Ron: Welcome to today’s online discussion. This is our sixth live Q & A and we’re looking forward to holding many more.

With me today is UAW Vice President Cal Rapson who is the director of the UAW’s General Motors Department. He is also responsible for our union’s negotiations with Delphi. Vice President Rapson, who holds a UAW Journeyman’s card, is also responsible for the UAW Skilled Trades Department. He also directs the UAW Veterans Department which has spearheaded the addition of the Stephen P. Yokich duplex at the VFW National Home for Children in Eaton Rapids, Michigan.

With negotiations beginning at General Motors on July 23, there may be questions submitted that we cannot respond to at this time. However, we appreciate all of your questions and concerns and will do our best to answer as many as possible during this one-hour live discussion.

Now, let’s go to the first question.

Spring Hill, Tenn.: President Gettelfinger and Vice President Rapson, greetings and thank you for allowing us, the members, to participate in this forum. Question: Brother Rapson, on June 5, 2007, you sent out the National Agreement Summary, Letter 917, for the 2007 Independence Week Shutdown/Vacation Period to all the GM locals. On Page 3, it lists the following: Skilled Trades - Subcontracting The Summer Shutdown Period does not relieve management of its obligations under the subcontracting provisions of the UAW-GM N.A. Therefore, if work has been contracted out due to a lack of manpower or insufficient time to complete the work, members involved in those trades should have the opportunity to be fully employed during the shutdown period. At our facility, management brought in contractors prior to the summer shutdown, due to their own admittance this was due to not being able to meet timelines. Well the contractors were on site for over eight weeks and left our site this past Monday, June 18. Management is now telling our skilled-trades members they will be forced out on vacation for the summer shutdown. when our skilled-trades shop committeeman-at-large pointed out the language from the letter to our personnel director. He simply stated there was no member of management who signed off on this document, thus they have the right to force our members out. I will add we had plenty of work which remains to be performed during this time. Is management obligated to work our skilled-trades members per this letter? Thank you in advance for your time and response.

Ron, Cal: This issue is currently being worked out locally and has been resolved.

Flint, Mich.: Good luck to you in the negotiations this year. I know that they are going to be tough but I believe that we can come out ahead.

Ron, Cal: Thank you for your support. We know there’s a lot of hype in the media. It is apparent that someone in one of the companies is floating positions to reporters, as we would expect in a contract year. We would just reiterate that the UAW does not negotiate in the press.

Watchung, N.J.: Thank you President Gettelfinger and VP Rapson. Will the jobs bank be eliminated or modified in the next agreement? Will a new national hire policy be instituted to eliminate the bank so it only appears on paper and not reality? GM will surely clean house (not by retirement this time) if they can layoff at will without liability of a jobs bank.

Ron, Cal: We will begin national bargaining July 23. We have not yet seen GM’s proposals on the bank or national hire. We will address each of these issues carefully and bring the membership the best contract possible.

Janesville, Wisc.: Is it true there used to be 700,000 UAW members at GM?

Ron, Cal: Thank you for this question. UAW membership at General Motors peaked at 460,000 in 1979. Today, our membership at GM is about 74,500. Back in 1979, GM had 45 percent of the U.S. market share, but today, GM’s market share hovers around 23 percent.

Toledo, Ohio: Why do people blame the problems in the auto industry on the UAW? Our plant was rated the top transmission plant in the Harbour Report on productivity. Plenty of other UAW plants were also rated better than the nonunion plants. We go to work every day, work hard and care about the quality. Yet it seems all we read is criticism in the press.

Ron, Cal: We both share your frustration. There’s no doubt that the public’s perception about the quality of Big Three cars and trucks has not kept up with reality. Certainly, the UAW strongly disagrees that we are part of the problem in the auto industry. In fact, we believe that we are part of the solution. UAW members’ commitment to quality and safety is second to none.

Lordstown, Ohio: I am confused about the fight over CAFE. What is going on?

Ron, Cal: Unfortunately, last night the Senate passed an energy bill containing extreme fuel economy standards that poses a major threat to the the jobs of UAW members. In addition to our serious concerns about the stringency of these proposed standards, we are also deeply disappointed that Senate Democratic leaders chose to make a deal with GOP Senators allied with Nissan to eliminate the distinction between domestic and foreign car fleets, and to block any "anti-backsliding" language to protect small car production and jobs in the United States. This cynical deal gave the Democratic leaders additional GOP votes for the overall fuel economy package. But it directly threatens the jobs of 17,000 UAW members who currently assemble small cars at 5 plants in this country, as wells as tens of thousands of UAW members who make parts for these vehicles. This attack on our members was totally gratuitous, since it has nothing to do with the stringency of the fuel economy standards, and was simply designed to appease Nissan.

Ron, Cal: While we were answering the last question, another one came in about CAFE and we would like to answer it also. Q. Flint, Mich.: So where do we go from here on the battle over new fuel economy standards? The battle will now shift to the House. During the coming week the House Energy & Commerce Committee is expected to mark up some non-controversial energy efficiency measures. But we are concerned that proponents of extreme CAFE increases may offer hostile amendments. So we are working closely with the Chairman of the Committee, the UAW's good friend Representative John Dingell of Michigan, to oppose any dangerous CAFE amendments. Right now it is very unclear when this will reach the House floor. The House is expected to take up an energy bill right after the July 4th recess period.

We believe it makes much more sense to address the issue of new fuel economy standards in the context of comprehensive, economy-wide climate change legislation that will be considered by the House in the fall. In our judgment, this represents the best opportunity to make meaningful progress on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and our dependence on foreign oil, while still protecting automotive jobs for American workers.

Flint, Mich.: Vice President Rapson, I don't have a question but I just want to thank you for the work you are doing on behalf of our veterans. I am proud to be a UAW member and I am proud to be a veteran. Keep up the good work.

Ron, Cal: Thank you for your kind words and support. I am extremely proud and honored to have the Veteran’s assignment. Thank you for your sacrifice.

Both of us are proud to be veterans. As you may know, we have an annual Veterans Conference at the UAW Education Center at Black Lake every year. It is always a great experience to talk to the veterans about their experiences and the many community activities they are involved in.

The UAW Veterans Department is especially proud that the Stephen P. Yokich duplex has opened at the VFW National Home for Children in Eaton Rapids, Michigan. Built by union labor and financed largely through donations of UAW members, it is the first home built by a group other than the VFW or its Ladies Auxiliary.

Rochester, N.Y.: What happened to the no more wage talk and where is the two tier if we’re all making $14?

Ron, Cal: We are not completely clear on your question, however, we will bargain each issue with careful consideration to deliver the best agreement possible to our membership.

Flint, Mich.: Mr. Gettelfinger and Mr. Rapson, as the wife of a retired GM worker, my question is this: During these upcoming negotiations are you going to be discussing the retirees’ prescription program? We've had to use Medco since my husband retired in 2000 and at the time of his retirement, the scrips from Medco were only $2. Now they are anywhere from $5 to $15 for co-pay. We realize this is still very reasonable but we could get our scrips from our local drug store and have quicker access to a pharmacist (for the same amount of money,) and if there's a problem, we wouldn't have to wait for days for an answer. Medco has been a problem from the beginning. Scrips getting mixed up. Scrips not being filled. Doctors’ offices not being able to access a pharmacist without going through the electronic voice, etc. It's a true nightmare for most of us. Will the retirees’ prescription plan be negotiated with this contract so we will have a choice as to where we can take our scrips in the future? Thank you.

Ron, Cal: We realize there have been problems with changing to the Mail Order Prescription plan. Prescription drugs account for the biggest share of health care dollars. The change to Medco has saved millions of dollars in health care costs since 2003. It is vital that we reduce costs wherever we can to ensure we have health care coverage in the future.

Pittsburgh: What is the status of General Motors Pittsburgh? What is going on with the skilled trades and A-10s?

Ron, Cal: GM is currently looking for a buyer for the plant. At this time, they have not signed a purchase agreement. The A-10’s are there to fill the void of permanent employees moving to other locations.

Pontiac, Mich.: What is going on with the temp workers at GM? Some have been working over a year now. I think some of them should have been hired by now. One year is long enough without health insurance. What is the UAW doing to ensure these workers are not forgotten? They pay union dues like any other member but get no information from the leadership. Please help. Any news would be welcome.

Ron, Cal: The S.A.P. of 2006 caused an extra-ordinary exodus of seniority employees. We allowed GM to use temps to backfill these openings, which in turn allowed the UAW to hold openings for flowbacks from Delphi. Contract resolutions on this topic have been submitted and will be on the table in bargaining.

Flint, Mich.: I'D LIKE TO KNOW WHY SOME OF THE PEOPLE THAT FLOWED BACK TO GM FROM DELPHI HAD TO LEAVE THE AREA AND GO TO THE PONTIAC TRUCK AND BUS PLANT LOCAL 594 WHEN THERE WERE TEMPS BEING HIRED AT THE TRUICK AND BUS IN FLINT. THEN WE WERE GIVEN THE WRONG INFO ON HOW TO SIGN TO GO BACK TO FLINT TO WORK BY THE REPS. AND NOW IT LOOKS LIKE THESE PEOPLE WILL BE PAYING MOST OF THEIR PAYCHECK FOR GAS TO GET TO WORK AND HOME AGAIN AND SPEND 3 HOURS A DAY TRAVELING TO WORK. THIS IS MAKING IT HARD TO DEAL WITH.

Ron, Cal: They were sent to Flint improperly and are being offered to return to Delphi or transfer to Pontiac.

Mansfield, Ohio: The Big 3 have made it clear that they are looking for a $30 reduction in wages and benefits in this year's negotiations. How do you plan to make sure that the Big 3 can survive without giving any major concessions in wages and benefits?

Ron, Cal: Unfortunately, the newspapers keep repeating that the auto companies “need” a $30 reduction in hourly wages and benefits. In our opinion, this is nothing more than posturing by the auto companies. The UAW does not negotiate in the press. We will go into Big Three negotiations with the resolutions approved at the UAW Special Convention on Collective Bargaining as our template. The proposals we submit to GM originate at the local union level. They were approved at our sub-councils and the national council and are now in the hands of our national bargaining committee.

Bowling Green, Ky.: As the big 3 and Delphi downsize in the United States, more and more union brothers and sisters are compelled to transfer from one location to another to keep their jobs, skilled trades included. Many skilled trades people are having to take production line jobs in order to get a transfer to a new location. The training of these skilled trades people is a big investment, of time and money, for both the company and union. In some locations skilled trades jobs are being reduced or eliminated as the work is being contracted or outsourced. Our highly trained brothers and sisters are left to work on the line. What is our international union doing to retain skilled trades work and return these trades people to their trade or a related trade?

Ron, Cal: Under our current agreement, a skilled trades person has the option to voluntarily transfer to another facility as either production or to their same or related skilled trade. These provisions are not new, and those skilled trades people who choose to transfer as production know that there are no guarantees of when they might be transferred back to the trades. The Delphi bankruptcy coupled with GM’s shrinking market share has greatly exasperated an already difficult situation. During this round of negotiations, we intend to find a solution that will enable our Tradespeople opportunities back to their respective skilled trade.

Swartz Creek, Mich.: Hi Ron and Cal, I brought the apps. for t.a.a. and a.t.a.a. to local #651 to get the site certified. With the help of U.A.W. local 651 president Art Reys and the International, and others we were certified 5-15-07. We still waiting for the Rapid Response team from the government, time is running out. Also in Ohio- Dayton employees qualify for unemployment benifits, even for buy-outs, early retirements. Why can't we lobby for the same unemployment benifits laws here in Michigan?

Ron, Cal: Yes, you can contact your state legislators. You may also contact the regional office for help.

Mt. Morris, Mich.: Mr. Rapson, What is going to happen to those of us who are on workman's comp? I have been denied T&P Because "There was a job available" I couldn't do the job by the doctors admission, that it was "not" within my restrictions. My dilema is, that I want very much to protect my pension, by being able to retire on disabiity to protect my W/C. In the meantime I can't flow back to GM because I'm not active, I can't become active because there is no job available for me. I have gone through all the appeals. Please help me if there is anything you can do about my situation. I can't rest because my future is at stake. Please let me know if there is anything you can do for me. I curently have 28.9 years senority. Thank you.

Ron, Cal: It will be forwarded to our Benefits section for follow-up.

Davison, Mich.: I am a recent UAW Local 598 retiree. I have Health Plus for medical, for which I pay a $22 supplement. How much am I saving GM by not having traditional Blue Cross since Big Blue has 10-15 percent rate increases every year. Just wonder if all retirees went to a HMO if that would benefit anyone beside GM, if we can really believe they indeed have a cost problem. Thanks.

Ron, Cal: Actually, HMO’s cost GM more than Traditional BCBS. GM is self insured, so they only pay for services when they are used. HMO’s are paid for whether or not they are used. Many members like HMO’s since part of the office visit is covered, but not all of our members have an HMO available in their area. Many HMO’s are being dropped because they cost more than Traditional.

Flint, Mich. : Why wasn't this done on a Sunday afternoon when most people can watch, and can you put questions and answers on the web site?

Ron, Cal: Thank you. We are continuing to develop our Q&A format, and we are very flexible. Sunday is not out of the question. It just so happens that this time frame works for today’s session. We really enjoy Q&A and thank all of our members for participating and our guests for joining in. The questions and answers are always posted on the web, and transcripts of past sessions are also available on the web site.

Swartz Creek, Mich.: I realize that the UAW and its members support many charities. Any idea how much money is donated in a given year?

Ron, Cal: Great question, but it is impossible to give you a specific dollar amount. UAW members care very much and they are involved in so many different charities. Our active and retired members join with others in our communities and do make a difference.

Ft. Wayne, Ind.: If the Korean trade agreement is passed, will we lose UAW jobs? When is this country going to wake up and realize that NAFTA, CAFTA and all these other trade agreements are destroying our jobs?

Ron, Cal: This is such an important question. The administration’s proposed free trade deal with Korea would jeopardize tens of thousands of U.S. automotive jobs and it’s not a good deal for workers in Korea either. Last year, Korea sold 750,000 vehicles in the U.S. while the U.S. was allowed to export about 4000 vehicles to Korea.

Unfortunately, the proposed trade agreement would eliminate the U.S. tariffs on autos and auto parts imported from Korea and phase out the 25 percent tariff on imported pickup trucks. This means even more vehicles will flood the U.S. market.

Meanwhile the agreement does not require Korea to eliminate its barriers to U.S. build automotive products.

These unfair trade agreements have fueled the race to the bottom with corporations seeking the lowest wage. There’s only one way to level the playing field and that’s by negotiating fair trade agreements that require other nations to open up their markets to U.S. products, not just allow more imports into our market.

Lansing, Mich.: What has the UAW done to help its veterans during the Iraq war?

Ron, Cal: UAW members are a slice of society, and like most Americans we strongly support our veterans, many of whom have come from the ranks of the UAW. The UAW has a very active Veterans Department that works with our regions and local unions who have stepped up to help, by putting together care packages, distributing phone cards and participating in letter writing campaigns to our service men and women in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Marion, Ind.: President Gettelfinger, thanks for taking the time to visit our plant this week. I have a question for Vice President Rapson: Will the concerns of our skilled trades be addressed in national negotiations?

Ron, Cal: Thank you. This is Ron and I just want to say how much I enjoyed meeting the members of UAW Local 977. The Marion GM plant is a very impressive operation. Cal and I just want to assure you that the UAW will continue to protect the interests and integrity of our skilled trades.

Owosso, Mich. : I just went through a plant closing, and when I called my state rep., I wasn't given a lot of help through their office. What can I do to help change this?

Ron, Cal: It is important for all of us to recognize the importance of our personal involvement in politics. The reaction you received is not uncommon and you should remember it at election time. On a bigger scale the unfair free trade agreements are costing us millions of jobs and destroying the industrial base in our country. The only way we can fix this is to elect politicians who are willing to stand up for America’s workers.

Saginaw, Mich.: Mr. President, is strike a option in the national negotiations?

Ron, Cal: Yes.

Clio, Mich.: I have a friend who is on a local bargaining committee and you can tell that the stress is starting to affect him. How are you guys holding up through all of this?

Ron, Cal: It is a privilege to represent our membership. Thank you for your support.

Bay City, Mich. : I worked for Delphi for 15 minutes...OK it was 15 months, but the majority of my seniority is GM! I flowed back 7 years ago and I just got a certificate thanking me for 5 years of service. There is something definetly wrong with this picture! I have 30 years with GM as far as I am concerned. Here is my question...Do I have to retire by September 1, 2007 to protect my pension? Unfortunately no one negotiated to have our pensions flow back with us. If I retire in this contract, does that guarantee that my pension will be the same as a GM pension, or are Delphi people on their own? What will be negotiated for Delphi flowbacks in the next agreement?

Ron, Cal: There are several variations based on an individual’s flowback date. In your example, the benefit guarantee provides a 30-and-out prorated pension from Delphi and GM. The Delphi rate is the rate in effect the day before the effective date of the freeze date. The GM rate is the rate in effect the date of retirement.

Swartz Creek, Mich. : What can you tell me about the Veterans House that the UAW built in Eaton Rapids and how do I make a donation to help support it.

Ron, Cal: Thanks for your question and for all the efforts by UAW members to support this excellent project. To donate, please send a contribution to: VFW National Home for Children, 3573 South Waverly Road, Eaton Rapids, MI, 48827, and designate that is for the “Stephen P. Yokich Home for Children.” We’ve accomplished a great deal, but the need continues, and contributions are always appreciated.

Haslett, Mich.: Brother Rapson, Do you think that there is any possibility of us GM workers losing our pension since GM is always crying about legacy cost?

Ron, Cal: No.

Ron, Cal: We very much appreciated the opportunity to visit with you during this Q&A session, which has been very insightful for us. Thank you so much for all of your questions and support and for allowing us to have this privilege of communicating directly with you.