MAY
2001
2001
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MAY
2001 |
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UAW Local 465
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| Left to right: Geri Ochocinska, Jim Beardsley, Eddy Trent, John Lancaster, Richard Shoemaker, and Bob Francis view new fitness center at the General Motors Powertrain Plan in Massena, N.Y. |
UAW Local 465 represents workers at the General Motors Powertrain plant in Massena, N.Y.
Chartered May 22, 1957, Local 465 currently has 451 members. The Massena plant is a lost-foam foundry operation. It is considered to have taken lost-foam technology to the competitive forefront of the auto industry. The success of this foundry has certainly laid a strong foundation for future GM lost-foam products.
The GM Powertrain Massena plant produces 2.2-liter aluminum cylinder heads, driven sprocket supports for the 4T45-E automatic transmissions, engine blocks, and cylinder heads for the Saturn LS, as well as several European applications. Current GM vehicles equipped with Massena–produced components include: Chevrolet Cavalier; Pontiac Sunfire and Grand-AM; Oldsmobile Alero; Chevrolet S-10 and GMC Sonoma pickup trucks; Saturn LS; and the Opel/Vauxhall Astra, Astra Speedster and Vectra. Massena-produced products may also be found in U.S. postal vehicles and Hyster trucks.
Robert Francis, UAW Local 465 chairman, asserts that the plant’s recognized “people relationship” played a major role in achieving its success. He further noted that the plant observed several significant events in the last year, including:
Achieved another year without a lost workday case.
Successfully launched ramp-up of L-61 product volumes.
Recognized by UAW and GM for their implementation of planned maintenance strategies.
Achieved significant quality improvements in-plant and with customer relations.
Paid out in excess of $304,000 to employees for their ideas in the UAW-GM Quality Network Suggestion Program.
Contributed highest per capita donations to the United Way and food drive in the Massena area.
Continued as 100 percent supplier of 2.2-liter cylinder head, 4T45E driven sprocket supports, and L-61 engine blocks and cylinder heads.
Achieved ISO-14001 environmental certification.
Maintained QS-9000 quality certification status.
Francis is also the alternate TOP negotiator representing UAW members in Sub Council Five during GM collective bargaining.
Michael St. Thomas, UAW Local 465 president, reported that 74 new members started at the Massena plant this year. All went through a 30-day orientation program. Topics covered included: specific job training, health and safety training, history of the UAW, and the importance of getting involved in your local union.
Also, Local 465 proudly boasts one of the highest per capita contribution rates to the UAW Region 9 CAP program.
President St. Thomas also noted that UAW Vice President and Director of the GM Department Richard Shoemaker and Region 9 Director Geri Ochocinska recently toured the foundry and the UAW Local 465 union hall. Both praised the spirit of cooperative union-management relations and expressed thanks for the opportunity to meet with so many UAW brothers and sisters.
Francis and St. Thomas closed the meeting by noting that it was the combined efforts of all the officers and members of Local 465 that have made it a success.
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