By: Tony Redmond

Greetings Brothers and Sisters,

Here we are, with a new year and hopefully lots of opportunities. The Shop Committee would like welcome everyone back from their Holiday vacation. We hope you enjoyed time with family and friends and got some well-deserved rest.

C.C.A. Flint’s UAW-GM workers donated and raised over $21,389 for Old Newsboys in 2024. Old Newsboys took care of 6,254 children this Christmas within six weeks.

Our Local 659 Women’s Committee, Community Service Rep, Shop Committee, and Recreation Rep would like to thank everyone who came to help with the paper sale. The generosity of our workforce has continued to exceed everyone’s expectations.

The Shop Committee would like to thank our Veterans and Brother Jimmy Todd for hosting Hot Dog lunches in November. We raised $1,700 for the Veterans at My Brothers Keeper.

Please encourage your loved ones to get regular checkups.

Monday, January 20, 2025, will be the remembrance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This is a paid holiday under the terms of the UAW-GM National Agreement. Please honor Dr. King’s legacy by reflecting on his accomplishments for this country.

Also, please remember that Tuesday, February 11, 2025, is our annual White Shirt Day Celebration. This year’s celebration will be held at UAW Local 659. Keep the former Sit-downers in out thoughts and prayers. Without their sacrifice in 1936-1937, we would not have enjoyed the working conditions and benefits the Union provided us.

Please wear a white shirt on Tuesday, February 11th to show our support for what those brave men and women have done for the middle class and our great Union.

Vacation forms for 2025 must be completed and submitted by February 28, 2025. Please turn them in to your supervisor and keep a few copies.

Those who had vacation hours left from 2024 will receive those hours by the end of January 2025. Any deferred hours from the Christmas holiday will be available throughout this calendar year of 2025.

Save the Dates:
– Region 1D Bowling Tournament will be held in Jackson on March 22nd and 23rd.
– Labor Day Celebration will take place on September 1st at Region 1D Flint office.

Are You Planning on Retiring?
Our Local 659 Education Committee is offering the following classes to help our membership ensure they are prepared- February 3, 2025 thru March 3, 2025 (five consecutive Mondays).

The Shop Committee strongly encourages everyone to check out the deals on General Motors vehicles and parts. Remember to buy American to keep America working!

Every member was handed our 2025 calendar and our National Agreement. The 2025 calendar has all the essential highlighted days. Our meeting dates are in red, and the holidays are in blue.

As you make you New Year’s resolutions and set your intentions, please include your commitment to your Union. Fighting together as one is our common goal. No division should exist among us!

Please read our National Agreement. We are weak if management knows they can violate us daily. Our contracts protect us, as it is legally binding agreement. We have the power, and don’t give it away daily because you don’t know the contract. If we need to meet and review these books, a good start would be our meeting every second Saturday of the month at 12:30 p.m. at the Region 1D Union Hall.

The Shop Committee wants to encourage everyone to welcome the new year positively. Let’s spread kindness amongst each other to brighten someone’s day. We all have hidden struggles that alter our moods. Let’s keep our spirits up in the best way possible. Let’s make this year a good one. Stay focused, stay safe, and have a Happy New Year.