LABOR ADVOCATES WORKERS SOLUTION
                                    Not for Profit Working for American Workers, Retirees, and Families
                                                                     Patricia Meyer, Director

                                                                     ([email protected])
                                                         P.O. Box 112 West Olive, MI 49460
                                                                             269-998-4609


President  Bob King
UAW Solidarity House
8000 E. Jefferson Ave
Detroit, MI 48214

March 31, 2011


President Bob King,

            It has been brought to the attention of my organization that several workers at the Ford Saline plant from UAW Local 892 are struggling over rules concerning seniority, the four levels of workers and moves that are being made by workers to other locations.

            It is my understanding that

1) employees known as dark blue shirts are the original Ford workers at this location with full seniority, voting rights and the ability to hold office.

2) employees known as light blue shirts are Ford employees who transferred into this plant. No matter how long they worked there they were assigned the starting date of 2006 for seniority purposes. This group has been told that they can no longer vote or hold office in this local.

3) employees known as orange shirts were hired as "at will" employees. For 5 years they had no insurance and no voting rights, health insurance and cannot hold office but paid union dues. Within the last 2 years they have been given voting rights and health insurance but cannot hold office.

4) contract employees working for Devon who are also paying dues to the UAW but have none of the rights that Ford offers their employees.

            Mr. King, I was shocked and wonder how would this unfairness be happening under your leadership. What message do we send to the public about unions? Your letter along with a message explaining what is happening at the Ford Saline plant can be found on our website disputethis.org. You may personally speak to me at 269-998-4609, email [email protected] or comment on our website your views on this situation.

            Looking forward to hearing from you as soon as possible. I trust that you will respond to your workers who look to you for leadership and fairness.

           

            Patricia Meyer

            Director of L.A.W.S., Inc.