By: Alex Ortiz

I hope everyone sees the notices for elections on the front and back page of the Searchlight, or by looking at the Postings page of the website, for the upcoming Local Elections and Constitutional Convention Delegates. Please read these notices carefully for sign-ups, election dates and run-offs. This publication is your official notice! There should also be copies posted in your plant.

If you are considering signing up, please read the Local 659 By-Laws and the UAW Constitution for your obligations. Also, make sure you know what district you are in if you are running for a district postition.

In addition to our Local 659, Constitutional Convention, and International UAW Elections, we have State and Federal Elections in November. All UAW Members are required to participate in local, state and national elections.

All UAW/GM Internationally appointed representatives have additional obligations as well, and should have received instructions for the April 19th MDP Convention. If you are not aware, please contact your Chairperson or call me.

I just returned from the National CAP Conference, and the Financial Officers Conference. The UAW/GM sub-council meetings have all been scheduled early this year. Additionally, there is an IPS conference scheduled for April 20-24th.

All of these events have specific purposes for attendees and are one of the best ways to share information and receive training. They are also a chance to question and give feedback to the International UAW Leadership. But because we have a Constitutional Convention and International Executive Board elections this year (which will be by mail-in ballot), everything is being crammed into the beginning of the year.

The UAW/GM sub-council was attended by Chairpersons Ed Smith (FMC), Dan Hunt (FEO), Tony Redmond (CCA), and Tom Edmonds (NAETC) with additional Shop Committee representatives.

Local 659 continues to be well represented. Chairperson Ed Smith is a Top Negotiator for Stamping (Sub-Council 4) and Chairperson Tom Edmonds was elected as the Vice Chair. In Sub-Council 5 (Skilled Trades), I had the honor of being elected Chairperson. We run for these positions to represent our membership and to make sure we have a seat at the table.

The Special Attrition Plan (SAP) for General Motors employees was announced at the Sub-Council meetings. Unfortunately, the details are short because the final agreement has not been signed. The IUAW Leadership indicated that within the next few weeks the details will be sent out. It was stressed that GM will determine the dates for retirement for those who apply and are eligible; the UAW does not determine your dates!

There was a question asked about guaranteeing that all members who would be eligible through the life of the agreement would have an opportunity for the SAP, and the Leadership said yes; however, they must apply in the next sign-up. I take that to mean that if you want to retire under the SAP, you must pay attention to the details. Also, just signing up for the SAP does not automatically start your pension! You need to contact a Benefit Rep or Fidelity.