Local 761
Local 761
News Archives
Restructure Proposal
Ratified
The Appliance Park Warehouse Restructure proposal has been ratified by
the Local 761 membership, with 1424 voting for , and 362 against , with 79%
of the membership voting .
Local 761
Bulletin
5/16/08
Dear Members ;
As you are aware, GE confirmed the appliance business is indeed being put
on the market " For Sale " . This is a sale of the Entire Appliance Division, not just
Louisville. Jim Campbell told me and the Executive Board early this morning , he
has already received four or five calls from prospective buyers who heard the news ,
which " leaked out " two days ago.
There are a lot of unanswered questions for all of us . I have been in touch
with IUE/CWA President Jim Clark , the IUE/CWA-GE Conference Board and
the IUE/CWA Legal Department ,and have asked them to put together a summary
of what happens in the area of our benefits ? , What takes place as far as the
negotiating process ? , and what our contractual rights are. We have received
assurances from the IUE/CWA-GE Conference Board, those who are 60 or older
( and qualify for a pension ) do not need to make a decision to retire based on just
the announcement of the sale, unless you are ready to retire. They assured us
notification will be given in plenty of time before the transition period takes place.
One positive note is we have learned Jim Campbell will be staying on with
appliances, and will be part of the negotiating process. His loyalty has always been
to the appliance business and the people of Appliance Park . He has directed his
leadership team to develop a " Matrix " for employees to understand how they will be
affected as far as their age, number of years of service and their benefits. Ultimately,
most of the benefit questions will be answered by the terms of any sales agreement
which is reached. This will be in addition to the information we receive from the
IUE/CWA . Hopefully, this will help everyone understand how their benefits will
be affected by this situation in areas of the Pension, SERO's, Health Insurance, etc .
I have made the Company aware of my disappointment with Jeff Immelt
and his obvious lack of credibility. I told them , " If he were present, I would tell
him to his face , ( but in more blunt and colorful language ) , His statement to the
Negotiating Committee in April, " You continue to be smart, we ( the company )
will continue to be fair " , Was as truthful to us, as he was to the stockholders
about the state of the business. "
At 11 am this morning Vice President Larry Badgett and I met with
Mayor Jerry Abramson, Larry Hayes, who represents Governor Steve Beshear's
office, and Joseph Reagan of Greater Louisville Inc. They wanted to assure us
that they stand ready to do whatever it takes, in support of this membership to
continue appliance manufacturing here at Appliance Park. They look at this as
an opportunity to create an expanded business presence with the potential to
retain and possibly attract more jobs.
In closing, it is important for all of us to maintain our position as the Best
Appliance Makers in the World. We should continue to do our jobs as we always
have and help make Appliance Park as attractive to potential buyers as possible,
so they will not only want to come to Louisville, but stay in Louisville through
future investments in new products.
Fraternally,
William T. Spires
President
Local 761, IUE/CWA
Jeffrey Immelt Visits
On April 2nd, Myself, and Vice President Larry Badgett , along
with the Chief Stewards, had a brief meeting with Jeff Immelt, Chairman and CEO of
GE. He spoke with us about having worked at Appliance Park during the 80's. His
feeling then was Appliance Park would not be around much beyond the next decade.
However, Immelt said, he is convinced, because of the improved working relationship
developed between the Company and the Union over the past several years. Appliance
Park remains one of the major manufacturing facilities in the Louisville Metro area.
Mr. Immelt then asked about the status of the Warehouse. I told him when
we first began discussions, I felt very optimistic , but recent events have caused reason
for concern. I did say, " I was hopeful we would be able to come to some resolution
as we continue doing the right things for the right reasons. Immelt responded," because
of the peoples' willingness to do things differently, Appliance Park continues to
manufacture appliances here in Louisville. He concluded by saying," The Company
will continue to be fair as long as the Union continues to be smart ."
William T. Spires
President
Local 761 IUE/CWA
Michelle Rodgers Memorial
Michelle Rodgers
Michelle was tragically killed when struck by a Police Cruiser
on the morning of January 14, 2003 , while walking the picket
line , in front of Appliance Park ,during the 2 day Health Care
strike against GE.
Amanda , Olivia , and Holly , Michelle's children ,
placed a wreath on the cross at the Memorial site.
IUE/CWA International President Jim Clark was in town for the
service , speaking to the family and those present .
Michelle's Family, Friends, Local 761 Executive Board members,
Stewards , and GE Executives all came together in remembrance.
Shocking News
from Bloomington
GE has announced the company's intent to close the Bloomington Ind.
refrigeration assembly plant. The IBEW, which represents their hourly workers, will
have 60 days of decision bargaining to attempt to save the facility. If an agreement is
not reached, it is anticipated the plant will close sometime within the next 2 years.
Silicone plants and plastics operations are no longer part of GE. Lighting
plants have closed or downsized. Several of GE's Appliance distribution centers
have closed. All of this within the past 2 years .... NOW.... Bloomington !!
These decisions didn't happen overnight. GE constantly looks and plans
ahead in their un-ending quest for a better bottom line than last year's. I am
convinced the membership's support of the Competitive Wage Agreement is one
of the reasons Appliance Park has not been part of the recent announcements of
closings and sales.
It is true, the company has been considering options concerning the Warehouse
at Appliance Park , but they have suspended talks with other companies, from October
until March, to give our people an opportunity to find ways of becoming more productive
and competitive. I'm sure Bloomington would like to have had the same opportunity...
William T. Spires
President
Local 761, IUE-CWA
A letter to Bloomington
Local 2249 IBEW
Bill Mitchell, President
I.B.E.W. Local 2249
200 East Association Street, Rm 202
Ellettsville, IN. 47429
Dear Brother Mitchell,
The news in January of the protected plant closing of the GE
Bloomington Plant has most certainly touched the hearts of our officers
and members here at Local 761, IUE-CWA. The General Electric
Company has been the livelihood for all of us , for so many years , and
the pending loss of more good , union paying jobs is devastating to us all.
As the 60 day deadline approaches on March 17, 2008 to reach a
possible solution, to save these jobs through your negotiations with GE
Bloomington Management, please know ,that you have the support and
prayers of Local 761, IUE-CWA for a positive outcome in your
negotiations.
If there is anything this Local can do to in the weeks ahead to
assist you and your membership, don't hesitate to call. Please know
you have the " Full support of our Local 761 Executive Board and
Membership, as you go forward in your efforts to save the jobs of our
Union Brothers and Sisters.
Fraternally,
William T. Spires
President
Local 761, IUE-CWA
IUE - CWA
Endorsements
Local 761's membership has endorsed Jim Clark in his bid for re-election as
IUE-CWA Division President, and AP-5 Chief Steward John Lewis , who
is running for re-election as Chairman of the IUE-CWA Board of Trustees. The
elections will be held during the annual IUE-CWA Convention this summer...
Fraternally,
William T. Spires
President
Local 761 IUE-CWA
Attention : All Warehouse Employees
The most frequently asked questions we have received are " What is going on with the Warehouse" ,
" How are we doing", and " When will we know something ? Our intent is to try to answer all of these
questions and give you some insight into what we have been doing.
A few weeks ago the Company gave us a letter containing certain commitments they were willing
to make if our members remained consistent in their work performance and attained the average needed goals.
Almost Immediately, most of you started working toward the goals. We have seen a willingness by the
majority of the folks in the Warehouse to do what they can to save their jobs. There are members who have
come to us and said that they want to continue working in the Warehouse and are tired of being dragged
down by those not willing to do their part. Our thanks to all of those who have stepped up and are committed
to keeping these jobs in the GE family.
A brief word to those who have not yet started doing your part.........This is not a " test " or the
" program of the month " . If you have no real intentions of helping your co-workers save Warehouse jobs,
now might be a good time to consider bidding back to the production buildings.
There are some who have already bid out of the Warehouse, because of the fear and uncertainty
of the situation. This is an issue each individual has to deal with on their own. We understand and wish
them all the best. It certainly has taken its toll on all of us.
We have met with members of GE management and shared our concerns about the fact many
trained, qualified Warehouse members are leaving , and the new members coming in to the Warehouse
will need additional time after their training , to attain average performance standards. Management
has assured us they are aware of those issues, and they are willing to take them into consideration as
they review work performance goals.
We know some of you feel the GE Company wants to rid itself of the Warehouse operation.
We don't believe that, however, unless we continue with our progress ( and there has been progress made ),
we are still in jeopardy. If we could offer any advice to our members , it would be to continue to do
whatever it takes to reach and maintain the average needed to protect these jobs - even if it means crossing
boundaries and helping out a fellow member who is really trying, but just can't seem to get there.
We don't know if we will know anything soon, but we will do our best to keep you informed.
Thanks again to all of you who have stepped up and we encourage each and everyone to help us succeed
in our common goal to save the Warehouse.
Fraternally,
William T. Spires Larry A. Badgett
President Vice President/ Fin. Secy
Local 761, IUE - CWA Local 761, IUE - CWA
Attention : All Warehouse Employees
We are writing this to separate fact from fiction, truth from rumors. It is no secret GE is talking
with two companies about buying the Warehouse and taking over its shipping and receiving operations. We
first learned about the talks around three weeks ago while following up on a rumor that Appliance Park
was up for sale. We called HR Manager Mike Luvisi, and were told Appliance Park was not involved, but
the Warehouse was. We decided our members needed to know right away, even though we did not have any
details of the proposed sale except the names of the two companies involved.
Each Thursday the Chief Stewards and others on the Executive Board meet with company
representatives to go over the previous week's performance in each building and the Warehouse. The weekly
session is called "Team 2000". At the end of our most recent meeting on August 23rd, we asked the company
about the Warehouse situation. They informed us that talks were still occurring with both businesses. We
asked if the company would give us one more opportunity to meet with employees in the Warehouse to see
if they felt there was anything they could do to become more productive and possibly save the jobs involved.
On Friday, August 24th we received a call from Mike Saylor , asking if Tommy would come to
a meeting at 1:00 pm. We both attended the meeting with the dayshift stewards. The meeting began with
Tommy being asked about statements he had made during the Team 2000 meeting the day before. When
Tommy asked for clarification, It was obvious , most of the discussion had been misunderstood. References
to people being fired, were statements the company had made during the previous productivity meetings
with us and former President Randy Payton, former Chief Steward Tony Burgin and his assistants
Paul Fisher, Darryl Miles and Randy Rogers. The company's statements were based on data they
( the company) had collected. Anything you may have heard differently is simply not the truth ! The
dayshift stewards asked for the support of the Union Hall, which we were happy to give. The meeting
ended with some great suggestions and ideas we have since shared with GE.
Going forward - we need to know our members, on all three shifts, support the effort to
save the 275 jobs at stake. You, as Warehouse employees, are the only ones who can make the real
difference. Only you know whether or not there are opportunities to become more productive, help
reduce damage and other remedies to this very serious situation. We will do everything we can to save
these jobs, but we cannot do it alone. Everyone needs to be involved and willing to work with the
company toward real solutions, including the Chief Steward, his assistants, the stewards and You .
If, on the other hand, You feel this is something you cannot support, we will respect your decision
not to move ahead with productivity meetings. We represent you, and if you tell us nothing can
be done, we will tell the company to go ahead and sell to the highest bidder. Four lighting
warehouses have been closed in recent months in Dallas , Chicago, Atlanta and Hagerstown,
Maryland. Some of Atlanta's appliance work has been diverted to a third party warehouse,
Exel in Charleston, Tennessee. These are a few examples of what the company has already
done concerning warehousing, which in our opinion, makes this an urgent matter.
The bottom line is the company is seriously looking in another direction in their talks
about getting out of the warehouse business. They have done so, many times before. What makes
this different, is they didn't come to us about the sale - we just happened to find out. We know
everyone remembers GE was going to move washer production to Webster City, Iowa, until we
happened to find out . Today we are still in the washer business ; however, the dryers and ranges
have gone the way of room air conditioners as most of the refrigeration business. Someone else is
now doing our work. We don't want the same thing to happen to the Warehouse.
We wanted to write this, in case some of the stewards have not yet had the
opportunity to inform you of this matter. We, along with Darryl and his assistants, will keep
everyone informed as developments occur.
Fraternally, Fraternally,
William T. Spires Larry A. Badgett
President Vice President/Fin Secy.
Local 761, IUE-CWA Local 761, IUE-CWA
2007 GE / IUE - CWA
Children's
Christmas Party
\
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Sworn to Serve
President Spires swears in Glenn Hagan
as the new Chief Steward of Skilled Trades
Kenny Jaggers gets settled in as Local 761's
new Senior Trustee elect.
Melvin Pedrick , Local 761's new Trustee elect ,
is ready to serve the members in 2008.
* Labor 2007 *
GOTV Labor Rally
Kentucky State AFL-CIO :President Bill Londrigan along with
IUPAT : President James Williams
AFSCME : President Gerald W. McEntee,
Kentucky Governor Candidate : Steve Beshear
welcomed a large crowd, to the GOTV Labor Rally held at the
IBEW Local 369 on Thursday Nov. 1
Several Labor Union Locals, from the Louisville Area, were in attendance.
Kentucky Governor Candidate Steve Beshear encouraged everyone
to " Get out and Vote " on election day. As Jack Conway and
Crit Luallen had fun with the crowd.
Other Candidates in attendance were Left to Right :
Lt. Governor : Daniel Mongiardo
State Treasurer : Todd Hollenbach ,
State Attorney General : Jack Conway,
State Auditor : Crit Luallen
Kentucky State AFL-CIO President Bill Londrigan called on
Local 761's Mark Hardin , to
collect for the K .N. A. Registered Nurses on Strike.
Iuecwalocal761.com was on the scene, as Mark
collected $ 670.00 for the nurses ( below ).
Go Nurses !
Local 761
Election Results
Senior Trustee : Kenny Jaggers 117
Dale Stockdale 59
Trustee : Melvin Pedrick 94
Fred Higdon 76
Skilled Trades : Kenny Allgeier 92
( Chief Steward ) Bob Karr 71
, I would like to thank all the election Volunteers/Workers for their participation
in these Mid-Term elections.
Fraternally,
Steven A. Wimsatt, Chairman
Election Committee
Local 761 IUE/CWA
" Printing Error "
Dear Members :
Due to a " Printing Error " on the Green payrate cards , the correct
rate for CW Level 2 is $14.955 , instead of $14.995 which is printed.
Larry A. Badgett
Vice President / Fin. Secy
Local 761 IUE/CWA
" GE's PayRoll Issues "
Dear Members:
Once again, we find ourselves having to monitor another fix to the
company's problem. For the second time in three weeks, many of our members
(1,087) are being charged double insurance deductions. We found out about
the problem on August 30th and have been involved in making sure the
company acted on it right away. Payroll employees are being forced to work
their holiday ( and they should be ) to make the corrections. All of our members
affected will have a separate check cut on Monday , September 3rd to refund
the proper amount. Direct deposit checks will be deposited in banks on Tuesday
September 4th. Other checks will be mailed to employees' home addresses on
Tuesday.
Our Membership has been " more than patient " while the company
" buffoons" it's way through different fixes. For weeks and weeks we have
listened to them talk about the " Isolated Cases " and how we are Over -
Reacting. There is no such thing as over-reacting when it comes to a paycheck.
People depend on it weekly to be correct ,either in their hand, or in their bank
on Friday.
I know this is not going to take away your frustration about the
payroll process and the fact you have to put up with problems again. I want
you to know your frustration is shared by the entire Executive Board , and I
assure all of you , we will not let up on company management until each and
every problem is resolved. Whether it be a $ 1.00 problem or a $ 1000.00
problem , it will be addressed by us and fixed by the company in a timely
manner.
Several years ago, we had the Payroll system right here at Appliance
Park in Building 10. If a paycheck was wrong, it was usually, just a matter
going over there , and a " GE Employee" would help our members get their
situation corrected immediately. Then, GE decided to get rid of most of their
payroll personnel, and farm out the work to a group in Florida (and parts
unknown throughout the US and Canada) , which has no sense of urgency
because the problems don't directly affect them or their paychecks. If they
did, you can bet , they would be " jumping through all kinds of hoops", to
clear up these problems.
This new " seamless process" the company calls PeopleSoft , has been
in shambles from the start. The company has made excuse after excuse, and
some of our members still don't have their retro pay, and have refunds
coming to them for double deductions of insurance premiums, and/or child
support payments , all because PeopleSoft has been programmed to
incorrect this and botch that . If our members made as many errors on their
jobs, as Payroll seems to be making trying to correct the errors they made,
there would have been a disqualification by now. It's time for the GE
Company management to Step up, Step in and remedy the situation .
Fraternally,
William T. Spires
President
Local 761, IUE-CWA
GE - Local 761 Booth
2007 Kentucky State Fair
Local 761 Members work the crowd at the 2007 Kentucky State Fair.
Members register the public for free Appliances, to be given away daily.
Trade Show Specialist Golda Staley, announces Vicki Hamilton of
Covington, Kentucky as the lucky winner of a Monogram Dishwasher
built in Louisville, in Appliance Park 's AP-3. Congratulations Vicki !
Local 761 Members
Support United Steel Workers
Vice President / Financial Secretary - Larry A. Badgett
President - William T. Spires
A Collection was taken , from the Local 761 IUE CWA members at General Electric's
Appliance Park for Striking workers , represented by USW ( United Steel Workers )
Local 1693 at Ohio Aluminum Company in Shelbyville, Ky. The Donations totaling
$ 4000.00 was presented to the USW Local 1693 Strike and Defense Fund on Wed .
August 1, 2007 at the Local 761 Union Hall 5153 Poplar Level Road. A Special
thanks to all Local 761 Members for your generosity, once again you have made your
Union Proud !
William T. Spires
President
Local 761 IUE/CWA
2007 Contract Rally
Erie Pa.
Local 761 Members arrive " Alive " in Erie Pa.
" Louisville is in the House", was a common statement
heard from the other Locals attending the CBC Rally !
Contract 2007
Kick-Off Rally
Local 761 President Tommy Spires, along with IUE/CWA International President Jim Clark &
IUE/CWA Representative Charlie Smith , addressed the large Local 761 membership.
It was standing room only inside , while outside, Welfare Committee Chairman Steve Wimsatt
and Dana Crittenden of AP-5 , addressed the Louisville News Media
IUE/CWA International's Jim Clark & Lauren Asplen lead the Local 761 membership
toward GE's Appliance Park.
Along Poplar Level Road, just adjacent to GE's Appliance Park, the Local 761 membership
stretched for nearly 1 mile from the Local's Union Hall to the edge of Appliance Park,
Sending a " STRONG " message to General Electric.
Joining in the march towards Appliance Park were several Local 761, retirees.
Reaching the edge of Appliance Park, Local 761 Mobilization Chairperson Loretta Carter ( far left )
helps lead the membership in chanting " We are the Union " , which likely, could be heard all the way to
New York City's Rockefeller Plaza.
After "Lighting up" the Intersection of Poplar Level Rd. & Old Shepherdsville Rd. just behind
Appliance Park, it was back home to the Union Hall for a well deserved meal.
IUE/CWA Local 761 President Tommy Spires helps serve the members lunch , as Andre Smith ( right ) of
AP 1 , shows his support.
Robert Santamoor and Charlie Smith
Visits Local 761
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