TEAM REPORT FOR THE WEEK OF JANUARY 16, 2012
Brothers and Sisters,
The UAW Caterpillar Council met January 12-13, 2012 along with the Ag-Imp and Transnational Councils in Palm Springs CA. President Mark Patton, Bargaining Chairman Joe Morel attended the meeting along with Committeemen Dave Torres and Don Rohrer. The Agriculture Implement Council met on Thursday January 12. The Ag-Imp Council is made up of the CNH, Deere and Caterpillar Councils within the UAW. Region 5 Director Jim Wells welcomed the group to his Region 5 and council business began.
Each of the employers within the Ag-Imp Council and the Transnational Council were asked to come to the meeting and report on the status of the company. Brad Morris, Vice President, Global Labor Relations of Deere & Company and Kevin Zimmerman Regional Manager gave a very informative presentation of John Deere & Company. This presentation was followed by another great presentation by Jerry Berwanger C.O.O. and Executive Vice President of Mitsubishi North America about the Mitsubishi operations in Bloomington Normal IL. As most of you can imagine Caterpillar Inc. refused the invitation.
Region 4 Director Ron McInroy spoke to the group about upcoming events within the region and the importance of getting involved in politics, especially this year being an election year. The council enjoyed a special treat when retired UAW Vice President Richard Shoemaker addressed the council. Brother Shoemaker gave a history lesson in how the UAW through solidarity has achieved various goals throughout the years. UAW Secretary Treasurer Dennis Williams then addressed the group and reiterated the importance of solidarity and engaging our new members. Only when we stand together as one will we gain the social and economic justice our members and their families deserve.
Steward Training is scheduled for Friday January 27, 2012. There will be three sessions scheduled throughout the day to accommodate all three shifts. Stewards should expect an invitation in the mail for this important training. This training will be specific to the new contract language and all stewards are expected to attend. If you have any questions about this training contact your Committeeman or Bargaining Chairman Joe Morel.
Mark your calendars, the February Membership Meeting will be on Sunday the 19th and it will be quite a busy day. The annual election for a new Election Committee will be held and after the meeting the Fox River Valley CAP Council is hosting a chili cook-off and a meet and greet with some of the political candidates that will be running in the upcoming elections. The chili cook-off will be from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with tickets available at the door for $5.00. Check the postings in the shop and this newspaper for more details. Also keep an eye open for standing committee meetings as these committees will be meeting to schedule upcoming events.
In Solidarity.
Brothers and Sisters,
The UAW Caterpillar Council met January 12-13, 2012 along with the Ag-Imp and Transnational Councils in Palm Springs CA. President Mark Patton, Bargaining Chairman Joe Morel attended the meeting along with Committeemen Dave Torres and Don Rohrer. The Agriculture Implement Council met on Thursday January 12. The Ag-Imp Council is made up of the CNH, Deere and Caterpillar Councils within the UAW. Region 5 Director Jim Wells welcomed the group to his Region 5 and council business began.
Each of the employers within the Ag-Imp Council and the Transnational Council were asked to come to the meeting and report on the status of the company. Brad Morris, Vice President, Global Labor Relations of Deere & Company and Kevin Zimmerman Regional Manager gave a very informative presentation of John Deere & Company. This presentation was followed by another great presentation by Jerry Berwanger C.O.O. and Executive Vice President of Mitsubishi North America about the Mitsubishi operations in Bloomington Normal IL. As most of you can imagine Caterpillar Inc. refused the invitation.
Region 4 Director Ron McInroy spoke to the group about upcoming events within the region and the importance of getting involved in politics, especially this year being an election year. The council enjoyed a special treat when retired UAW Vice President Richard Shoemaker addressed the council. Brother Shoemaker gave a history lesson in how the UAW through solidarity has achieved various goals throughout the years. UAW Secretary Treasurer Dennis Williams then addressed the group and reiterated the importance of solidarity and engaging our new members. Only when we stand together as one will we gain the social and economic justice our members and their families deserve.
Steward Training is scheduled for Friday January 27, 2012. There will be three sessions scheduled throughout the day to accommodate all three shifts. Stewards should expect an invitation in the mail for this important training. This training will be specific to the new contract language and all stewards are expected to attend. If you have any questions about this training contact your Committeeman or Bargaining Chairman Joe Morel.
Mark your calendars, the February Membership Meeting will be on Sunday the 19th and it will be quite a busy day. The annual election for a new Election Committee will be held and after the meeting the Fox River Valley CAP Council is hosting a chili cook-off and a meet and greet with some of the political candidates that will be running in the upcoming elections. The chili cook-off will be from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with tickets available at the door for $5.00. Check the postings in the shop and this newspaper for more details. Also keep an eye open for standing committee meetings as these committees will be meeting to schedule upcoming events.
In Solidarity.
