" Union News " For members of UAW Local 5285
Official Web Site of UAW Local 5285
Will Davis,Web Host :Last Updated March 4 2010
To All members who were laid off by Freightliner effective March 13th 2009 Bob Riggins : Benefits Rep UAW Local 5285 ... 704 822 0046
To: All laid off members interested in COBRA 4/17/09
From: Bob Riggins Benefits Rep UAW Local 5285
Re: Letters received from DTNA/Zenith Administrators
All of our recently laid off members received a seven page letter explaining ARRA (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009) this legislation reduces the amount of the COBRA premium.
- If you were laid off 3/13/09 and filled out the COBRA form before layoff, you do not need to do anything at this time, consider the letter that you received information purposes only.
- For 3/13/09 layoffs if you want to continue coverage beyond September 09 you should respond to Zenith in the month of August and elect the coverage that you want.
- If you were laid off 10/31/08 your last day of coverage is 4/30/09 at 12:00 midnight your coverage will expire. If you want to continue your coverage you need to respond to Zenith ASAP.
- HCTC is the better deal; you can receive COBRA coverage for up to 2 years with 80% of the cost of the coverage paid for by the government. You must be in school or in the process of being enrolled in school in order to qualify.
- ARRA will only cover you and/or your family for 3 months beyond the 6 months that have been negotiated for you. It pays 65% of your COBRA premium. You are responsible for the full COBRA premium after 9 months from date of layoff.
- HCTC will cover medical and Rx insurance only @ 80%. If you want to continue vision/dental you will be responsible for 100% of the vision/dental COBRA premium.
- You cannot be enrolled in HCTC and ARRA in the same month. HCTC will be refunded and you will be enrolled in ARRA if this is attempted.
- You may elect to have 1 or 2 months ARRA coverage and then switch to HCTC but you cannot be enrolled in both.
- If you are not or do not plan on returning to school then ARRA is the way to go for you.
- FOR ARRA QUESTIONS/CONCERNS CONTACT DONNA OR SHERYL @ ZENITH ADMIN 1-888-286-3169.
- FOR HCTC QUESTIONS/CONCERNS CONTACT ESC 704-853-5328 @ EXT. 216-WANDA, 217-LINDA, 204-DONNA, 206-VICKIE
WIA & NEG Info
Please call Vickie Laughridge for a appointment at 704-862-7840. We encourage employees to sign up for the Freightliner NEG education grant program. This program is for F/L employees only. If it is not utilized the money set aside by the state must be returned to
You will be required to have a Social Security Card to apply for TIA , NEG and TAA Benefits
You will be required to make a appointment for your WIA and NEG benefits if you do not attend the Joblink Bus during the week of March 16 -20 at Union Hall .
NEG Deadline Moved to 2010
UAW Local 5285 Members
Per directive from our State office, the deadline of March 31, 2009 for the NEG enrollment of Freightliner layoffs is voided. The State has directed us to continue to enroll Freightliner workers until the NEG funding is exhausted, which is May, 2010. Please let me know if you have any questions regarding this change.
Thank you!
Selina
Selina R. Pate
Workforce Investment Act Supervisor
Gaston Workforce Development Program
330 North Marietta Street
Gastonia, North Carolina 28052
704-862-7936 (office)
704-862-7939 (fax)
selina.pate@co.gaston.nc.us
Per directive from our State office, the deadline of March 31, 2009 for the NEG enrollment of Freightliner layoffs is extended . The State has directed us to continue to enroll Freightliner workers until the NEG funding is exhausted, which is May, 2010.
Thank you!
Selina R. Pate
Workforce Investment Act Supervisor , Gaston County NC
What is NAFTA TAA ?
From the DOL Website:
The Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program is a federal program established under the Trade Act of 1974, as amended. The TAA Program provides aid to workers who lose their jobs or whose hours of work and wages are reduced as a result of increased imports.
Workers whose employment is adversely affected by increased imports may apply for TAA. TAA offers a variety of benefits and reemployment services to assist unemployed workers prepare for and obtain suitable employment. Workers may be eligible for training, job search and relocation allowances, income support and other reemployment services.
The TAA program is administered by the Employment and Training Administration of the U.S. Department of Labor. States serve as agents to the Labor Department in administering the TAA program.
HOW TO APPLY
A Petition for TAA may be filed by a group of three or more workers, their union or other duly authorized representative. Petition forms may be obtained from the local State Employment Security Agency or from any agency designated by the governor to provide reemployment services under the TAA program; or you can phone 202-693-3560 or write to the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Division of Trade Adjustment Assistance, Room C-5311, 200 Constitution Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20210.
Petitioners should complete and sign the petition and send it directly to U.S. Department of Labor at the above mentioned address. If a petition is filed by a union or company official, only one petitioner signature is required. Otherwise, the petition must be signed by at least three workers.
To be eligible for TAA benefits, you must have been laid off or put on a reduced work schedule (hours of work reduced to 80 percent or less of your average weekly hours and wages reduced to 80 percent or less of your average weekly wage) on or after the "Impact Date" and before the ending date of certification.
Once your worker group has been certified by the U.S. Department of Labor, go to the nearest local office of your State Unemployment Insurance (UI) agency and file an application for a determination of your individual eligibility for TAA. Your application will be taken by a staff member of the State UI agency and a determination made as to whether you are eligible.
Each State has designated an agency to administer the TAA program. Ordinarily, this agency is the State Employment Security agency; if not, the local office staff of the State unemployment insurance agency will be able to direct you to the designated agency.
ESTABLISHING ELIGIBILITY FOR TAA
All Petitions for TAA are filed with Division of Trade Adjustment Assistance (DTAA). DTAA has sole responsibility for conducting a fact finding investigation to determine whether group eligibility criteria have been met and issues an official notice of its decision no later than 60 days after receiving the petition.
In order for the U.S. Department of Labor to issue a Certification Regarding Eligibility to Apply for Worker Adjustment Assistance, the following requirements must be met:
(1) that workers have been totally or partially laid off, and
(2) that sales or productions have declined, and
(3) that increased imports have contributed importantly to worker layoffs.
Once the U.S. Department of Labor issues a Certification Regarding Eligibility, trade affected workers may apply for benefits under the TAA program.
When a determination by the U.S. Department of Labor states that workers who petitioned do not meet the eligibility requirements under this program, workers may obtain benefits and services from other job training programs such as the Workforce Investment Act (WIA).
APPEAL RIGHTS
Workers whose petitions for TAA are denied by the U.S. Department of Labor may request administrative reconsideration of the U.S. Department of Labor's finding within 30 days after publication of the final determination in the Federal Register.
The request for reconsideration must be in writing, including the TAA investigation number, and a description of the group of workers on whose behalf the petition was filed, and must cite specific reasons why the workers consider the decision to be in error, either according to the facts, the interpretation of the facts, or the law itself. Requests for reconsideration should be mailed to the U.S. Department of Labor, Division of Trade Adjustment Assistance, 200 Constitution Ave., N.W., Room C-5311, Washington, D.C. 20210, (202) 693-3555.
Workers may also file an appeal seeking judicial review of the U.S. Department of Labor's negative determination or redetermination within 60 days of publication of the denial in the Federal Register. Appeals for judicial review must be filed with the Office of the Clerk, U.S. Court of International Trade, One Federal Plaza, New York, New York 10007, (212) 264-2814.
PROGRAM BENEFITS
The TAA program emphasizes a comprehensive, timely array of retraining and reemployment services tailored to meet the needs of the individual workers. Major activities and services include:
Training for employment in another job or career. Workers may receive up to 104 weeks of approved training in occupational skills, basic or remedial education, or training in literacy or English as a second language.
Income Support known as trade readjustment allowances (TRA) are weekly cash payment available for 52 weeks after a worker's unemployment compensation (UC) benefit is exhausted and during the period in which a worker is participating in an approved full-time training program. Income Support is a combination of UC and TRA benefits for a maximum of 78 weeks (26 weeks for UC and 52 weeks for TRA).
Job Search Allowance may be payable to cover expenses incurred in seeking employment outside your normal commuting area.
Relocation Allowances provide reimbursement for approved expenses if you are successful in obtaining employment outside your normal commuting area for you to relocate to your new area of employment.
BENEFITS APPEAL RIGHTS
Workers must meet individual eligibilities established under each benefit in order to receive such benefit. All benefits have different time constraints; therefore, workers must file application for such benefits on a timely basis. If, however, workers are not satisfied with the determination of their individual application, they have the same appeal rights as are provided under their State Unemployment Compensation Law. The determination notice which they receive after filing their application will explain their appeal rights and time limits for filing an appeal.
OTHER TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES AND REEMPLOYMENT SERVICES
If you do not qualify for TAA, there may be other training opportunities and reemployment services available in your community under Title I of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA). Information on the agency administering WIA services in your community should be listed in the telephone directory under such headings as Employment and Training Department or Human Resources Department, or you can obtain such information from the local office of the State Employment Service.
This is one of a series of fact sheets highlighting U.S. Department of Labor programs. It is intended as a general description only and does not carry the force of legal opinion.
============================================
Information about laidoff empoyees benefits
From Benefits Dept , Freightliner Mt Holly :
Here is what we can answer:
All employees will receive 6 months of extended benefits paid for by the Company. This includes medical, dental, vision and prescription coverage. The extension is called COBRA but it is the same plan that you have as an active employee with Blue Cross Blue Shield. You will use the same cards for services after the layoff. To receive this 6 months of coverage you must complete a COBRA application and return it to us. We will forward your application to our COBRA administrator which is Zenith. If your application isn't turned into us you will receive the information in the mail from Zenith with a deadline on returning the application. If the application isn't returned your coverage will terminate back to your layoff date. After the 6 months of coverage paid by the Company, you can continue the coverage for up to 12 more months at the group rates. I am attaching a copy of the 2009 rates for shop employees. Yes, these are the same rates that the Company pays every month for you and your family. I am waiting for the 2009 rates for nonunion employees. (Come to the meeting)
You will have 6 months of basic group life insurance paid by the Company. You can convert the supplemental life insurance and pay directly to MetLife. I am waiting for the 2009 rates. I will include in the packet.
If you want an estimate of your pension benefits, please go the website - www.truckbenefits.com and select pension plan. The site is down temporarily for year end updates and calculations. The system should be back up after January 19.
To stop your 401k deductions you will need to contact the 401K Company or access the website. Web address is attached.
If you have a 401k loan that is not paid off, it will default and you will receive a 1099 at the end of the year and you will need to file as income on your tax return. You will receive a letter from the 410K Company giving you an opportunity to pay the loan off before it defaults If you request distribution of your 401k funds 20% of it will be deducted for taxes. If you are under age 59 1/2 you will also have a 10% penalty that you will need to file on your tax return. Please direct your questions about your individual accounts to the 401K Company. Phone number is on the attachment.
If you have Aramark uniforms, all sets need to be returned. We are in the process of setting up a date to have them come in and collect uniforms. As soon as we have a firm date we will send that info to you. All uniforms that are not returned will be deducted from your final pay.
Our plant has been approved to receive TAA benefits. ALL employees are eligible for benefits under this program. We will have representatives at the meetings to answer your questions. Please come to the meeting.
Please make sure that your address and phone number are correct in our system.
We want to make this transition as easy as possible. Please be patient. There are more of you than there are of us. Give us an opportunity to wade through your questions and concerns and we will communicate answers back to you through the huddle. Compile a list of questions in your huddles and send to Cindy or myself and we'll get answers for you.
Bobbie Kincaid
Payroll/Benefits Supervisor
704-822-7211 - Mt. Holly
704-868-5729 - Gastonia
Roberta.Kincaid@daimler.com
UAW Local 5285
=====================================================
Unemployment Contact Information
The TAA Consultants for the Gastonia Local Office are list below:
Linda Putnam 704 853-5328 ext 217
Donna Blake 704 853-5328 ext 204
Vickie Beaver 704 853-5328 ext 206
Wanda Stephens 704 853-5328 ext 216
Anyone who wishes to use another ESC office, just needs to contact that office to set up an appointment prior to February 27, 2009.
Gastonia NC 704 853 5328 Lincolnton NC 704 735 8035
Shelby NC 704 480 5414 Charlotte NC 704 847 2660
Charlotte Main 704 566 2870 Hickory NC 828 466 5535
Statesville NC 704 878 4241 Mooresville NC 704 664 4225
Concord NC 704 786 3183
UAW Local 5285 Union Hall will be used for the TAA Initial Groups these groups require us to show a 20 minute video.
Claudette Argabrite, Assist Manager NC Emp SecurityCommission
Phone (704) 853-5328 X 220 Fax (704) 853-5303
The State and Local Workforce Development along with Rapid Response will be conducting employee meetings . These meetings will take place over a course of 6 days, two groups per day. All employees have a set scheduled time for their meeting so please plan accordingly. The meeting dates are February 2, 3, 4, 16, 17, and 18th at 2:45 pm until we are done ( 2nd shift only - will have their meeting on February 2nd at 1:00 in the Training Rooms ). We have set it up like this to give each group enough time to have all their question answered (please remember however Q & A's will be held at the end of each meeting).
We encourage each and every person to attend their meeting.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Top Question of the day
Can we receive unemployments benefits for addition time if we are going to school
Yes !! TAA was approved , NAFTA -TAA Signed on 12 / 30, 2008
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Benefits need to be applied for Quick !!!!
Runner - up question of the day
How long does my company paid Insurance last , after I am laid off
6 months from date of layoff
Bring your Questions
The Mobile JobLink will be at the Mt. Holly Union Hall the full week of March 16 providing services for the Freightliner employees involved in the March 13 layoff. They will be able to sign up on site for the WIA Program including the Freightliner NEG.
Job Search :
To Sign up for the Job Search . Go to top of the page to the Job Search Button
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Contact Your Political Representatives
And Local and National Media
One powerful way you can make your voice heard is to contact your political representatives and members of local and national media in your country. Below are some links which quickly provide those living in the U.S. with the phone numbers, email addresses, and regular mailing addresses of political and media representatives at both the local and national levels. You can make a big difference by sending these influential individuals and organizations information from our website. For those located outside the U.S., we encourage you to find similar lists for your country.
-
To write or call elected representatives in the U.S. Congress: http://www.visi.com/juan/congress/index.html or
http://www.congress.org/congressorg/directory/congdir.tt -
To write or call national newspapers, radio, and television in the U.S.:
http://www.fair.org/index.php?page=111 -
To write or call local newspapers and media in the U.S.:
http://www.congress.org/congressorg/dbq/media/
Keep in mind that emails are generally the least effective way to make an impact, as many are never even read in these publicly available addresses. Written letters have the most impact, though phone calls and faxes are also very useful. When you add a personal touch to anything you send, it is more likely to make a difference. Thanks for caring and for making a difference in our world. Together, we can and will build a brighter future for us all!
Contact Political Representatives and Media
==========================================================================
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CONTACT INFORMATION |
MOUNT HOLLY GROUP |
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Enrolling for WIA is Step 1! |
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Gaston Workforce Development Programs |
Information on WIA & the Freightliner Grant |
Selina Pate |
704-862-7936 |
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Christine Calloway |
704-862-6894 |
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Kathleen Holinka |
704-862-6655 |
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To make an appointment to enroll |
Vickie Laughridge |
704-862-7840 |
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JobLink Services Gastonia |
Carolyn Helms |
704-853-5328 #219 |
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JobLink Services Belmont |
Louann Shuford |
704-266-5005 |
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JobLink Services |
Linda Miller |
704-266-5005 |
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Gaston County Workfirst Assistance |
Grandparents with grandchildren in the home |
704-862-7525 |
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GASTON COLLEGE |
Continuing Education Classes |
Laurel Morrow |
704-825-3737 #213 |
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Community Education Classes |
Beth Hollars |
704-922-6250 |
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Career Readiness Certification |
Laurel Morrow |
704-825-3737 #213 |
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Skills Assessment/WorkKeys Testing |
Joy Morrow |
704-853-5328 #251 |
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Admissions: |
Joyce Crumpton |
704-922-6219 |
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Registration and Student Records |
Rhonda Wood |
704-922-6202 |
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Family Services Inc. NO Fees required! |
Consumer Credit Information |
Appointments |
704-864-7704 |
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Family Counseling |
Appointments |
704-864-7704 |
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Employment Security Commission |
Unemployment benefits |
Sharon Riggan |
704-853-5328 ext 218 |
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Claudette Argabrite |
704-853-5328 ext 220 |
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Jane Bolin |
704-853-5328 ext 225 |
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TAA (Trade Adjustment Assistance) |
Training |
Linda Putnam |
704-853-5328 ext 217 |
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Donna Blake |
704-853-5328 ext 204 |
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Wanda Stephens |
704-853-5328 ext 216 |
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Vickie Beaver |
704-853-5328 ext 206 |
Need More information from you representative in Congress/Senate/State /Gov
Sue Myrick Link http://myrick.house.gov/zipauth.shtml
Bev Perdue Link http://www.bevperdue.com/
Phome Numbers for our Elected officials . Discuss your position on NAFTA and Free Trade
Rep Watt............................Call ............. 202 225 1510
Congressman Butterfield ..Call ............ 202 225 3101
Congressman Etheridge ...Call .............. 202 225 4531
AFLCIO Link for Political Contacts
http://www.aflcionc.org/
Another Good Contact link
http://www.wanttoknow.info/contactmediapoliticalrepresentatives
North Carolina in the 111th Congress
|
![[North Carolina's flag]](http://www.visi.com/juan/congress/flags/NCflag.GIF) |
To retrieve much more detailed biographical and contact information about a given Congressmember, click on the member's name.
This compilation Copyright © 2008 Juan Cabanela. All Rights Reserved.
Contacting the Congress is maintained by Juan Cabanela
What this means :
Up to 2 + years school and unemployment benefits for employees in approved school + other options
What is NAFTA TAA ?
From the DOL Website
The Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program is a federal program established under the Trade Act of 1974, as amended. The TAA Program provides aid to workers who lose their jobs or whose hours of work and wages are reduced as a result of increased imports.
Workers whose employment is adversely affected by increased imports may apply for TAA. TAA offers a variety of benefits and reemployment services to assist unemployed workers prepare for and obtain suitable employment. Workers may be eligible for training, job search and relocation allowances, income support and other reemployment services.
The TAA program is administered by the Employment and Training Administration of the U.S. Department of Labor. States serve as agents to the Labor Department in administering the TAA program.
HOW TO APPLY
A Petition for TAA may be filed by a group of three or more workers, their union or other duly authorized representative. Petition forms may be obtained from the local State Employment Security Agency or from any agency designated by the governor to provide reemployment services under the TAA program; or you can phone 202-693-3560 or write to the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Division of Trade Adjustment Assistance, Room C-5311, 200 Constitution Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20210.
Petitioners should complete and sign the petition and send it directly to U.S. Department of Labor at the above mentioned address. If a petition is filed by a union or company official, only one petitioner signature is required. Otherwise, the petition must be signed by at least three workers.
To be eligible for TAA benefits, you must have been laid off or put on a reduced work schedule (hours of work reduced to 80 percent or less of your average weekly hours and wages reduced to 80 percent or less of your average weekly wage) on or after the "Impact Date" and before the ending date of certification.
Once your worker group has been certified by the U.S. Department of Labor, go to the nearest local office of your State Unemployment Insurance (UI) agency and file an application for a determination of your individual eligibility for TAA. Your application will be taken by a staff member of the State UI agency and a determination made as to whether you are eligible.
Each State has designated an agency to administer the TAA program. Ordinarily, this agency is the State Employment Security agency; if not, the local office staff of the State unemployment insurance agency will be able to direct you to the designated agency.
ESTABLISHING ELIGIBILITY FOR TAA
All Petitions for TAA are filed with Division of Trade Adjustment Assistance (DTAA). DTAA has sole responsibility for conducting a fact finding investigation to determine whether group eligibility criteria have been met and issues an official notice of its decision no later than 60 days after receiving the petition.
In order for the U.S. Department of Labor to issue a Certification Regarding Eligibility to Apply for Worker Adjustment Assistance, the following requirements must be met:
(1) that workers have been totally or partially laid off, and
(2) that sales or productions have declined, and
(3) that increased imports have contributed importantly to worker layoffs.
Once the U.S. Department of Labor issues a Certification Regarding Eligibility, trade affected workers may apply for benefits under the TAA program.
When a determination by the U.S. Department of Labor states that workers who petitioned do not meet the eligibility requirements under this program, workers may obtain benefits and services from other job training programs such as the Workforce Investment Act (WIA).
APPEAL RIGHTS
Workers whose petitions for TAA are denied by the U.S. Department of Labor may request administrative reconsideration of the U.S. Department of Labor's finding within 30 days after publication of the final determination in the Federal Register.
The request for reconsideration must be in writing, including the TAA investigation number, and a description of the group of workers on whose behalf the petition was filed, and must cite specific reasons why the workers consider the decision to be in error, either according to the facts, the interpretation of the facts, or the law itself. Requests for reconsideration should be mailed to the U.S. Department of Labor, Division of Trade Adjustment Assistance, 200 Constitution Ave., N.W., Room C-5311, Washington, D.C. 20210, (202) 693-3555.
Workers may also file an appeal seeking judicial review of the U.S. Department of Labor's negative determination or redetermination within 60 days of publication of the denial in the Federal Register. Appeals for judicial review must be filed with the Office of the Clerk, U.S. Court of International Trade, One Federal Plaza, New York, New York 10007, (212) 264-2814.
PROGRAM BENEFITS
The TAA program emphasizes a comprehensive, timely array of retraining and reemployment services tailored to meet the needs of the individual workers. Major activities and services include:
Training for employment in another job or career. Workers may receive up to 104 weeks of approved training in occupational skills, basic or remedial education, or training in literacy or English as a second language.
Income Support known as trade readjustment allowances (TRA) are weekly cash payment available for 52 weeks after a worker's unemployment compensation (UC) benefit is exhausted and during the period in which a worker is participating in an approved full-time training program. Income Support is a combination of UC and TRA benefits for a maximum of 78 weeks (26 weeks for UC and 52 weeks for TRA).
Job Search Allowance may be payable to cover expenses incurred in seeking employment outside your normal commuting area.
Relocation Allowances provide reimbursement for approved expenses if you are successful in obtaining employment outside your normal commuting area for you to relocate to your new area of employment.
BENEFITS APPEAL RIGHTS
Workers must meet individual eligibilities established under each benefit in order to receive such benefit. All benefits have different time constraints; therefore, workers must file application for such benefits on a timely basis. If, however, workers are not satisfied with the determination of their individual application, they have the same appeal rights as are provided under their State Unemployment Compensation Law. The determination notice which they receive after filing their application will explain their appeal rights and time limits for filing an appeal.
OTHER TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES AND REEMPLOYMENT SERVICES
If you do not qualify for TAA, there may be other training opportunities and reemployment services available in your community under Title I of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA). Information on the agency administering WIA services in your community should be listed in the telephone directory under such headings as Employment and Training Department or Human Resources Department, or you can obtain such information from the local office of the State Employment Service.
This is one of a series of fact sheets highlighting U.S. Department of Labor programs. It is intended as a general description only and does not carry the force of legal opinion.
==========================================================================
Information about laidoff empoyees benefits
From Benefits Dept , Freightliner Mt Holly :
Now, Mt. Holly team, we got the news at the same time you did. We are working as quickly as we can to get information out to you and to answer your questions. I promise you that all of your questions will be answered by the time we leave here on Friday the 13th. We are in the process of putting together a team of people that will conduct meetings and answer your questions on unemployment benefits, training, enrolling in school. Cindy has been in touch with local and State agencies and is in the process of finalizing the schedule. Every employee will have an opportunity to attend a meeting and to ask questions. I strongly urge you to take the time to attend a meeting. You need to take advantage of this opportunity so that you can make the best possible decision for you and your family. (Come to the meeting)
Here is what we can answer:
All employees will receive 6 months of extended benefits paid for by the Company. This includes medical, dental, vision and prescription coverage. The extension is called COBRA but it is the same plan that you have as an active employee with Blue Cross Blue Shield. You will use the same cards for services after the layoff. To receive this 6 months of coverage you must complete a COBRA application and return it to us. We will forward your application to our COBRA administrator which is Zenith. If your application isn't turned into us you will receive the information in the mail from Zenith with a deadline on returning the application. If the application isn't returned your coverage will terminate back to your layoff date. After the 6 months of coverage paid by the Company, you can continue the coverage for up to 12 more months at the group rates. I am attaching a copy of the 2009 rates for shop employees. Yes, these are the same rates that the Company pays every month for you and your family. I am waiting for the 2009 rates for nonunion employees. (Come to the meeting)
Shop employees can defer vacation and sick hours up to a year after layoff. There will be a form in the packets for you to complete and return to payroll by March 1. If you don't submit a form, your vacation and sick hours will be paid off. Payoff of vacation and sick hours will delay your eligibility for applying for unemployment benefits. For example, if you receive 4 weeks of vacation/sick pay, you will have to wait 4 weeks before applying for benefits. If you defer your vacation/sick hours and request a payout after you leave, you need to report the earnings to the Employment Security Commission Failure to do so is considered fraud. Keep in mind that the Company reports employees earnings to the State every quarter. We will have representatives from ESC here during the scheduled meetings. Please direct any other questions to ESC. The phone number to the local office is 704-853-5328. (Come to the meeting)
Vacation and sick hours for nonunion employees will be paid out at the time of separation.
Vacation and sick hours will be paid in a separate check from your regular pay.
You will have 6 months of basic group life insurance paid by the Company. You can convert the supplemental life insurance and pay directly to MetLife. I am waiting for the 2009 rates. I will include in the packet.
If you want an estimate of your pension benefits, please go the website - www.truckbenefits.com and select pension plan. The site is down temporarily for year end updates and calculations. The system should be back up after January 19.
To stop your 401k deductions you will need to contact the 401K Company or access the website. Web address is attached.
If you have a 401k loan that is not paid off, it will default and you will receive a 1099 at the end of the year and you will need to file as income on your tax return. You will receive a letter from the 410K Company giving you an opportunity to pay the loan off before it defaults If you request distribution of your 401k funds 20% of it will be deducted for taxes. If you are under age 59 1/2 you will also have a 10% penalty that you will need to file on your tax return. Please direct your questions about your individual accounts to the 401K Company. Phone number is on the attachment.
If you have Aramark uniforms, all sets need to be returned. We are in the process of setting up a date to have them come in and collect uniforms. As soon as we have a firm date we will send that info to you. All uniforms that are not returned will be deducted from your final pay.
Our plant has been approved to receive TAA benefits. ALL employees are eligible for benefits under this program. We will have representatives at the meetings to answer your questions. Please come to the meeting.
Please make sure that your address and phone number are correct in our system.
We want to make this transition as easy as possible. Please be patient. There are more of you than there are of us. Give us an opportunity to wade through your questions and concerns and we will communicate answers back to you through the huddle. Compile a list of questions in your huddles and send to Cindy or myself and we'll get answers for you.
If you will attend the meetings, you will leave on Friday the 13th knowing exactly what you need to do. Take advantage of all th
Bobbie Kincaid
Payroll/Benefits Supervisor
704-822-7211 - Mt. Holly
704-868-5729 - Gastonia
Roberta.Kincaid@daimler.com
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Unemployment Contact Information
The TAA Consultants for the Gastonia Local Office are list below:
Linda Putnam 704 853-5328 ext 217
Donna Blake 704 853-5328 ext 204
Vickie Beaver 704 853-5328 ext 206
Wanda Stephens 704 853-5328 ext 216
Anyone who wishes to use another ESC office, just needs to contact that office to set up an appointment prior to February 27, 2009.
Gastonia NC 704 853 5328 Lincolnton NC 704 735 8035
Shelby NC 704 480 5414 Charlotte NC 704 847 2660
Charlotte Main 704 566 2870 Hickory NC 828 466 5535
Statesville NC 704 878 4241 Mooresville NC 704 664 4225
Concord NC 704 786 3183
UAW Local 5285 Union Hall will be used for the TAA Initial Groups these groups require us to show a 20 minute video.
Claudette Argabrite, Assist Manager NC Emp SecurityCommission
Phone (704) 853-5328 X 220 Fax (704) 853-5303
The State and Local Workforce Development along with Rapid Response will be conducting employee meetings . These meetings will take place over a course of 6 days, two groups per day. All employees have a set scheduled time for their meeting so please plan accordingly. The meeting dates are February 2, 3, 4, 16, 17, and 18th at 2:45 pm until we are done ( 2nd shift only - will have their meeting on February 2nd at 1:00 in the Training Rooms ). We have set it up like this to give each group enough time to have all their question answered (please remember however Q & A's will be held at the end of each meeting).
We encourage each and every person to attend their meeting.
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Top Question of the day
Can we receive unemployments benefits for addition time if we are going to school
Yes !! TAA was approved , NAFTA -TAA Signed on 12 / 30, 2008
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Benefits need to be applied for Quick !!!!
Runner - up question of the day
How long does my company paid Insurance last , after I am laid off
6 months from date of layoff
Bring your Questions
The Mobile JobLink will be at the Mt. Holly Union Hall the full week of March 16 -20 providing services for the Freightliner employees involved in the March 13 layoff. They will be able to sign up on site for the WIA Program including the Freightliner NEG.
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Contact Your Political Representatives
And Local and National Media
One powerful way you can make your voice heard is to contact your political representatives and members of local and national media in your country. Below are some links which quickly provide those living in the U.S. with the phone numbers, email addresses, and regular mailing addresses of political and media representatives at both the local and national levels. You can make a big difference by sending these influential individuals and organizations information from our website. For those located outside the U.S., we encourage you to find similar lists for your country.
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To write or call elected representatives in the U.S. Congress: http://www.visi.com/juan/congress/index.html or
http://www.congress.org/congressorg/directory/congdir.tt -
To write or call national newspapers, radio, and television in the U.S.:
http://www.fair.org/index.php?page=111 -
To write or call local newspapers and media in the U.S.:
http://www.congress.org/congressorg/dbq/media
Keep in mind that emails are generally the least effective way to make an impact, as many are never even read in these publicly available addresses. Written letters have the most impact, though phone calls and faxes are also very useful. When you add a personal touch to anything you send, it is more likely to make a difference. Thanks for caring and for making a difference in our world. Together, we can and will build a brighter future for us all!
The cutoff to sign up for the Freightliner NEG is March 31, 2009. We encourage this group to sign up before March 13!
To sign up please call for an appointment by contacting Vickie Laughridge at 704-862-7840.
We encourage employees to sign up for the Freightliner NEG education grant program. This program is for F/L employees only. If it is not utilized the money set aside by the state must be returned to Raliegh. We have monies for 250 more laid off employees....
nafta Link
http://www.doleta.gov/programs/factsht/nafta.cfm
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If you have High Speed Internet
Watch FDR Inauguration address
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMgGbI-hZvU
If you have High Speed Internet
You can Watch President Barack Obama's Inauguration and Presidental Address Jan 20 2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PuHGKnboNY
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By Ron Gettelfinger
This new year, we've got a huge task ahead of us: restructuring the American auto industry for a viable, long-term future.
It won't be easy -- just as it wasn't easy to win the emergency bridge loans which give us a chance for a brighter tomorrow. When we went to Washington seeking to help so that U.S. carmakers could weather the current economic crisis, many in the Beltway used this as an excuse to beat up on American companies and American workers.
Then a funny thing happened: A lot of somebodies stood up to defend us -- including millions of people who were offended that Main Street manufacturing was subject to such intense scrutiny, while Wall Street investment firms were asked few questions and received a blank check.
Now that America has decided to invest in the domestic auto industry, we have a promise to keep: We won't let you down. We're going to do the hard work necessary to rebuild our industry.
All stakeholders must participate. Unfortunately, the terms of the loans approved by President George W. Bush single out members of our union, by demanding steeper and faster concessions from the UAW than from any other part of the industry.
That's not right, and we'll work with the Obama administration and the new Congress to implement a more balanced approach. Along the way, we'll have to clear away some myths. For example, anybody who claims that union work rules interfere with efficiency is uninformed about the current state of our industry.
According to the Harbour Report -- the standard for measuring auto plant productivity -- all 10 of the most efficient plants in North America are union plants. Union workers get the job done in less hours per vehicle than the competition.
For example, according to 2008 Harbour data, it takes UAW members in Kansas City just over 19 hours to assemble a Ford F-series pick-up. It takes more than 32 hours to assemble the Toyota Tundra, a similar vehicle, at a non-union plant in Princeton, Ind.
While we're proud of what we've accomplished on the factory floor, the problems of the auto industry cannot be solved by our companies and our union alone.
Cutting wages for middle class workers, for example, won't do any good for the American economy -- and it doesn't do much for automakers, either, since labor costs are just 10 percent of the price of a vehicle. Instead, we need a strong stimulus plan -- like the one planned by President-elect Barack Obama.
And while we've worked as creatively as we can to control health care costs within the auto industry, America's health care crisis remains a national problem in search of a national solution. Economist Dean Baker has estimated that if the U.S. had a universal, national health care system similar to Canada, GM would have saved $22 billion during the past decade.
Until we match our trading partners by creating a universal, national health insurance system, U.S. companies and U.S. workers will remain at a serious competitive disadvantage.
We're also disadvantaged by current U.S. trade policies. To be clear, we're not making any excuses. The restructuring of our industry that is required in exchange for government assistance is starting now, regardless of whether we can achieve much-needed policy changes. But creating a viable auto industry for the long-term will require more than emergency bridge loans. It requires sound policies on incomes, trade and health care that will support working families -- and renew the U.S. economy.
Ron Gettelfinger is president of the UAW. This article originally appeared in the Detroit News on Jan. 2, 2009.
The cutoff to sign up for the Freightliner NEG is March 31, 2009. We encourage this group to sign up before March 13!
To sign up please call for an appointment by contacting Vickie Laughridge at 704-862-7840.
We encourage employees to sign up for the Freightliner NEG education grant program. This program is for F/L employees only. If it is not utilized the money set aside by the state must be returned to Raliegh. We have monies for 250 more laid off employees....
nafta Link
http://www.doleta.gov/programs/factsht/nafta.cfm
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If you have High Speed Internet
Watch FDR Inauguration address
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMgGbI-hZvU
"They call me the Fireman , That's my name"
Mike Bauchaum of maintence cleans up a Wax spill at the loading dock
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UAW members help anti-worker groups show their true colors
The Catawba County Chamber of Commerce in North Carolina was set for an outdoor rally recently, ready to knock the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) and other pro-worker legislation.
They recently lined up a list of North Carolina lawmakers who have done no favors for working Americans: Sen. Elizabeth Dole and U.S. Representatives such as Sue Myrick, Robin Hayes, Patrick McHenry and Virginia Foxx, all Republicans. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and other anti-union groups were there, too.
The local chamber arrogantly thought it could slam workers and their families and not have anyone say a peep. Not so. UAW members and their families from locals in North Carolina, as well as the state AFL-CIO and other unions, were on hand to correct any misinformation that was being put out.
| Photos by Will Davis, UAW Local 5285 |
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| UAW members were among the union members in North Carolina who rallied to support the Employee Free Choice Act. |
"They didn't know we were coming," said Local 5285 President Bob Riggins, who said union members peacefully approached the news conference and respectfully listened, even as one anti-union lawyer had the gall to say, "We want you to know this is not an anti-union rally."
It actually turned into a pro-union rally as the stammering anti-union groups and lawmakers decided they were not going to put out their phony claims about EFCA in front of people who know better. They moved the rally indoors and required photo identification -- and a business card -- to get inside.
That tells you all you really need to know about opponents of EFCA.
The proposed act, which Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama supports and John McCain opposes, would give workers more freedom to join unions through a tried-and-tested procedure known as card check. It allows a simple majority of workers to indicate they want a union and they get one. Workers, not companies, decide whether they want a card-check procedure or a secret ballot election.
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| The Employee Free Choice Act would allow workers to decide on a card-check procedure or a secret ballot election. |
"North Carolina workers are standing up for their rights, and it's time for Congress and the president to stand with them," said MaryBe McMillian, secretary-treasurer of the North Carolina AFL-CIO after the anti-union groups called it a day. "For too long, workers who wanted union representation have been threatened for exercising their rights. The Employee Free Choice Act takes that power away from corporate America and lets workers freely choose whether and how they want to form a union."
Union members went back to the AFL-CIO headquarters and held a Workers' Roundtable about card check and other pro-working family measures. Included in the audience were members of the local business community who genuinely wanted to learn all sides of the issue.
Jim Logan, who owns the American Income Life agency in Matthews, N.C., said at the roundtable EFCA makes good business sense.
"Unions strengthen our communities, and that actually helps businesses like mine because families who earn decent wages have stronger buying power --and that means they can afford to buy products like mine to protect their families."
Will Davis of UAW Local 5285 contributed to this report.
What is NAFTA... TAA... WIA .. ?
Created: October 23, 2006
Updated: January 13, 2009
What is NAFTA... TAA... WIA .. ?
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Contact Numbers Down Town Union Office: 704-822-0839 In-Plant Union Office: 704-822-7489 Did you know that you can use the UAW as one of your weekly job searches? Just call one of these numbers above and tell us your name and employee number and we will put you in the log book this covers one of your job searches for the week.Call the in plantUAW Union Office 24/7 .. 704 822 7489 any time to do the job search Help on the Web: U.S. Department of Labor Workforce Investment Act Laws and Regulations There are many resources for retraining, job searches, financial assistance and budgeting through local organizations such as the United Way and some of the links listed above and remember we are here to help so please call if you need our assistance.
Employment & Training Administration
http://www.doleta.gov/programs/factsht/nafta.cfm
We need Volunteers for a Local Buy American Event ,
===================================== Save a Tree Go Green, save the extra paperwork with Ipay electronic paystubs .. The I pay will let you view all past paychecks . If you need a copy of your paycheck, It will let you print them ... ======================================= Each Week we are asking active employees to bring 2 cans of non perishable food to the Mt Holly Plant breezeway collection box . These items will be made available to all laid off Freightliner Mt Holly families . The items will be distributed from the Mt Holly Downtown Union office If interested call The Union Office 704-822-0061 and 704-822-0839 or
Contact Will Davis thru the UAW Website To Sign up for the Job Search . Go to top of the page to the Job Search Button
Go Green
I pay signup for electronic paystubs ...
https://ipay.adp.com/
UAW Local 5285 Food Bank
Next UAW Monthly Union Meeting
UAW Local 5285 Monthly Union Meeting
March 13, 2010 10:00 AM
10:00 AM Mt Holly Union Office Mt Holly NC
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Quote of the Week
If I went to work in a factory the first thing I'd do is join a union.
Franklin D. Roosevelt
