Ray Cooper GM Central Foundry & Defiance Powertrain

Let’s meet another proud UAW Local 211 member!

1. How long did you work at GM Central Foundry/Powertrain?  30 years

2. What was your badge number?  It was 9270.               

3. In what department did you work?  I worked in 112, 116 and 110.

4. What was your start and retirement dates?  I hired in on August 25, 1972, and retired on August 1, 2002.

5. Are any of your family members also union members?  Yes, I am proud to say! My son, Larry, who works at the foundry is a UAW Local 211 member and is currently the Sergeant-at-Arms. Also, my brother-in-law and fellow retiree, Ed Vittorio, is a retired member of UAW Local 211.

6. What three words describe you best?   Happy, Caring and Prankster

7. What three words do NOT describe you?  Lazy, Unappreciative and Mean

8. What three foods can you NOT live without?  Coffee, Steak and Candy

9. Have you ever owned or driven a foreign car?  No!!

10. Who were your favorite co-workers?  Joe Parrish, Bob King and Ray Leal

11. What do you remember the most about those guys?  We always had lots of fun, and there was never a dull moment!

12. What event at work was the most memorable?  For me, the funniest was when a deer some how got inside the building and started running around.

13. What is your favorite charity?   I support our veterans.

14. In what UAW events have you participated?  I always liked Family Day.

15. Tell us about your family?   Sharon, my wife for 40 wonderful years, and I were blessed with two sons and a daughter. I have five grandchildren and one great grandchild.

16. Working in a unionized auto plant has allowed me… to provide a better life for my wife, children and their children and to receive medical benefits and a retirement income that most who worked in a non-union shop only dream of!

Questions and Answers with Previously Featured Members

GM Benefit Reps' Hours

Receive help with your benefit issues in person by walking into the benefit office at GM Defiance Powertrain or by calling 419-784-7285/7750. Help may be obtained at the union hall on Wednesday, Thursdays and Fridays.

GM Benefit Related Issues
800-489-4646

Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield
800-345-4907

On February 18, GM announced the investment of $59 million to support precision sand cast blocks at a capacity of 188,000 annually and result in about 80 jobs. The project is related to the next generation of Ecotec engines that are targeted to provide the right combination of fuel efficiency and performance to meet customer expectations. "Today's announcement of the investment in the GM Powertrain Defiance plant is definitely great for the auto industry and our community," said Dwight Chatham, president of UAW Local 211. "There are many deserving our thanks including those from our international union and the staff at GM Defiance Powertrain.' 'However, this investment would never have been made if not for the hard work, dedication and support of all those men and women who make are UAW Local 211.'" Cal Rapson, director and vice president, UAW International Union added this investment reflects your facilities "strong reputation for building quality and focusing on the needs of our customers."

Nominations are fast approaching for the UAW Constitutional Convention to be held June 14-17 at Cobo Hall in Detroit. Delegates are elected from our local union. Any UAW member in good standing is eligible to run. Each local union is allocated delegates in proportion to its membership's size.

Main street of Defiance

Defiance Courthouse

Consider this...

Talking heads on cable television and radio criticize union wages and benefits and speak of union bosses. In fact, union wages and benefits helped create the middle class. "Union bosses" is a faceless label and derogatory term used to spark a visceral reaction rather than a thoughtful discussion. Remember, we are your friends and neighbors. Are you willing to join the race to the bottom in wages and benefits? Did you ask your family first? Remember voices of greed and jealousy are often heard on T.V. and radio but acts of hypocrisy are largely hidden from view. Talk is just that. The person in the mirror is what matters.

It's about you too...

When GM Defiance Powertrain buys supplies and services, businesses sell their products and skills. Those businesses must employ people to market, manage, manufacture, deliver and service what they sell. The fact is that the more GM buys the more people are hired and retained. GM's Defiance foundry spends millions annually in the local Defiance area. When GM doesn't, the opposite is also true. Hopefully, you didn't have to learn this firsthand by being laid off. Is a "talking head" on T.V. or radio now going to pay your bills? Answer: no way!

Where are most of the wages earned by employees of GM Defiance Powertrain spent? Answer: locally. Is the same true for its thousands of retirees? Answer: yes. Are you one step closer to becoming unemployed if "GM people" are not calling you or standing in your checkout line? Answer: you bet!

The 2010 list of union-made vehicles is now available. This guide is prepared by the UAW to provide information for consumers who want to purchase vehicles produced by workers who enjoy the benefits and protections of a union contract. All are made in the United States or Canada by members of the UAW or Canadian Auto Workers (CAW). Drive one home today!

Contact your U.S. Senator and Congressman at (202) 224-3121 to demand they support a strong and vibrant U.S. manufacturing base.