History

Tuesday January 20,2009 marked one of the most significant days in our Nations History and will also go down as one of the most significant days in the lives of the four Local 245 delegates that were in the Nations capital to witness the Inauguration of President Barack Obama! I was humbled and proud to represent our local along with Vice President Bob MacDonald, R&E Unit Chairman Rodney Clemons and CAP Chairman Brian Arp! Our Journey started on Sunday as we drove to Washington DC followed by a day full of events on Monday which included attending the Michigan Delegation reception at the Library of Congress hosted by Governor Granholm, Lt. Governor John Cherry, Senators Debbie Stabenow and Carl Levin as well as all Republican and Democratic Congresspeople from all 15 of Michigan's Congressional Districts. Following the reception and a great deal of conversation with elected representatives about our retirees, each of our Untis at Local 245, the auto industry and middle class issues, we then waited in line to receive our tickets for the Inauguration itself. After 2 hours waiting we received our tickets and then attended a Congressional reception in the House Office Building.
Tuesday of course brought us to the National Mall as the four of us stood and witnessed the swearing in of President Obama. Not only was this historic because he is the first African American to become President, but also because of the huge number of people that turned out to witness the event. As I have told many of you that have asked about the trip; First of all, It is hard to put into words but what was nice to see was that no matter your color, origin, looks or party everyone on that mall that day were friends. Definitely no other description or classification that day except that we are all "Americans." Everyone we came in contact with was friendly and willing to talk like we have known them before, and some of those that we talked to extensively showed support for the UAW and labor. I watched people befriend the elderly, handicapped and those with little children. it gave me a clear vision that this country is about people, especially people helping people! What matters most are the people and we need leaders only to lead and unite the people no matter what party.
That is what we have now, a leader who can unite. How long will it last? As long as the people demand it! Tuesday was historic because of the President that took office, but it was refreshing to see the positive energy and hope of a nation at a time of peril and distress. A nation whose people thirst for a leader to unite them, and get our country back on track!
I am humbled and proud that Local 245 got to be represented at this momentous occasion as we usher in a change that this country has needed, as well as witness the good in people, perfect strangers as a matter of fact, from all corners of our nation and the world! Thank You!

Historic week

I now have an email address that is finally functional at the local after a couple of attempts. My new email is president@local245.com and runs in conjunction with our new website. All feed back I have received about our website has been very positive! Thank you to Ed Huddleston who continues to work and maintain our site on his own time. We have much more to get on the site and will continue adding material to the site to make it as informative as it can be!
The first Holiday of the New Year, Monday, gives us a chance to remember an American Legend Martin Luther King Jr. Please take a moment on your negotiated day off to remember the remarkable achievements that Dr. King contributed to history. We are a better society today due to his tireless efforts in Civil Rights.
As Inauguration Day approaches on Tuesday, All Americans have the hope of a new administration as President elect Barack Obama gets sworn into office. So many of our members worked extremely hard to get Senator Obama to this point and we continue to have high expectations for him to support labor and get our country back on track! My continued thanks to each of you that worked to get Obama elected! Enjoy Tuesday it is the change and hope we worked for!

Update

I have received quite a few questions about the upcoming "contract modifications." At this time there is not an update as the teams will not begin talks until Monday. This week I received a letter from Vice President King stating that the bargaining teams were meeting in Detroit this week and will begin talks with the companies next week. Remember that any modifications must be sent to the membership for their approval. If you have suggestions or ways the company can cut their cost please email me and I will forward it to the bargaining team.
Don't forget the bowling tournament is right around the corner so get your teams together and sign up at Local 245.
Thanks to all parties the UAW Ford food and clothing drive was a good success and we thank each of you that contributed and I thank our community service committee for spearheading this years drive along with members of all Ford management groups for their participation.
Finally my email has changed at the local. My new email address is president@local245.com
Have a great weekend and be safe!

Union Meetings!

Hello!
Just a reminder that the R&E Unit and General Membership Meetings are this Sunday January 11, 2009 at noon and 1pm. The meetings were moved up one week in honor of the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday. Please plan on attending. Also if you are trying to contact me via email, my email account at the local is not working, so please call or page me. Thank you!