How much is the COLA increase ? By: Robert Jackson Financial Secretary   Once again the CPI average has  gone up giving wage grades 1,2,3 and 4 a 4 cents per hour increase in the COLA payment portion of our  paychecks beginning Jan 2,2012.   New hires will receive 3 cents per hour.  Unfortunately wage grades 5 and 6 will not see any increases in  their hourly rate.  The CPI actually went down in the last report but due to averaging the CPI quarterly  average went up by 1 point.  Since  there is a 1 cent payment for each .26 points we received 4 cents and new hires will be receiving 70% or 3 cents in their pay.         Weingarten Rights      You have a right to representation at any time management discusses disciplinary action with you.  The decision that guarantees this right has been upheld by the Supreme Court.  The ruling reads as follows: “If this discussion could in any way lead to my being disciplined or terminated, or affect my working conditions, I respectfully request that my Union representative, officer, or steward be present at this meeting. Without representation, I choose not to answer any questions”   2006 Strike Pictures 2006 scab list   Skilled Trades  If you are interested in getting your  skilled trades card click on the link  below to download the application  form.  After following the instructions  on the form bring it by the Union  Hall or contact Robert Jackson at  the Union Hall to have your picture  taken for the card.  I will come to the  plant if needed to take pictures.  You  must have at least 10 years in the  craft you are applying for.  All of this  time does not have to be at  Goodyear.  The cost is $10.00.  We  will get the letter needed from  Goodyear for you.  You will have to  get any letters needed from  your  previous employers.  Download skilled trades card form and instructions. Watch for our new newsletter It will be available in the break areas through out the plant. Copies will also be on the website. Current Newsletter           Joe Bill           3-8-1964   9-12-2010 Joe was killed in a motorcycle accident on  Sunday evening.  He and his wife were riding in  Hope Mills and hit a car which pulled into their  path.  Joe died at the scene and his wife was  transported to Cape Fear Valley with serious  injuries.  She was later taken by ambulance to  Wake Memorial where she had the first of many  surgeries early Monday morning.  She is doing  much better as of Wed morning but still has a long  way to go to recover.  Joe was the Target Zero coordinator for the  Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. Fayetteville, NC  plant.  He was a Goodyear employee for 23  years.    Jennifer Sessoms Medlin RIP Papa Joe !!!!!!!!! You will be missed!!!!! To the family words will not help but I want you to know my thoughts and prayers go out to you all !!!!!! Joe you were a great man. I thank GOD that I had the pleasure of knowing you. I know I speak for all USW LOCAL 959 members and Goodyear associates when I say work will never be the same without you.............   Mike Brisson The world lost a great man with a HUGE heart today. I'm not sure where or how, but the Good Lord called Joe Bill home as the result of a motorcycle accident. We have all lost a dear friend. You will be missed Joe, may you Rest in Peace. Please pray for Tammy, as she is in the hospital in Intensive Care.  I know that it will hurt for awhile,     when we face the fact that he’s gone. I know that we will miss his smile,     the smile that makes you feel right at home. Joe Bill had the heart of a giant,     but still he was as gentle as a lamb, If there was a challenge Joe Bill would try it,     he was never afraid of a jam. I don't think Joe Bill ever met a stranger     and if he did then it wouldn't be long before he would embrace them with no fear of danger     because that was Joe Bill's comfort zone. He fought hard to get things right     for Joe Bill that was the only way. There was probably many sleepless nights     he was anxious to get started each day. He took pride in everything he did     and he could make some good barbecue. There was never a problem too big     that Joe Bill wasn't willing to do. Sometimes we may think it's unfair     but God has a reason of his own. We must treasure the times he was here     cause it was time for Joe Bill to go home. It's rare to come across a great man     that his presence would feel so real, but God had another special plan     and that’s why he chose Joe Bill.  r.i.p your friend Roger Snow We will miss you Joe Bill Life Insurance issues Many Union Members are not aware that  unless you are participating in the optional  life insurance program that their spouses  and children are not covered.  The basic  insurance provided for in the contract covers  only the employee.  You are eligible to  increase your basic life insurance of  $50,000.00 to as much as $200,000.00 in  increments of $50,000.00 for a maximum of  $250,000.00.  Your spouse can be insured  for up to $50,000.00 in $5,000.00  increments.  The spouses’ insurance cannot  be more than 50% of the employee’s  coverage.  Children can be insured for up to  $9,000.00 up to age 19.  There will be an  open enrollment beginning on Oct 27  running thru Nov 7.  If you have any  questions about the open enrollment or  questions about covering your spouse or  children all Dee at the Union Hall at 5399 or  822-1906  IRS Information Are you claiming exempt on you w-4? When you claim exempt on your deductions on your w-4 the company does not take federal taxes out of your pay.  This sounds great but the IRS can deny the exemption.  If on revue the IRS denies your exempt status they can and will require you to pay all taxes on income to date.  The IRS will garnish your wages to recover the taxes.  For most of us the recovery of past taxes and penalties would be difficult since the IRS can garnish a large portion of your income.  Please be careful with the exempt claim.