— UAW brass sets back membership 98 years

In light of the new alternative work schedule that is being implemented at the local Chrysler plants, it sparked a desire in me to do some research.

In 1836, Boston shipyard carpenters achieved an eight-hour work day.

On May 1, 1886, the Knights of Labor, 80,000 people strong, marched in Chicago in support of an eight-hour work day.

On Jan. 5, 1914, the Ford Motor Co. took the radical step of doubling pay to $5 a day and cut shifts from nine hours to eight, moves that were not popular with rival companies. Although seeing the increase in Ford’s productivity and a significant

increase in profit margin – from $30 million to $60 million in two years – most soon followed suit.

The primary goal of any company, no matter what it produces, is to make money, plain and simple. The goal is to achieve the highest profit with the least amount of cost to achieve it, period. The goal of any union is to represent its union-dues-paying members and protect their rights.

Chrysler has succeeded in doing its job. The UAW has failed miserably.

Chrysler UAW’s head, General Holiefield, states he will not go before the executive committee about the alternative work schedule because it ensures the UAW approximately 2,000 new union dues being paid per month. Since when do we put the prospect of future union dues above and beyond the desires of the current membership?

We are told on a local level that Chrysler will not guarantee future work for our local plants if we do not accept the alternative work schedule. When has anyone, anywhere, in any profession been guaranteed future work? Chrysler played this same tactic with the plant in New Castle.

The New Castle membership complied with Chrysler’s demands only to have their plant sold and closed just months afterwards. The old saying that you’ve got to stand for something or you will fall for anything applies here.

The same day that a newspaper article quoting our local president as saying nothing was settled about the alternative work schedule, posters were placed inside the plant stating it would be implemented on May 7.

Is this how a “represented” membership should be treated? It makes one wonder, is it worth the cost of not seeing your kids grow up to receive what the UAW states is a decent paying wage?

Does it bother any other member that the UAW constitution protects upper officials from being removed from office? It takes almost an act of God to remove them from office.

In closing, I would like to congratulate the UAW leadership for setting the American autoworker back 98 years, all for the greed of future revenue. You must be so proud. Now it’s time to get that resume ready.

David Clem

Member

UAW Local 685

Zurcher will bring new ideas to auditor’s job

We are writing this as concerned citizens in support of Konny Zurcher for Howard County auditor. We have known Konny for 16 years, and she is a wonderful Christian wife, mother and grandmother who is very involved in her church and her community.

Konny has worked in the auditor’s office for the past 15 consecutive years, so she is well aware of what the job entails. She is a dedicated worker who is working for us right now, and she has many fresh ideas for this position.

We highly recommend Konny for county auditor and urge your support.

Don and Sue Holt

Kokomo

Judge George Hopkins deserves re-election

I am writing to recommend the re-election of Judge George A. Hopkins of Howard County Superior Court IV. He is most experienced in the law with more than 39 years as a practicing attorney, including 20 years as deputy prosecutor.

While judge he instituted many efficiencies and cost savings to the taxpayers. As the first judge of Superior IV, money was available to furnish and equip the court. Instead, Judge Hopkins brought his own desk and law books, all in all turning back almost $12,000 to the county.

Superior Court IV now uses teleconferences from the jail and Howard Regional, saving both transportation costs and deputy and police time. One saved trip resulted in savings of more than 700 miles.

Judge Hopkins is a retired military officer. As a young man he enlisted as a private in the Indiana National Guard, was commissioned as a lieutenant and retired as a full colonel after almost 35 years of service.

He is a graduate of Indiana University School of Law and a lifelong resident of Howard County. Judge Hopkins is of the highest character and integrity,

deserving of your vote on May 8.

Barbara A. Matthews

Kokomo