Author name: Sameer Bakshi

Multimedia Detroit Chassis Organizing Detroit Chassis Organizing Drive In early 2016, Dave Paton, a temporary employee of Detroit Chassis, reached out to UAW local 2000 after rumors of a union coming to the plant never materialized. President Bill Samples suggested a small committee form from the workforce to gauge the possibility of organizing a union in our workplace. After meeting with a small group of temporary employees and hearing their story of low wages, poor benefits, no paid holidays, no paid time off and several more issues, UAW authorization cards were distributed around the plant. By the end of January 2016, 100% of temporary employees at Detroit Chassis had signed UAW cards. More expertise from the UAW was brought in, including UAW International Union Organizers Susan Reed and Jorge Fernandez and UAW Local 2000 Bargaining Committeman Mark Wells to inform the workers how to form a union and what response to expect from the company. The workers remained strong and patient, checking in with the UAW Local 2000 president from time to time. In late March of 2016, the 2nd shift temporary workers banded together and left work at a time they determined. There was more talk of drastic action and this was brought to the attention of UAW Local 2000. First, a small committee of workers met with the UAW. Next, the entire workforce met with representatives of the UAW. It was decided on Wednesday April 13 that a formal recognition of their union would be presented to management of Detroit Chassis the following day. On Thursday April 14 at 4:30 pm, the temporary workers of Detroit Chassis formally presented a letter to management asking for union recognition and to begin the collective bargaining process. The workers rallied together as a sign of solidarity. At week’s end the company had not reached out to the UAW. On Sunday April 17, the workers unanimously voted to authorize a strike. On Monday, April 18 at 5:00 am, the workers rallied again in front of Detroit Chassis to show their solidarity. They were joined with current and retired UAW workers, as well as family and friends. Work began as usual at 6:00 am Monday morning. At 5:00 pm during shift change that Monday, the temporary employees of Detroit Chassis were informed that the company had recognized their union and that they were now permanent employees of Detroit Chassis. The workers were told a bargaining committee will be elected to begin the collective bargaining process. The workers of Detroit Chassis would like thank UAW Region 2B Director Ken Lortz, the National Organizing Department, and specifically President Bill Samples, UAW International Organizers Susan Reed and Jorge Fernandez and UAW Local 2000 Bargaining Committeeman Mark Wells. After union recognition, changes at the plant are already apparent. New safety and training procedures have been implemented as well as a more open dialogue between management and employees. Gabe Luchkowsky Detroit Chassis, Avon, Ohio

Multimedia Right to Work Protest Rally 2015 UAW Workers protest Right to Work Legislation 1

Multimedia Wokers Memorial Day 2013 On April 26,2013 members of UAW Local 2000, rank and file union members from Lorain County along with area politicians and civic activist took time to observe Workers Memorial Day in Elyria, Ohio. Workers Memorial Day honors those who have suffered and died on the job and to reminds everyone to renew the fight for safe workplaces. This years event was shadowed by the recent workplace tradgedy at the Ranza Plaza factory in Bangledesh, where 304 factory workers died in a roof collapse and the fertilizer plant explosion in West, Texas where 14 persihed

Multimedia Spring Luncheon 2013 The Women’s Committee held the annual Spring Luncheon at the UAW Hall on Saturday, May 4, 2013. With festive decorations, sand art, crafts, and door prizes a great time was had by all. (Photography compliments of Joe and Rosa Gee)

Multimedia Lunch with Santa 2009 The Women’s Committee Annual Event, Lunch with Santa, is a favorite with children and adults alike. This year’s lunch was held at UAW Local 2192 Hall (formerly Local 425 Hall) on Baumhart Road in Lorain, Ohio. The event was held on Sunday, December 6, 2009 and over 200 people attended. A special thank you to : “Santa”, videographers- Ozzie Figueroa Sr., Ozzie Figueroa Jr., Photographer, Christine Yarber, Mark Clay, Brian Ray, Jessica Glowacki, Boy Scout Troop 379 from Lorain, Missy, Daniel and Jeremiah Klingman, Maureen Randall,-Coleen Coon and Kayleigh Fazio.

Multimedia Labor Festival 2009 Lorain County Labor Day Celebration. It has been estimated that more than 28,000 people attended this year’s festival at the Black River Landing in Lorain, Ohio. . The festival, held on September 6, 2009, consists of music, food, carnival rides, children’s activities and a classic car show. Many of Lorain County’s Labor Unions, local businesses volunteer their time, resources and effort to make this family oriented event a success year after year.

Multimedia Retiree’s Annual Picnic 2009 UAW Local 2000 Retiree Picnic was held at Weiss Field in Avon Lake, Ohio. This years picnic was held on August 6, 2009 and was enjoyed by all. For the more photos ,check out the Oct-Nov. 09 issue of the Vanguard (page 14-15). Additional photos will also be added to our website

Multimedia Retiree’s Annual Picnic 2010 An annual event for retirees of UAW Local 2000, this year’s event was held at Weiss Field in beautiful Avon lake, Ohio on August 5, 2010. Good food, good fun and good friends.

Multimedia The Year In Review – 2010 A pictoral journal of activities and events at our local.

Multimedia UAW: Local 2000 A Tribute to Timothy Patrick Donovan 1955-2011 Timothy Patrick Donovan, 56 of Avon Lake, passed away Thursday, September 15, 2011. Tim was born May 15, 1955 in Buffalo, NY; he was raised in Sheffield Lake and had lived in Avon Lake the past 35 years. Tim was a 1973 graduate of Brookside High School. After school he began his career at the Ford Ohio Assembly Plan in Avon Lake. It was early in his career that Tim became interested in Union Leadership and served on many levels working his way up through the ranks, as trustee, chairman, vice president and in 2000 he was elected to President of United Auto Workers Local 2000. He has worked in that capacity ever since. Tim was an active and generous member of his community, he served as chairman of the Lorain County Labor Day Celebration, and he was an active fundraiser, participating in, just to name a few, the March of Dimes and the Walk for Diabetes. He enjoyed fishing and was an avid Cleveland Indians fan, for many years holding season tickets, but his life really revolved around family and work. Tim is survived by his wife Tina A. (nee Meier), four children Rachel Marie, Justin Sean, Colin Michael and Lisa Ann all at home. He is also survived by ten brothers and sisters Richard (Ruth) of Sheffield Lake, Kathleen Weber (Jack) of Cocoa, FL., Patrick of Lorain, Terrence (Stacey) of Avon Lake, Suzanne Assenheimer (Carl) of Vermilion, John, Jr. (Mary) of Westlake, Frank (Tami) of North Olmsted, Beth Bissell (George) of New Haven, Theresa Donovan of Cocoa, FL and Carolyn Bray (Phillip) of Amherst. He is preceded in death by his parents John Vincent and Carol Mary (nee Foley) Donovan.