Farewell from the President

To the members of UAW Local 544,

I would like to thank all of you for your continued support and willingness to participate in Union functions and benefits any time your help was needed during the last three years. The road has been and continues to be a difficult one for us, but I have seen strength of character in so many of you rise to meet the challenges and have every confidence that you will continue the path set before you with courage and fortitude.

I would like also to give a special thanks to the Shop Chair and Committee as well as the entire Executive Board and members appointed to UAW positions for doing such an outstanding job under tremendous stress.

As most of you know, I will be resigning as President of Local 544 effective July 7, 2008 and transferring to the Lordstown Metal Fab division where I hope to retire in the future.

Subsequently, Vice President Dick Melzner will assume the duties of the President's office. Please be sure to extend to him your support.

I regret having to resign, but I leave with a wealth of good memories. My hope for each of you of Local 544 and for the many salaried employees whom I've gotten to know is that you will keep a good attitude regarding life's difficulties and changes. Change and troubles will come to all. That's a given, and we have no control over them. But our attitude toward the trials will have an enormous effect on the outcome.

Take care. Have an enjoyable 4th of July holiday, and may God grant you and your loved ones His richest blessings.

Fraternally yours,

Rick Vargesko

President of UAW Local 544