Pre-IPO Lawsuit Settlement – The majority of our calls and visits are concerning the reimbursement and prescription drug coverage.  The reimbursement timeline, as told to us, is as follows: The attorney forwarded the “release of claims” to the court April 2nd.  The court then reviews them and sends them to El Paso for payment.  El Paso has 60 days to start paying.  That would put the payment at the end of June, but most likely July.  Again, this is to the best of my knowledge at this point. It seems that anytime we talk about big business giving you what is owed it takes a long time. I don’t remember them having patience when your payment was due, but unfortunately that is the system in which you are involved. Many Pre-IPO retirees are going to pick up their prescriptions at the drug store only to find out their bill is extremely high.  As part of the settlement it is mandatory that Medco Mail Order is used for any prescription that is taken on a regular basis.  This was to take place in January, but the attorney was able to get a three month grace period for the transition.  Those three months were January, February, and March.  That is why so many retirees are having trouble in April.  If this is happening to you call your doctor and tell him/her to send your prescription(s) to Medco Mail Order.  They will mail your drugs to you and send you a bill unless the total owed is over $100 for a three month supply.  If over $100 you will have to set up an account using a credit or debit card.  What is good about this is when you use mail order you pay for two months and get a 90 day supply (like getting one month free).

Post-IPO Lawsuit – There is nothing new to report.  No appeal hearing has been scheduled and you maintain your health insurance as is for now.

In the plant – The delivery of Anixter parts to the line by Trinity remains the main issue we face in our plant.  We must maintain our position that this is not acceptable, and that message has to come from each person on that shop floor.  We have our International Rep. involved and are in contact with Corporate Human Resources; the problem is that at that level it is difficult to coordinate schedules.  All of us in the union leadership are in agreement that this attempt to work this out amicably cannot go on much longer.  You can help this process by keeping the pressure on management to get this resolved by committing to this UAW workforce and getting Trinity out of our shop.  You are a key player in this grievance.  Every manager should be made to justify the displacement of the jobs that Trinity is doing.  If we don’t commit to this it could be your job next.  It is our security we are fighting for, don’t take it lightly. Slowly but surely some of our laid off members are returning to work. Some are coming in on jobs that are being vacated through attrition and others will be medical replacements.  We are definitely moving in the right direction.  Every UAW family is important to me and I am hopeful that this trend will continue.  New product lines are coming in later this year and although they will not be as highly manned as we had initially been told every job will help.  The vacation schedule is posted and frankly I was surprised that the Magnum shutdown will tentatively be in the last week of June and first week of July. I only remember one other year in all the time I’ve worked here that it was this early.  Since that schedule was posted another week has been added at the end of July.  I will remind you that new schedules come out every month and this added week is subject to change. The Fargo and Combine areas are different so be sure to check the Company posting.  Trades should be sure to schedule your vacation.

CNH employee family summer celebration will be held this year on July 14 at the Racine County Fairgrounds. More information and details to come…

Worker Memorial Day – will be recognized by the UAW on April 28th.  We honor those that lost their lives on the job.  Unfortunately, nearly 5,000 American workers die every year from job related injuries.  Over 50,000 workers are estimated to die from work-related illnesses annually.  Another 4 million are injured at work.  These figures serve as a stark reminder of this year’s Workers Memorial Day theme:  “Safe Jobs Save Lives – Keep the Promise Alive.”  Forty one years ago on April 28th 1971, the Occupational Safety and Health Act became law promising every worker the right to a safe job.  The labor movement and its allies have fought hard and continue to fight to keep that promise a reality.  Take a moment on April 28th to remember workers everywhere that have lost their lives on the job.

VCAP tickets – We will have VCAP tickets available for the next several weeks.  They are $2 each, $10 per book.  There is a $15,000 Grand Prize through the region and some smaller prizes at the local level.  They can be purchased here at the hall or in the plant.  Your steward or committeeperson can get them to you.  A few years ago one of our retirees won the $15,000.  You can only win if you purchase tickets and you have to be a UAW member.

Election - We have less than 2 weeks to the primary recall elections, and less than 6 weeks to the recall elections.  Many of you signed and collected signatures for the recall which means nothing for the working class, elderly, or our children if we do not work hard to complete this last step.  I ask that you do your research of the candidates and vote your conscience during the gubernatorial primary election.  Last Sunday the Republican National Committee said they will run fake candidates in the State Senate primary. Now we have learned that it is illegal to do so, but the Government Accountability Board is saying that it is unenforceable because of our open primary system.  So the fake candidate fiasco continues even though illegal.  In our district the UAW has endorsed John Lehmann as State Senator.  While in office as our State Senator John had an impeccable voting record for middle class working people.  Remember what the current administration kept saying, “elections have consequences.”  The actions taken by our legislature and governor will be nothing compared to the actions that will be taken if they win and feel they have a mandate to implement their destructive middle class agenda.  If we believe that we need to restore confidence in Wisconsin workers, the middle class, and family values we must get involved.  Early voting is now available for voters and I would encourage you to take advantage of it. The following is a message from our International Rep. John Drew. We have been talking for a long time about how much we want to Recall Walker and retake the Wisconsin State Senate. Starting next Saturday, April 28, I am calling on all UAW activists to join me in knocking on union doors to get out the vote for the Recall election June 5.  

John Lehman is in a dogfight with Van Wangaard for the seat that will determine who controls the State Senate.     Member to Member Walk When: Saturday, April 28st And all Saturdays in May 9am-1pm Where: Racine Union Hall 1840 Sycamore Ave. Racine WI 53406  

               **** United we can make a difference ****

                    From the Desk of President Jeff Vassh
                                    March 28, 2012

Pre-IPO  Retiree Healthcare Lawsuit Settlement – We are receiving a lot of calls asking about the monetary settlement and when it might be paid.  The information we received from the attorney is that the Release of Claims was due by March 17th, he has until April 2nd to compile the claims and submit them to the court who will then forward them to El Paso for payment.  Once El Paso receives the claim forms they will have 60 days to start paying the claims.  This is a good timeline to use if you accepted the settlement that was mailed to you. However, if you contested the settlement and submitted your own proof of losses there will be some delays for review of those claims.

We are also having an issue with the timeliness of the new AARP coverage.  For those that signed up at the meeting in Kenosha or the meeting we had at our union hall last year and whose applications got processed prior to January 1st, your coverage started January 1st.  However, if you did not sign up in time and your application was processed sometime after January 1st your AARP United Healthcare coverage will not start until the first day of the following month. For example, if you are one of  the Pre-IPO retirees that signed up in late January, the application got processed in February, your coverage will start March 1st.  Until you are on AARP United Healthcare you will be covered by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas.  I am told that your coverage date is on your insurance card.

Also, just a reminder, any prescription drug that you take long-term must be processed through Medco mail order.

Post-IPO Retiree Healthcare Lawsuit – Nothing has changed from last month. At this time there is no hearing scheduled and at this point your healthcare insurance remains just as it is now.

20 Year Club Banquet –will be held on April 28th.  The tickets have already been mailed to the retirees.  If you are retired and plan to attend the Banquet and have not received your ticket contact me and I will be happy to forward the information.  As a reminder, the banquet is for retirees and active employees only.  Spouses and/or guests are not invited.  Active employees must purchase their ticket from Debbie Lovdahl or Rodney Anderson in the plant. The cost is $10.00. The featured speaker is Kaleb Case the Great Grandson of Jerome Increase Case.

Local 180 Union Retiree Dinner - will be held on Thursday, April 12th, at Infusino’s on Rapids Drive at 11:30 a.m.   The cost is $10.00 and the deadline to purchase tickets is Wednesday, April 4th.

Voluntary Separation Plan – We had 14 members sign up for the VSP.  The plan is to have all those that signed up on retirement effective May 1st, but some will be delayed slightly.  These members still have an opportunity to change their minds so until they finalize their retirement I will not announce any names.  Traditionally, we have had members change their minds so I would anticipate the same thing happening this time.

Plant Tour – On May 2nd Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne, CEO and President of CNH Andreas Klauser, and many other executive corporate managers toured the plant.  I was copied on an email that was shared with all RMO managers stating that the tour went well.  This is a big positive for us if it makes CEO Marchionne and CEO Klauser comfortable with continued capital investment in our facility.

Layoffs – The original estimate that the Company gave us was 125 employees.  That number was reduced to 93 when the active membership was presented to the employees at the “All Employee Meetings.”  In preparation for the reduction and job reassignments the Bargaining Committee found several gaps in job assignments and coverage. After going through all the assignments the final layoffs came to 60.  Seventeen went out on February 27th and 43 went out on March 5th.  Exit meetings were held at the Company, but they were short and geared to the Company’s needs.  The Union leadership recognized that this was inadequate and I set up a meeting with Workforce Development and the Unemployment Compensation Division here at our hall  that our laid off members were invited to attend.  We had five representatives from Racine, Kenosha, and the United Way.  The meeting was very informative and lasted about two hours.  I want to take this opportunity to commend our Bargaining Committee for working so diligently on the moves and placing members in open positions.  We went from 125 to 93 at the All Employee Meeting presentation to 60 currently.  They did a great job.  Again, if you come in contact with our laid off members let them know that they are important to us and remind them that they are welcome to attend our membership meetings or call their Union Hall any time.

In the Plant - Pat Jarmusz, District 5 Committeeperson, has submitted his application for the Voluntary Separation Plan to the Company and his letter of resignation to the union. We will be having an election for that position on April 3rd.  The candidates are (in order that they will appear on the ballot) Joe Hand, Jr., and Ken Hartog. Because of these nominations, and our current Recording Secretary accepting the nomination for the Committeeperson position, he has submitted his resignation as Recording Secretary. I have accepted it effective at our next membership meeting.  I am happy to report that Brother Yasin Mahdi was nominated and accepted the position of Recording Secretary unopposed and will be sworn in at the next membership meeting.  Please join me in congratulating Brother Mahdi and offering your support in his new leadership position.

Quality Management System Audit -will take place in the plant on April 2nd through April 5th.  They will be looking at all the International Standards Organization (ISO) requirements.  It is necessary to do well on this audit as a requirement for shipping our product to other countries.  40% of what we build goes overseas so you can see the importance of this audit.  Know your process and familiarize yourself to the red board in your area.

Trinity – First off I want to thank the membership for all the support you have shown on the floor.  I know that this process is taking a long time but know that your Union Leadership is working on the issue.  The grievance is in process and at this point we are talking about a possible solution.  We ask that you maintain your cool but keep up the pressure.  The support on the floor has never been more important. 

Brothers Reuther and the rise of the UAW – Being a member of the UAW for over 36 years has given me a great appreciation for the Union and what our predecessors have gone through to establish and maintain in the workplace.  It is because of labor leaders like the Reuther Brothers that have given us a voice in the workplace and social advancements we have today. The award winning documentary about the rise of the UAW by Victor Reuther's grandson, Sasha, will be shown Friday night, March 30 at 7pm at Monona Terrace in Madison. Information about the theater is in the following link. http://nelson.wisc.edu/tales/theaters2012.html The film is free and seating is first come first served. Several of us will be going to Madison to see the film.  If you are interested let me know, maybe we can arrange some carpools and share the cost of gas.

Hot Meal Program – For many years our Local Union was involved in a community hot meal program that supplied a meal to the needy or homeless.  For the last couple of years we were unable to participate in the program because of the lack of support from our active and retired members.  Our Union Board-Member-at-Large, Danell Hintz, has signed us up for the program once again.  We are looking for people to assist and support Danell.  If you are interested in being of service and helping the needy please contact me and I will forward your information to Danell.

Importance of Voting – April 3rd is an election day.  A lot of us will be thinking that there are no major elections going on so it is not necessary to vote.  This is not true.  We have a lot at stake on April 3rd.  In addition to the support we would like to give our fellow UAW members in their Kenosha Aldermanic elections, there are School Board Members and Judicial positions to vote on also.  I do not have to tell you how important it is to stand up for our children’s education, but I feel I should let you know of the importance of the non-partisan judicial positions.

One of the first laws that changed under the current Wisconsin administration was to change the law on where lawsuits can be filed.  They did this so they could try to fight about collective bargaining, voting rights and redistricting in front of "friendly" judges in Waukesha County.  This issue was very important to them.

Circuit Judges will be the first to decide about "Right to Work"  and laws restricting the right to vote.  The labor movement in Wisconsin and across the country is based upon respect and fairness. When organized labor fights, it is not afraid of a level playing field. All we have ever asked is that a judge know the law and apply it fairly.  Because of this your UAW screening committee extended invitations to all the judicial candidates. We interviewed Mark Nielsen, Mike Piontek, and Tim Boyle.  Mike Nieskes was invited, but did not reply to the invitation until after the screening process was over.

After the interview process we found Judge Mark Nielsen for Branch 10, and Mike Piontek for Branch 5, have the back ground to best apply the law in a fair and knowledgeable manner in all aspects of law, including labor law.  These positions are very important to us.

The endorsements for the April 3rd election are as follows:

The Racine School Board endorsements are through REA

Don Neilson

Kim Plache

Gretchen Warner

Racine Circuit Judge

Mike Piontek -  Branch 5

Mark Nielsen – Branch 10

Kenosha Alderman

Keith Rosenberg  -District 9

Curt Wilson -  District 13

Racine State Senate

State Senator – John Lehman


                   ****  United We Can Make A Difference ****

                      Jeff Vassh, President, UAW Local 180

This year Local 180's Ice Fishing Exravaganz was a great time for all who attended. The weather cooperated but the fish had other plans. All in all it was still a lot of fun. That's not to say there weren't any fish caught, but there have been better years. A big thank you to the folks at Sportsman's Landing. Their establishment is very nice, their food is excellent, with a large menu to choose from. Brother Smith, Brother Hartog and their crew did another marvelous job planning the event and re-scheduling it to February 18th from January 16th, when it was originally scheduled to take place. There was a lot of good conversation, jokes and overall fun the entire day. It was a great opportunity to socialize with our union members and their families and friends, while spending time doing a Wisconsin winter tradition like ice fishing. We hope that next year's turnout is even better and that the fish decide to join us too. Until next year!

For those of you that do not know, and why would you. The public school systems in most of the nation do not even bother teaching our kids about the Labor movement and their impact on our nation. They would just have you believe every benefit we enjoy as workers was given to us out of the goodness of their corporate America's heart. The fact is corporate America gives nothing without being compelled. Once again our Joan of Arc, Rachel Maddow sets the record straight regarding the great state of Wisconsin, and it's citizens, and the foresight and vision we've had as a state. Check out this clip, it will make you feel proud that you're from Wisconsin and can be called a Cheesehead.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26315908/#41674668

The CNH Board of Directors authorized the Variable Pay Plan Bonus to be paid to all North American plants based on our 2010 year end results. Overall, we shattered the results from 2009. The payout will be on February 18th, 2011. It is 5.46% of qualified earnings from 2010.