LOW (Lack of Work) Scheduled the Week of November 19-November 25, 2012

Notification from Company....

Due to a slowdown in orders, it is necessary to do a temporary Lack of Work (LOW).  We will be scheduling this to coincide with the Thanksgiving Holiday.

The LOW will affect areas of the plant differently.  Attached is an overview of systems and timing.  By way of an overview, the LOW will affect all areas with the exception of WP I, MQ Resin (incl. T&13), Volatiles packaging, and portions of Fluids, 71, 78, 30PH and 30DMX, which will run to meet customer orders.  Maintenance, Quality, MMOs, MeCI and MCS will be slated for reduced rates and to accommodate material moves.  WWTP and the Boilerhouse will be staffed for normal operation.

For the majority of the Finishing areas, Maintenance, MMOs and Quality, the LOW will begin on the day shift of 11/19 and run through midnights on 11/25. For MeCl and MCS, the LOW will begin on day shift of 11/19 and run through midnights on 12/2.

Employees in areas which are operating will be asked to staff positions on a voluntary basis. However, once a volunteer list is obtained, management will schedule employees based on seniority and qualifications.  Employees wishing to work will need to notify their manager by 11/5.  After such time, employees will be assigned to openings or LOW as necessary.  Brigade members will be scheduled to meet minimum coverage requirements.  Per our agreement, if a junior employee is retained in a work area based on needed qualification, we will retain one senior employee for each junior employee in support of training.  This is done by work area.

Employees who are scheduled to work may be expected to change shifts as necessary.

We fully expect to need to take additional down time around the Christmas Holiday, however, we are unable to clearly anticipate duration and affected areas at this time.