Oct.

20, 2010 D1

Engineers
wanted
by Lisa Fipps
managing editor
editor@kokomoperspective.com

I
t’s almost like you can hear the sigh of relief
at Chrysler. Not only have people been
called back to work, but Chrysler’s hired
new workers off the street. And the com-
pany’s even hiring new white-collar work-
ers.
For UAW Local 1302, it’s a way to get back what
was lost a few years ago.
“At one time we were a little over 300 strong be-
fore all of the cutbacks,” said Don Blanch, presi-
dent of UAW 1302. “Now we have just over 200.
But we’re in the process of hiring quite a few engi-
neers. In the last few weeks we’ve hired 10 or 12
here in Kokomo. We’re looking at hiring 50 to 60
more. We’ve got a few engineers that have come
from closed plants, but

“
we’re looking at a lot of
hiring off the street. It’s
really good to finally
see us hiring new peo-
ple. It’s nice to have We’re in the Boruff elected chair of UAW-Chrysler
some good news. It is process of
so nice having positive hiring quite a
news.”
national bargaining committee
UAW Local 1302 few engineers.
represents the white- In the last few Local 685 president is first from Kokomo to hold top
collar workers, which
includes office and cler-
weeks we’ve negotiating post; talks to start next summer
ical workers, nurses, hired 10 or 12
engineers and techni- here in

“
cians. by Patrick Munsey decade ago, it took the en-
There’s good news
Kokomo. We’re staff writer tire summer to reach an ac-
all over right now. looking at pmunsey@kokomoperspective.com cord. It is something that
“Production is going hiring 50 to 60 weighs on Boruff’s mind,

T
he future of but it is also something that
up at most of the It’s cool; every piece of contract
more. Kokomo and he feels Local 685 must

plants,” Blanch said.
“Indiana Transmission
Plant II just added a
second assembly shift.
They’ve actually dou-
Don Blanch
bled their production in
the last few weeks.
”
Chrysler is in
language will go through me. I do.
the hands of a “Leonard went up in
native son. will do nothing but strengthen June and stayed until Oc-
United Auto Workers our local in this process. ... I
tober,” said Boruff. “He
Local 685 president Rich want to address everyone’s had his hands full. The
Boruff recently was
president concerns. stress was unbelievable.
elected to serve as chair-

Sales are picking up.”
UAW 1302 man of the UAW’s national
The future lies in new
bargaining committee
programs, Blanch said. when it sits down with the
“With the tax abatement, we’ll have the 8-speed
automaker next June. It is
rear-wheel drive transmission; it’s an all-new trans- an honor that never has
mission to be put in SUVs, the bigger cars like the
been bestowed upon a
300 and Charger-type cars,” he said. “There’s an- Kokomo operations repre-
other program, the 9-speed front-wheel drive, that
sentative, and it couldn’t
has not been officially announced to go in Kokomo, have come at a more im-
but we think it will. That’s why we’re looking at
portant time.
hiring quite a few engineers this year by the end of Local 685 has sent dele-
the year and maybe into the first of next year.”
gates to the national nego-
Here’s what chief executive officer Sergio Mar- tiations in the past.
chionne announced at dealers’ meeting a couple of
Presidents Neil Brooks and
weeks ago: Leonard Barber previously
“[W]e will have eight-speed rear-wheel-drive
were chosen to serve, but
transmissions in market by mid 2011 and to be fol- Boruff has taken it a step
lowed by a nine-speed front-wheel-drive transmis-
further by winning the
sion. They are both all-wheel drive and hybrid chairman’s seat.
capable. These are leading-edge solutions to the
“It’s cool; every piece of
mileage and emissions objectives we have set for contract language will go
ourselves. And I can assure you that there will be
through me,” said Boruff.
no other mass manufactures in the NAFTA region, “It will do nothing but
other than some snotty premium manufacturer out
strengthen our local in this
of Europe, that will be able to match the offering.” process. But now that I
“New programs are the lifeblood of engineer-
have been picked, it is my
ing,” Blanch said. “We’ve been very fortunate, objective to take care of
more fortunate than a lot of towns.”
everybody. I want to ad-
“With all of these new programs, we’re hoping to dress everyone’s concerns.
We have the largest invest-
ment in Chrysler coming
HIRING–D2 to Kokomo. I feel like we
can’t step aside, but De-
troit’s concerns have to be
at the forefront.
“When you look at De-
troit Axle, as it transitions
to Marysville, many of
those workers will have
flow rights, but other
workers will be left out.
Since it is a transfer of op-
erations and not a closing,
the people with 15-17
years of seniority will be
faced with date of entry
seniority with a new local.
They’re scared; it isn’t fair.
We may have the discus-
”
Rich Boruff
president
UAW 685
sion again about true sen-
iority. As president, I lis-
tened to the concerns of
our members. When St.
Louis closed, some of our
members had to go to
Belvedere and start with
Day One seniority. How
fair is that? This discussion
needs to take place.”
It will be one of many is-
sues that will be decided in
a process that typically
takes months instead of
weeks. For instance, when
Barber went to Detroit to
negotiate less than a
They closed eight plants
while he was up there. He
ended up in the hospital; it
was a scare for all of us.
Those are things you have
to think about. My wife’s
getting ready to have a
baby. There are things that
have to be taken care of.
I’m going to be gone for
weeks and months. But
this is our future. We have
been the largest workforce
in Chrysler forever. To not
act like it is inappropriate.”
The election took place
three weeks ago in Wash-
ington, D.C. Boruff trav-
eled there with other
representatives from the
union sub-councils that
deal with Chrysler to select
the committee while also
participating in the “One
Nation” march in support
of American jobs. The
election was just as politi-
cally charged as anything
that happens in a tradi-
tional campaign for public
BORUFF–D2
 Kokomo Perspective
D2
HIRING
continued from page D1
get back close to 300
members,” Blanch said.
“We want some people
with experience and some
new graduates, so we’re
looking, really, to get a
mix.”
Of course, with new
people on board – even if
they are experienced –
they will have to be
trained.
“But those are the kinds
of programs you like to
have compared to the
problems we have had.
We’re really looking for-
ward to the new programs.
It’s an exciting time for us.
New programs are going to
be the future of Kokomo
down the road for the next
decade or so. It’s really im-
portant we get the new
programs in Kokomo to
have something to manu-
facture as ones we cur-
rently make are phased
out. It’s really critical for
the future here in Kokomo
for the next decade or so.”
Oct. 20, 2010
kokomoperspective.com/Salute to Labor
Blanch said that he’s
worked at Chrysler since
1965, starting as an intern
when he was at Purdue.
“Kokomo’s been very
lucky,” he said. “We got
the program for the new
first front-wheel-drive
transmission during the oil
embargo in the 1970s. That
was a real shot in the arm.
We got the electronic
front-wheel drive program
during the time of the fed-
eral government’s loan
guarantees. This is kind of
the same trend. We’ve
come through a slow time
and now have a new pro-
gram.”
The people and leaders
of Kokomo need to know
just how important this is
to Chrysler and the com-
munity. The community
helps Chrysler and
Chrysler helps the commu-
nity.
“Our industry is so cap-
ital intensive, you only get
these programs once in a
while, so it’s really impor-
tant that we get them here
in Kokomo,” Blanch said.
“Certainly the city of
Kokomo and Howard
County have been a huge
help to us in what we’ve
gone through. The tax
abatements for these new
programs are so important.
The company looks at the
community and its support
of these programs. Those
things make a huge differ-
ence sometimes as to
where the program goes.”
So if Kokomo has the 8-
speed rear-wheel drive and
the 9-speed front-wheel
drive, will that mean more
facilities will be built lo-
cally?
“As far as we know at
this time, the new trans-
missions will be built in
the current facilities,”
Blanch said. “Final layouts
are still being developed
and there has not been a
formal announcement of
the 9-speed front-wheel
drive transmission going to
Kokomo yet, although
there are engineering stud-
ies being worked on.”
BORUFF
continued from page D1
office, Boruff soon discov-
ered.
The election is decided
by delegate votes, Boruff
explained. The number of
members in the local de-
termines its voting power.
Kokomo is the largest con-
tingent among the plants in
its sub-council. Still, it is
not large enough to win the
election on its own.
“We were told we’d
have to have another local
union support us; we
couldn’t win outright,”
said Boruff. “Looking at
the numbers, I thought
maybe we could. It looked
like we had more member-
ship than the rest of the lo-
cals combined.”
So, Boruff went looking
for a partner. He wasn’t
sure there was one to be
found. The Michigan-
based locals — Mack En-
gine I and II, Trenton
Engine, and Detroit Axle my integrity. Five minutes representative from
— had formed a voting prior to the election, they Belvedere Assembly threw
bloc to support the presi- tried to get me not to run.” his support behind Boruff,
dent of the local represent- Kenosha placed its dele- as did Toledo Machining,
ing Detroit Axle. gates with Boruff, and all and Fain from Local 1166.
“I had a conversation of Local 685’s delegates Boruff was elected
with the Kenosha presi- did the same. The outcome chairman of the national
dent, Glen Stark,” said was assured. But the elec- bargaining committee on a
Boruff. “I asked him if he tions were not complete.
had been privy to the meet- unanimous vote.
“After that, all of the “I was running, win or
ing with the Detroit locals sub-council negotiators
because I hadn’t. We had lose,” said Boruff. “I told
meet together; there are our membership I wanted
been treated like outsiders. eight or nine of us,” said
Coming into the meeting, this position for them. It
Boruff. “(Kokomo Casting
there was some tension. isn’t going to be easy.
Plant’s) Shawn Fain from
After talking to Glen, (Vice president) Jerry
Local 1166 was on there
Kenosha supported me for (Price) is going to have to
representing skilled trades.
the negotiator’s spot for run the show while I’m up
the sub-council. In turn, I I came out of powertrain.
there negotiating. It’s a
endorsed him for the chair You’ve got clerical and en-
gineer workers, parts, as- monster. This job is a lot to
job. handle on your own.”
“The Detroit guys tried sembly inside and outside
of Detroit.” Negotiations will begin
to isolate us, and ended up in June, though Boruff will
isolating themselves. I was During a conversation
with a sub-council repre- travel to Detroit just after
asked to step aside. There
sentative from Jefferson the beginning of the new
were concerns in Detroit,
and the unions wanted a North Assembly, Boruff year to go over the draft
representative from De- asked him if he had con- proposals. And with any
troit. I told them I would sidered running for the luck, Kokomo will be the
not. I wasn’t going to let lead negotiator’s spot. The beneficiary of a new con-
someone push me off my representative instead pro- tract that keeps jobs in the
position. If I lost the elec- moted Boruff for the posi- community for years to
tion, at least I’d still have tion. The sub-council come.

New life breathed into Chrysler in Kokomo
UAW Local 685 has seen increased membership on heels of revival of
car company’s fortunes; new product could bring more good news
by Patrick Munsey
staff writer
pmunsey@kokomoperspective.com
R
ich Boruff
never antici-
pated that the
members he
represents as
president of United Auto
Workers Local 685 would
have much of a future. A
little more than a year ago,
Chrysler was mired in
bankruptcy and needed
federal aid to survive. Few
people believed the com-
pany would survive, even
when Fiat stepped in and
took over operations.
My, how things have
changed.
“Everyone has been
called back to work; no
one is on lay-off status,”
said Boruff. “We popu-
lated a new unit represent-
ing Caravan Nights, an
amalgamated local of 685.
They’re the janitorial jobs
that were outsourced.
They’re earning seniority
and benefits now. The em-
ployees were re-hired, and
we still represent them.
There are about 150 mem-
bers between the three
plants. They have a good
plan.”
“The Temporary Part-
Timers — TPTs — all got
offers to become full-time,
and 72 of the 85 accepted
the offer,” added Local 685
vice president Jerry Price.
“They gave them seniority
and no probation period.
Insurance and benefit
packages from Day One.
kokomoperspective.com/Salute to Labor
Some had been TPTs for
10 years. And they’re even
being paid a little more
than the new hires.”
“That’s 150 new mem-
bers of Local 685,” contin-
ued Boruff. “And we’ve
hired maybe 250. You fig-
ure we’ve increase our em-
ployment by at least 400.
And we still anticipate new
product launch commit-
ments. Kokomo can rest at
ease. Thank God every-
thing is going our way. We
were scared. This is our
hometown, and after you
bust your ass and do a
good job, you don’t want
to see things leave your
community.”
Nothing is leaving
Kokomo. In fact, with the
$300 million investment
Chrysler announced last
spring, it appears that a
boatload of good fortune is
headed this way. Already,
Boruff believes local work-
ers have plenty to get ex-
cited about with the new
products on showroom
floors today.
“I feel with the new
products coming out,
we’re going to be in good
shape,” said Boruff. “The
new Jeep Cherokee we’ve
got coming out. It’s an un-
believable car. I bought my
wife one. It’s tighter than
any car I’ve had. You feel
proud to sit in it. The at-
tention to detail they paid
in interior and exterior de-
sign is amazing.
“If we can do that with
the Durango, the 300, the
Charger, that can carry us.
Oct. 20, 2010 Kokomo Perspective
D3
We’ve had volume in-
creases every month since
Chrysler came out of bank-
ruptcy. We’re up 61 per-
cent from the previous
year. If we can keep the
momentum going with the
new product line, all kinds
of good stuff is coming.
We can bring our member-
ship back. We can be prof-
itable.”
But to do these things, it
is going to take an unusual
commitment from the
workers to embrace Fiat’s
World-Class Manufactur-
ing (WCM) program. It is
a 10-pillar foundation that
emphasizes quality at
every level. Last week,
union and management
from Kokomo traveled to
Fiat facilities in France and
Italy to “benchmark” the
WCM efforts there and re-
turn with new ideas for
mirroring their success. downs, has been torn apart They will get to zero basic conditions they
“The reason for the trip and repaired three times breakdowns. That helps haven’t had a breakdown
is to see what they do with since Fiat implemented the the operators. It increases on the line in 16 months.
World Class Manufactur- zero-faults WCM policy. productivity. It drives costs We’ve never seen 16
ing (WCM),” said Boruff. “Now it works better down and secures our jobs. weeks without a break-
“We’re trying to get a bet- than any machine in the It’s all good for us.” down.”
ter grasp on how (Fiat) plant,” said Boruff. “We’ve It’s a big difference from And Boruff is optimistic
functions. Fiat was just been through joint pro- what Price has seen over about the level of involve-
like us prior to WCM. It grams and never have been his decades-long career at ment the company is re-
would be nice to talk to the able to sustain the effort. Chrysler. He remembers questing out of the
people who have gone When you hear Fiat talking days when even the death production workers when
through the transition.” about taking things to of a line worker wasn’t al- it comes to ensuring that
WCM has made its pres- basic conditions and zero lowed to get in the way of the manufacturing process
ence known in the failure, you think, ‘Come production and times when runs trouble-free.
Kokomo facilities, and ac- on. This is a manufacturing maintenance took a back- “In the past, we were
cording to Boruff, the re- facility.’ But after you see seat to the day’s quota. just told how to do things;
sults have been impressive. what they do to the ma- That is the past. now they want us to use
He used a “Fuji” machine chines, you can see how “This is different,” said our brains,” said Boruff.
on one of the production they get to zero failures. Price. “When international “That’s awesome. Every-
lines as an example. The “They address every reps have visited these body wants to have input
machine, which had been leak, everything that could Italy plants before, they to make our jobs better.”
know for consistent break- possibly cause problems. said since they’ve gone to
 Kokomo Perspective Oct. 20, 2010
D4 kokomoperspective.com/Salute to Labor

It’s gloom, doom for UAW 292 Letter carriers

President Cory Stanley certain that new work must come
to Kokomo or GM facility will disappear go to Washington
State and local NALC leaders lobby
by Patrick Munsey Kokomo, but in other facili- from lay-off,” said Stanley. congress to stop five-day mail
staff writer ties as well. Sometimes that “Everyone who was on the
pmunsey@kokomoperspective.com
means the business just goes street and had recall rights delivery; overfunding pension plan
away. In September, two- are back. There are still a
hen General

W
thirds of the membership of good chunk of skilled trades by Tim Turner
M o t o r s digital media manager
UAW Local 23 at General Mo- workers out, and there were
agreed to tturner@kokomoperspective.com
tors’ Indianapolis stamping some people who didn’t have
take back
plant voted to reject wage a year in who didn’t have re-
t h e
and benefit concessions. GM call rights who are still out.
Kokomo manufacturing op-
responded by announcing its But that’s good news that
erations from Delphi Elec-
intent to close the facility. they brought some people
tronics and safety last year,
The workers’ decision has back.”
the hourly employees repre-
been largely panned, but Even with 750 members
sented by United Auto Work-
Stanley can understand their making a wage in an econ-
ers Local 292 thought the
actions. omy that is recovering far too
move would be good for
“Local 23 in Indianapolis slowly, Stanley said there is
them. According to union
president Cory Stanley,
Cory Stanley was still at the upper-tier little joy on the plant floor or
Like many unions, duced that will allow
wage,” said Stanley. “I think in the union hall. They are all
there was nothing good the National Associa- congress to pay back
that it will cease production they looked at us and saw waiting to die, professionally,
about it. tion of Letter Carriers the overpayment of
in the FAB (integrated chip that Kokomo took the dive and they’re doing so with the
Now, the workers are fac- had a tough year. Dur- the civil service retire-
manufacturing) facility in Oc- and didn’t get anything for it. knowledge that there is noth-
ing a slow death. Existing
tober 2012. That leaves very Now they’re closing. Every- ing left with which to bar- ing the economic ment account. That
production is set to phase
out, and GM won’t commit
little production taking place one wants to hang their hat gain. downturn, the United account has been
north of Lincoln Road, and it on that, but we’re doing the “The attitude is gloom and States Postal Service overpaid by $75 bil-
new business to Kokomo un-
means more workers with- same thing. They’re just doom,” said Stanley. “We’re was under a lot of fi- lion. Since 2006, con-
less the union agrees to yet
out a job. being sneaky about it. Piece past the point of being able to nancial scrutiny. gress has mandated
another round of wage and
“It feels like they’re bleed- by piece, they’re pulling out convince people otherwise.
benefit concessions. However, when the postal service to
ing us dry,” said Stanley. “In our production, our lines.” Everyone sees it whittling
“I think in some respects
two years they are supposed
congress got around put more than $8 bil-
If a concession proposal down to nothing. The tomb-
it has been worse because to asking the NALC lion a year in retirees
to pull out of the FAB com- came to Kokomo today, Stan- stone was Delphi’s an-
everybody had anticipated how to help fix the pre-health-care bene-
pletely. So, we’re in the ley wouldn’t be surprised if nouncement with the FAB.
that it would be a good problem, the union fits, which is more
process — or at least General the Local 292 membership The biggest issue is we don’t
thing,” said Stanley. “But GM
Motors has committed to us voted it down much like Indi- have any of the intellectual found more than $75 than what is needed.”
made it very clear from Day
verbally — to try to put some anapolis did. rights to anything. Delphi billion that could be The NALC mem-
One that they didn’t want to
new business in there. Man- “The reason I feel our peo- wants to talk about how sep- freed up. Recently, bers also lobbied con-
be in the parts business.
agement has promised that ple won’t buy into that is we arate we are, but they still state and local union gress to prevent
We’re the red-headed
they plan on bringing in new were told the same thing own all that. Even the new members went to five-day mail delivery.
stepchild. They put us under
business, but it’s always con- three years ago,” said Stan- business they promised us Washington, D.C., to “We were also there
GMCH, and we don’t neces-
tingent upon us giving us ley. “When the new people over the next couple years.
sarily have an agreement lobby congress on be- to discuss HR 173,
wages and benefits. came in and voted for legacy One of our product lines will
contractually. We’re getting
“It’s always based on us workers to take a pay cut, taper off, and the next gener-
half of the NALC. which is a non-bind-
the worst end of the deal be- “Basically the state ing resolution to ask
having to give. They look at it that is what we were told we ation of the product will
cause they want to pressure association and the the congressional del-
as ‘all-in’ — wages and bene- needed to do to bring in new come in. We’ve got that busi-
us into complying with wage congressional district egate to support six-
fits together — they want $14 business. But it never hap- ness simply because we are
and benefit reductions. That
an hour total compensation. pened. You can only claim the UAW. They didn’t want to liaisons for the NALC day delivery for the
is aggravating to me because
three years ago we did all
That’s darn near minimum that so many times before give it to us. Even the intel- went to Washington, postal service,” said
wage. That’s where they people don’t believe you any- lectual rights to that belongs D.C., to lobby con- Turner. “To this date,
that with the promise that it
want us. That’s where they more.” to Delphi. It feels like they gress in reference to I believe we have four
would save the business.
keep saying we have to be to There are a few things hap- own us. It’s a raw deal. It’s HR 5746,” said Tim or five congressman
We’re in a different wage
remain competitive.” pening that bring a smile to not good. People always
structure than all the other Turner, NALC Local signed up.”
That is a wage level that Stanley’s face, albeit a grim want to ask the president,
plants.”
the members of Local 292 one. GM did push production ‘What do you think?’ They
583 president. “It is a The NALC esti-
The knock-out punch may bill that was intro- mates that cutting Sat-
may not accept, no matter up to full employment levels have the same eyes I have.
have been delivered to the
the consequence. UAW work- recently. Look around. If we don’t
workers just a few months
ago when Delphi announced
ers have begun drawing a “The good news is we’ve bring in new business, we’re CARRIERS–D6
line in the sand, not just in brought everybody back in big trouble.”
 Oct. 20, 2010 Kokomo Perspective

kokomoperspective.com/Salute to Labor D5

Teachers’ unions get political

They say November election outcome could end collective bargaining
union presidents is to work son said. “He listens to

“
by Peter Adelsen nor has not been education
staff writer friendly at all,” he said. together in supporting can- teachers. He seeks us out
padelsen@kokomoperspective.com
“He does not understand didates who have shown to ask what’s going on in
how schools work. This their support to public our classrooms. He makes

E
very so often,
current state superinten- schools. The Indiana State a point of emphasis to un-
the teachers’
unions, school
dent (Bennett) has a com-
pletely different agenda.
This is the first time in Teachers Association
(ISTA) has even posted a
derstand where we’re com-
ing from. He’s real with
boards and ad-
ministration
Between the two of them, our history where list of public education us.”
friendly candidates as rec- Another issue that irks
are on the same page. This
they’ve done a real good
job at tearing up education administrators and ommended by I-PACE (In- the teachers unions is the
election season may be
one of those times again.
and it will be a long time
before education in this
teachers are standing diana Political Action
Committee for Education)
state wanting to control
education.
All five Howard County
teaching union presidents
state recovers from this together against what on its website. “I think now we are
governor and this state’s “We have been working looking at the state having
are worried about what the
future may bring if the
superintendent.” the governor is planning. together in supporting can- a curriculum map telling
General Assembly is con-
Kokomo Teachers Asso-
ciation president Cheryl
We actually agree and didates who are public
school-friendly by sending
us what to teach on what
days, so that everybody
trolled by one party.
Shortly after Mitch
Simmons said she doesn’t we are banding together out post cards and man- across the state is doing
know if there will be a ning phones,” Austin said the same thing on the same
Daniels was elected gover-
nor, all state workers ex-
teaching association on the to fight what his plan is. “At every corporation, day. I think you are taking
teachers are volunteering some away from what

”
day after the election.
cept teachers lost their
“We are public employ- to do that, because they makes teachers unique out
collective bargaining
ees, so the election has know it is really important of the equation,” Austin
power.
profound effects on our to the environment that said. “It’s sad.”
“Education as a whole is
jobs,” she said. “You could they work in.” All of the Howard
having a hard time agree-
call me after the election
Dan Robinson Simmons said another County school districts are
ing with this governor,” president idea is going door-to-door among the best in the state.
and I may not be the union
said Dan Robinson, presi- Northwestern Classroom Educators Association
president because we may to show support for the ed- Eastern, Kokomo, North-
dent of the Northwestern
not have a union. We are ucation-friendly candi- western and Western each
Classroom Educators As-
not sure where it’s going.” situation. This state is over education as their dates. have Four Star schools
sociation. “This is the first
Taylor Education Asso- more polarized than any way of improving educa- Eastern Howard Class- within the district, which
time in our history where
ciation president Debbie other state in the nation, tion. room Teachers Association means they are in the top
administrators and teach-
Lewis echoes the fear. because of Mitch Daniels “We want to improve president Kim Patterson 25 percent of all Indiana
ers are standing together
“Basically, if the Repub- and Tony Bennett. They education, but education has even stumped for a Public Schools, yet the
against what the governor
licans win the House it is label all teachers as liberal. must be improved from the candidate. state wants to set one blue-
is planning. We actually
Mitch Daniels and Tony That’s the most asinine grass roots,” Robinson “Ron Herrell without a print for all public schools,
agree and we are banding
Bennett with a free reign thing in the world.” said. “To improve educa- doubt is the most public- Robinson said.
together to fight what his
to do whatever they want,” According to the teach- tion, you’ve got to talk to education friendly candi- “The things we need to
plan is.”
Lewis said. “I don’t care ing union presidents, the those in the trenches.” date for the House of
This November, each
how they package it, how state wants total control So now the plan by all Representatives,” Patter- TEACHERS–D6
teaching union president
they sell it, what they want
believes that teachers
to do to public schools is
could be added to those
not in the best interest of
without bargaining power
anybody. It’s not going to
if Republicans win total
be devastating to teachers,
control of state govern-
but it’s not good for public
ment.
school students and it’s not
“If this legislature be-
good for their parents.”
comes Republican, then
Robinson said that
(Daniels) will get rid of
teachers did not want to
collective bargaining for
become political because
teachers and he will effec-
teachers teach.
tively make us state em-
“We can’t be teachers
ployees,” Robinson
right now, we have to be a
alleged. “He’ll put us on
political active entity be-
state insurance even
cause we have a person or
though our insurance is
person on the attack,” he
better and at a lower cost
said. “They’ve done a
because he can control it.”
good job at turning the
Public Law 217, the
basic electorate against us.
Certificated Educational
For the first time in a long
Employee Bargaining Act,
time, professional educa-
is feared to become elimi-
tors are perceived as the
nated. This includes salary,
bad guy, because we are
wages and hours.
fighting this. It doesn’t
Much of the animosity
make sense. We are the
stems back to December
people who are with your
when every public school
kids on a daily basis want-
had to cut from its budget
ing to help them to suc-
as the state needed more
ceed.”
money to balance the
One dilemma that teach-
budget.
ers are facing in this elec-
“I have never seen so
tion is whether to vote by
rapid changes as I’ve seen
their morals or vote to pre-
this last two years since
serve education, he said.
(Indiana Superintendent of
“How can a teacher say,
Public Instruction) Tony
‘ok, I’m against abortion,
Bennett has been in of-
I’m against gay marriage,
fice,” said Bev Austin,
do I vote my values and
Western Education Associ-
vote for the Republican
ation president. “It seems
Party?” he questioned.
like we are always having
“But then I cut my throat
to react to things and we’re
professionally because the
not part of the equation.”
Republican Party cannot
Robinson agrees.
stand up and cross party
“This particular gover-
lines and take a look at a
 Kokomo Perspective
D6
CARRIERS
continued from page D6
urday delivery will cost
80,000 jobs. They also
feel that cutting Saturday
delivery is a dispropor-
tionate cut, which will
only cut 4 percent of the
USPS’ costs while cutting
17 percent of their deliv-
ery.
The NALC has been
very active for years mak-
ing sure their membership
stays in contact with Con-
gress.
“The way the state asso-
ciation is set up, we have
congressional district li-
aisons for each district,”
said Turner. “I am the con-
gressional district liaison
for Indiana Congressional
District 5.”
These continued rela-
tionships ensure that a trip
Oct. 20, 2010
kokomoperspective.com/Salute to Labor
like the one they recently
took is fruitful. The Indi-
ana delegation met with all
the state congressional of-
fices when they went to
Washington. Some of
them were more beneficial
than others.
“We spoke with con-
gressman Joe Donnelly in
person,” said Turner. “We
spoke to congressman
Pete Visclosky in person.
We spoke to congressman
Andre Carson’s aid and
shortly after that he signed
up for HR 5746. We have
a commitment from con-
gressman Brad Ellsworth
that once he returned from
the election he would sign
up for the bill.”
Turner thinks that any-
one who is looking to have
legislation passed in Con-
gress should consider tak- IN WASHINGTON — Tim Turner, fourth from left, next to Joe Donnelly after asking the congressman to support six-
ing a trip to visit their day mail delivery.
Perspective photo / Provided
congressman where they
conduct their business.
“You always hear of them know what the issues that are going on back in Indiana congressmen.
your representative being are and that you support your state.” For more information
here visiting you in their them. A lot of people think Turner said he didn’t about the NALC’s fight to
home state, but you also that with your congress- think there would be a vote keep six-day mail delivery,
need to go meet them man being in Washington, on any legislation until or any of their other leg-
where they are at so they D.C., they are out of touch, after the midterm elec- islative issues visit their
know there is interest back so sometimes you need to tions, but he is hopeful that website at nalc.org.
here in Indiana,” said go visit them so they stay the trip he went on will
Turner. “You need to let in touch with the issues turn into “yes” votes from

TEACHERS
continued from page D5
improve are far different
than inner-city Indianapo-
lis,” he said. “One blue-
print cannot be for all.
What we need to do is
draft a blueprint for what
we in this locale with local
control, our school board,
our superintendent, our ad-
ministrators and our teach-
ers working together. How
can we get better? Com-
mon sense says that if we
are a Blue Ribbon school,
a Four Star school, then
what we’ve got to do bet-
ter is less when you have
97 percent of your kids
graduating. It’s not the
same as 40 percent in Indi-
anapolis. The socio-eco-
nomic problems are not the
same here. We don’t even
have that problem. We can-
not relate to that problem.”
Another common mis-
conception, they all said,
was that the problem with
public schooling is not
teaching seniority.
“There is the myth out
there that teacher seniority
is one of the things wrong
with schools and we need
to get to get ride of teacher
seniority,” Lewis said.
“That’s simply not true.
That’s not what’s wrong
with the schools. If you’ve
got an ineffective teacher,
you don’t have to have that
ineffective teacher forever.
You just have to document
the problem and take the
steps. It’s not a free reign
for teachers to do whatever
they want. What it is, is job
security.”
As schools face the pos-
sibility of more budget
cuts, it will be the tenured
teachers who are most
likely to be forced into re-
tirement or cut altogether.
“If you are going to get
rid of a teacher, common
sense says they are going
to get rid of the older, ex-
perienced teacher,” Lewis
said. “Not because they are
bad teachers, it’s because
they can’t afford them.
Your teachers are going to
be young, inexperienced
teachers and don’t get me
wrong there are some ex-
cellent first year teachers,
but generally age and ex-
perience plays a role in the
classroom.”
 Oct. 20, 2010 Kokomo Perspective

kokomoperspective.com/Salute to Labor D7

Ram: Ready to roll

Keeping the money
in Kokomo
Buying Chrysler vehicles
in Kokomo benefits
entire community Chrysler’s Dodge 2011 models
by Lisa Fipps derful employees and
managing editor faithful customers to pro- Dakota, Ram 1500 – the trucks provide customers
editor@kokomoperspective.com
vide a vehicle lineup that most-awarded Ram truck with first-time innovations
includes world-class qual- ever – and Ram 2500 / 3500 and features along with new

M
i k e Heavy Duty pickups.
ity and safety features as
Lupoi, The new chassis cab RAM–D9
well as beautifully ap-
general
pointed interiors,” Lupoi
s a l e s
said.
manager
Not only are parts on
at Button Chrysler Jeep
those vehicles made lo-
Dodge Ram, is excited.
cally, but Button Chrysler
He knows and sees what
Jeep Dodge Ram is a lo-
the folks at the local
cally owned and operated
Chrysler plants are mak-
organization that has been
ing. He knows the excel-
woven into the fabric of RAM 1500
lence of the products. He
Kokomo since 1932.
knows the appeal to the
“It is our desire to serve The Dodge brand is on a more.
consumers. He’s thank-
our community with in- tear for the 2011 model
ful that the products
year, redefining itself with
Ram Truck brand new
tegrity, honesty and re-
made here are sold here. for 2011
spect,” Lupoi said. “We six all-new or significantly
“Last month we had the The Ram Truck brand
consider it a redesigned vehicles, intro-
opportunity continues to establish its

“
privilege, ducing new lifestyle pack-
to attend the own identity and clearly de-
not a right, ages designed to better meet
Dealer An- fine its customer since its
to serve the the needs of its customers,
nouncement launch as the newest
residents of launching catchy new ads
Show in Or- The great Chrysler Group LLC vehi-
Howard and that have started conversa-
lando, Fla., employees of the sur- tions in the mainstream cle brand.
w h e r e Chrysler LLC who For 2011, the Ram Truck
rounding media, actively participat-
Chrysler un- work here in brand adds the hardest-
counties. ing in new events and spon-
veiled 16 working Ram trucks — the
new, or sig-
Kokomo were We under- sorships and developing
Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500
nificantly re- recognized at the
stand and relationships with its long-
Dealer value the loyal enthusiast base, as Chassis Cab trucks — to its
freshed, already award-winning
Announcement importance well as reaching out to new
v e h i c l e s ,” truck lineup which includes
Show in Orlando of buying customers who want cars
Lupoi said. the rugged and reliable
locally. It is that leave them wanting
“This was an last month by our drive to
exciting time Chrysler LLC provide
because it CEO Sergio Mar-
value to all
gave us a
chionne. of our cus-

”
glimpse of
tomers, re-
what the best
gardless of
automaker
what they
has in store
for us. Mike Lupoi buy.” Buying
Chrysler is general sales l o c a l l y
very focused
manager doesn’t just
on the
help the
launches of
Chrysler
the new and
workers and
refreshed vehicles.
Button.
Some you can see, but
“When we buy locally,
locals will have to wait to
we continue to energize
see some of the others.
our local economy which
“They are not publish-
breeds continued success;
ing photos or vehicles spe-
however, we must make
cific details until
the choice to purchase lo-
approximately 60 day
cally,” Lupoi said. “This
prior to the first vehicle
allows our hard-earned tax
coming off the assembly
dollars to be put to use
line,” Lupoi said. “As an
here in Kokomo instead of
example, the all new
other cities and counties.
Dodge Durango and
The most common ques-
Dodge Charger where just
tion asked to us by
recently unveiled to the
Chrysler employees is
public. On Oct. 13, we or-
‘Are we selling a lot of ve-
dered our initial selection
hicles?’ They never ask
of both the 2011 Durango
what specifically is sell-
and Charger. As most
ing; they are just con-
everyone knows, the new
cerned that we are selling
Jeep Grand Cherokee has
new Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge
been a tremendous hit
and Ram products. Any-
with refined styling and
time a Chrysler, Jeep,
performance. The Jeep
Dodge or Ram product is
Wrangler for 2011 has a
sold it adds to the success
greatly refined interior and
and viability of Chrysler
has been selling very well
LLC. It is evident that the
also. Some of the other
local employees here in
significant changes still to
Kokomo recognize that
come include the all new
fact. I would like to add
Chrysler 200, which was
that the great employees
unveiled to the public on
of Chrysler LLC who
Oct. 12. The Chrysler 300
work here in Kokomo
will be rolled out very
were recognized at the
soon, and I’m confident
Dealer Announcement
people will love what they
Show in Orlando last
see. With great product
month by Chrysler LLC
still on the way, we are
CEO Sergio Marchionne.
very excited to see the
They were recognized for
2011 Dodge Durango and
their hard work, determi-
Dodge Charger, as well as
nation and adaptability to
the New Chrysler 200 and
a changing environment,
redesigned 300!”
which I think is quite an
“Chrysler has made a
accomplishment.”
commitment to their won-
Page D8 Kokomo Perspective Oct. 20, 2010

WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW

ABOUT OUR ELECTRICIANS
COULD COST YOU MONEY! isn’t so. And
, you know, it never has
e t it iv e a ll along. o s ts m o r e. That just st
We’ve b een comp d electrician
raine
c
s e x p e n s ive than mo
feel a union-t n le s
b, we’ve bee ompleting 38% more
A lot of folks ct, jo b a ft e r jo
ec ped
e e n . m p e t it iv e a ll along. In fa productive and averag ical industry has develo
b ’ve been co 9% more ized electr finishing
You see, we n’s, because we are 2 at’s because the organ manship, materials and
lectricia Th rk
non-union e u r o f e le c t rical work. ile guaranteeing our wo
per ho sts wh
square feet chnique for lowering co n -t r a in e d electrician’s
.
e t e un io
an innovativ and on budget. tr a c t o r w ho employs
e c o n
the job on tim competitive bid, call a
For a mo r e
c o n tr a c t o r s cost less.
o m p a r e o ur costs. lf and see; union electrical
C sts yourse
Compare co
e ke e p o u r word. e and on budg
et.
o o li n g, while re-
W finish e d o n t im ars o f s c h
Our work is h e -j o b tr a in ing and 5 ye
r t r a in in g is tough. have 8,000 hours of on-t
Ou d electrician
’s
Union-traine gree.
llege de
ceiving a co
’l l li ke o u r pride.
You r id e in our work.
We ta k e p
n e d c r a f t smanship. b.
N T E E D . ..
Old fashio nship is put into every jo
S G U A R A ONTRACTO
R.
Craftsma
W O R K I UARANTEED BY EACH ELEC T R IC A L C

OU R SHIP AND MATERIALS ARE G I K E . . . RIDE OURSELVES

WORKMAN
V E R T R
S VER HAD A STRIKE. WE P
N E
WINEESS SINCE 1919 AND HSATVOEMNEER PROBLEMS.
US N JOB CU
BEEN IN B WITH NO O
WE HAVE
WE
YOU CAN COUNT ON US... S ALUTE
A LL
UNION CONTRACTORS OF WORKERS
HOWARD COUNTY ARE: OF
HOWARD
INTERNATIONAL COUNTY!
BROTHERHOOD OF 457-5371
ELECTRICAL WORKERS LOCAL 873

J&J ELECTRIC 457-5507

HUSTON ELECTRIC 457-9137

STELKO-ELECTRIC 452-2090

THANK YOU, TO EACH INDIVIDUAL, TO EACH UNION

MEMBER, TO EACH COMMUNITY OFFICIAL AND EVERY
BUSINESS FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT
OF OUR LOCAL UNION

RAM
continued from page D7
standards of strength, util-
ity and drivability, building
on Ram Truck's leadership
in the heavy-duty pickup
segment. Ram’s “new
crew” of commercial-grade
work trucks is built on
proven frames and chassis,
and engineered for maxi-
mum uptime, low cost of
ownership, optimum per-
formance and enhanced
commercial capability.
Equipped with a choice
of engines, including the
legendary 5.7-liter HEMI®
V-8 engine or the powerful
6.7-liter Cummins Turbo
Diesel, Ram Trucks offer
the best powertrains in the
industry and are known for
their reliability. The 5.7-
liter HEMI engine offers an
amazing combination of
power and fuel economy
with 390 horsepower and
20 mpg highway. The
Cummins Turbo Diesel-
equipped Ram pickup, with
major overhaul intervals of
350,000 miles, is the only
heavy-duty pickup to meet
2011 EPA compliance
rules, without the need for
a Selective Catalytic Re-
duction (SCR) and Diesel
Exhaust Fluid (DEF).
A partnership that ex-
kokomoperspective.com/Salute to Labor
tends back more than 20
years, Ram Truck and
Cummins have delivered
billions of miles of cus-
tomer reliability. Cummins-
equipped Ram trucks with
more than 300,000 miles
are common, while others
have surpassed one million
hard-working miles. All
Ram Truck engines, trans-
missions and axles are cov-
ered by a segment-leading
five-year, 100,000-mile
powertrain warranty.
The Ram Truck brand
has the most innovative
lineup of full-size trucks on
the market. Ram Truck has
emerged as a full-size truck
leader by investing substan-
tially in new products, in-
fusing them with great
looks, refined interiors,
durable engines and fea-
tures that further enhance
their capabilities. Ram
trucks now boast these seg-
ment exclusives: coil spring
rear suspension on Ram
1500 for best-in-class ride
and handling, available
RamBox® lockable and
lighted bedside storage, in-
floor storage on all Ram
crew cabs and the largest
cab in the market – Ram
HD Mega Cab.
Also returning for 2011
is the award-winning Ram
Power Wagon. The Ram
Power Wagon is the most
Oct. 20, 2010 Kokomo Perspective
D9
Jeep lovers have
plenty of options
Built on 70 years of legendary heritage,
Jeep® is the authentic sport utility vehicle
(SUV) with class-leading capability, crafts-
manship and versatility for people who
seek extraordinary journeys. The Jeep®
brand delivers an open invitation to live life
to the fullest by offering a full line of vehi-
cles that continue to provide owners with a
sense of security to handle any journey with
capable factory-equipped
off-road-ready pickup truck
confidence.
Jeep builds on its tradition of providing
on the road. It’s equipped
unique, iconic, versatile and capable vehi-
with electric-locking front
cles for 2011, with its next-generation, pre-
and rear differentials, an
mium flagship vehicle – the 2011 Jeep combined with on-road refinement and nu-
electronic disconnecting
Grand Cherokee – and with significant im- merous innovative features, including the
sway bar, Bilstein shocks,
provements across the Jeep vehicle lineup. industry-exclusive full-length Sky Slider®
33-inch BFGoodrich off-
With the greatest range of SUVs under open canvas roof
road tires, underbody skid
one brand, the Jeep vehicle portfolio con- Patriot: A compact SUV delivering the
plate protection, a 4.56 axle
sists of: fun, capability, adventure and value only
ratio for hill climbing and a
Compass: A compact SUV with a mod- Jeep can offer, with unsurpassed 4x4 fuel
custom-built Warn 12,000-
ern, urban design that delivers unsurpassed economy. Patriot will receive significant
lb. winch cleverly hidden
4x4 fuel economy, freedom, utility, and improvements (to be announced) for 2011
behind the front bumper.
Jeep 4x4 cachet and capability, all at a ter- Wrangler: The icon of the Jeep brand,
Truck customers – from
rific value. Compass will receive signifi- it remains true to its heritage as the original
half-ton to commercial –
cant improvements (to be announced) for fun-and-freedom machine. For 2011, it
have a demanding range of
2011 boasts an all-new interior, and a premium
needs and require their ve-
Grand Cherokee: The most capable body color hardtop for Sahara models
hicles to provide high lev-
and luxurious Grand Cherokee ever, bal- Wrangler Unlimited: The only four-
els of capability. The Ram
ancing legendary Jeep capability with so- door convertible SUV on the market with
1500, 2500, 3500 pickups
phistication to deliver a premium driving room for five adult passengers, Wrangler
and chassis cabs are de-
experience for all adventures Unlimited receives an all-new interior for
signed to deliver a total
Liberty: The mid-size SUV from Jeep 2011, and a premium body color hardtop
package.
that offers Jeep Trail Rated® 4x4 capability for Sahara models
Between the end of this
year and early next, the
brand will fill dealer show-
rooms with a vast array of
new or updated Dodge
products. The all-new
Dodge Durango will lead
the charge, followed by the
all-new Dodge Charger and
significantly redesigned
Grand Caravan, Journey,
Avenger and Challenger
with two new powertrains.
These products will join
Dodge Nitro and Dodge
Caliber in dealer show-
rooms.
Page D10 Kokomo Perspective Oct. 20, 2010

STRENGTH & SOLIDARITY

More Important Than Ever...

Boldly Displaying
Our Support For All
Local Laborers Who
Take Pride In Making
Our Community A
Great Place To
Live And Work!