THE DEAD ISSUE

DO YOU KNOW

During the opinion survey all associates were asked if they trusted all levels of management.  Your answers probably depended on your experiences with SIA and weather or not you remember, what we have been told by management, what we used to have, what we have lost, and many of the other issues concerning associates that management continues to ignore. 

I would like to share the story of our managers luncheon.  It took place on Wednesday May 7, 2003.  During this meeting we were given information that we otherwise probably would never have found out any other way.  For example we found out that last year SIA invested $30 million in the Trim shop.  We also found out that SIA currently plans to invest about $50 million in the body shop this year.  These changes in the body shop will allow SIA to produce 3 to 5 different model platforms, SIA currently only builds from the Legacy platform. 

After Mr. Geller finished his presentation we were allowed to ask questions.  Although several questions were asked, one struck a cord with almost everyone in the room.  The question was, 'A couple of years ago management said that they were going to hire an outside consulting firm to investigate starting a SIA funded PENSION plan for the associates of SIA.  Can you tell us what the status of that investigation is.'  Mr. Geller said that he had no idea but that he would ask and get back with us tomorrow.  On Thursday May 9 Mr. Geller came down to the line and spoke to at least one person.  Mr. Geller said that he spoke with Julie Cole and was told that the pension issue was a DEAD ISSUE.

DEAD ISSUE, to us, is an issue that is dead, this means that there will be no further discussion, consideration or even investigation.  Even though the issue of a SIA funded PENSION is probably the hottest issue at SIA with the associates, management has chosen to ignore this and several other issues that the associates feel are most important.  While SIA, on one hand, claims to want what is best and claims to do what is best for it's associates this actually only happens when it is convenient for SIA.  However, when the associates at SIA have an issue that is of the utmost importance to them and is communicated to management through every possible channel available and it is something that SIA does not want to consider, it becomes a DEAD ISSUE.

Over the past few weeks VOICES has received several emails informing us that management has quietly pushed this issue under the rug.  One person told us that during a round table meeting they were told that the pension issue was no longer being considered and that the associates would have to save for themselves.  Another email told us that while having a conversation with Jack Keffer, Mr. Keffer said that "there would never be a pension plan at SIA".  To our knowledge Jack Keffer does not have the last say on this matter.  What do you think?  Let us know.

It is important to note that everyone we spoke with never heard about this issue dying, have you!!

Finally, all associate have the right to ORGANIZE and BARGAIN FOR A LEGAL AND BINDING CONTRACT.  We have the right to demand that SIA recognize us as a UNION and negotiate in GOOD FAITH.  These negotiations would include a company sponsored PENSION plan.

The time is now to stand up and be counted.  The time is now to have a VOICE in all issues that affect our future.

UNITED TOGETHER WE WILL BE HEARD!!

WE MUST!!

1.  TALK ABOUT THE ISSUES WITH ALL ASSOCIATES!!

2.  ENCOURAGE ALL ASSOCIATES TO DISCUSS THE ISSUES WITH EACH OTHER!!

3.  UNITE AND ORGANIZE TO FORM OUR UNION SO WE CAN HAVE A LEGAL AND BINDING CONTRACT!!

4. DO OUR JOBS

WE MUST NOT!!

1.  WE MUST NOT HARASS THOSE WHO'S OPINION'S DIFFER!!

2.  WE MUST NOT DO ANYTHING THAT WILL JEOPARDIZE OR JOBS!!

3.  WE MUST NOT DO ANYTHING THAT WILL JEOPARDIZE THE FUTURE OF SIA!!

4.  WE MUST NOT LOSE FOCUS ON OUR EFFORTS TO ORGANIZE!!