By: Shawn Windels

Goodbye June and hello July. Let me start out by saying I would like to say happy birthday to all the July birthdays and happy anniversary to all who are celebrating their work anniversary, or even the ones who are celebrating wedding anniversaries.

Okay, now that we got that out of the way, I hope all of you enjoyed the 4th of July extended weekend, and you were able to enjoy some downtime with family and friends. And I hope all of you still have all 10 fingers.

As we continue throughout the summer, be prepared for the hot weather. We just got over a major heat event and we have more coming, so make sure you’re staying hydrated and taking advantage of the sqwincher and popsicles when the company provides them.

We are now heading into our long stretch of no holidays, until September. As you know, looks like all 3 shifts are scheduled almost every Saturday up until Labor Day, and I wouldn’t be surprised if the plant tries to squeeze in a Sunday or two between now and then.

As I always say, keep your head up, and keep at it. I know sometimes that is easier said than done.

Please use your vacation time and take those snods when they’re offered to you. Try to enjoy a little of your summer while you can. 2026 is flying by and summer is not slowing that down, so do the things you’ve been wanting to do.

On the business side of things, the company has been full speed ahead on the renovations in the building. Most of the bathrooms have been competed, and the lunchroom is waiting on the electrical work to be finished, as I type this article. It shouldn’t be too much longer. Then, they will start on the employee entry way, and that will complete renovations.

Our current numbers out on the floor are around 275 people, and the company keeps telling me they want to hire more. Obviously, due to turnover rates and folks not staying, it’s a constant work in progress.

Now onto the Shop Committee. We need your help! Brothers and sisters, I cannot stress this enough. If any of you are having issues out on the shop floor, please don’t hesitate to place a committee call. We are not mind readers, so we don’t know there’s a problem unless you speak up. Even if it’s a simple question, don’t hesitate to reach out by putting in a call.

Since being elected, I know as a fact that I have written about this more than once, and I’ve spoken to several of you about it. We need to do things the right way and by the book, and we can do better.

So, all that being said, I hope July treats all of you well. Stay safe out there, and take care of each other!