First and foremost, there were issues with flooding at the Main Gate this morning resulting in some people being late. The Company has agreed to pay everyone scheduled to start between 5:30 a.m. and 8:15 a.m. who were late, from their scheduled start times.
Recently, there have been numerous changes in our plant, ultimately stemming from COVID-19. Displacements, layoffs and sickness have been a concern for all. However, with the Governor’s plan for reopening the state underway, we are beginning to see some encouraging developments.
As projects are being approved throughout the plant, we will continue to negotiate for work which can be completed by our members on these jobs. Though this sounds optimistic, we are still not completely out of the woods as the Company decides where to run orders. Orders are mediocre and some continue to be canceled. We are waiting to see how the automotive industry fares as they begin to cautiously start up their facilities while utilizing existing inventory provided to them in previous months.
The Company will be recalling some of our laid off Members to their respective departments, while others will be placed in the plant-wide labor pool. If you are recalled from layoff, to keep your unemployment claim active, please continue to fill out your weekly vouchers noting you have worked in case you are laid off again in the near future. You will not receive unemployment compensation for weeks worked, but it will keep your status current.
As you know, there have now been multiple confirmed cases of COVID-19 in our plant. We have been working with the local and state health departments to allow testing for 6787 Members who meet the criteria for testing. There are testing facilities now available in Valparaiso, Gary and Kouts. To make an appointment or find out if you are eligible for testing please visit coronavirus.in.gov/2524.htm or call
1-888-634-1116. If you have symptoms, we encourage you to get tested. Facemasks are available through your Safety Representatives or department managers for those who wish to wear them or are unable to maintain proper social distancing.
In Solidarity,
Pete Trinidad Sr.
USW Local 6787 President