Compiled by Rose Tripepi, Tracy Smith and Anne Drake
The following is a rough time line of the local’s history. Much of it is based on old editions of the Raw Facts, some of which are unavailable or incomplete. When something happens regularly, such as local union picnics or "Adopt a Child", it may only be mentioned the first time. We have been having Halloween parties and Children’s Christmas parties for what seems like forever so they are not mentioned below. Our Recreation Committees have been very active throughout the years and many pictures of their activities were included in the special edition of the Raw Facts published in 2001. Also, not all awards are included since we don’t have a complete list, but they are noted when found in the Raw Facts. A list of all past officers of 898 would fill this newsletter as well as would all conventions and contracts. That information can be obtained from the local but the highlights are listed below.
1941
Ford organized by UAW. New contract includes seniority, representation, grievance procedure and dues check off.
Local 898 chartered July 23 at the Milford Carburetor Ford Plant.
1942-43
Two weeks vacation after 5 years and one week after 1 year
1947
Additional five percent pay increase for Skilled Trades workers.
1948
Blue Cross/Blue Shield coverage made available.
1949
Ford agrees to a company paid pension plan in 1949 Contract, $100 per month at age 65.
Cost of Living Allowance
1955
UAW-Ford signs the first contract with Supplemental Unemployment Benefits (SUB). More than $105 million paid out to workers from 1956 – 1958, mainly because of the 1958 recession.
1957
Local 898 members move to newly built Rawsonville Plant along with workers from Waterford, Manchester, Ypsilanti and the Rouge. Plant employs 1,200 workers.
Rawsonville’s Local Joint Apprenticeship Committee established with the following trade indentured: Electrician, Hydraulic, Machine Repair, Millwright, Die Cast Die Maker and Toolmaker.
1958
UAW-Ford on strike.
1960
Property was purchased and a sign erected reading "FUTURE HOME OF LOCAL 898" at 8975 Textile Road, the current location of Local 898. The membership voted to sell a piece of its property, 200ft x 200ft, to Ypsilanti Township for a fire station.
1961
June 10th Dedication Ceremony of Local Hall.
Fully Company paid BC/BS and Short Work Week gained in contract.
1962
Governor Swainson and Attorney General Frank Kelly were at our Local for a political meeting. Michigan’s governor commented on improvements that had been made at the Local since the last time he was there.
Our contract that year included the first time prescription safety glasses were paid for by the company, though the cost of the eye examination and fitting were not covered.
Union dues were $5.00 a month, with $3.00 going to the International and $2.00 staying at the Local
There were 57 Ford Locals at that time.
The newsletter, called "Local 898 News", was just two pages wrapped around an AFL-CIO newsletter. The editors were the full time officers, President and Financial Secretary (Thomas Patrick and Coral Clark at that time) and would be for many years, through many administration changes.
1963
The Detroit Freedom March with Martin Luther King, A. Phillip Randolph, Walter Reuther and other national and local Civil Rights leaders was held. Under Walter Reuther’s leadership the UAW and other unions participated in Martin Luther King’s march on Washington DC where he gave his historic "I Have A Dream" speech.
1964
Pensions increased and early retirement for those with 85 points.
Bereavement pay and tuition refund added to contract.
1965
Patricia (Silwa) Shephard hired as office secretary
1966
George Vogl leaves the office of Financial Secretary of Local 898 to become a Federal Labor Mediator in Washington DC.
Mildred Hamlett, maintenance worker in the front offices, obtains 200 signatures from our members and petitions the road commission to put a traffic light at Rawsonville and Textile roads.
At the June membership meeting they approved the purchase of seven additional acres at $2,000 to $2,500 an acre.
The 20th Constitutional Convention determined that each Local with 25 or more retired members shall establish a Retired Workers Chapter. Ours was chartered on June 2, 1972.
The first "Preparation for Retirement" classes are offered, delivered by Eastern Michigan University.
Local 898 celebrated 25 years service to its members on July 23rd. The picnic theme that year was "25 years of Progress".
Ford pays a $32 Christmas bonus to each worker for the first time.
The newsletter is now the "Raw Facts Edition of the AFL-CIO News" and is four pages plus eight pages of AFL-CIO news. Vince Page, UAW 898 President, and George Vogl, Financial Secretary, are editors. All checks written by the Local are published in the newsletter.
1967
Vince Page, Local 898 President, is picked for International Staff.
A six-week strike against Ford led to an even better SUB program, increased pay, more paid vacation time, Prescription Drug Program and other improvements.
1969
Mobile Home Owners hold an organizing meeting at the Local September 10.
The newsletter is now the "Raw Facts" with no AFL-CIO inserts.
1970
On January 7, 1970, Michigan Attorney General Frank Kelly issues an opinion stating that limiting the working hours of women is a discriminatory employment practice and all such limitations should cease and desist. Ken Bannon, Director of the Ford Department and member of the UAW Executive Board, directs Ford to end this discriminating practice.
Three of the local’s officers served as honor guards for Walter & May Reuther’s funeral service: Elaine Munoz, Recording Secretary, and Bernice Shields and Virginia Hamilton, both production committee people.
The "Raw Facts" devotes its entire May issue to the memory of Walter P. Reuther (1907-1970), UAW President killed in a plane accident on his way to the UAW Family Education Center (FEC) at Black Lake.
Ford was not the target picked in this contract year. From the new contract we gain "30 and Out" retirement, five weeks vacation for 20 year employees, prescription drugs for retirees and unbroken Christmas holidays.
The annual Local picnic was held at Toledo Beach August 2nd.
Jake Haag, Jr., Rawsonville millwright, wins the Town Crier Award from Ford Motor Company for community service.
1971
The Local picnic was held at Edgewater Park
1972
Retirees Chapter charted on June 2.
1973
Dental Care is won in the 1973 contract and we now have a Health & Safety Rep in-plant.
1976
Strike against Ford.
Contract gains include Vision Care, Hearing Aids, and a full time Benefits Rep besides improved insurances and pensions.
1977
Ken Turner resigns as Financial Secretary because of misappropriation of local union funds.
Jim Clifton resigns from Guide to go on United Way Staff.
1979
Referendum vote for building expansion held on May 17th. The ground breaking for the building addition occurred in July.
The new contract has the first Employee Stock Ownership Plan and Employee Involvement.
1980
Susan (Susselman) Goulding, Recording Secretary and Editor of the Raw Facts, becomes an International Rep.
1981
Employee Involvement (EI) launched at Rawsonville.
Hourly employment at Rawsonville has dropped from a high of 5,800 in 1979 to 2,400.
Ford asks to reopen Local Agreement.
1982
Contract is negotiated early. The new contract includes profit-sharing, several job-security programs, the Education, Development and Training Program (EDTP) and mutual growth forums.
Ford President Don Peterson visits Rawsonville to thank workers for their "new spirit of cooperation".
1983
Negotiations start on Pilot Employment Guarantee Agreement (PEG) agreement. It is voted down in December.
1984
A petition drive is started by workers in the plant to re-vote on PEG. After a success vote, Rawsonville and UAW 898 sign the historic PEG agreement.
Classes are offered at the plant and the Local for the first time in cooperation with Lincoln Consolidated Schools as part of the "Nickel Fund" program established by the UAW/Ford National Training and Development Center (NTDC).
Rawsonville Open House held August 19th.
The first Education Fair, sponsored by the EDTP committee, was held November 8th.
The Recreation Committee of 898 put on "A Small Touch of Vegas" with a fish fry, steak roast, horseshoes, blackjack, euchre, whist, and softball tournaments and a women’s golf tournament (Wanda Messer won!) at Pine Creek. Brenda Denton was elected "Steak Roast Queen" with Karen Eichstadt, Leslie Charles, Carol Thomas and Cheryl Wagner as her court.
ATM machine installed in the plant.
Pre-Retirement classes coordinated by UAW members for the first time. Ray Overall is picked by Jake Smith to be the first Coordinator.
Contract gains in the 1984 agreement included the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), now called ESSP, and UAW-Ford Legal Service Plan. Other joint programs were added or enhanced.
The R.E.W. Committee turns the Local into a "Haunted Hall" and puts on a Kid’s Halloween Party and an Adult Halloween Party.
1985
Plant Chair, Dave "Friz" Curson leaves 898 to join the staff of the National Ford Department under Steve Yokich.
Phillip Caldwell, CEO of Ford, makes his official retirement announcement at Rawsonville. Financial Secretary Domingo Hermosillo presented Mr. Caldwell with an honorary membership in UAW 898 and a bill for Union Dues.
The local membership is very busy with many personal development programs in effect at the local hall and in the plant. Examples include Computer Literacy, Successful Retirement Planning, Dale Carnegie Courses, Dance Classes, Adult Education Classes, Health and Nutrient Classes and Alcoholic Anonymous Meetings.
The R.E.W. Committee (a combination of the Local’s Recreation, Education and Women’s Committees) held many special programs at the Local
We had a joint UAW-Rawsonville picnic at JYRO Park in August.
Region 1E Director Frank Runnels organized the "Motown to Coaltown" caravan and rally supporting striking mineworkers.
The Labor Day Parade theme was "A Proud History/A Bright Future".
On December 2, 1985 the International Executive Board voted to classify Local 898 as an Amalgamated Local at the membership’s request. Our new members are employees of the Advanced Engine Manufacturing Center in Belleville.
1986
Award Banquet held by the Women’s Committee saluting past & present elected and appointed women of UAW Local 898.
Anniversary celebrations for the year were: International Union (50 years), UAW Local 898 (45 years) and Ford Rawsonville Plant (30 years)
UAW Regions 1A and 1E combined into Region 1A with Ernest Lofton elected Director at the 28th UAW Constitutional Convention.
Labor Day Parade theme is "Campaign for Family, Country, Union & Jobs".
1987
New Learning Lab dedicated in April.
FAME project allows GE to "steal" 260 Small Motors’ jobs.
Rawsonville Open House: "1990 and Beyond"
Ford is strike target. Job security was improved in the 1987 agreement with the Guaranteed Employment Numbers (GEN) established. We are also given a voice in quality.
1988
Ford Life Saving Award presented to 898 members Bob Owens and Jim Zeoli for their quick action in helping co-worker Barry South when he was injured in Die Cast.
Rawsonville "Restaura" opens.
Women’s Committee raises money for the Unity of Hands Deaf Choral.
The UAW Region 1A Toxic Waste Squad was organized with 898 members Auddie Shelby and Dick Helzerman playing key roles. Local 898 members supported the "Dump the Dump" March and Rally.
Jim Lemble of UAW 898 receives United Way Community Appreciation Award for his work with the Boy Scouts.
Automotive Federal Credit Union celebrates building expansion with an Open House.
1989
We support the striking UAW 985 members at the Automotive Federal Credit Union.
Donna DuBose, LEA since 1985, thanked for her work with UAW 898 members.
Local picnic held at Lane Water Park in Taylor.
POW-MIA flag donated to local by VVA Chapter #310.
UAW members caravan to Camp Solidarity in Virginia in the "Standing Up for America" caravan organized by Bob King, Region 1A Director, to support the striking United Mine Workers (UWMA) at Pittston.
1990
All UAW endorsed candidates (including UAW 898 John Blair) running for the AFCU Board of Directors are elected. They vow to settle the strike as soon as possible and get UAW 985 members back to work.
Q1 Celebration on January 26th.
Free pine tree giveaway on April 20th for Earth Day
October 4th, first meeting of the Yellow Ribbon support Group for family and friends of Operation Desert Storm Troops held at Local.
Eastern Airline Machinists walked out
Greyhound Bus workers walk out. Region 1A leads a march supporting them during the Bargaining Convention in Kansas City.
The Rawsonville Plant flies the POW/MIA flag per the negotiated Local Agreement.
The Ford contract establishes Physical Fitness Centers and Pilot Child Care Centers.
Elaine Munoz receives the Distinguished Service Award from Region 1A Retired Workers Council
Nelson Mandela, newly freed, speaks at Tiger Stadium.
1991
Local 898 celebrates its 50th year of service to its members. Tote bags, pens & 50th year labels are given to members.
The Open House is "A Celebration of Anniversaries and a Salute to Employee Involvement"
Solidarity Day ’91 march in Washington DC August 31st
Local 898 received an award certificate from Region 1A for "Community Activism and Labor Solidarity"
"No Foreign Cars" signs erected in Local parking lot
UAW billboard on I-94 expressway is funded jointly by area local unions.
RISE Award given to our Local’s EDTP
Work Teams established
We help in organizing Spring Arbor
We supported Chelsea Industries, Bosch and Air Flow in their organizing efforts.
Caravan to Ravenswood, W.Va. supporting Steel Workers
"Anyplace but Hudson’s" demonstrations on Thanksgiving
1992
Start of Asbestos Screening Program
We support: striking workers at Kroger, GM Willow Run workers and Fingerle-Hollister-Wood Lumber Company Teamsters.
"March for Justice" in Hamlet, North Carolina
Local 600 commemorates the Hunger March of 1932
Participate in the Adopt a Striker program for UAW Caterpillar strikers
Farewell to A.C.T.I.O.N. E.I. Team when A/C line phased out
Women’s Committee puts on Easter Egg Hunt for members’ children
Landscaping Class beautifies Local’s grounds
UAW Constitutional Convention visits the maquiladoras
Education Fair says "Vote YES for Education!"
Family picnic held at Local
Rawsonville Education and Training Center (RETC) with Learning Lab relocated by South Cafeteria
Labor Day theme: "Unite and Fight Back!"
Clinton/Gore ticket elected with the help of Labor
RISE Award given to our Local’s E.I. Facilitators
Community Service Committee organized an "Adopt a Family Program" for Prospect Place
1993
Member enjoying benefits of the new Wellness Center
Leased part of Local property to Michigan Bell Telephone Company
March on Washington D.C. August 28 for anniversary of Martin Luther King’s "I Have a Dream" speech
Supported Pilot Industries-Manchester
Contract year & Local Union elections
Community Service Committee starts the "Adopt a Child" program at O.W. Holmes Elementary School
1994
The first in-plant Physical Rehabilitation Center in the Ford system was opened to our members at Rawsonville
Solidarity Rally for Teamsters Local 164 working for Jacobson’s
Women’s Committee stages 3rd Annual Easter Egg Hunt
Convoy to Caterpillar in Peoria, Illinois to support striking Cat UAW members
Veteran’s Committee donates $2,000 to the Audiology Department at Veterans Hospital
Helen Teall and Marv Banotai responsible for 3rd quarter RISE award for ESSP
1995
UAW 31st Constitutional Convention in Anaheim
Belleville Engine Plant closed
898 supports the Detroit Newspaper strikers
Summer picnic at local for membership
K-Mart workers try to organize
New Huron Industries organize
1996
Triennial elections at Local
Cat workers return to work
Detroit Sunday Journal started by striking Detroit newspaper workers
RISE Awards given to our Benefit Representative and E.S.S.P. Representatives
"UAW & Proud Award" won by our retiree Auddie G. Shelby
Because of the insight of Local 898 members (Brice, Diggs, & Israel) we celebrated the dedication of Ford Heritage Park on Textile Road.
1997
Action! Motown ’97 Rally to support striking Detroit newspaper workers
Labor Day Parade theme is "Organize America"
Don "D. J." Johnson becomes an International Rep in the Ford Department and Brenda (Paton) Howard goes on Region 1A staff.
1st Annual Skilled Trades Golf Outing held at Hunter’s Ridge Golf Course
Rawsonville now Visteon plant
1998
Special election held for First Vice President and two Trustees
Special election for Production Bargaining
Constitutional Convention election held
Bob King, Region 1A Director, elected to UAW International Executive Board as Vice President and named Director of the Organizing Department
Ron Gettlefinger, Region 3 Director, elected UAW VP and named Director of the Ford Department
Gerald Bantom is elected Region 1A Director
Phil Gilliam goes on UAW International staff
First Luau held at Local to raise funds for United Way organization
Retiree Auddie Shelby receives awards from State legislature for his work on the Region 1A Toxic Waste Squad
GM on strike in Flint for seven weeks
British rocker and union supported, Billy Bragg, performs at Labor Fest after the Labor Day Parade to support striking Detroit Newspaper Workers
Hall renovations are started and continue today
Veteran’s Day is a new paid holiday on November 13th
ESSP wins Fourth Quarter and Annual RISE award
1999
After the explosion at the Rouge Power Plant Barry South, 898 member, dies and his skin is donated to burn victims. Many members donate blood and money to help burn victims and their families
Financial Secretary suspended
Triennial Elections held
Unification Legislative Conference held in Washington DC for UAW, Steelworkers (USWA) and Machinists (IAM)
Fifteenth anniversary of ESSP program -- ESSP wins third quarter and annual RISE Award
Visteon spin-off is the major contract issue. Strike narrowly averted
Chaplaincy Committee "Feeds the Homeless"
2000
Local web site launched – www.uawlocal898.org
Retired 898 member Donnie Ellison receives "Tip of the Spear" Award from Black Men in Unions Conference
Community Service Committee does Easter Food Drive
EI (Marie Payne and Mike Dodge) win first quarter RISE Award
Ford spins off Visteon but 1999 contract guarantees we remain Ford employees
UAW hosts Community Wide Prayer Breakfast at Cobo Hall in observance of National Day of Prayer
Susan Goddard, Production Committeeperson, appointed UAW International Rep
Local gets new landscaping.
Mexican Industries organized with help from 898 members
Recycled teenagers go to Bronson, MO
Active members get "free" computer from Ford
Senator (and Vice Presidential candidate) Joseph Lieberman visits Rawsonville
UAW-Ford employees get Election Day off as paid holiday
Presidential election still undecided for many weeks but we all know more about the Electoral College then we ever wanted to.
2001
Annual RISE award for EI given to Mike Dodge and Marie Payne
Explorer Safety Confidence Rally in Washington DC to support Ford
Local
898's 60th Anniversary celebration.
Received
an award from Regional Director Gerald Bantom for the most Century Club
V-Cap donations in Region 1A.
Toll
free 800 telephone number for out of state members.
Members
remember International President Stephen P. Yokich who died of a stroke
before he could collect his first retirement check.
First
Family Night at
2003
Members
participated in rallies held every Saturday since war began. The rallies
are coordinated by Vietnam Veteran's of America Chapter 310.
President
Fred "Rocky" DiIacovo received an appointment with the
International Union, he was replaced at the Local by Ralph Mayer.
Our
retirees traveled to
2004
World Premiere of "Forgotten" a jazz opera.
Strike
Committee set up drive through lines for strike assignment.
Local's
float won 2nd place for large floats in Willow Run Anniversary Parade.
898
members volunteer during hurricane Katrina and Charley disasters, while
other 898 members are victims of the hurricanes.
2005
United Way Gold Award presented to members.
UAW
Local 849, 892 and 898 join together for an Annual "Poker Run for
Charity".
1st
Annual Classic Car Show.
EDTP
RISE Award for the “Flowers for Phone Cards” to support our troops
abroad and offer Valentine's Day Flowers.
2006
Ford
sign returns.
Members
work on handicap accessible playground at Heritage park.
"You
Helped Build the House" Veteran's Committee donates $10,000.00 from
funds raised at their Golf Outings and Bowling Benefit to the VFW National
Home for Children in Eaton Rapids, Michigan.
Resources: many editions of the Raw Facts, "A Celebration of Anniversaries and a Salute to Employee Involvement" from the 1991 Open House, "Where people make the difference" from the 2006 Rawsonville Open House, NPC (UAW-Ford National Programs Center) publication "UAW-Ford/Sixty Years of Progress/1941-2001", meeting minutes, files of our hard working secretary Trish Shephard and other materials found by current and past officers.