It wasn’t just another day added on to the end of the month, No it wasn’t just another day. For the first time it was going to be the last day of going to work at the office. Friday February 29th, 2008
It wasn't just another Leap year, Instead it will be the last leap day for Stix. Known throughout much of both North and South assembly plants in Fenton, Missouri.
A studio musician and live performing Vocal Drummer known Nationally as a member of the Blues/Rock cult band Phenomenon JOYBONE. Will be finally be leaving the automotive industry to not only to reclaim his musical life before the auto manufacture interrupted his plans. But will do so with the enthusiasm he once had prior to coming to work for the corporation.
But there is something that happened that needs to be cleared up.
Marked by a tragedy for a mistake that management made several years prior that was never corrected nor forgiven or forgotten. While in Material Stix Douglas finally retires from Chrysler. But he does not be go peacefully. Instead he remained defiant.
His Union Representation failed him in early 2002 and never cleared up an event that happened that forced him from the material department. That incident resulted in his removal from the Material dept. and forcing him to the Paint dept.where the event remained a thorn in his side ever since.
The results of this injustice at that time nearly cost him his home, his job and his sanity. For more than three weeks of being out and considered “Terminated” The matter and the wrong injustice was never corrected. During the so called "Safety Meeting" on the incident the union balked. The whole investigation never happened and during the 90 days thereafter was then swept under the rug. The problem was never settled over a misunderstanding and personal issues of the Material Area manager at the time. As a result the the Material Area manager had a sudden job change resulted in him being forced into a third floor office job and removing him from the plants floor.
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| A reminder that was left behind and now gone forever |
The only deal the union made on Stix behalf was that once back to work he could not grieve his absence for payment. The end result was then settled to an unsatisfactory result. Forcing him to remain in the Paint dept until his retirement.
"I want my money and I want it now!" along with "I will not go quietly! What’s my name? and "I’m Stix Douglas and you’re not." Are trade phrases that depicts the humor and twisted sanity of Stix Douglas many talents. Known and well liked with not only the members of the U.A.W. 136 union but also with many others in 110 having worked in both unions he leaves behind those that will continue working for the auto industry, but for how long?
Telling others on his way out; I’m going to be working with things on two wheels instead of four. Its surprising they not only closed the plant but bulldozed it as well. The sad part is that the next generation will never have the same opportunity to retire.
