Simon C

The RWD 6 are built at the Willow Run Plant in Michigan. Smaller versions will be built in France. The FWD 6 will be built at the Warren Plant, also in Michigan.

Caddy and Griffon, You both make very good points. Makes sense to me. With what GM has coming out in the near future, this should be the low point. (I hope)

lakefire Posted Today, 07:17 PM what do you do, if you don't mind me asking? I don't mind. I work in the Quality Department. My main job is Document Control on a web based site, but I also help verify gages, do machine runoffs, help Team Leaders put out their JES's (Job Element Sheets), take pictures of problem parts to put out visual aids, and last but not least, I've started working on T/S 16949. It's the international standard for "establishing and maintaining a quality system" for the automotive industry. Some of you guys probably heard of T/S. Anyway, that's what I do. I've been at my plant for over 28 years.

Hey guys, I wanted to take a step back and take in what everyone was saying about the Delphi issue. Everyone has their opinions and that's ok. Some of it is understandable, especially the union bashing. If I was on the outside, watching news reports where they interview the big guy, who may not have had much of an education, saying the things we hear ... I'd think that the UAW was a bunch of idiots who just demand more money and better benefits. Years ago, some of you may have even seen the UAW president hitting his fist on the table yelling about the auto companies. There are still guys like that. More of the old-timers. But they had reason to be like that. The old guys with through a lot of hell. Sad to say, it really was "us against them". But things have changed over the years. Union and management started seeing what was happening (losing market share and profits) and decided it was time to work together. It started slowly, but over the years has grown. A UAW worker today knows how lucky we are to to getting paid what we do. I consider myself lucky as hell. People actually think we get all get $150,000 a year plus our benefits. Last year I worked a lot of overtime and I made $73,000. Pretty good money, but far from what most people think we make. And believe it or not, I even have some college under my belt. (if I've mis-spelled anything in here, I've been out for a while. :) ) Sorry if I'm rambling and nothing is going togther here, but, I wanted to put a true human face on a UAW worker, who cares about what's going on in the world, and mostly, in our country. I don't vote Republican or Democrat. I vote for the best guy or gal out there. And last but not least, I try and raise my kids with good moral values, to do what's right, and to believe in God. I'm willing to bet that we all have a lot more in commond than some of you think. Simon

OC, when I said WE as in America is going to suffer, I didn't say from a UAW strike. I was talking about the manufacturing sector going to China. America will suffer with all those good paying jobs going overseas.

The problem with Miller's (Delphi) offer is that you can't go from making $26 an hour down to $9.00 in one week. If he came out with an offer of $18.00 with little or no future pay increases, I think the UAW would have worked with him. But not a $17 dollar an hour pay cut. No one could or would do that!!

Evok, I know what your saying. Today is different than it was 20 years ago, but things didn't change so much and so fast over night that 2 1/2 years ago the UAW and GM agreed to a contract and then the next thing you know Delphi files for bankruptcy? China has opened their doors to industry, and industry can't wait to get there. WE not the UAW, but WE as in AMERICA, are going to suffer.

Killfort, well said.

I understand, but if I was working there and that offer was given to me ... I wouldn't take it. Knowing that he can hire replacement workers, wouldn't change my mind. His offer is rediculous. With schedules so close to the assemly plants, he won't be able to supply parts with replacement workers soon enough. And he knows it.

I'd vote to strike! You can find more pay and better benefits elsewhere. Let's see Miller ups his offer after they start shutting down GM plants.

Good job Derek

GM NEWS PRODUCTION BEGINS OF NEW SIX-SPEED TRANSMISSIONS AT HISTORIC WILLOW RUN FACILITY .... GM is announcing the start of production of a new family of Hydra-Matic six-speed automatic transmissions for rear-drive applications at the upgraded Willow Run facility in Ypsilanti, Michigan. The 6L80 six-speed transmission debuts in the 2006 Chevy Corvette, Cadillac STS-V and XLR-V, and several models of GM's all-new 2007 full-size SUVs. Production of the transmissions is the culmination of a 450-million-dollar, nearly 3-year investment at the Ypsilanti Transmissions Operations (YTO) facility. A new team working concept has been arranged at the plant, which will serve to help us achieve our goal of producing up to three million six speed transmissions annually. By 2010, GM will introduce 10 variants of six-speed transmissions, including front-drive models, which can enhance vehicle fuel economy by up to 4 percent when compared to four- and five-speed automatics. "The introduction of these new six-speeds will mark a new chapter in GM's 65-year history of producing efficient, reliable, smooth-shifting automatic transmissions," said Kent Sears, GM Powertrain vice president of manufacturing. Guys, this is one hell of a transmission.

Fiero88, Wow, you sure have it all figured out. What we gave up and what we should have given up ... it's almost as if you know what your talking about. But, we know better. As I was saying in my previous statement, I would have rather paid more to help the retirees, who are on a fixed income. Fiero how you came up with all the stuff you wrote ... I don't know, but it was fun to read. Now I have to put you on my Cheersandgears "Dummy" list. Your not No.1, but your up there. :)

It's sad. As an hourly active worker, I'd rather take the brunt of the costs, and let the retirees alone.

Recall of 1.27 Million Cars Mars Toyota's Reputation The Wall Street Journal By Jathon Sapsford Oct. 18, 2005 TOKYO – Toyota Motor Corp.'s stellar reputation for quality took a drubbing with the announcement of a major recall of 1.27 million vehicles because of a faulty light switch on the steering column. Coming on the eve of the Tokyo Motor Show, an event dominated by Toyota, the recall will affect 16 different models, including the Corolla sedan and the RAV4 sport-utility vehicle. Most of the recall will affect customers in Japan, but will also affect 137,000 vehicles exported to markets including Singapore, Australia and Thailand. Toyota said the recall will cost the company 14.7 billion yen, or roughly $128 million. Toyota, Japan's largest car maker by sales, has long had a reputation as one of the world's most quality-conscious companies, consistently winning top accolades from such arbiters as J.D. Power & Associates for its ability to make cars that run longer with fewer problems. But the company has been rushing to answer surging demand for its products in markets at home and abroad by building a slew of new factories all over the world. Toyota's senior managers have repeatedly expressed concern over how the company will keep a handle on quality as the company produces everything from mini-cars in Eastern Europe to minivans in Thailand to large pickup trucks in Texas. "Because of our bigger size, so-called big-company disease has become insipient at our company," said Toyota President Katsuaki Watanabe at a conference in Tokyo, before the recall was announced. "We are not immune to those problems." Toyota said it would recall cars manufactured between 2000 and 2002. The problem is with the light switch on the steering column of some right-hand drive cars, most of them sold exclusively in the Japanese market. Company officials said that with time, the switch would grow faulty and the headlights would begin to flicker, and in some cases no longer work. Toyota said the move isn't likely to have a major impact on its earnings. But the move is a second blow to its reputation, coming only a few days after the company said that it would recall 160,000 of its popular Prius sedan, a low-emission, fuel-efficient gasoline-electric hybrid that is growing in popularity along with the rise in energy costs. The most recent recall, filed with Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, was the biggest on record for a Japanese automaker. The previous record was held by Nissan Motor Co. which in 1996 recalled 1.04 million cars due to a defect related to car radios. I liked this line: Because of our bigger size, so-called big-company disease has become insipient at our company," said Toyota President Katsuaki Watanabe at a conference in Tokyo, before the recall was announced. "We are not immune to those problems." People don't seem to buy that problem with GM, but I bet they buy it from Toyota. <_<

Hey guys, I went to bed last night and was talking to the "big guy" upstairs, and ..... I came to the conclusion, that I should apologize to all the union bashers I told to "E-A-T %$#@!!!" So, I apologize to you guys for saying that. It's been a worry-some couple of months, and reading all the stuff about union bashing ... well, I let it get to me and said something I shouldn't have. Sorry.

Angry Dad, yes the UAW had a choice, and they made it. To work things out. The UAW is always looked at as uneducated, fat, lazy workers who want more money, more money, more money. We're not like that. 90% of us are hard working, honest people. That percentage is much like any other workplace.

To all the union bashers: I said it from the beginning, and it turned out to be true ... the UAW will work with GM on healthcare. Now all you fella's out there that said it "wouldn't happen", and to "hire Replacement workers" ... (bear with me guys) E-A-T S-H-I-T!!! :) OK, I feel better. How bout you guys, knowing that you were wrong?

Revised front page of the Detroit Free Press, is that Delphi "approved a separation agreement for each of its 21 U.S. officers that bumps up their pay if they lose their jobs" http://www.freep.com/index.htm I think that's sweet. We'll take money from the UAW and give to ... US!!! Kind of pisses me off!!

OK, I'll give you a lot of what you say as true. A lot of people look at the union as "evil" (not your quote), even some people in the union. But, some people see unions as a neccesary "evil". Some companies want the "job" done. No matter what you have to do to get it done. They'll even give you incentives to get the job done early. Some people will then do everything they can to get the job done. Even bypassing the "safety" aspect of the job. A union helps ensure that "safety" is not bypassed. So you don't lose a finger, hand, or your life. Unions can also keep things fair. Lets say your a hard worker, in everyday, but because you don't go out drinking with the boss, you get stuck with all the heavy jobs, the dirty jobs, or whatever. I had to go to a company here in Michigan that wasn't union. I saw a supervisor yelling and swearing at this woman operator. I asked her if everything was OK?, and she said "yeah, he does that everyday". It really surprised me. I don't base this one example of a non-union place, as to them all being this way, but I know at our plant, which is union, what that guy did, he could get time off. You have to treat people right, and I think unions help do that. The "job security" thing. Back in the 80's, the companies wanted to do everything like the Japanese. I mean everything. Well, we found out that the Japanese companies give their workers "job security". So I guess the union figured if we're going to do things like the Japanese, lets add "job security". To get that though, we did give up things. Paid days off, pay raises, lost jobs, etc. It's all a give and take. You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours. It's all "bargined" for. Union and management agree. Don't get me wrong, the union is not perfect, but it's the best thing out there. IMO (hope I didn't bore you guys too much. Just wanted to give some info from the other side.)

Clown, Why are you against unions?

FOG, You beat me to the punch. Out of that whole article, reading that one line, I actually felt a pain in my stomach.

Josh, I'll be down there around 10:00am. I'm going to spend some time at the Chevy Display at Old Woodward and Woodward. (I hope I got that right) Hope to see ya there. Hope to see a lot of you guys there. It's the place to be. ps: I test drove one of the HHR's today. I love it! I thought it had great pickup for a 4 banger. Only downside ... it's made in Mexico. But that's me.

Life is good again!!! Josh, I like the new look too. Good job bud.