement’s political strength because they cannot mobilize members and support union- oriented politicians and projects.
If you have doubts about the rights and protection you have in Michigan, travel to the “right –to- work” states (many southern states and western states) or review census information about income levels. Check out their pay and benefits, not to mention workplace rights they do not enjoy. Powerful interest groups plot to weaken our spirits and execute their influence; Michigan already has billions of dollars in private personal service contracts that have little oversight. Senator McManus and some other politicians do not want unions to hold them accountable for policy that hurts working people. Call your own State Representative and State Senator; tell them not to support SB 1466 and 1467. For contact information go to the Legislative Information tab on the left side of this web page. |
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Attention All MDOC Members |
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The Department lifted its hold on updating Bump
Preference Forms (BPF). Everyone should review their BPF to ensure it
accurately reflects their choices as they cannot be updated once the
Department provides the Union notice of a Reduction In Force.
If you have any questions regarding the BPF, please contact your Steward or
Union Local Representative. If you don't know who your Representatives are then
call Local 6000 at 1-800-243-1985. You should also check the website,
www.uawlocal6000.org and/or call the Hotline at 1-800-321-0829. |
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Bob King Fires Up Local 6000 Stewards |
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On July 19, 2010 UAW Local 6000 was packed with Stewards from around Michigan.  The training covered the principles and techniques of organizing worksites and Labor/Management. The morning session lead by Local Representatives Celia Ontiveros and Jim Walkowicz. Stewards had the opportunity to meet their brothers and sisters from different departments and locations in Michigan. Local 6000 President Ed Mitchell presided over the event and made the day possible with his steady leadership.
After the official training was completed the room was brought to their feet by International UAW President Bob King. The President passionately talked about UAW members who took action three generations ago so all Americans could have dignity at work. President King also talked about how the labor fight has now gone global. All over the planet the struggle for basic human rights continues. President King talked about the new UAW Gimme FIVE program, which is designed to help members build power and win justice. State employees unfortunately know all about injustice as our wages and benefits have been slashed. The hard work of the past is starting to evaporate as public employees become discouraged, overworked, and undervalued. President King stated the answer is to take power back by organizing workers, overturning anti-worker labor laws and to pass the Employee Free choice Act.
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The Power of Becoming Active |
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There is power in becoming an active member of our Local. The power is in the ability to use resource available to us such as the freedom of speech, power of the pen, the right to gather publicly and present opposing views without being jailed. Recently, members of Local 6000 have utilized all those powers in writing our legislators in regards to stopping legislation that would be harmful to issues concerning retirement and benefits. Members have also used their power to speak by making appointments with their legislator and to testify at House and Senate Hearings. We have also gathered and held rallies in response to attacks on our retirement benefits, health care, public safety issues, and Wall Street’s attack on Main Street. In the past few months public employees have demonstrated we will no longer sit idly by while corporate America or politicians take what we have worked long and hard to obtain. We will gather where we need to apply pressure, speak up when we are attacked, and oppose legislation that threatens to unravel our futures.
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UAW Delegates Elect A New President |
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As the most democratic Union in the world the UAW elected Bob King as their new International  President. President King has been a long time acquaintance and help to our Local and a strong Unionist. Local 6000 send their best wishes and welcome our new International President.
President King in a roll call vote received the required two-thirds votes for the Presidency although the count was nearly unanimous. |
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