Email
Vaughn Goodwin

Things have been very busy at the local over the past few months, with the GM contract talks and steps being taken toward the winding down of operations here in Athens. We have contacted the state for assistance with funding for worker training to help those who are being displaced. There are options available and we want to insure that every avenue has been exhausted for our members. We have also inquired about the possibility of TRA and TAA funds from the federal government, and are working through the International Union for assistance on applying for these funds.

To say the least, things are challenging right now. It seems that each day brings a new issue to tackle and a new test for our members. Over the past twelve months the situation here has continued to decline. A year ago we were worried about new owners, but things took a turn the worst in June when the announcement was made that the site was closing. Recently we saw the first layoffs in preparation of the ceasing of operations here. This will be a slow and painful process of the course of the next couple years. While these are trying times for each of us, you don’t have to look too far down the road to see how things could be worse.

On Wednesday November 7, 2007, Wolverine Tube in Decatur announced that it would be closing there doors effective January 06, 2008. We share with our fellow working class brothers and sisters at Wolverine in their grief and worry in this announcement. We know all to well how an announcement such as this can hit you suddenly and without warning. However, while our situation is frustrating, the International Union negotiated transfer agreements and severances packages for our members here.
The details of the Wolverine closing are a sobering reminder of the differences between those with union representation and those without. Wolverine employees will maintain medical coverage for two months after the operation closes and that is it. Other reports state that any Wolverine employee who is not 55 years of age when the plant ceases production on January 06, 2008 will lose most of their retirement pay. One report stated that Wolverine is treating the last day as retirement day for all employees and those who are not 55 will only receive 34% of their expected retirement when they reach retirement age. Employees who choose to stay at the plant until the end of operations could receive $3,600 if certain conditions are met.

This is a far cry from the options that were negotiated for our members. Plus, our situation was negotiated while a crooked bankruptcy judge essentially helped the company hold a gun to the union’s head during talks. While Wolverine employees that are not 55 lose two thirds of their pension, every Delphi employee who had at least 26 years regardless of age received their entire pension and anyone over the age of 50 and ten years of service received a pension, complete with health care coverage. Our members who were hired after the bankruptcy was filed will receive severance packages that could total $40,000 provided they work at least 20 months.

The employees of Wolverine had opportunities through the years for union representation but sadly they never voted it in. In one Decatur Daily report, Jed Deason, Wolverine’s chief financial officer was quoted as saying they had “no severance package” for hourly employees. The article went on to say that former Chief Executive Officer Chip Manning, forced out of Wolverine by the new owners in February, received $1.5 million in severance pay and $1 million for signing a non-competition agreement. He also is receiving $20,000 a month for 15 months “to provide consulting and advisory services to the company,” according to documents filed with the SEC. His total package is worth about $2.8 million.

Our hearts and thoughts go out to our brothers and sisters at Wolverine during this time. Our members as well as anyone understand the feeling of betrayal at the hands of a crooked corporation. However, our members had someone fighting for them to insure they would not be left with nothing when the doors closed.

There are those who say there is no place for unions in today’s marketplace, but the comparison of the situation for Delphi and Wolverine employees shows a stark contrast. At the end of the day, organized labor is the ONLY advocate a working person has in this country.

In closing, let me extend wishes for a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from our family to yours. For the holidays, may we all put aside the worries and cares of the current situation and spend this holiday in the joy and wonder of the season.

Local 2195 President
Vaughn Goodwin