UAW Local 400 Background and Structure... 

   Local 400 formerly a part of Local 600, was granted a charter on May 22, 1942 to represent the Ford Highland Park plant.

   It remained a single unit until 1961, when it became an amalgamated local union.

   Today, Local 400 represents six plants within a 30-mile radius which are situated in six different communities. They are the Highland Park plant, Chesterfield Trim plant, Utica Trim plant, Romeo Engine plant, the Michigan Proving Grounds, and Romeo Test Drivers.

   Local 400 has an average membership of 6,000 active members and is second only to Ford Local 600 in the number of retirees.

   We also have an active and growing Retirees Chapter of 1,000 members which meets the third Wednesday of the month at 10:00 a.m.

   Under amalgamation, Local 400 is governed by a Joint council between membership meetings and an Executive Board between Joint Council meetings.

   Each plant or unit is represented by a Plant chairperson, Plant Committeeperson and committee people, the number, depending on the membership count of each unit.

   all units at present are covered by the UAW-Ford Motor Company Master Agreement. However, we also have local agreements. Each unit's Committee negotiates their own local agreements. This is necessary due to the fact that each location has problems unique to their individual plant.

Governed by Constitution... 

          Each local union and its members are mandated to operate under the terms and provisions of the international UAW Constitution. It is the law which guides us and provides for a truly democratic organization. Your local union must adhere strictly to its provisions.

   Under the terms of the Constitution, locals in the U.S.A. are divided into regions. Local 400 is part of Region 1. When we have problems or need assistance we call on the Regional Director. Ken Terry is the Region 1 Director. The Region provides a servicing representative, who is Donnie Marshall

   All contractual problems not settled at the local or regional level are taken to the UAW-Ford Department, headed by International Vice President Gerald Bantom.

   The UAW-Ford Department also provides servicing representatives, now serving in this capacity are: Frank Savalle, Pete Piccini, Joyce Yeashevich.

   This is a brief outline of the Local and UAW structure. If you are interested in learning more about your union, ask your representative, or better yet, join one of our fine local committees, such as the Women's Committee, the Education Committee, Community Services Committee, CAP Committee, etc.

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