Dear Brothers and Sisters,
I begin by wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas. It has been a busy year and it looks as though 2011 will not be slowing down much. We have all been working a lot and I am thankful for that. There will be many changes in the political arena in 2011 starting with our Governor. We are sure to see some changes that will not benefit the working class in our state.

As some political leaders try to role the clock back on working families, your union will be asking you to make phone calls and send emails (check www.uaw1714.com) to certain leaders either in favor or opposition to laws that will surely change. PLEASE take the time to help keep working folks working. We are only as strong as our collective voice, we must stand together stronger than ever in 2011. There will be forces that will try to divide us. Solidarity is not just an act, but rather it is an action that must not waver. By looking out for each other, we protect ourselves.

 

We lost many friends at the Statehouse this last election. Governor Strickland, Attorney General Cordray, Treasurer Boyce, and many others who were there for us when times were bad will not be there if things go sour again. We still have friends like Congressman Ryan and Senator Brown who have been and will continue to fight the good fight for working families, but they will need help in the future and I am counting on our active and retired members to step up when it becomes necessary. Had we not had their support in 2009, we would not have had a product here for 2011.

2011 is going to be a good year for our members, I can just feel it. I believe that our future will continue to brighten as GM releases new and exciting vehicles into the marketplace. We need to make sure we are all doing everything we can to make sure the Cruze is successful. If we do this, I can see more products coming to Lordstown. I know we have the best workforce in the country right here in Lordstown, - let’s show them what we can do!
We have seen a lot of changes in 2010, and our local has grown with many new members from all over the country. I am thankful we got so many good people and I have heard many positive things about their experiences so far, here at UAW 1714. Perfect we are not, but we do strive to make sure that work can be something that is enjoyed. I know work is a four letter word, however we are a family here and I want people to feel that sense of family when they come here. Putting our personal opinions aside and working together for the greater good will move us in the right direction.

Our diversity is what makes us unique. Our differences only make us stronger. Communication is the biggest piece of our puzzle here; we need to communicate with each other in order to continue moving forward. We work together 5, 6, and 7 days a week so let’s make the best of it. Let’s make our families and communities proud by building the best Chevy ever! Let’s work and communicate with each other the best that we can. Let’s stay active in our union, because it is your union that will stand and fight for you and your rights. Let’s never forget, it was unions and the Democrats that built the middle class.
I wish everyone a happy and safe Holiday Season. God Bless us all, and I’ll see you next year!
Believe it!
Dave

ph/opeiu1794