VOLUME 30 ISSUE NO. 11 NOVEMBER 1, 2015 Belonging, Believing, Building in Solidarity (U.S.P.S. 002033)

RECORDING SEC’Y

LouisRocha

PRESIDENt

VICE-PRESIDENt

FINANCIAL SEC’Y

CliffFatt

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GeraldLang

HeatherHerrera

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Phone: (248) 377-2520 Fax: (248) 377-2608

LABOR NEWSFinancial SecretaryCLIFF FAtt

Amalgamated Local 5960 Orion Assembly

180 E. Silver Bell Road • Lake Orion, MI 48360www.uaw5960.org

President Louis Rocha

AWARD WINNING UAW LOCAL 5960

LucaLocal Union

Communication Assoc.

Local Agreements

wednesday, november 18Retirees Meeting

monday, november 16Veterans Day ((UAW-Negotiated Holiday)

Many times UAW Local 5960 has been first. We were the first UAW Local to embrace Teamwork in the workplace. 5960 was the first UAW Local to have a female president of a major assembly center (Rita Persinger) and the first Local to build five carlines on one assembly line. Well, we are at it again. UAW Local 5960 is the first UAW/GM Local to ratify their 2015 Local Agreement. Thanks to everyone who took the time to come to the Union Hall, hear the presentation and vote. A big thanks to the Bargaining Committee, who delivered an agreement that addressed the demands of the membership and placed our Local in a good position for the future.

PRODuCtION:Yes: 61% No: 39%SkILLED tRADES:Yes: 60% No: 40%

Ratified

PRODuCtION:Yes: 52% No: 48%SkILLED tRADES:Yes: 55% No: 45%

UAW INTERNATIONAL

UAW LOCAL 5960

wednesday, november 25Full Moon

Thursday, november 26Thanksgiving Day

Friday, november 27UAW-Negotiated Holiday

sunday, deCember 6Membership Meeting

Page 2 THE UAW LOCAL 5960 REPORT November 1, 2015

5960’SpReSident

RepoRtby Louis Rocha

To have the name of a U.S. service man or womanadded to UAW Local 5960’s

VeteRaNS MeMORiaL WaLLplease fill out this form and drop it off to

Al Yates, Veterans Committee

Name: ____________________________________________

Rank: _____________________________________________

Branch of Service: ___________________________________

Years: __________________ to _______________________

Ship: _____________________________________________

Conflict: ___________________________________________

We would like to thank and recognize all members of the United States Armed Forces, past and present.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!

A lot of news has been going on these past few weeks. The UAW-GM contract is next, along with the Orion plant going down to one shift. Keep in mind that everything we have (ben-efits, wages, safety, etc) has been ne-gotiated by your Union. Nothing, and I mean nothing, has been given to us. I am excited to see the highlights of the new contract, and I stand strong with my Brothers and Sisters at the table. I ask you all to hold your opin-ion on how you are going to vote until you hear the facts, and not the rumors. I also respect and encourage you all to vote your thoughts. As for the one shift, we all know that sales are down and we need a new product, now! Orion has faced tough times before, and we have recovered. We will once again bounce back from this slow period. This is the fourth year that we are building the Sonic, the Verano is phasing out, the Bolt doesn’t start production until October, and the winter months are before us. Put all that together, and it’s going to be a slow year in 2016. We’ve faced tough times before. Our plant was closed with no return date for anyone. But we thanks the Obama administration for giving us a

chance to prove ourselves, and thank to all of you for all of your hard work in keeping Orion a very competitive fa-cility and a leader in the corporation. I wish you all the best of luck and you all will be truly missed. Remem-ber, your Union is making every effort to make sure that your layoff period will not be long. At any time, if you have any questions, please feel free to call Joel (just kidding!). Call the hall and I will assist you and/or guide you in the right direction (248-377-2520). Repairs at the hall are still in prog-ress. Our parking lot is complete, sidewalks and slab done, atrium window panes installed, kitchen/hood fire extinguishers on order, furnaces being looked at (we have 9 at the hall, 3 are new, 6 are 30 years old) and the roof is sealed. Congratulations to those of you who won your bid for office this past election. It’s great to see new involvement. Some might say this was an off-election year. There is no year that is an off-election year. Every election counts and every vote counts. It is through legisla-tion that Union hands are being grabbed and tied. Recently, changes have once again been applied toward Workmans Com-pensation benefits; making it harder to get benefits and it does nothing but support corporations. Contractually, we cannot fight law. Legislators are looking at FMLA and a National R-T-W law that does not benefit us. Be aware of the issues that are being introduced and vote on those candi-dates who support your best interests. STAY STRONG! IN SOLIDARITY!!

Employee Hotline:1-888-774-8888

UAW 5960 Website:www.uaw5960.org

Stay on top of the news while away

The UAW 5960 Retirees Chapter awarded a trophy at the Golling Classic Car Show for the “Best UAW/GM Car” from 1975 and older. This year’s winner was George J. Oprita, who took the award with his 1965 GTO. Congratulations to George! Great car!

November 1, 2015 THE UAW LOCAL 5960 REPORT Page 3

by Cliff Fatt

Fin. SeC’Y-

Catch the Local 5960 web page for late breaking information and to contact the Local Union. To read this month’s editor’s article visit his blog at www.middleclassesblogger.blogspot.com. You can also visit UAW/GM Orion Assembly on Facebook and Twitter @ Orionassembly.

Visit our web site at:http://uaw5960.orgor e-mail us at:www.editor@uaw5960.org

Local 5960 is ON-LINE!

ExEcutivE Board:

lOUIS rOCHAPresident

GerAld lAnGVice-President

ClIff fAttFinancial Secretary

HeAtHer HerrerARecording Secretary

trOY HenKeTrustee

MArSHA GUtIerrezTrustee

AndreA VIreSTrustee

lArrY CAMpbellGuide

nICHOlAS peterSOnSergeant-at-Arms

rUpert O’brIenRetirees Chairman

LABOR NEWSThe Local 5960 Report is published monthly by the

U.A.W. Local 5960 180 E. Silver Bell Rd., Lake Orion, MI 48360.Subscription $25.00 per year.

The U.S.P. S. is 002033 for periodical postage rates paid at Lake Orion and at additional mailing offices, Lake Orion, MI 48360.

(Effective 7/1/90)Published monthly at Fenton, Mich. 48430 by Local 5960

POStMAStER:Send address changes to Local 5960 Report,180 E. Silver Bell Rd., Lake Orion, MI 48360

ADVISORY COMMIttEE:Louis Rocha

Dan Wagner (Retired Advisor)tony Hufford, Editor

Opinions expressed or signed in articles of the Local 5960 Report do not necessarily represent the positions or opinions of Local 5960.

LOCAL

5960

LOCAL 5960 AWARD WINNING

by Gerald Lang

Electric, Greg Amadore, 2nd shift, to replace lights in our parking lot and around our signs. Additionally, Grey-Belle Electric will be doing the electrical work necessary for the upgrade to our security/fire alarm system. Thank you, Greg, for offer-ing to donate some of your labor as we continue with our improvements. Additional changes include up-grading our kitchen fire suppression system (October 30), replacement and resealing the glass panes on our atrium (completed), replacement of door mechanisms, and other miscel-laneous general repair. Also this fall, we have plans to re-place 4 more of our 9 furnaces neces-sary to heat and cool our 16,000 sq. ft. Union Hall. In hopes of controlling rain water, and soon-to-come snow, on our roof, flashing on the roof has been resealed and downspouts and splash blocks have been replaced. Thank you to all of our members for your patience as we suffer the dirt, dust and the minor inconveniences as we continue to repair our 30-year-old

We have been informed the UAW and General Motors have a tenta-tive 4-year agreement. Joel and the Bargaining Committee will soon hold meetings at the Union Hall to give details of the contract and will allow for questions and afterwards a vote. Watch for further information. Due to the ability of Local 5960 to sell some of its land, the Hall now has funds to perform some long-overdue maintenance and upgrades to OUR Union Hall! The sidewalk repairs and the replacement of our asphalt parking lot have been completed and it looks great. Changes in the alloca-tion of handicap parking has allotted for more parking spaces for our chal-lenged members. We have contracted Grey-Belle

Recently, while reading an article, I came across a word and had to look it up. The word was “incredulous.” Do you know what “incredulous” means?By definition, incredulous is an un-willingness to admit or accept what is offered as true. Incredulous is the same as being mistrustful, disbeliev-ing, skeptical, distrustful, suspicious, doubtful and cynical. Maybe I’m a little sensitive, as I see the amount of incredulous behavior regarding our Union, contract talks, everyday operations and even each other. I see members looking at the Union as “they” or “them,” not “us.” I see, social media comments speaking out with such confidence on the un-known. I’ve seen and heard rampant speculation somehow used as rational

See FIN-SEC’Y on page 11

solution. I’ve heard and seen mem-bers questioning the integrity and character of brothers and sisters who make no attempt to take advantage or disenfranchise anyone in any way. There’s only one team to sup-port while working in our indus-try and it’s the UAW. We need to support and promote “our organi-zation.” We should all make every attempt to maintain its integrity. We belong to the best workers’ rights organization with an 80-year history of aiding workers to gain the respect they deserve. As members of a large labor or-ganization, there are only two things that are going to happen when things need to get done or action needs to happen. We’re either going to make it happen, or make an excuse. There is no bench to sit on in the Union. We’re all in the game and we need to win. Make it happen. Stop being in-credulous. Believe in and support your Union and the union way of life. I want to give some special recog-nition to our Local bargaining unit and the alternate committee for all their hard work during Local contract negotiations. Great job!

EMPLOYEE NAME DECEASED NAME RELATIONSHIP DATE

Donald Truman Sue Finton Spouse/Parent 9/19/2015

Patricia McBride Glenna Plumridge Parent 10/1/2015

Matt Hazen Bill Brown Grandparent 10/4/2015

Candi Rizzi Lucille Rood Parent 10/7/2015

William Draper Alfred Draper Parent 9/28/2015

Cynthia Boughton-Draper Alfred Draper Spouse/Parent 9/28/2015

David C. Duckworth Edgar Allen Duckworth, Jr. Parent 9/11/2015

Claudette Acosta Doraelia Diaz Mother 2/3/2015

Richard G. Joseph Richard G. Joseph Retired Member 9/28/2015

Reginald Robinson Reginald “Reggie” Robinson Retired Member 10/11/2015

Amy Skaggs James Whitworth Brother 10/13/2015

Thomas Tischler Thomas Tischler Retired Member 10/25/2015

James McCree Elizabeth McCree Sister 2012

James McCree Ollie McCree Father 2013

James McCree Matthew McCree Brother 1974

James McCree Lydia McCree Mother N/A

The Local 5960 Union Family extends our heart-felt condolences to the family and friends of the

following recently departed.

Local 5960Members & Family

Page 4 THE UAW LOCAL 5960 REPORT November 1, 2015

Hello Brothers and Sisters, Thanks to everyone who came out

to the National Agreement roll-out. It is great to see so many mem-bers in the union hall and taking part in the demo-cratic process. This is the process that we use to win

justice in the workplace. Last year, everyone had an oppor-tunity to put in national demands that were compiled, logged and entered into a contract proposal that was presented to the company early last summer. After many hours of lively debate, long hours of proposals and counter proposals. a tentative agree-ment was established. That tentative agreement only goes into effect if a majority of UAW-rep-resented GM employees, across this country and Canada, vote to make it so. This is democracy in action and is a cornerstone of our Union. This agreement addressed the financial division of production em-ployees. All our Traditional Members and Members in Progress will soon en-joy the same payscale and health care plan. This can only make us stronger. The International Bargainers won justice for all members to have the right to transfer to the GM location of their choice. Many times, this is simply a close to home decision. The financial package is second to none, with wage increases for all members, a very good signing bonus, increased performance bonus and ad-ditional holidays. Our profit-sharing plan had added record amounts to all UAW/GM members’ paychecks and will continue to do so. The Special Attrition Program (SAP) will be rolled out at Orion

OriOn Assemblyshop chairman

Assembly in early December, 2015. All members will have 45 days to re-view the program with an additional 7 days to change their minds. After the close of the application period (late January 2016), GM Manage-ment will determine the most senior 4,000 applicants. Members will be notified by GM Management of their eligibility and timing in late January or early February of 2016. Payments are typically payed six to eight weeks following retirement. Members who retire from this point forward without management notification and ap-proval will not be eligible. Brothers and sisters, I have seen many agreements during my time at General Motors with the UAW. This agreement addressed all of our demands that were submitted. Of course, we did not get everything exactly as we wanted it, but one item stands out to me and that is the mora-torium on outsourcing. This is a big deal. No UAW/GM jobs will leave this country during the life of this agreement, guaranteed in writing. Your job is safe and I and other like-minded UAW Representatives will work every day to add new workers to the UAW/GM ranks. There is a great future for UAW Local 5960 and Orion Assembly. The justice provided in this agreement will ensure that our members are fairly compensated and that your families can make financial progress. Finally, let me say thank you to all of our UAW 5960 brothers and sisters who will work at Hamtramck Assembly after the first of the year. Your hard work and dedication have helped UAW 5960/Orion Assembly be recognized as a leader in auto manufacturing. The UAW 5960 Bar-gaining Team will work every day to ensure your speedy return to Orion Assembly. Remember, if you have a question about the National or Local Agree-ment, I continue to have an open door policy for all members. In solidarity...

Joel Persinger

lOcAl 5960editor’s report

Tony Hufford

UAW Leads the Way! With the Big Three contracts be-ing all the talk across the country for the past 6 months, this attention for the UAW brothers and sisters at the Big Three must be hard for the au-toworkers at non-union plants like Toyota and Honda, who have no contract. “Shut up and do your job” is not a contract. The folks at these locations will never know that great feeling of hav-ing a voice in the workplace until they have the spine to organize. If you don’t have the gumption to make the man mad, you will never bask in the sun-light of a freshly signed UAW Master Agreement. While the Big Three members take to so-cial media and hit the streets to discuss and display their opinions (both pro and con) concerning their agree-ments, our non-union brothers and sisters are quiet, waiting for the master to throw them a bone. While the UAW has negotiated a Healthcare Plan, so juicy it requires a “Cadillac tax” under Obamacare, the transplanters visit the plant medical department to see their doctor...who drives a Cadillac. While we work to make entry-level brothers and sisters whole, their en-tire workforce is entry level and most non-union transplants have an entire shift of temporary workers. The Big Three UAW brothers and sisters are the backbone of the middle class and the country; respecting those who came before, gaining in the pres-ent and preparing for the future. The

Orion Assembly Center sends over a million tax dollars every year to Lake Orion and Pontiac Schools. That’s what I call a pillar of the community. The weekly payroll puts thousands into the national treasury every week and UAW 5960 members spend their money in places like Imlay City, Troy and Clarkston, helping those com-munities to thrive. Once a year, profits are added up and divided with all UAW 5960 UAW/GM Team Members getting a nice piece of the action. The recent $3.3 billion announced by GM for the third quarter of 2015 added some ingredients to an already respectable profit-sharing pie. The profits at non-union foreign trans-plants go to the mother country, Japan, Korea, Germany, etc. A big thank you to our Bargaining Team for their efforts to keep the “F” Lot designation as the parking place for non-Big-Three vehicles. Let’s never pretend that it’s okay to pur-

chase a vehicle from a non-union transplant or foreign car maker. Finally, let’s cel-ebrate the fact that we enjoy an organized workplace that oper-ates under negotiated rules like: seniority, health and safety reg-

ulations, overtime pay, and sick and accident payments. These are items that, many times, we take for granted, but they are not free. Those retired brothers and sisters who came before us fought for them. Before the Union the answer to most questions in the workplace was “no” – no weekend, no overtime, no healthcare. Now, we do a fair day’s work for a fair day’s pay and have the right to be treated with respect and dignity. The answer to many workplace questions is “yes,” I say union yes. Thanks for listening...Tony:)

It’s Been Said…

“You can clutch the past so tightly to your

chest that it leaves your arms too full to

embrace the present.”– Jan Glidewell

November 1, 2015 THE UAW LOCAL 5960 REPORT Page 5

THE JUMP

PAGE

1. Unions are no longer necessary Wage stagnation and a decline in real incomes for middle- class families has become one of the biggest problems facing the country. The middle class is shrinking and college graduates are putting off buying homes and cars because of low salaries. Meanwhile, produc-tivity is higher than ever and corporate profits are through the roof. So where is the money going? Instead of to the worker, more and more of it is going to corporate execs and CEOs, leading to increas-ing income inequality.

2. Unions are undemocratic Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, one could argue that unions are among the most democratic organizations. Unlike a corporation, for example, unions are bottom-up organizations where the members elect their officers, approve bylaws, and vote on contracts. Each union has member committees, member meetings, member-driven elections, and so forth that help to ensure that the opportunity for member participation is available to all.

3. Unions pay their officers and staff obscene amounts

Union salaries are determined democratically, often with the sala-ries approved by delegates and set forth in the bylaws or constitutions.The reality is that most union officers are local officers. They get paid very little, especially when you take into account the hours that they put in when it comes to negotiations, union administration, and contract administration. And many don’t get paid at all. Some officers and staff at the national level get paid more, but it is

5 far from obscene. They often work long hours in cities with very high costs of living, such as DC and New York, where many unions are headquartered. And when compared to their peers in corporations and some non-profits, their pay is often low.

4. Unions increase labor costs, leadingcompanies to send jobs overseas This allegation is completely refuted by recent history. If a highly unionized workplace was, as the argument goes, the cause of companies sending jobs overseas (or of privatizing jobs), then the absence of high union density should lead to very few jobs going overseas, right? Well, union density in the private sector has been declining for decades and is currently less than 10%. Yet for the last few decades, American businesses have shifted millions of good-paying jobs overseas, despite the huge increases in productivity at home and the stagnating wages. It's not unions that lead to job loss. It's greedy corporate executives who simply don't want to share the fruits of higher productivity and profits with American workers – unionized or not.

5. Unions lead to lower productivity and worker laziness

No. Not even close. Studies show that productivity in unionized American workplaces is actually higher, with a meta-analysis not-ing that "a positive [association between unions and productivity] exists for the United States in general and for U.S. manufacturing in particular."

Contributed by Sahid Fawaz

Dumb Things People Believe About Unions

Democrats in the state House and Senate un-veiled a Blueprint for Michigan’s Families to put money in the pockets of middle-class working families. The proposal targets the rising costs of raising a family and paying for college by es-tablishing:

• a $400 tax credit for children age 13 and under in house-holds with income less than $100,000.

• a dependent care tax credit to help offset the cost of child care or caring for an elderly parent.

• an expansion of the Homestead Property Tax Credit to families making up to $100,000, dou-bling the current limit of $50,000.

• a senior deduction exempting the first $2,300 in income from taxation for residents age 65 and older.

• a College Affordability Tax Credit of up to 50 percent of the amount paid on state and fed-eral higher education loans for any employed Michigan resident.

While plan savings would vary, a family with two kids who owns their own home and has an income less than $100,000 could save as much as $1,500

per year or more. “The Blueprint for Michigan’s Families is a plan to help parents raise a family, send their kids to college, own a home and stay in it during retire-ment,” said House Demo-cratic Leader Tim Gre-imel (D-Auburn Hills). “These are real solutions to the real challenges fam-ilies face. I look forward to working with our col-leagues in the Legislature to turn these proposals

into policies that will help the people of Michigan.” “The idea of giving big corporations a break to help the middle class was never the right decision, and we can see how it’s failed in Michigan,” State Senator Curtis Hertel, Jr. (D-Meridian Twp.) said. “Democrats are committed to strengthening our middle class by giving them the tax breaks they need to survive in today’s economy.”Special Elections Called in 75th, 80thand 82nd Districts The Governor has called special elections to fill vacancies in the 75th (Grand Rapids), 80th (Al-legan County) and 82nd (Lapeer County) House districts. The general election will be held on Tuesday, March 8, 2016.

Legislative Democrats Propose Middle-Class Tax Cuts/Credits

I'm Proud to be UnionIt's obvious now that times are hard.Our nation's image is deeply scarred.

The Government gives the Unions blame,And too many of us accept the shame.

Instead of applying the things we've learned,We take for granted what our forefathers earned.

Our newest enemy is our Sister or Brother.Ignorance says we fight each other.

These back-stabbing people are so confused.They're not Union Members, they just pay their dues.

Members don't tell on their Brother, man,Or refuse to help when they know they can!

It's easy to talk, to complain and cuss,But our Union's future depends on us!We can put dignity back in our label.

It won't be easy, but I know we're able.Being strong takes more than a few.

It takes everyone, and that includes you!

Let's all be proud to be Union.– AUTHOR UNKNOWN

COMMUNITYFAITH•LABOR

Page 6 THE UAW LOCAL 5960 REPORT November 1, 2015 November 1, 2015 THE UAW LOCAL 5960 REPORT Page 7

Health Fair at Orion Assembly

THE HEALTH FAIR IS GOOD FOR YOU

FUN AT THE FAIR

THIS IS THE BEST

WE ARE HAVING FUN

GO TO GO FROM HEAD TO TOE

FEELING GOODWE FEEL HEALTHIER ALREADY

HEALTH FAIR BUDDIES

CHECK ME OUT DOC

THAT TICKLES

Orion Assembly and UAW Local 5960

held a Health Fair recently

to promote healthy

lifestyles for all UAW Members.

H3a

yLifestyles

Page 8 THE UAW LOCAL 5960 REPORT November 1, 2015

drop off, if needed. Some situations may require us to meet at the Union Hall for safety reasons. Please let the Benefits Office know in advance, if your spouse/partner will be coming.Retiree Health Care Retired member should start re-ceiving information regarding your benefits for 2016 from the UAW Trust. Please watch for this information to come in the mail. Members need to read mail from the UAW Trust thor-oughly to be sure if you are affected by any changes. Some changes may require a response from you, the mem-ber. If you have questions regarding the paperwork you received please contact the phone numbers provided with the paperwork. If you still need assistance, you can contact the Re-tirees Benefits Rep. at 248-377-5210.Adding Dependents Members adding dependents to your health care account need to provide a copy of the dependents Social Security card, birth certificate, and marriage certificate. Due to the Supreme Court rulings, members add-ing same-sex domestic partners need to contact the Benefits Office for the most recent and current process and requirements for this benefit. Retired members who are adding a spouse need to contact both Pension at 1-800-489-4646 and Health Care at 1-866-637-7555. Your spouse will be added to your health care from the date of marriage and to your pension 1 year after marriage. Life Insurance Divorced members need to update their beneficiaries with MetLife and their PSP account. Your divorce decree DOES NOT trump your ben-eficiary designation forms. Members who may have a concern can log into your benefits at www.gmbenefits.com, call MetLife at 1-888-543-3461, or make an appointment with your benefits reps. for assistance. You will need to know the address, date of birth, and Social Security number of your beneficiary. Please do not show up without this information.

Happy November! Don’t forget to thank a Veteran this month. I also want to wish everyone a happy and safe Thanksgiving and hunting season, oh, and extra safe Black Friday. You’ll need it! Where did this year go?Retirements It has been brought to our attention that some members are getting false information about the turnaround for a pension to be processed. Members who wish to receive payments the first day of retirement need to start their paperwork 90 days in advance. All pa-perwork must be signed and returned before the 30-day mark or your pay-ments will be delayed. Members who would like to inquire about retirement should contact your designated Local Benefit Reps. Retirement can be a complex pro-cess, especially if it is done incorrectly. Once you have decided to retire and your paperwork is ready, you must set up an appointment with the benefits reps to have the final papers signed. These appointments can take any-where from 30-60 minutes depending on how complex your retirement is, and how many questions you might have. During this appointment, you will have your pension, life insur-ance, and health insurance explained to you. Your spouse/partner is welcome to join you during this appointment for any questions or concerns they may have. Make sure your spouse/partner is dressed according to the safety regu-lations for the plant (i.e. no open toe shoes, high heels, sandals, flip flops, etc.). Please let us know if there will be special needs for your spouse/partner so we can make proper arrangements (hearing impaired, wheelchair, walk-er, etc.). We can have carts pick up and

by Bill Cremeans

beneFitSoFFiCe

plant closings/layoffs and Workers’ Compensation Sure there are the select few who look at a plant closing or shift layoff as an exciting opportunity to start out on a new career. But, what about the long-term employee who has sacrificed his or her health only to find out their body will not allow them to go out into the market and perform just any job? What if there is no job outside the plant you can perform within the restrictions your job-related injuries have left you with? Fortunately, these questions and many others you are now faced with are answered by the Workers’ Disability Compensation Act. Section 301(5)(e) of the Workers’ Disability Compensation Act pro-vides that if you have been perform-ing what is called “favored work” or more simply, a job within your physi-cal restrictions, and you lose your job “whatever reason,” then you are entitled to Workers’ Compensation. Further, if your job-related injuries leave you disabled from perform-ing any reasonable employment, again, you are entitled to Workers’ Compensation.As an example, if you

are working a light-duty job or a job modified because you have a work-related injury and your plant closes or you are laid off, you should receive non-taxable Workers’ Disability Com-pensation. Thus, if the loss of your job is im-minent, it is vital that you keep your restrictions current. Additionally, if you are one of those who have been toughing it out on the job, working only few days at a time and in ex-treme pain, get to plant medical and your own doctor to document your injuries immediately. By doing these things, it will be possible for you to receive Workers’ Compensation if you cannot find a new job you can perform once your days at this plant are over. Should you have any questions re-garding these rights or any Workers’ Compensation matters, please contact us at the Law Offices of Clayton, Mulder & Horan at (248) 763-6789 or ask your Union Representatives which days one of our attorneys will be available at your Local Union Hall for a free consultation.

www.shopunionmade.org T

The AFL-CIO’s Union Label and Service Trades Depart-ment brings together union-made products and services in an online mall. Buy union-grown-and-picked coffee, union-built computers, clothes, coloring books – and even book a union-staffed cruise with a unionized travel agency.

November 1, 2015 THE UAW LOCAL 5960 REPORT Page 9

Labor Events in Historyfor November 2015

Labor events in history for November . . . 23 November 1903 Troops were dispatched to Cripple Creek, Colorado to control rioting by striking coal miners. 22 November 1909 The “Uprising of the 20,000.” Female garment workers went on strike in New York; many were arrested. A judge told those arrested: “You are on strike against God.” 13 November 1914 A Western Federation of Miners strike is crushed by the militia in Butte, Montana. 11 November 1919 IWW organizer Wesley Everest was lynched after a Centralia, Washington IWW hall was attacked by Legionnaires. 21 November 1927 Picketing miners were massacred in Columbine, Colorado. 9 November 1935 The Committee for Industrial Organization (CIO) was formed to expand industrial unionism. 7 November 1959 The Taft-Hartley Act is invoked by the Supreme Court to break a steel strike.What’s so special about November?November is the eleventh month of the year according to the Gregorian calendar, which is used in almost all the world today. It takes its name from novem, the Latin word for nine. In the early Roman calendar, November was the ninth month. Because July was named for Julius Caesar and August for Augustus Caesar, the Roman Senate offered to name the eleventh month for Tiberius Caesar. He refused modestly, saying, “What will you do if you have thirteen emperors?” Originally, there were 30 days in November, then 29, then 31. From the time of Augustus, it has had 30 days. November comes between autumn and winter. In the North Temperate regions during November, the trees are bare, and the dead leaves on the earth have lost the brilliant color they had in October. Soft snow seldom hides the bareness of the fields, but the grays and browns of the landscapes are sometimes relieved by delightful days of hazy sunshine. The Anglo-Saxons referred to November as “the wind month” and sometimes “the blood month,” probably because during this period they killed animals for their winter meat.

“Every year, in November, at the season that follows the hour of the dead, the crowning and majestic hours of autumn, I go to visit the chrysanthemums ... They are indeed, the most universal, the most diverse of flowers.” –Maeterlinck

Mary Merritt is thanked for her service by the UAW Region 1 Color GuardMedallion Presentation The UAW 5960 Veterans Com-mittee presents Viet Nam War commemorative medallions to the 5960 Viet Nam Vets.Viet Nam Flag Presentation Veterans Committee Chairper-son, Mary Merritt turns over the reigns’ of the committee to the new Chairperson, Steve Miller.Vets with new flag U A W Local 5960 Viet Nam Era Vet-erans with the Commemorative Flag

veteRanSRepoRt

The UAW 5960 Veterans Committee presents Viet Nam War commemo-rative medallions to the 5960 Viet Nam Vets.

Veterans Committee Chairperson Mary Merritt turns over the reigns of the committee to the new Chairperson, Steve Miller.

UAW Local 5960 Viet Nam era Veterans with the new commemorative flag.

Mary Merritt is thankedfor her service by theUAW Region 1 Color Guard.

Page 10 THE UAW LOCAL 5960 REPORT November 1, 2015

Hello Brothers and Sisters, Getting close to the end of the year, holidays coming up and that also means colder weather, so please keep warm and be careful. We had a good meeting in Octo-ber. We had Lo-renzo Rivera talk on the subject of Social Security and Medicare and also Medicaid and the effect it could have on us. The Social Security Administra-tion announced that there will be no Cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for SS beneficiaries in 2016. This an-nouncement is particularly troubling because it triggers a premium spike and a major increase in deductibles for Medicare beneficiaries. If Congress does not act soon, the Medicare Part B premium could in-crease by 52% or $159 per month for 30% of people with Medicare, and deductibles could increase to $223 for every person with Medicare. We need to call our Senators and tell them to act on these now. The number to call is 1-202-224-3121 for Medicare and Medicaid. They will ask for zip code, and that will tell you who your Senators are. I have had members asking about referrals: Orion plant does not have any out, and do not know if they will, but if so, I will let you know as soon as possible. There will be no more applications for referrals. It all has

to be done online. If you go to www.gm.appone.com, it will give you a list of jobs that might be available. Click on one you might want, and it will take you to a form to fill out. If you are like me and other retirees, when you retired, you received your retiree card or a “gold card” and were told you could visit any GM plant with it. All that has changed, since “9-11”. Therefore, a retiree ID, or gold card, will no longer guarantee retirees access to a GM facility. If you are interested in visiting a GM site, for the safety of all concerned, contact the facility to learn what the regular visitors’ protocol is for that facility. (Sorry!) At our meeting, we received a $100 check from Wally Edgar’s for our Grandkids Scholarship Fund, and we want to thank Judy Casaway for pur-chasing a vehicle form Wally Edgar to receive this check. Thank you, Judy. Our Retiree Chapter for the first time gave a trophy out to the best GM car from year 1979 and older. The proud winner with his 1965 GTO was George J. Oprita. The Local 5960 Children’s Christ-mas program this year will be held on December 13, 2015 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS:

Virgel Goins 10/14/1922 (93)Jim Greer 10/12/1939 (76)

Ronald Helm 10/27/1946 (69)Billie Adler 10/13/1942 (72)

Judy Casaway 10/27/1942 (72)Ella Cowart 10/08/1944 (71)

Sharron Anderson 10/14/1950 (65) Happy Birthday to our October Members!OCTOBER ANNIVERSARIES:

Rupert & Marilyn O’Brien 10/01/1960 (55 Years)

Pete & Colleen Giannangel 10/12/1991 (24 Years) Phil & Dorothy Hebel

retireesreportBy Rupert ‘Rupe’ O’Brien, Jr.

Retiree Chairperson

10/26/1968 (47Years) Happy Anniversary to October members!DEATH OF RETIREES

Reggie RobersonOctober 14 (57 Years Old)

Richard (Joe) G. Joseph, Sr.September 23 (74 Years Old)

Carl Gene KenworthyOctober 03 (80 Years Old)

Our hearts and prayers go out their family and friends. During our Thanksgiving Dinner, the Local 5960 Executive Board

thought they would do something for the retirees, and so they booked Guy Louis – The World Music Tour: Hands-on participation for members – authentic, awesome musical instru-ments – fast-paced, informational interactive show! Sounds like it should be entertain-ing, so be sure and make it to the November meeting. I hope everyone remembered to set their clocks back 1 hour on November 1! Next Retiree Meeting is November 18 . I hope to see you all there!

hall. The leadership and Executive Board will continue to discuss and prioritize our upgrades as we main-tain our budget guidelines. Local 5960’s annual Children’s Christmas Party will be held on Sunday, December 13. This year, a motion was made to hire Guy Louis, a performer who does mu-sical assemblies throughout the Detroit Metro area. As in past years, we are planning to have additional activities for the kids and expect Santa Claus to make an appearance. If you would like to volunteer your time, please con-tact Louis Rocha, Catinia Dennis or myself. The Oakland County Animal Shelter, across Brown Road from

the plant, is in desperate need of sheets, blankets and towels for their lost and abandoned animals. The shelter has cement floors and the dogs and cats enjoy snuggling on something soft. Newspapers are also needed at the shelter. If you have donations for the animal shelter, or would like to give a lost pet a new home, please find the following pertinent information:

Oakland County Pet Adoption and Animal Shelter1700 Brown Road

Auburn Hills, MI 48326248-391-4100

Hours of operation:Monday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Tuesday 10 a.m. - 5:15 p.m.Wednesday Closed

Thursday 10 a.m. - 5:15 p.m.Friday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

FIN-SEC’YContinued from page 3

On behalf of the Executive Board, Bargaining Committee, and the entire membership, we congratulate you on your decision to retire. We thank you for your dedication and friendship. If it were not for the sac-rifices and struggles you have endured, we would not have what we sometimes take for granted – which are the great UAW benefits and wages we have today. We wish you all the best in your retirement. – Louis Rocha, President

5960 Recent Retirees

Cheryl (Guise) Onuskanich34.9 Years

Dept. 1st Finesse Quality Final* * *

Jerry ervinYears: 39.7

Dept: 1-30-01

Robert RoyYears: 27.9

Dept: 1-11-11

Gary FrenchYears: 43.3

Dept: 1-30-01

From UaW Local 5960 benefits dept:If you are considering LASIk EyE SURGERy,please be advised that you need to call the Lasik Consultation and Information Line at 1-888-705-2020 (for providers in your area)

Orion Assembly held “Rock the Pink” Day

November 1, 2015 THE UAW LOCAL 5960 REPORT Page 11

Orion Assembly held “Rock the Pink” Day

Everyone was asked to wear pink to raise money and

awareness for breast cancer

research.

I SUPPORT ROCKIN’ THE PINK

TRIM SHOP SUPPORTS

ROCKIN’ IT

I SUPPORTWEAR PINK

PINK SHOES, TOO WEAR IT PROUDLYI LIKE PINK

HAPPYTO

HELP

BODY SHOPSUPPORTS THE COMMITTEE

ROCKS THE PINK

HEADLINERSROCK THE PINK

ROCKIN’THEPINKINCHASSIS