Ron: Good afternoon. Thank you for joining us for our Q&A session. I was happy for the opportunity to communicate with you during the first live discussion last month. Our staff has taken the opportunity to work out some of the technical bugs to make things run more smoothly.

I hope you understand that I cannot address specific contract issues in this forum. Also, I receive far more questions that I can respond to in the time available. But even if you're question doesn't get answered, you will enjoy the opportunity to participate.

We're ready to go with the first question.

St Louis, MO: Is it true that you are paid over $110,000 for sitting on the Daimler-Chrysler Supervisory Board?

Ron: No. I respectfully decline compensation for serving in this capacity. In addition to being UAW policy, it's the right thing to do.

Spring Hill, TN.: Brother Ron, I read, with interest, an article appearing in the Detroit Free Press this past week that General Motors Corp., Ford Motor Co., DaimlerChrysler AG and Honda Motor Co. have joined together to train their suppliers to avoid buying materials made by slaves in Brazil. Toyota Motor Co. however, chose not to join the training program because it believes it can better resolve forced labor issues on its own. Are you aware of any efforts being made to track and report the results of this training so that consumers can remain informed about this important issue ?

Ron: Our International Affairs department has sent a letter to the Big Three earlier covering this issue. I am not sure of what's going on at the other companies, other than I read the same article you did. I will have our International Affairs dept. monitor this situation to see if we can determine what all manufacturers in auto are doing.

Avon Lake, Ohio: President Gettlefinger, now that Ford Motor Company has put its plans on hold to build a brand new plant in the southern region of the united States will you back off of your endorsement of the system wide Competitive Operating Agreements. I know you say that this is a local matter, however the locals claim that you and Mr. King are pressuring them to approve the COA’s. As you know this COA matter was a heated argument in Ypsilanti last week. Anyways isn’t a COA agreement the same as outsourcing which the UAW has always been against?

Ron: I reiterate that COAs are negotiated locally with the assistance of the national department, if so requested. In order to pass judgement on any COA, you would have to have it before you with the specifics. I'm not sure I follow your thought process that COAs are the same as outsourcing.

Dayton, Ohio: Ron, As a Delphi retiree, I am concerned that the court action by Delphi will continue beyond our GM guarantee. I am most concerned about my health care which is supplied by Delphi. If Delphi continues to postpone hearings will the Union try to secure from GM a continued guarantee?

Ron: I can understand your concern. However, as complicated as this bankruptcy process is, it is our intention to maintain the GM guarantees.

You have the full support of Vice President Cal Rapson and his staff, and in the end, our union will do its very best under this difficult and trying situation.

Sellersburg IN.: Ron, I work at K.T.P. Local 862 and here is my question/concern for you. Rumour has it that we will be losing up to $10.00 an hour off our current pay at contract time. The word has it we will have to pay for our health insurance as well. Now Ron I am totally committed to being at Ford I am also concerned about the future my job holds for me. I didn't sign up for this buy out package because took a chance in me when they hired me, now it is my turn to take a chance in Ford's future. I am here for the Union as well, because without the U.A.W. I feel I would not have what I have today. What I need to know is if there will be a pay cut in our salaries, I like most people feel having to pay for health insurance will be a given, but having to take a pay cut on top of that is a insult to all U.A.W. members. What is your take on this?

Ron: The first word in your second paragraph says it all. This is just a rumor. Thank you for your support.

Lansing, MI: Is there anything the UAW can do to get GM to build cars the public wants to buy? The company has been building gas-guzzling behemoths for so long that everyone is buying Japanese to save on gas. It's the 70's all over again. Can the UAW do anything to help change this? Can I, as a GM-UAW retiree, do anything to influence the product line besides go buy Japanese myself? My car is getting old and will need replacing soon, I would really like to buy something that gets good mileage.

Ron: We have a lot of discussion with all of the Big Three companies with regard to product. We realize, as you do, that the vehicles must be appealing to the consumer.

Since you're from GM, I think you need to take a good look at GM's offerings, as they have made major improvements over the years in design, quality, durability and fuel economy. They have great vehicles on the market including hybrids, many of which are over the 30 mpg range.

Edgewater, Fla: What is going on with the benefits from Delphi as pertaining to retiress? I retired in 04, do we get a bonuis also?

Ron: In order to be eligible for the bonus, you have to have retired on or by Oct. 1, 2003. In accordance with the qualifying language of the agreement.

I'm not aware of any issues you're referencing pertaining to Delphi retirees.

Saginaw MI: Brother Ron , In the beginning of the bankruptcy, Robert Steve Miller was VERY Vocal about the so called legacy costs, and insulted our membership making statements such as " I can't pay persons 65 dollars an hour for mowing lawns". Recently, Mad Man Miller has been very quiet in the media and I can't find him saying anything anywhere on the web, newspapers or TV My Question is this , Have you had any Conversation with this hired Hit Man at Delphi, and if so could you please Elaborate, ( Many of us are on pins & needles here ) Thank You and have a Great Holiday

Ron: I understand your frustration and applaud workers like you throughout the Delphi system who have felt the pressure of Delphi's actions while at the same time keeping your focus on building a quality product for the customer.

There is little I can add to your characterization of the situation, other than to say, I have not spoken personally with Miller since May.

You have a great team in Vice President Cal Rapson's office as well as our support departments who are fighting for our membership. Thank you for supporting our union in this struggle.

Anderson IN: Is there any information you can give me on the Guide shut down? We know the plant is closing but it doesnt seem like anyone is willing to go into any details Thanks!

Ron: Vice President Jimmy Settles and his staff are working with Guide corporation. Once final details have been worked out that information will be shared with the membership.

Walton Hills, Ohio: What is our outlook for the upcoming contract negotiations for Ford employees next year? What do you forsee coming from A. Mullaly and his counter-parts due to the restructuring strategies they have been taking and how might this affect our wages?

Ron: We will be holding our Special Convention on Collective Bargaining in March. In the meantime, local unions through their councils and sub-councils will be submitting their proposals. Vice Presidents, General Holiefield, Bob King and Cal Rapson are looking forward to 07 bargaining with the Big Three. We appreciate your support.

waterford michigan: when are temporary non-seniority workers at g.m. going to get hired as seniority employees

Ron: Vice President Cal Rapson and I recognize that this is a very important issue. I'm sorry I cannot give you a timeframe, however, I can assure you this matter will receive all the attention it deserves.

Bath, Maine: Dear Mr. Gettlefinger, I would like to know how the UAW plans to handle the healthcare issue in the 2008 elections. Also, what can/should we be doing now to prepare? Thank you. UAW Local 3999

Ron: Health care is front and center on our legislative agenda. Our Legislative Office staff regularly meets with Members of Congress to promote national health care. Once we start screening presidential candidates that question will definitely be asked of each of them.

As we have stated many times, health care should be a right and not a privilege for those who can afford it. This is a national issue that requires a national solution.

Each of us should continue to discuss health care with our elected representatives when they come home on break and/or send them letters expressing our views.

Jacksonville, FL: Ron, I'm retired from Tonawanda engine plant and now live in Florida. At 55 years old I do not get medicare back-up to my insurance, therefore I have to pay 100% of my office visits which is about $100 for each and every visit to a doctor. Why is the Florida contract set up so different from that of New York, where they pay a small co-pay? Is it like this in all of Florida? My understanding is that BC/BS of FL does have other packages available which would be similar to NY.

Ron: Unfortunately, there are not any HMOs in Florida for GM retirees.

elkhart in: what is going on with the strike at selmer?

Ron: The members of Local 364, Vincent Bach, which is a division of Conn-Selmer, have been on strike since April 1, 2006. There are a number of key issues separating the parties from concluding an agreement. The next negotiating session with the company is scheduled for December 20, 2006. In addition to the local bargaining committee, Region 3 director Mo Davison and my administrative assistant will participate.

Tomorrow, Mo is holding a meeting in support of the strikers at Local 5 in South Bend, Indiana, where he will be presenting a check for $48,000 to the president of Local 364 for distribution to the strikers. The money is a result of donations that were generated from local unions and retirees. The assistant director of the region, Larry Moffatt, has been working with the United Food and Commercial Workers and they have created a food pantry where striking members can pick up food items on December 19th.

In addition to bargaining, the International Union has provided legal support to the local union on unemployment insurance claims, retiree life insurance, responding to company motion for a restraining order against picketing and keeping the bargaining committee abreast of all legal matters.

This is a difficult and challenging situation and we are continuing our best effort to get the issues resolved.

warren,michigan: What is the international uaw doing to cultivate the next generation of union leaders?

Ron: We recognize the importance of the next generation of union leaders and we have educational programs in place to help younger and low-seniority members get involved in the UAW structure. I would encourage you to read the article in the upcoming (Jan-Feb) issue of Solidarity magazine, which stresses the importance of participation by our younger/new members. We are very enthused by the support and activism that our younger workers demonstrate, and we are always looking for ways to encourage their continued involvement.

Warren, Mi: Do you foresee the UAW mergering with any other union?

Ron: The UAW has not ruled out merging with other unions.

Ct: To the extent that it can be publicly discussed, what is the UAW organing game plan in the auto related industries outside of the big three.

Ron: I'm sure you can understand that due to the anti-union forces out there, it would not be wise to discuss organizing strategies. As was evidenced with yesterday's announcement of the 40,000 home-based child care providers in Michigan joining the Child Care Providers Together Michigan (AFSCME-UAW), that we have a lot of organizing activity underway.

Warren, Mi: What is the typical day of the UAW International President like?

Ron: It's an honor and a privilege to represent our great membership. Each day is challenging, while at the same time, exciting. I treasure the opportunity to serve you in this capacity.

brighton, michigan: Ron, what is our union doing to support the Steelworkers on strike at Goodyear?

Ron: We have been working with the USW and other unions and have assigned a coordinator from our National CAP department to assist. This Saturday, one of the efforts will be to call to consumers' attention that Goodyear is trying to ship good jobs overseas and break its promise of health care to retirees. Fifteen facilities are on strike across the U.S. and Canada, and this is an important struggle for workers everywhere. You can find additional information at www.aflcio.org, or by contacting our National CAP department.

San Diego: GM CEO Wagoner said yesterday Delphi negotations will definitely not close this year, why is GM stalling?

Ron: I'm not so sure GM's the one stalling. Mr. Wagoner has publicly stated many times he would like to see the issue resolved.

Warren, MI: What happens to the questions you don't answer on line?

Ron: As you know, we receive more questions than can be answered in the time available. We review all your questions for action as appropriate. Feedback from UAW members in forums such as this is very helpful as we work together to meet the challenges that confront working people.

lockport ny: are you in discussions about the people left at delphi plants and their wages?

Ron: The discussions at Delphi have been extremely slow on the company's part. We have numerous issues to resolve if they ever get serious.

Florida: In an earlier discussion you said retirees wouls recieve the $800.00 bonus check, we have not. Was it for certain ones or all, and if all when will it come?

Ron: In accordance with the September 2003 UAW GM and Delphi settlement, retirees and surviving spouse were to get four lump-sum payments providing retirement occurred on or before Oct. 1, 2003.

New York, NY: Ron, thank you for hosting another session and appreciate you're devoting the time to answer questions. Having read about the large sum of money that Ford has raised over the last month, have you spoken with them on whether they may use the proceeds to shore up retiree pension/healthcare programs?

Ron: You can find comfort in knowing that the UAW Social Security Dept., as well as the UAW National Ford Dept. constantly monitor the financial standing of our pension program and it is in good shape. The changes made in last year's negotiations on health care ensures its long-term viability.

Romeo, Mi: What can we do (Local 400) at Ford Romeo Engine Plant to be part of the solution and turn Ford Motor Co around?

Ron: By working in a safe manner and building a quality product you are definitely doing your part. The one thing we could all work on is being ambassadors for the products we assemble. As you know, one of the issues the companies are facing pertains to public perception. By talking to our neighbors, friends and relatives, we can help set the record straight on our quality.

kokomo,indiana: hello RON why havent things been changed so retirees can vote on contracts.you said in last sessionit was changed to stop it.why cant we restart it

Ron: Delegates to the last Convention reaffirmed that active workers should have the exclusive right to vote on contracts.

Lansing, MI: Greeting Brother Gettelfinger, My questions is regarding retirement pensions. Do you think it would be a good idea for the UAW to totally fund the pensions of it's retired workers? And would that protect our pensions better than leaving them in the hands of GM?

Ron: Our union has traditionally maintained that we are not in the pension management business and that it's best for us to have a defined benefit pension plan that is the obligation of the employer.

Dearborn MI: Good questions. Great answers. Congrats!

Ron: Thanks!

PLYMOUTH, MI: Mr.Gettelfinger Good Morning Ron, I have some concerns about issues with the Educational Opportunity Program (EDOPP) and the Focused Educational Opportunity Program (FEDOPP). The questions are as follows: 1. Are the funds for EDOPP, and FEDOPP Guaranteed? • In the case of bankruptcy are participants protected? • In the case of bankruptcy or default by the company, would a participant who has not finished the program due to no fault on their behalf be returned to the active roles? 2. Are participants considered Terminated upon the start of EDOPP, and FEDOPP or at the conclusion of the program? • If at the end of the program, why can’t they enroll in on-site college and university programs run by the local EDTP office? 3. Are participants able to access and use the existing SEP (In plant learning centers) centers in their home plants? • Instructors in these centers are a great resource for participants and would insure a smooth transition from worker to student, and success for these programs. 4. (This is going to be a long Question, you might want to get something to eat or drink!) I know many members who would like to take the EDOPP and FEDOPP programs but are hesitant because of the timing of their termination. In My Plant they are releasing workers on Nov 1, 2006; Dec 1, 2006, and Jan 1, 2007 tentatively. Most 2 and 4 year college programs start in the fall (these employees would have to wait until fall 2007 to enter a full time program). Here is the major concern; if you start one of these programs on Nov 1 2006, this will become your start date for the program; hence on the EDOPP program your end date would be Oct 31, 2010. But you would have started your Bachelors program in Sept of 2007 with a Graduation date of May 2011. You will be off the program with 5-6 months of school to complete with no insurance or funds to finish your degree. Is there anything that can be done about these situations? Such as • Allow those willing to take the above mentioned programs to leave the company on Aug 1, 2007 to take full advantage of these programs? (This would be the best option for the company as to that no modification to the existing language would be needed to the current offers as they exist). • Extending coverage for those who fall into these scenarios for the last term of their degree? Ford Sheldon Rd Plant

Ron: Thank you for your abbreviated question. This is an example where I'm unable to address your questions and respectfully refer you to the UAW's National Ford department.

Lansing / MI: Ron, With a new Democratic Congress about to be seated,do you for see any possibility of Congressonal inquiries or hearings into the huge forgein trade imbalances that are hurting our American industries?

Ron: Yes. We are very hopeful that the change that was made in the election will carry forward and the voices of the American people will be heard. There are numerous issues for Congress to address in regards to trade. The trade deficit is hurting American workers and the destruction of our industrial base is weakening our nation.

Ron: We're inundated with questions and we ran into a bit of technical problem so we are going to stay on-line for a while longer.

New York: Dear Brother Ron: Have you met w/ the new Delphi investors. We hear they are investors in several businesses. Will they look to make more staff cuts. thank you, jeff

Ron: Vice President Cal Rapson and I have met with some of the interested parties. It is not confirmed at this point exactly who will win out in the bankruptcy process. All of these groups, whether they are equity funds or hedge funds, have a diverse portfolio of investments.

CLEVELAND,OH: DEAR GENTLEMEN I QUESTION HOW CORPORATE AMERICA GETS TAX BREAKS THEN ALLOWED TURN AROUND AND USE IT AGAINT THE WORKERS BY EXPORT JOBS. WHERE ARE LEADERS ON THE HILL ASLEEP ATHE WHEEL. I HOPE THAT THE MESSAGE SENT ON NOV ELECTION GETS THEIR ATTENTION WAKE UP AT THE WHEEL. I VOTE MY VALUES AND VALUE MY VOTE.

Ron: Your comments are right on. Now that we have a party in control in Washington that will listen to workers, we need to continue to express ourselves by letting our elected representatives know our position on all of the issues.

Decatur Alabama: As we know alot of the auto industry has moved to the south. (Alabama,Tennnessee,Mississippi ect.) If the unions can get the Employee Free Choice Act (efca) passed, how do you think that will impact the organizing effort of the auto industry in the south, since it has been so diffcult to organize in this area?

Ron: The Employee Free Choice Act will begin to level the playing field for workers, regardless of their geographic location, who want to join a union. By the way, we have had a number of successful organizing drives in the South. But with the Employee Free Choice Act, many more workers who want to join unions would find the road less difficult.

chicago,Illinois: Hi Ron, I am originally from the Sheldon Road Plant. I transfered to Chicago Assembly and the rumors over here are terrible. The latest is that the UAW is looking at a hourly pay cut with a huge signing bonus. I hope there is no truth to this, is there? I sure do miss Sheldon Road Plant. Thank You for your time. I believe this ask a question sessions are a good thing.

Ron: I know it's difficult, but the best thing you can do is ignore the rumor mill. We haven't even begun negotiations and a lot of pundits are already speculating on the outcome. I often refer to the old adage that that "those who say, don't know, and those who know, don't say." In this particular case, no one knows.