E-mail #01: E-mal from Allen Road Employees

E-mail #01

E-Mail from Allen Road Employees

John and Bill
There is a concern about the fairness of this shift change that is being imposed on the union stock employees. We have concerns regarding the ungodly hours being set. Where is the
Union workers needs taken into consideration? The shift times would be as follows,
4:00am to 12:30noon
11:00am to 7:30pm
5:00pm to 1:30am and/or
7:30pm to 4:00am These times make it difficult for family time.

Our second concern is, that by the time the union workers receive information regarding these changes, things have "already" been set in motion. I.E, information about the layoffs of numerous employees being leaked to the media prior to our knowledge.

Have ALL levels and classifications been addressed? How long in advance were you aware of the changes to come?

You are OUR representatives. How can you adequately represent the union employees without knowing how we feel and by hearing what the union workers have to say, and by alerting us to any proposed changes that is significantly impacting the current methods of operations that the Union had worked so hard to have in place.

Our opinion should count as we are DTE.....and we are counting on YOU to represent us to the fullest extent of your current position.

The Union was established to help and protect the workers of this country. Please do your best by listening and fighting for the employees.
Sincerely
Allen Road Stock Department
John Hernandez
Johnnie Johnson
Timothy Waske
Rozelle Jordan
Jeffery Hayes
Robert Borowski
Richard Nagle

Response To Allen Road Employees

Hi Guys,
We're as concerned about the proposed shift changes as you are. We too will be affected, as the Company appears to be moving toward 4 Super Service Centers on the electric side. For us that means not only changing shifts for the majority of our folks, but most will also be changing locations as well. W-100 is also slated to be affected by shift changes later this year or early next year.

We have a meeting with Dan Muschong on June 9th, presumably to discuss the shift changes. I say presumably, because any changes in hours or other working conditions have to be discussed with the Chairman of the Division. They have told us that shift changes are coming, but they haven't shared any of the exact details, which is what they'll probably do on the 9th. We met with Dan a couple of weeks ago when he provided the preliminary information that new shifts were being looked at.

In our discussions with Dan Muschong on the 9th, we'll certainly try to minimize the number of people affected as well as the hours and shifts they want to establish. We will do our best to make sure the proposed changes are being done to actually align the people to the work. The Union will view changes just to make changes in a whole different light and will challenge/grieve any that don't appear to be totally legitimate and necessary to align employees with the work.

In regard to the question of where is the needs of the workers and their family's taken into consideration, they aren't. You would need to be working for people who actually care before something like that can happen, and everyone should know that isn't the case with the NEW DTE. In fact, it appears the NEW DTE is trying to irritate and frustrate its workforce, as much as possible, perhaps even to the point of provoking those so inclined into doing something rash so DTE can exercise their disciplinary polices on them. DTE is looking to downsize, and DTE will take any avenue they can to get there. You should keep in mind the more negative that process is on the workforce, the better DTE likes it.

The Local is just as frustrated as you are with the Company sharing information with the media before it is shared with us. We all wish we could alter the course they're taking. You have to remember that the changes you've went through with MichCon over the years, is now be played out all over again at DTE. Many of the former MichCon players that brought that to you, are now are in key positions at DTE, and they seem to be as determined at bringing DTE to their knees as they were while at MichCon.

Almost all Local 223 groups are going to be affected by the changes in some way or another. We do know how you feel, as we are slated to be affected just as you are, and we know how difficult the situation is. We're being hit with questions and/or complaints daily, from Stores people, Local and Divisional officers, as well as members from other divisions. Everyone is reaching out to whoever they can to ask questions, complain or simply try and get information about the changes taking place. So many of our hard fought battles seem to be in jeopardy, as there are situations where Management can implement changes with "Just Cause", and I'm sure they're going to push that envelope as far as they possibly can.

How successful DTE efforts will be, will be determined by what they try to implement, what is protected by contract and whether or not they're willing to listen to alternative plans. Does our opinion count? Probably not, especially with the NEW DTE. You can however be assured we will try to counter any and all proposals that negatively affect people we represent.

Bill St.Clair

This page originally loaded on 06/05/06.