By: Alex Ortiz

I have just returned from the Michigan Democratic Party (MDP) at the Huntington Place in Detroit, Michigan. There were a record 7,242 delegates who attended. That should tell you that there were a lot of candidates seeking nomination and, of course, their supporters. The International UAW has always sought to endorse candidates who support workers and their families. We also understand that if we don’t work to get those candidates nominated for the ballot, our efforts will be futile because they will never get elected.

Just like our State elections, our Local has elections, and I hope that everyone participates. This is your chance, as a member of Local 659, to choose those who represent you. Make your Voice Heard!

For those who signed up to run, whether it was for the Local Executive Board or Delegate, thank you! The Union is not a corporate entity; it is all of us, as members. Our Union does not work without the participation of our membership.

Speaking of members, the workers at Ground Effects on Van Slyke Road, just north of Bristol, have voted to be UAW. There are multiple Ground Effects plants in the U.S., but this is the first one to be organized. This is a huge deal and I wish them nothing but the best, and to say welcome to the family!

Thank you to the Recreation and Womens Committees for making the Easter Party such a success again this year. Our Union Hall was filled and the kids were smiling from ear to ear. I’m sure the weather had something to do with the attendance, and I’m sure there will be an even larger group next year.

The Special Attrition Plan (SAP) for General Motors employees was rolled out with some interesting details. I do not want to elaborate on anything here, because the Corporation will be tasked with rolling out the details.

If you are considering signing up for this SAP, make sure you understand that the company will be determining when you will retire. That will matter to some of you considering the window is greater than last year. Also, if you sign up, make sure that you talk to a Benefit Representative to start your retirement benefits. I know of 2 cases where someone signed up, retired, and then was left waiting for their benefits to start.

I mentioned previously that many members had received their Searchlight papers late. There has been no change on our end, nor with our publisher/printer. The USPS has made some changes in the way they handle postmarks, sorting and shipping. They claim it is a cost-saving measure. Our mailing costs have increased again for 2026, so please, if you would like to view our reports online and not receive a mailed paper, call us or sign up online.

Your UAW Local 659 Facebook page and website always have the most updated information about postings and Searchlight articles. Also, check your in-plant Union boards for additional postings.