September - October 2015 Two anniversaries – and the need to look ahead

Last month we marked two peacefully demanded their right stirred the conscience of a nation important anniversaries for to vote were viciously beaten by and eventually led to President Americans who care about economic racist thugs. Those in the march, Johnson signing the Voting Rights and social justice. On Aug. 6, 1965, including many UAW members, Act. the Voting Rights Act was signed recognized that their only path Charlie Sheppard, a UAW Local into law by President Lyndon Baines to social justice in the South was 1226 retiree, was born in Selma Johnson. On Aug. 26, 1935, 200 collective action. Their efforts and knows the sting of racism delegates from auto plants all over firsthand. You can read about his the met in for memories of Selma during the the UAW’s founding convention. Civil Rights era on Page 12. He’s These two key historic moments Backed by a far-right seen how far we have come — but demonstrate what happens when leaning U.S. Supreme knows how far we still have to go. Americans stand up for their rights As we have seen in the last — and just how important it is Court, they largely decade, the protections afforded to ensure that the battles fought succeeded by making it African-Americans in the South and the sacrifices made by the under the VRA have been under courageous people who came before far more difficult for attack. The proponents of these us endure. efforts didn’t need snarling police Fifty years ago in March, tens of minorities, the elderly, dogs, fire hoses or billy clubs to thousands of citizens from all walks the handicapped and get their way; they were able of life traveled to Selma, Alabama, to do so through a well-funded in response to Bloody Sunday, where others to vote. effort at deceiving the public courageous African-Americans who about nonexistent voter fraud.

Civil rights activists, joined by many UAW activists, march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge to mark the 50th anniversary of ‘Bloody Sunday,’ which led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act.

PHOTO BY DENN PIETRO 2 SOLIDARITY September - October 2015 Backed by a far-right leaning U.S. Supreme Court, they largely succeeded by making it far more difficult for minorities, the elderly, the handicapped and others to vote. It’s shameful and no less of a stain on our democracy than those who used more aggressive methods a half century earlier. Eighty years ago, autoworkers, fed up with low wages, grueling work, nonexistent health and safety and subject to the whim of bosses who cared nothing about their families’ welfare, gathered in this city. They recognized that the only way to win economic justice was through collective action. Success didn’t A home for a vet: come easy or without bloodshed, but eventually the bosses Page 24 understood that working people — working together — would no 685 LOCAL / UAW TAYLOR LINDA longer cower. Better wages, health care, retirement security, a voice in the workplace and vastly improved health and safety on the job all came from . Four guest writers give their take on our unique place in American history 6 Auto Update beginning on Page 14. Talks begin in earnest They know that there has been a well-funded effort to destroy the union movement in the last few decades. Yet, even in 8 Time to Reward adversity, the UAW is growing. Because each time there is a grievance, your voice in the union is heard. Each time we come State employees need fairness together to bargain, your voice in the union is heard. Each time you show that union card to ratify or reject a contract, 9 Union in His Heart your voice in the union is heard. Our voice — your voice — is Anonymous donation supports amplified by hundreds of thousands by that union card. locals in South The great thing that both of these historic anniversaries share in common is that the power of voting rights and the power of 10 Skirting Labor Law the UAW are in fact powered by you. Whether it is the struggle Legislation would hurt those to gain rights or the struggle to maintain rights, it is achieved by all of us coming together in gaming through hard work, dedication, and yes, even as our histories 12 A Son of Selma have shown sometimes, bloody People died for right to vote sacrifice. We have much to do in the 14 COVER STORY next 80 years. But we should ‘Bridging the Gap’ for 80 years always remember that the moral arc of justice is a powerful thing. Together, believing in 24 Finally at home each other, the movement to Local 685 helps vet build a continue to protect the right to new life vote and the mighty voices of the UAW have only just begun. PLUS 4 PRO-Member 23 Union Sportsmen’s Alliance 26 Black Lake 27 UAW Bowling 28 Union Plus

SOLIDARITY September - October 2015 3 Stronger together always beats going it alone A father had a family of sons who were perpetually sons’ hands, upon which they broke the sticks easily. quarreling among themselves. One day, he told them He then said, “My sons, if you are of one mind, and to bring him a bundle of sticks. When they had done unite to assist each other, you will be as this bundle, so, he placed the bundle into the hands of each of uninjured by all the attempts of your enemies. But if them in succession, and ordered his sons to break the you are divided among yourselves, you will be broken bundle in pieces. They tried with all their strength, as easily as these sticks.” but were not able to do it. He next opened the bundle, took the sticks — “The Father, His Sons and the Bundle of Sticks” separately, one by one, and again put them into his Aesop’s Fables

Even though this story is 2,500 and have a strong contract handful of leaders or activists, years old, it still resonates. But without solidarity,” said David B. then they know they can wear sometimes “solidarity” is reduced Reynolds of University of ’s them down. But if it is all of to just a slogan on a shirt or a chant Center for Labor and Community the workforce, that changes the at a rally. It’s easy to forget that it Studies. “The labor movement is dynamic completely and shifts is the very real basic engine that about sticking together — that’s power to the workers.” drives our union. where the power comes from. If A good example of this is the “I’ve never seen a union succeed management sees that it is just a experience of workers at Daimler

Hill: Solidarity helped bring back jobs.

Left: The Buy American program wasn’t about criticizing trucks made in Mexico. It was about reminding truckers that a truck made in the U.S. means more people employed in our country to buy the goods carried by those trucks.

4 SOLIDARITY September - October 2015 PHOTOS BY JEFF HICKS / UAW LOCAL 3520 Trucks North America (DTNA). “Most DENN PIETRO BY PHOTO folks know us as Freightliner,” said Corey Hill, president of Local 3520 in Cleveland, North Carolina. “I’ve been with Freightliner since 1992 — we organized in 2003 — so I have seen our plant with a union and without one. “North Carolina is a right-to-work state and our membership has at times dipped dangerously low — to UAW members at five Daimler Trucks North America facilities, including just above 50 percent. The boss at Thomas Built Buses, were able to secure a common agreement in knows it — they take care of dues 2014 because of the solidarity shown by the membership. deduction so they know who is and isn’t a union member. A lot of people don’t think about this, but two years and not being able to “We knew that the workers — what happens is that the company find work even close to what they who were not all members — were slowly starts to test the boundaries were earning at Freightliner was not going to get called back unless of the agreement. They know which a wakeup call for many. It was a the work was here. So we took workers won’t file a grievance so simple conversation to talk about that on and we won.” it’s easy to ask them to do things the value of our jobs coming from The campaign drew many outside the agreement. Before you the work we were able to do as a new members not only into the know it, a practice exists which union. Many joined the UAW after union but also into activism. undermines the contract.” that.” “People who were not involved On top of the erosion of their The next step was to build on before, people who were not contract, Freightliner workers also their momentum. even members before started faced the unthinkable when their “One thing to know is that when to help out because they got it company built a plant in Mexico that you buy one of these trucks, you — the connection between their produced the same Class 8 trucks can request where the truck is memberships, their participation they produce. made on the form. We also knew and securing this work,” Hill said. “Our greatest competition wasn’t that Freightliner was selling the As the local built up its another company,” Hill said. “It was trucks — whether made by us membership — and other another Freightliner plant.” Over the in North Carolina or in Mexico Freightliner locals in the area course of two years starting in 2007, — for the same price. We took did the same — they headed the local lost almost 2,000 workers that message to the truck stops to the table for a major round to layoffs as more and more of their and started talking one-on-one of negotiations in 2014. That trucks were being made in Mexico. with truckers as part of our ‘Buy bargaining secured a “common So the local came up with a plan. American’ campaign because they agreement” where the five The first thing they did to try to are the consumer of what we Freightliner locals plus DTNA’s stem the bleeding and bring workers make. It wasn’t about criticizing Thomas Built Buses local fall back was to negotiate a build rate the trucks made in Mexico; but under one master agreement. with the company that guaranteed it was about reminding truckers “No doubt in my mind that production at their Cleveland plant. that buying a truck made in the we were only able to do that “That started to get workers back USA meant that more workers are because of the strength of our off layoff, but not nearly to where employed here to buy the goods membership. Management saw we were before,” Hill said. that they carry in their trucks.” that we were strong because But it was an opportunity to re- Bit by bit, orders for U.S.-made members supported their union.” engage with the returning workers to trucks started piling up, and Moral of the story: We ARE talk about membership. workers started to get called back stronger when we stand together. “Many weren’t members before,” to Cleveland. Hill said. “But being on layoff for

SOLIDARITY September - October 2015 5 It’s our time With a handshake, Detroit Three auto negotiations begin

“ defined power GM posted an approximate $6.6 billion North American profit for 2014, added roughly 10,000 jobs, one day. He said, “Power is and made significant plant investments throughout the ability of a labor union like the country. UAW to make the most powerful The day after the GM bargaining kickoff, President corporation in the world ... say, Williams and the UAW- bargaining committee members officially began their 2015 contract ‘Yes’ when it wants to say ‘No.’ negotiations, also with a handshake. That’s power.” At the press conference at the UAW-Chrysler NTC (National Training Center) in Detroit, Williams noted — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., 1967 the long journey FCA US’s working men and women went through to help bring the company back from financial hardship. UAW President Dennis Williams, surrounded by UAW “Today’s handshake is a signal that UAW members negotiating committee members, officially began remember the sacrifices they made to achieve 2015 contract negotiations with , Fiat prosperity for FCA US and, now, they know it’s our Chrysler Automotive US (FCA US) and Ford in July with time,” said Williams. “It’s time for FCA US, UAW handshakes with company leadership and bargaining members, shareholders and consumers to win at the team members. table.” The current three-year agreements with the UAW Vice President Norwood Jewell, who directs companies expire at midnight Sept. 14. the UAW Chrysler Department, said the company has The UAW’s goal is simple and achievable with the come such a long way since the dark days of the auto power of collective bargaining: Bridge the gap for crisis. entry level and legacy employees while creating “UAW members worked hard for this day. It’s time prosperity for members, company shareholders and to bridge the gap for working people to a shared consumers. prosperity,” he said. “We’re doing more than shaking hands today,” said Since the last collective bargaining session in 2011, Williams at the GM press conference July 13 at the the company has added approximately 10,000 jobs UAW-GM CHR (Center for Human Resources) in Detroit. and last year posted a profit in North America of $3.5 “After the last two bargaining periods with GM, UAW billion. members made a lot of sacrifices to help the company achieve prosperity. Now, we feel like it’s our time,” said Williams. “We can all win, working people, The UAW’s goal is simple and shareholders and the company.” UAW Vice President Cindy Estrada, who directs the achievable with the power of union’s General Motors Department, said collaboration is key. collective bargaining: Bridge “When UAW members succeed, it lifts our communities’ economies and our state economies. the gap for entry level and Bridging the gap to prosperity for all is essential to not only UAW members, but to the country’s legacy employees while creating manufacturing economy,” said Estrada. “The stakes prosperity for members, company are high.” shareholders and consumers.

6 SOLIDARITY September - October 2015 PHOTOS BY RENA LAVERTY The final handshake press conference of the Detroit Three took place July 24 at Detroit’s Cass Technical High School. President Williams and UAW-Ford negotiating committee members, kicked off the Ford talks, again, with a ceremonial handshake with company leadership. “From the Battle of the Overpass to the new era of partnership, from the early days of the post-war auto UAW President Dennis Williams, second from left, and Vice President boom to the phenomenal growth Cindy Estrada shake hands with their counterparts at General Motors. of Ford after the Great Recession Behind them is the UAW bargaining team at GM. in recent years, the UAW and Ford have a long history together,” said Williams. “Today, I call on our decades together to launch us into contract talks that build on the prosperity that our members’ sacrifices have helped create with Ford.” UAW Vice President Jimmy Settles, who directs the union’s National Ford Department, said the bargaining team is well aware of the challenges they face. “We look forward to reaching a collective bargaining agreement that provides financial gains for our membership, while ensuring that Ford remains UAW Vice President Jimmy Settles, who directs the union’s National on its current path of profitability. Ford Department, makes remarks at the opening of negotiations with Furthermore, I’m excited that Ford Motor Co. this ceremony is taking place in the community, as it should remind each of us the impact these negotiations will have on the communities across this nation where our members work and live,” said Settles. Since the last round of contract talks in 2011, Ford has added roughly 15,000 jobs and last year posted a North American profit of $6.9 billion. Now, it’s time to build on those gains and head for this year’s goal — bridge the gap for all working people.

Joan Silvi UAW Vice President Norwood Jewell, who directs the union’s Chrysler Department, said the company has come a long way since the dark days of the auto crisis.

SOLIDARITY September - October 2015 7 Time for fairness Local 6000 state employees begin contract talks in Michigan

Freida Michilizzi and her fellow UAW Local 6000 members have had to work days with no pay, seen their work load increase, watched as services were cut, and witnessed the State of Michigan begin to outsource jobs in foster care, adult independent living and corrections systems. Michilizzi, an office assistant, knows how much state employees have helped as Michigan moved from one crisis to another over the last several years. Now, as Local 6000 members enter into bargaining for a new contract, they believe it’s time for the state to treat them fairly. “We’ve given up a lot in concessions to the state,” Michilizzi said. “Health care is a huge concern. We pay more out of our pocket because the state says they UAW President Dennis Williams leads negotiations can’t afford it, but they give state officials raises. We with the Local 6000 bargaining committee. State of have had to work several days without pay.” Michigan employees have made considerable sacrifices UAW President Dennis Williams joined Local 6000 in recent years. President Ed Mitchell and the bargaining team in Lansing on July 24 to kick off 2015 contract talks. Privatization and outsourcing, job security and and probation officers, as well as administrative protecting health care are among the top priorities for support and human services personnel. The current members going into this round of bargaining. contract expires Dec. 31. “When we shake hands today, we must recognize UAW and State of Michigan officials last negotiated the sacrifices these state workers have made in contracts in 2013. In 2011, UAW and other unions recent years, and bargain a contract that will provide entered a coordinated bargaining process with the stable public services for UAW members, taxpayers state employer during contract talks, but no decision and those who truly rely on all of us,” Williams said. has been made on whether it will do so in the 2015 “The decisions we make will impact families and talks. communities across Michigan and set the tone for our “Our goal is for Michigan to prosper and for UAW state’s middle-class economy for years to come. These members to share in the value of the hard work it stakes are high.” takes to keep our state running efficiently and with Williams emphasized the need to find a way to the creative innovation that UAW members give provide health care at affordable rates to protect the taxpayers day in and day out,” said Mitchell, Local earning power of state workers. He called upon the 6000’s president. “We view ourselves as good stewards state to work in tandem with the union on the issue. of the taxpayer money and we work hard to make sure “We have done it in auto, we have done it in that the work we do delivers quality services to the agricultural implement, we have done it in aerospace, people of Michigan.” we have done it in all of our industries,” he added. It’s clear Local 6000 members have gone above and The UAW has represented State of Michigan workers beyond their duty to uphold their end of the bargain. since 1985, with Local 6000 being the union’s largest They feel it’s time for the state to do likewise. local. Currently, it represents about 17,000 members in “We’ve put our household budgets on hold to help 1,100 work sites throughout the state and includes UAW the state balance their budget,” said Michilizzi, the members in every department in state government. office assistant. “The state can’t keep coming to us to Members include nurses, teachers, doctors, probation balance its books because it passed bad legislation.” officers, social workers, secretaries, teachers, parole

8 SOLIDARITY September - October 2015 STORY AND PHOTO BY SUSANNE MEREDITH He put his money where his heart is Retiree donates $25,000 to help organize at Volkswagen and Mercedes

Some people simply talk the talk. they are way better than any shop moved to spend a great deal of But others also walk the walk. that isn’t UAW,” the retiree said. money to help make the UAW a The actions of a retired UAW The donation sent a “shockwave” stronger union and we are grateful member who understands what through Local 42, said Financial for his gesture.” his union has meant to him, his Secretary Chris Brown. The local Ray Curry, director of UAW community and his country clearly will most likely use the funds to Region 8, which is home to both put him in the latter category. The buy computers and software to locals, said the donation also UAW in July received a $25,000 help in their organizing effort. shows nonmembers how much check that the member — who “Him donating the money was UAW members care about what wishes to remain anonymous — a godsend to us,” Brown said. “It happens in their shop. wants dedicated to organizing. was very encouraging to our local “It tells them something about The donation will be used to membership. I can’t state enough how members truly feel about support Local 42 in Chattanooga, the shockwave it sent to the local the work their union does on , which represents membership.” their behalf,” Curry said. “It’s members at Volkswagen, and Local Local 112 President George Jones a statement about the value of 112 in Vance, Alabama, which called the donor a compassionate being a union member and how represents Mercedes members. individual who understands what that has improved their lives.” While locals have been established in he has gained through being a UAW The donation also came as these locations and much has been member and wants to make sure a pleasant surprise to UAW accomplished, much more remains other workers can gain what he Secretary-Treasurer Gary Casteel, to be done before the UAW becomes has. who oversees transnational the legally recognized bargaining “When I heard about this it organizing. agent in both locations. brought tears to my eyes because “It’s always great to see someone The retiree, a skilled tradesman it means someone does have who recognizes the value of the and a member of Local 467 in compassion for their fellow man,” UAW and what we’ve done in Saginaw, Michigan, said he decided Jones said. “He had the heart the past, and supports what we to donate the money because to say, ‘I want to give back to are trying to accomplish in the he worked in nonunion shops for someone else,’ and that’s what he future,” Casteel said. “We deeply seven years before landing a job at has done.” appreciate his generosity. We General Motors’ Chevrolet Saginaw Jones said plans haven’t been also appreciate the fact that this Transmission plant. made for using the money as yet, member understands that if our “I saw how they treat people when but it will definitely be used in union and organized labor don’t they don’t have any representation accordance with the donor’s wishes grow, a middle class as we know it or any means to protect to educate members about the will not survive in this country.” themselves,” the retiree said. benefits of joining the UAW. He said he valued his UAW Gerald Kariem, director of UAW Vince Piscopo membership because it allowed him Region 1D, which includes the to live comfortably in his retirement. donor’s local, said the generosity “We’ve always managed our money of the member does not go well,” he said. “We live within our unnoticed by other members in Get the UAW App means. I would not have half as Michigan and elsewhere. Be the first to download much money as I do now if I worked “Many members feel this way the UAW’s new app and in a nonunion shop.” about their union and contribute stay informed about what’s Without his UAW-negotiated health in other ways such as volunteering going on in you union! Sign benefits, he would have faced in their community, becoming up at http://bit.ly/1IN8NIa bankruptcy because of his wife’s active in politics or helping during expensive medical treatments. organizing drives,” Kariem said. “I know the UAW is not perfect, but “This particular member was

SOLIDARITY September - October 2015 9 Bill would deny U.S. labor law protection Anti-worker lobbyists for tribal casinos seek to block unions

Anti-labor extremists in Washington representing tribal casinos and are constantly devising new anti-worker organizations like the strategies to take away hard-earned ‘Without the protection U.S. Chamber of Commerce have collective bargaining rights. At of a union and U.S. been pushing hard to pass it. The a time of wage stagnation and a bill would eliminate rights for more shrinking middle class, this is the labor law, many gaming than 628,000 gaming workers at last thing Congress should be doing. workers at tribal casinos casinos on tribal lands. This is Yet the attacks continue. One of big business. In 2013, there were the latest proposals before Congress will find their livelihoods 449 tribal gaming facilities, which is a bill called the Tribal Labor dependent on the whims made $28 billion in revenues. Many Sovereignty Act. tribes also operate commercial If passed and signed into law, of casino management.’ businesses outside of gaming, the bill would hurt UAW members employing tens of thousands more at Foxwoods Resort Casino in — UAW Region 9A workers. Connecticut because it would Beyond the numbers, it would eliminate U.S. labor law on tribal Director Julie Kushner have a detrimental impact on casinos and erode their collective families who are working hard to bargaining rights. Lobbyists make ends meet. Consider the

UAW gaming members vote on their first-ever contract at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut. A bill now before Congress would make union organizing more difficult at tribal-owned casinos.

10 SOLIDARITY September - October 2015 PHOTOS BY SCOTT SOMMER seat to nobody when it comes to supporting civil rights. This bill, however, is quite misleading,” said UAW President Dennis Williams. “It is really an attack on fundamental collective bargaining rights and would strip all workers in these many commercial enterprises of their rights. U.S. labor law only applies when it is a commercial enterprise and the vast majority of the workforce is not a member of the tribe, which is the case here.” “This legislation is a thinly disguised way for tribal casinos to deny gaming workers collective bargaining rights,” said Julie UAW gaming members at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut celebrate Kushner, director of UAW Region as they find out that they’ve won their National Labor Relations Board 9A, which includes Connecticut. election for union representation in 2010. “Without the protection of a union and U.S. labor law, story of Jennie Langlois. A year workers’ compensation claim for many gaming workers at tribal before UAW Local 2121 won its first a wrist injury caused by repetitive casinos will find their livelihoods contract, she was diagnosed with motion. She was clocked out by dependent on the whims of casino breast cancer. As she was about to management when she asked to management.” start radiation, she was forced back see the nurse, and then suspended Having a union and a legally to work after Foxwoods notified her because this put her over binding contract has made a real that her six-month medical leave had management’s attendance points difference in the lives of UAW run out. Her contract now extends system. The union filed a complaint members who work as dealers and medical leave up to a full year. As with the tribal occupational health other gaming workers. Hundreds a result, Langlois was able to take and safety agency, which disclosed of dealers have advanced their additional medical leave for follow-up the complaint to management. careers because of provisions surgery. Management then threatened to in the contract that maintain Gary Li was fired when he was fire Soccia for “dishonesty” if she minimum percentages of full-time falsely accused of being “rude and did not withdraw the complaint. and assistant supervisor positions. discourteous” to a drunk patron The union won her reinstatement Work rules, wages and benefits who has a history of being abusive and back pay, and the company also have all improved because of the to dealers. The union demanded gave all of its managers mandatory right to collectively bargain. arbitration and management agreed OSHA training. This legislation would create a to bring Li back to work. All of this progress would be dangerous precedent that could There are hundreds of other jeopardized in this so-called be used to weaken hard fought examples of the positive impact sovereignty bill. Unfortunately, worker and civil right protections made when workers speak up it has already been passed by more broadly. Tell your member together. committees in the House and of Congress to oppose this bill by Working in a casino is physically Senate. calling (888) 926-0045. demanding. Madeline Soccia “The UAW deeply believes in Source: knows this all too well. She had a tribal sovereignty and takes a back UAW Legislative Department

SOLIDARITY September - October 2015 11 Voting Rights Act turns 50 UAW member from Selma recalls how it was before the law

Charlie Sheppard didn’t have to see the movie “Selma” to understand the dangers African-Americans faced. He lived it. “To be a black man in Selma was a curse,” said Sheppard, who is now UAW Region 2B’s retiree executive board vice chairman. Sheppard was born in Selma, Alabama, in 1938 and grew up a block from Broad Street, which leads to the historic Edmund Pettus Bridge. There’s been a great deal of attention this year on Selma where racist policies allowed law enforcement thugs to attack civil rights activists on the bridge 50 years ago. The nationwide outrage from “Bloody Sunday,” as it later was called, helped pass the Voting Rights Act (VRA), which was signed 50 years ago in August. “People ask me if I saw the movie “Selma” or am I going to Selma,” Sheppard said. “I know it’s a historic place but if they only knew. I was there, I was in the Charlie Sheppard, left, and UAW Vice President movement. I was part of the movement. Before Martin Norwood Jewell look at photos of the 50th Luther King marched across the bridge, I was chased, I anniversary commemoration of Bloody Sunday, which was beaten, I was shot at, it happened to me and it’s a was held earlier this year. real thing.” The VRA outlawed literacy tests and other laws passed by mostly southern states that prevented Back in the day, most African-American adults just African-Americans from voting. After its passage, didn’t consider voting because it could get you killed. Congress amended the act four times to broaden the “We were worried Rosa Parks was going to be killed law to cover other groups, including minority language just for sitting at the front of the bus, so to think speakers and the disabled. about how they are going to let us go vote wasn’t However, a 2013 Supreme Court case called Shelby even in our minds,” he said. County v. Holder blocked the VRA’s enforcement Indeed, Sheppard was beaten with chains, chased section, stating that the formula used to determine and shot at by a store owner for trying to buy pants which states needed special oversight for changes for his high school graduation. He was threatened to their voter laws, was outdated. This ruling allows with death for sitting on his own front porch with a states to pass new voting restrictions that discriminate white girl. against not only minorities, but poor people, young “There was a girl who lived across the street and people and the elderly. So while some states pass voter down a ways, she would come over sometimes when laws with language that on the surface doesn’t appear we were kids. She didn’t think anything of it and discriminatory, they create inequities. For instance, a neither did I until one of the policemen came up the state may accept a handgun permit but not a student walk and told me I better get off that porch or he’d ID as proof of identification. Proponents of these kill me.” laws claim they are necessary to prevent voter fraud, He was kidnapped by two white men and forced but numerous studies have shown that voter fraud is to unload furniture for hours. They told him if he virtually non-existent. dropped anything they would hang him. President Obama urged Congress to pass new and “I didn’t know if I was going to live through the broader legislation and urged people to exercise their day,” Charlie said. “They dropped me off and threw a voting rights and get out and vote. dollar and a quarter at me.” He credits his mother for giving him advice that

12 SOLIDARITY September - October 2015 PHOTO BY SUSANNE MEREDITH stayed with him for his whole life by telling him not to judge all people by the actions of an UAW statement on death of longtime ignorant few. “But you know it was hard,” he said. “I had a civil rights leader, Julian Bond: lot of hate in my heart. I started to hate white “Julian Bond taught us that we should people.” Sheppard left town the day he graduated from never shy from addressing the darkness of high school in 1956 and headed for Indianapolis. racism head on; and that the hard work He joined the Marine Corps a few months later to achieve equality is through a constant and even though he was the only black man in his entire platoon, he went on to become its squad nonviolent dialogue that endures during leader. each generation,” UAW President Dennis “I think with joining the Marines, God was setting me up to be the best good person,” adding Williams said following Bond’s passing that in the Marines that there were no blacks and on Aug. 15. “He was a friend of labor, a no whites, just Marines. friend of peace and most of all a friend When Sheppard got out of the Marines, he got married and settled in Indianapolis. He got a job to the brotherhood of us all.” at Chrysler in 1964, joined the UAW, and became the first African-American steward of Local 1226. He remembers one time when he had to represent a co-worker who had called him racial slurs. UAW donates $50,000 in He wanted to get revenge but he remembered what he learned in the Marine Corps and what honor of Charleston 9 his mother said to him about judging people. He also remembered he was elected shop steward to The UAW in July donated $50,000 to the Rev. Clementa represent all of his UAW brothers and sisters so he Pinckney fund in honor of the Charleston 9 who were did what was right and did the best he could do. tragically murdered on June 17. He won the case and prevented his coworker from “UAW members often speak of bridging the gap to being fired. After the case, the coworker thanked lift up our communities. Through our long history of him and apologized for the abuse he threw at him civil rights advocacy, economic justice advocacy and all those years. Charlie said it taught him to be a economic fairness advocacy, the very ideals that we better person, to do the best he could do. have come to learn were so near and dear to those who He went back to Selma once in 1960 and didn’t lost their lives June 17 at the Emanuel AME Church,” return for 33 years. said UAW President Dennis Williams. “I couldn’t go back to Selma and feel good Pinckney, a South Carolina state senator, was murdered about anything,” he said. “There were too many in a racial attack at the church along with Cynthia Marie bad memories.” Graham Hurd, Susie Jackson, Ethel Lee Lance, Depayne But he remembers the first time he voted, in Middleton-Doctor, Tywanza Sanders, Daniel Simmons, Indianapolis right after the VRA became law. He Sharonda Coleman-Singleton, and Myra Thompson as felt like he had finally arrived. they were holding Bible study. A self-avowed racist has “It was like getting a union card, it was like I been charged in the murders. died and had gone to heaven,” he said. “I was “Reverend Pinckney, through his ministry, worked excited that finally — finally — after all those with many non-profit organizations to address social people had died trying to get to vote, that finally I and economic challenges facing youth and marginalized could vote. communities in South Carolina. His work, and that of “I tell everyone to go vote because it makes a his church, are his legacy. That legacy, after his tragic difference. Exercise your right for what someone death along with those worshipping with him that died for.” fateful night, shall not be undone but rather live on in their names and memories through this fund,” said UAW Susanne Meredith Region 8 Director Ray Curry.

SOLIDARITY September - October 2015 13 Happy Birthday UAW! We celebrate 80 years of bridging the gap to help working people achieve fairness and dignity in the workplace

Eight decades ago, about 200 workers in the automobile industry gathered in a hotel ballroom in downtown Detroit. Their jobs were low-paying, dangerous and dirty, the hours long and their health and safety wasn’t a concern to the auto companies. They had no say in their jobs and could be dismissed at the whim of a manager. They recognized that by joining together, by pooling their talents and resources, they would be much stronger and could demand better working conditions. They realized that they could bridge the gap from working in poverty conditions to working with dignity and gain a fair shot at the American Dream. On Aug. 26, 1935, the American Federation of Labor (AFL) granted them a charter as the International Union, United Automobile Workers of America. We’re celebrating this milestone anniversary by presenting four essays from writers outside the UAW who know what we’ve done in the past, but more important, how — with your continued support and solidarity — we can continue to bridge the gap in economic and social justice for our members and for all Americans in the future.

BRIDGING THE GAP FOR 80 YEARS • BRIDGING THE GAP FOR 80 YEARS • BRIDGING THE GAP FOR 80 YEARS • BRIDGING THE GAP FOR 80 YEARS • BRIDGING THE GAP FOR 80 YEARS • BRIDGING THE GAP FOR 80 YEARS

UAW launches his- 1935 toric Flint, Michigan, 1941 200 delegates sit-down strike at After striking Ford for Bridging from auto plants GM Dec. 30. Strike 10 days, UAW wins all over the United ends Feb. 11, 1937, union shop, dues States meet in after GM agrees to checkoff and griev- the gap for Detroit for the negotiate. ance procedure in the founding conven- Chrysler workers first contract. tion of the United stage sit-downs UAW International Ex- Automobile Work- at all nine Detroit ecutive Board adopts ers of America. 80 years plants to win UAW a no strike pledge recognition. after war breaks out between the United 14 SOLIDARITY September - October 2015 1936-‘37 States and Japan. The UAW fights for everyone By The Rev. Cornell William Brooks

For 80 years, the and continues to fight for equitable wages and safe UAW has bridged working conditions for not only auto workers but for the gap between all workers. For decades, the UAW has stood shoulder- the hard-working to-shoulder with other unions and social justice groups Americans who such as the NAACP, demanding equal work and equal build the vehicles pay for African-Americans and other under-represented that transport groups. people and Moreover, the UAW has taken an active role in fighting products across for civil rights, marching alongside us from the State this great country. House to the White House to implore upon the leaders During that time, of this country to end discrimination and segregation at the U.S. automotive all levels, and to ensure our voice is heard and our vote industry has been the backbone of the American counts at the polls. Whether it’s for economic or social economy, not only as a means of transportation but as justice, the UAW has always strived to bridge the gap a means of provision for the thousands of auto workers in our society. and their families. On this 80th anniversary of the first convening of Members of the UAW have been able to live the the UAW, the NAACP stands in solidarity with the American Dream: They’ve bought homes, shopped UAW as you continue to negotiate a fair and balanced at local supermarkets, supported local businesses, compensation for workers in the auto industry became active in community groups and charitable nationwide. We thank you for bridging the gap on organizations from the local civic club to the youth behalf of thousands of hard-working men and women. sports leagues to their houses of worship, and even sent their children to colleges that they had only The Rev. Cornell William Brooks is the president and dreamed of attending. They developed close-knit, CEO of the National Association for the Advancement working-class communities which became the fabric of of Colored People (NAACP), the nation’s oldest, largest, post-war American society. and most widely respected grassroots-based civil rights All of this is in large measure thanks to the organization. He spoke in March to delegates at the concentrated efforts of the UAW. The UAW has fought 2015 UAW Special Bargaining Convention.

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1944 1948 First UAW Women’s UAW wins first An- Conference — UAW nual Improvement Factor UAW Vice Presi- is the first union to raise at GM, recognizing dent Walter hold one — calls for workers’ contributions Reuther proposes full employment and to regular productivity equal pay for women. Walter Reuther elected increases, and first union converting auto fourth UAW president. plants to arsenals First conference contract containing an for democracy to of UAW veterans UAW establishes Ag- escalator clause tied to build 500 planes establishes Veterans ricultural Implement the cost-of-living index. a day. Bureau and formu- Department. lates program for 1942 returning Gls. 1946 SOLIDARITY September - October 2015 15 The UAW’s story is my story By David Bonior

In life, there are experiences that become a part of why I’m steadfast who you are, and people whose stories become your in my belief about stories. That’s how I feel about the UAW. To reflect on the power of the UAW’s 80-year history is to look back at my family’s unions and that all history — and my own. who work in this You see, I’m a product of Detroit’s east side, growing country deserve up in Hamtramck and later East Detroit. Starting in the to be respected 1920s, my grandfather worked at the nearby Dodge and compensated Main assembly plant — long before autoworkers at fairly for their Dodge and the other Big Three won one of history’s contributions. I toughest organizing efforts and formed the UAW. The knew that unions work at Dodge was dirty, dingy, dark and dangerous. I like the UAW can still remember waiting for him to walk home after ensured that giving it his all at the plant. people in my town who devoted themselves to their My grandfather put in 30 years with Dodge. He was a work were able to lead dignified lives with decent pay, proud lifelong UAW member, and we were a proud UAW access to affordable healthcare, and an opportunity to family. I recall listening as my grandfather and my dad retire with dignity. shared the news about the latest UAW contract, and These beliefs stayed with me throughout my about why it mattered so much to be a union member. life, especially when I had the honor of serving I soaked all of those conversations in. Michiganders in the U.S. House of Representatives. I Growing up, I also saw what a union card meant in knew I had to carry the voice of working people into the lives of my relatives, friends and neighbors. My every policy debate. grandfather and his buddies were still putting in a hard I never forgot that it was the UAW and the labor day’s work after they became part of a union, but movement that created the middle class in this the work they did was safer, and they were paid more country. It was through decades of intense organizing fairly. efforts and countless rounds of collective bargaining It was growing up in that environment that deeply that established the simple premise that working ingrained in me the values I hold dearly today. It is Americans deserve a fair share of the prosperity that

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1955 1963 At GM, union UAW wins wins first fully UAW is major supporter Supplemental paid hospital- of the March on Wash- Fully paid Unemployment ization and sick ington, where the Rev. hospitaliza- First employer- Benefits at Ford benefits, and Martin Luther King Jr. tion, surgical paid and jointly — a first in the agreement for gave his “I Have a Dream” and medi- administered industry — as no discrimination speech. UAW lobbies for cal insur- pension pro- part of an effort on basis of race, civil rights law. ance won for gram won at to win a guar- creed, color or Detroit Three Ford Motor Co. anteed annual national origin. retirees. wage for work- 1949 ers. 1961 1964

16 SOLIDARITY September - October 2015 they helped create. It was also through unions that and destroy us. Moreover, too many people are left everyday voters had their voices heard in Congress behind in today’s economy because corporate bosses and statehouses around the country. In doing so, are rigging the rules by creating jobs that don’t allow UAW members demanded and won vital workplace families to make ends meet. protections like workers’ compensation insurance, The good news is that we hold the solutions to unemployment insurance, and improved safety ensure everyone plays by the rules. We can get standards, for all employees, union and nonunion alike. America back on track. If we want an economy that Of course the UAW’s fight for working women and works for all people, we need a strong, vibrant labor men has always extended well beyond the workplace. movement in this country. That means that anyone The union and its members were on the front lines who wants to join a union should be able to do so — of the Civil Rights Movement, advocating for racial free from the fear of intimidation or retaliation. equality in our workplaces and in our communities, As the UAW embarks on its next 80 years, our and providing significant support for the 1963 March on challenge is to build a stronger union and a bigger Washington. labor movement together. We have some serious work For decades, the UAW has been on the forefront cut out for us, but I know that the UAW, and my union of setting standards and advancing policies that sisters and brothers are always up for the challenge of contribute towards making our country a better advancing the rights of working people in this country. place for all of us. That’s a testament to the UAW’s That’s why I am betting on the resurgence of leadership — starting with the legendary Walter organized labor in my home state of Michigan, and Reuther and his successor Leonard Woodcock — and in the South and from coast-to-coast, with the UAW continuing through the tenure of my friends Doug out front. I’m betting on strong strategic partners Fraser, , , Ron Gettelfinger, like Jobs With Justice that are driving campaigns to and Dennis Williams. But as they would tell give more working people a chance to improve their you, it’s also a testament to all UAW members who jobs and their lives. I’m betting on the brave fast-food have greatly contributed to the UAW’s legacy. employees and Walmart associates who recognize At the same time that we reflect on the many what my grandfather and other initial members of the great achievements in the UAW’s past, we must also UAW recognized 80 years ago — that when we stick recognize the task that sits before us. up for each other, we can win better pay, improved Corporations and the politicians that they fund benefits and greater respect on the job. have been waging a war to strip away so many of And based on what I have seen and experienced in the protections that UAW members fought to win for the UAW’s 80-year history, I’m all in. America’s families. These attacks have taken their toll. As we know far too well, our country’s labor laws Hon. David Bonior served as Democratic whip in are broken, creating an incentive for disreputable the House of Representatives from 1991 to 2002. The companies to bust unions and squelch organizing by author of “East Side Kid,” Bonior serves on the Board firing and retaliating against employees with little of Directors of Jobs With Justice and is a dues-paying consequence. Bad trade deals like the North American member of UAW Local 1981, the National Writers Free Trade Agreement have sent our jobs overseas and Union. put American industries at a competitive disadvantage. Anti-worker policies, like right-to-work laws, have been pushed in too many states in an effort to weaken

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1970 1977 1983 UAW wins Leonard Woodcock be- Douglas A. profit sharing, Owen Bieber comes fifth UAW president. Fraser elect- Guaranteed In- elected seventh Occupational Safety and ed sixth UAW come Stream, UAW president. Health Act passed; Work- president. moratorium on ers Memorial Day later 30-and-out plant closings established to remember at any age and company- those who died on the job. negotiated for funded training Detroit Three programs at workers. GM and Ford. 1973 1982

SOLIDARITY September - October 2015 17 The UAW has always believed in social justice By Katrina vanden Heuvel and John Nichols

Among the most striking images from the 1963 March on controversy Washington for Jobs and Freedom are those portraying in pursuit of a key figures from the march as they gathered at the false unity, the Lincoln Memorial for a group photo. There, beneath the UAW embraced statue of the president who had issued the Emancipation controversy, putting Proclamation a century earlier, were the organizers who its faith in true had demanded that the emancipation be completed. There solidarity — with was A. Philip Randolph, the grand old man of the civil rights Americans who movement and the director of the march. There was young were struggling, whether they were union members or John Lewis, fresh from the frontlines of the struggle in the not, and with people all over the world, from El Salvador segregated south. There was the Rev. Martin Luther King to Poland to South Africa, who needed an American ally in Jr., whose words from that day would become as much their fights for freedom. a part of the American narrative as Lincoln’s Gettysburg Reuther and the men and women who forged the UAW Address. 80 years ago understood that social progress and economic And there, behind a seated King, stood a beaming Walter progress go together. They refused to accept the artificial Reuther. lines of distinction that political and economic elites On that August day in 1963, the president of the United sought to draw between movements. They understood Auto Workers union was exactly where he knew he that those divisions would always be used to weaken belonged — linking the causes of worker rights and civil rather than empower the great mass of Americans. rights as one. Along with Randolph, the president of It has been the UAW’s refusal to accept America as it the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters union, Reuther is and its determination to make America what it can be recognized the necessity of aligning the labor movement that has distinguished this union as more than a labor with broader struggles on behalf of African-Americans organization. The UAW is not a part of history. The UAW who were denied civil rights, on behalf of migrant workers makes history. who were denied basic dignity, on behalf of women who This has been the case since members of the old federal were denied equal pay. While other unions might avoid labor unions, at plants in Toledo and Janesville and Flint,

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Ron Gettel- 1990 1999 finger elected Nelson Mandela UAW wins ninth UAW receives UAW Election president. membership Day as Strikes at card while visit- paid holi- four Johnson More than ing members Stephen day for Controls facilities win first 22,000 State at Dearborn’s P. Yokich Detroit contracts, union recogni- of Michigan Ford Rouge elected eighth Three tion and neutrality agree- employees complex follow- UAW presi- workers. ment covering 26 plants join UAW. ing release from dent. and 8,000 workers. prison in South 1985 Africa. 1995 2002

18 SOLIDARITY September - October 2015 and elsewhere pieced themselves together into the United industry collapse in 2009, from the proponents of failed Automobile Workers union that was chartered on Aug. 26, trade policies, from the fabulists who suggest that a great 1935. When we recognize signs of progress today, invariably nation can remain great without manufacturing. Too we see the roots of that progress in the work of the UAW frequently of late, we have been reminded of the truth from decades earlier. It was the UAW that fought for of Walter Reuther’s observation that, “There’s a direct national healthcare and pensions and, when those policy relationship between the ballot box and the bread box, initiatives were blocked by reactionary Congresses, forced and what the union fights for and wins at the bargaining corporate America to create a social safety net for workers table can be taken away in the legislative halls.” and retirees that would form the model for union and The UAW is not the only union that has been assaulted nonunion workplaces across the country. by those who would prefer that workers have no voice It was the UAW that defied “Jim Crow” segregation: on the shop floor. But the targeting of the UAW has demanding the integration of factories, bailing “Freedom been especially visceral because corporate and political Riders” out of southern jails, joining the great marches elites — and their amen corner in the media — well from Selma to Montgomery to Birmingham to Washington. understand that this union’s work does not stop on the It was the UAW that demanded the labor movement look shop floor. There is power in a union that embraces the beyond narrow self-interest toward broad solidarity at a solidarity premise stated by Reuther: “To men of good time when, as Time magazine noted, “Of all prominent will, we extend our hand. Together we shall build that labor leaders, (Reuther) maintained the closest ties to better tomorrow, in the image of peace, in the image of the poor, the black and the young.” The UAW did not just freedom, in the image of social justice and in the image of oppose the Vietnam War, it set up a research department human brotherhood.” that studied the cost of bloated military budgets to The UAW will keep extending that hand. Eighty years domestic progress. And the UAW opposed apartheid in of activism is worthy of celebration, but it is still just a South Africa so passionately and for so long that, when beginning. We know. The Nation magazine was already Nelson Mandela toured the United States after his release 70 years old when the UAW was founded. Since then, from an apartheid prison, he insisted on celebrating with The Nation and the UAW have been allied in the great Dearborn’s UAW Local 600. struggle to build that more perfect union of peace, justice Unions rarely get the credit they are due as innovators in and equality that Reuther and Randolph and King saw their industries, and this is surely the case with the UAW, coming. The Nation is 150 now and, like this great union, which began in the 1940s to argue FOR the development we recognize that the fight has just begun. We march of small fuel-efficient vehicles. To a far greater extent together. Our direction is forward. than the auto companies, parts suppliers and distribution networks it has organized, the UAW has stood on the Solidarity! side of progress — never perfectly — as union leaders and dissidents have noted over the years, but invariably with an Katrina vanden Heuvel is the editor and publisher of The eye to providing economic security for working families and Nation, America’s oldest weekly magazine. John Nichols is a future for communities in every region of the country. The Nation’s Washington correspondent. The Nation serves It is not in spite of this history but because of it that as a critical, independent voice in American journalism the UAW that has been under attack in recent years. and a platform for investigative reporting on issues of The attacks have come from the advocates of “creative importance to the progressive community. destruction” who would have let the American auto

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More than 6,367 casino dealers 2005 and slot technicians in Atlantic 2008 Workers at City, N.J., Evansville, Ind., and To prevent col- Thomas Built Norwich, Conn., vote to join lapse of auto Buses in North UAW. industry, GM Carolina vote for Union bargaining at General Mo- and Chrysler are UAW representa- tors, Ford and Chrysler achieves granted federally tion, defeating unprecedented product guaran- guaranteed loans a Right-To-Work tees for active UAW members to allow them to challenge and and secure health care benefits survive. bringing a total for UAW retired members. of UAW repre- sented workers in 2007 the Freightliner system to 8,000. SOLIDARITY September - October 2015 19 The most important model to come out of Detroit was not a vehicle By Harley Shaiken

The year 1935 was hardly an ideal time to form a formed, including new union in the United States. The economy was the five workers stalled, millions of desperate people were searching who were shot for work, and many employers were violently opposed to death on a to organized labor. Yet, a courageous group of men late winter day and women defied the odds and gathered in Detroit at near Gate No. 3, the end of a hot summer on Aug. 26 for the first UAW during a peaceful Constitutional Convention. demonstration of Over the next eight decades, through good times 3,000 unemployed workers. and bad, the UAW would provide unprecedented gains There are photos of the Battle of the Overpass when for its members and transform the lives of millions of Walter Reuther and other young union organizers working Americans, union and non-union alike. It fact, were severely beaten while trying to pass out the UAW was critical to building a more prosperous, organizing leaflets on the pedestrian bridge over just, and democratic society for everyone. Miller Road on May 26, 1937. It often came with great sacrifice in places like Flint, You see striking workers walking in the April rain in Toledo, St. Louis, Peoria, and Kohler, Wisconsin. UAW 1941 and photographs of the first contract recognizing Local 600, which represents workers at the sprawling the union signed at Ford just a few months later. Ford Rouge plant just outside Detroit, has a special You see thousands of workers involved in a 1949 meaning for me since my grandfather, an immigrant national strike at the Rouge plant and then you see who fled persecution in Russia, worked on the line an unexpected photo: a lone worker wearing a hat there for several decades. and overcoat; carrying a lunch pail and walking across Like many union halls, Local 600 has photographs the now famed overpass. The caption says he was the lining the walls that reflect the proud history of the first Ford worker to retire with a pension. union as you walk in. You see photographs of the All the sacrifice and struggle by so many that came Ford Hunger March in 1932, before the UAW was even before made his short solitary journey possible. In

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UAW Ford workers ratify 2010 Amid the amazing 2012 contract modifications to Bob King elect- turnaround follow- The UAW and its 2007 labor agreement and ed 10th UAW ing the historic auto members play a criti- funding changes to VEBA president. industry crisis, the cal role at the Demo- trust for retiree health care. UAW wins commit- cratic National Con- UAW Chrysler members ments from the three vention in Charlotte, ratify settlement agree- domestic automakers N.C., and in getting ment; short-term bankrupt- to create more than President Obama cy protection announced to 20,000 new direct re-elected, with UAW help automaker survive. jobs to the economy. members taking cen- ter stage and Presi- 2009 2011 dent Bob King giving remarks to delegates. 20 SOLIDARITY September - October 2015 The Battle of the Overpass in 1937 was a critical moment in UAW history. Walter Reuther and other organizers were severely beaten when they tried to pass out leaflets at Ford’s Rouge complex in Dearborn, Michigan. The photos below were carried by many his footsteps, tens of thousands of autoworkers newspapers and gave the nation an idea of what union and millions of other working Americans — organizers were up against. steelworkers, nurses, casino workers, graduate students, and state employees among countless others, union and non-union alike ­ have achieved a measure of dignity and a better future. The most important model to come out of Detroit was not a car or a truck but a bridge to the middle class for workers and their families and it bore a UAW label. The collective bargaining tables in Detroit would set the standard for firms across the country. The automakers and the union through tough collective bargaining linked growing productivity to rising wages, provided strong benefits, and improved job security. In a word, autoworkers won dignity for themselves on the job and for their families in the community. All Americans benefited from the creation of a virtuous economic circle. Automakers were profitable and higher wages allowed autoworkers to buy cars and homes and to send their children to college. “That’s high-velocity purchasing power that gets into the stream of the economy,” Walter Reuther said in 1960. “This is more than a matter of economic justice to the wage earner. This is a matter of economic necessity.” This pattern fueled economic growth and rising incomes across the U.S. economy through the mid-1970s. While economic justice is critical, the UAW was about much more. Solidarity is the very soul of the union and social justice has been a goal from the beginning. Solidarity meant that all workers would

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Dennis Williams elected at the 2015 UAW’s 11th presi- Members of Local dent. Immediate 3555 in Las Vegas steps are taken to become the first place the union on UAW members to a path to a bal- win a contract on anced budget. Local unions are “The Strip” in Las established at Volkswagen in Vegas. Gaming Chattanooga, Tennessee, and members for that lo- Mercedes in Vance, Alabama. cal soon expand the UAW’s footprint in 2014 Las Vegas by helping dealers at The LINQ casino organize. SOLIDARITY September - October 2015 21 stand together regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, or manufacturing base. A bridge leading all autoworkers gender. This road could be rocky but the direction was to the middle class is essential for UAW members always clear. but, as we have seen, is in the interest of all Solidarity also meant the union would support not Americans. only its members but all those who were fighting for The year 1935 saw the birth not only of the UAW their rights. The UAW was at the forefront of organizing but Social Security and the Wagner Act. Over the last the now-historic “March on Washington for Jobs and 80 years the UAW and other progressive unions have Freedom” in 1963. Walter Reuther shared the platform fought hard to preserve both, insuring the rights and with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Reuther began the dignity of all working Americans. Remarkably, his talk by saying, “The cause of freedom is on trial Social Security is under fierce Republican attack as in America today” and Reverend King concluded the we move towards the 2016 elections. Labor also has program with his defining “I Have a Dream” speech. been vital to enact the Civil Rights Act, Medicare, The union stood with farmworkers in the struggle to the minimum wage, the Affordable Care Act, and organize in the fields of California and Walter Reuther other legislation too numerous to mention. marched alongside Cesar Chavez in Delano, California. Unions are the hallmark of a democratic society. The UAW has had an international vision from early They provide a voice for working people from those on. It supported the struggle against apartheid in South who prosper to the most dispossessed and they allow Africa and defended the rights of workers to form for the checks and balances essential in a thriving independent unions in communist Poland and under the democracy. As we look to the next 80 years, the role military dictatorship in Brazil. The UAW understood that of the UAW is more important than ever in bridging when worker rights are diminished in Juarez, Mexico, the gap between mere survival for workers and a they are also threatened in Stockton, California. prosperous and inclusive future for us all. An impressive history, you might be thinking, but isn’t the world a more complex place today and aren’t unions Harley Shaiken is a professor of education and very much under attack? Both statements are true but geography at the University of California at that gives a heightened relevance and urgency to the Berkeley. In addition to also being the chair of UAW and other unions going forward. Hyper-inequality the Center for Latin American Studies, Shaiken is corroding democracy as well as undermining incomes; is a distinguished expert on global economic climate change is a defining issue for the planet; trade integration, labor law, and trade. policy is critical to insure that workers share in growth at home and abroad; and comprehensive immigration reform is urgent. The UAW has joined with other social movements and organizations in addressing these issues in the U.S. and globally. Today the pressures of globalization and fierce In recognition of the competition are forcing millions of Americans to walk th across that bridge in the other direction, exiting the 80 anniversary of the middle class, and returning to the insecurity of 1935. UAW’s founding con- Can U.S.-based firms and workers compete in the global vention, all members economy? Yes, but we urgently need rules of the game for trade and domestically that insure competition is who sign up to receive based on productivity, quality, and innovation, not the email version of exploitation. Solidarity magazine will The UAW and the Detroit automakers have forged a new relationship creating highly successful, globally receive a pdf of the 1970 Solidarity maga- competitive firms. The very survival of the Detroit zine Walter Reuther Memorial edition. Go to automakers resulted from the UAW and the automaker’s http://bit.ly/1hYgLcC to sign up and receive critical fight for emergency rescue funds in Washington. this valuable part of UAW history. The entire American economy gained from the survival of as many as 1 million jobs and the lynchpin of the

22 SOLIDARITY September - October 2015 SOLIDARITY September - October 2015 23 Finally at home Local 685 helps vet build a new life

Claudia Stewart worked at the Delco plant in Kokomo, Indiana, and actively promoted unionization in the mid-1930s. Eight decades later, her successors in the union movement have lent her grandson a helping hand that would give the Afghanistan veteran a house for himself and his 9-year-old daughter. Johnathan Stewart served with the U.S. Army as a combat engineer for two tours in Afghanistan. The single father was selected as the recipient of the Habitat for Humanity Veteran Build. Habitat for Humanity approached Local 685 member Gary Rhinebarger to see if the local might be interested in supporting the “Veteran Blitz Build.” The membership unanimously supported the project to build Stewart’s home in less than two weeks this summer. “I thought a veteran build would be a great idea and our membership strongly supported that idea. We pride ourselves on supporting veterans and assisting throughout the community. This project seemed to be a perfect fit,” Rhinebarger said. “As a veteran myself and appreciating the sacrifices of others, this is the right thing to do. “Our people from the local plants are some of the most giving people I know,” he added. “It was great to be a part of it. This will always be a before. She will finally have some was donated to Habitat by the highlight in my life.” other kids to play with. … I have deceased veteran’s sister. No doubt it’s a highlight for Stewart, only heard good things about this Cheered on by a huge crowd, who now has a place of his own and neighborhood.” the keys were presented to a street filled with children for his Habitat for Humanity offered Stewart and his daughter by the daughter Bailey to play with. Since his several build sites to Stewart. He UAW, Habitat and Fiat Chrysler return from Afghanistan in June 2010, didn’t know it at the time, but Automobiles on July 4 at the Stewart has jumped from house to the site he selected belonged to Haynes Apperson Festival. The house, hoping one day to eventually a World War II combat engineer next Sunday, the home was embrace their permanent home. veteran. The home on this property blessed by UAW chaplains. It was “We have never been in a place had been destroyed by the same an emotional time for the father with other kids around,” said Stewart. tornado that demolished Local 685 and daughter. “That’s something she’s never had union hall in 2013. The property “This all makes me want to

24 SOLIDARITY September - October 2015 The Habitat for Humanity project showed the public the level of community commitment that UAW members have. Local 685 member Gary Rhinebarger says the Habitat project was a perfect fit for the local.

PHOTOS BY LINDA TAYLOR, MIKE RANKERT AND DOUG MILLER

get very emotional. I’m not really home furnishings and a garage. In big on feelings and I don’t want to addition, a flag pole was set and an get extremely emotional out there,” American flag previously flown over Stewart told the Kokomo Tribune that the U.S. Capitol was donated by day. “I have learned how to suppress Sen. Joe Donnelly, who also spent my feelings over time, but this is a bit time swinging a hammer on the overwhelming.” project. A side benefit of the build It was also emotional for UAW turned out to be the interaction members, including Local 685 with Stewart’s new neighbors in President Carl Greenwood. the community. As meals were “When I was first approached about provided for the volunteers, building a house in a week and a half, neighbors joined in and it became I thought they had lost their minds. a chance for them to experience Then I came to the site and I saw UAW community involvement. the commitment of the Local 685 Many friendships were formed brothers and sisters, and with Habitat throughout the build as everyone having it down to a science, I had no got to know one another. doubt,” Greenwood said. “I want to “This project was a good say without the union promoting this combination of the union and the and being ingrained in the community, company working together for the a lot of these things don’t happen. good of a local veteran,” said Local We are the community and we do the 685 member Pat Skarda. “It doesn’t right thing. We are very blessed to get much better than that.” live in a free country, one that raises the flag and honors our veterans. I Linda Taylor and Jerry Scott am so glad John and Bailey have this UAW Local 685 home. It makes my heart exceedingly glad.” The home is built with 100-percent American-made materials and built by Local 685 members and local contractors. Generating funds to pay for the build, furnish the house and feed the volunteers was accomplished through T-shirt sales, a raffle sponsored by the VFW and soliciting donations within the community. All contractors building the new Local 685 union hall donated supplies, services, or made monetary donations. The home was complemented with many surprises, including landscaping,

SOLIDARITY September - October 2015 25 Stay with Family BLACK LAKE IN THE FALL

Anyone who has attended a conference at The center, which is also open for winter the Walter and Mae Reuther UAW Family lodging, and the golf course are avail- Education Center in autumn knows how able to all active and retired members beautiful Northern Michigan is during this at discounted rates. We even host wed- time of year. dings and other large events. Check us out at www.uawblacklake.com and You’ll love it even more when you’re not in www.blacklakegolf.com. a classroom. Why not stay with your UAW family when you’re viewing the vibrant fall Make some fall memories at Black Lake. colors “Up North” and enjoying the many other recreational activities that are so close by? There’s the adjacent Rees Jones- designed Black Lake Golf Club. The center is close to several wineries that offer tours and is within reasonable driving distance to two casinos. And Mackinaw City and Mack- inac Island are nearby as well.

26 SOLIDARITY September - October 2015 UAW International Bowling SOLIDARITY September - October 2015 Stay with Family Tournament Results Vol. 58, No. 9 - 10 May 2, 2015, Thunderbowl Lanes, Allen Park, Michigan International Union, UAW President: Dennis Williams Secretary-Treasurer: Gary Casteel Vice presidents: Jimmy Settles, Men’s Singles Cindy Estrada, Norwood Jewell Name Local Game Game Game Handicap Total Regional directors: Charles E. Hall, Union #1 #2 #3 1; Rory Gamble, 1A; Gerald Kariem, 1D; Ken Lortz, 2B; Ron Gerald Little 699 256 258 224 0 738 McInroy, 4; Gary Jones, 5; Ray Joe Dantoni 2209 244 224 227 33 728 Curry, 8; Terry Dittes, 9; Julie Gary Overbay 1283 156 225 226 117 724 Kushner, 9A Women’s Singles Communications Department Senior Communications Advisor: Name Local Game Game Game Handicap Total Brian Rothenberg Union #1 #2 #3 Communications Director: Valore Dunlap 653 229 231 213 93 766 Sandra Davis Digital Director: Andrea Carter 1250 246 225 184 90 745 T. Andrew Huddleston Melissa Bristow 2209 157 150 123 300 730 Solidarity Editor: Vince Piscopo International Representatives: Gwynne Marie Cobb, Susan Kramer, Denn Pietro, Joan Silvi Men’s Team and Chris Skelly, members of Place Names Local(s) CWA/The Newspaper Guild Local 34022. 1st Brian Heyza, Jake Pelc, Ron Pelc, Karl Brubaker 653 & Clerical staff: Susan Fisher and and Jeff Williams 900 Shelly Restivo, members of 2nd Mike Krumholz, Ronnie Riddle, Brad Humphrey, 38 OPEIU Local 494. Ricky L. Adams and Gary Brightwell. Solidarity (USPS 0740610) is 3rd Phil Thomas, Damon Green, Sr., Donald Hush III, 913 published bimonthly by International Bryce Henry and Aaron Budka Union, UAW, 8000 E. Jefferson Ave., Detroit, MI 48214, Women’s Team (313) 926-5000, Place Names Local uaw.org. ISSN 0164 856X. 1st Pat Wade, Mary Carter, Mary Home, Sheila Temple 898 ADDRESS CHANGES and Heather Ray Postmaster: Please send changes 2nd Dottie Jackson, Judy Warren, Karen Bryant, 1248 to ATTENTION: UAW Solidarity Denise Baaki and Vicky Hill. Magazine. Readers: Please email changes to [email protected]; include old The UAW Recreation address and numeric identification Department will be donating Region 1 – Gleaners Community Food Bank number (the line above name on the $170 to each of the following Region 1A – Muscular Dystrophy Association mailing label). Or send changes and charities from the proceeds Region 1D – Food Bank of Eastern Michigan old mailing label to UAW Solidarity of a 50-50 raffle held during Region 2B – Make-A-Wish Foundation Magazine, 8000 E. Jefferson Ave., the tournament: Region 8 – Active Heroes Detroit, MI 48214. Printed in USA. Circulation this issue: 3,282

Solidarity would love to hear from you. Send to: Please keep letters brief and include UAW Solidarity Letters your name, address, daytime phone 8000 E. Jefferson Ave. and local union number. We reserve Detroit, MI 48214 the right to edit for length. or e-mail to: [email protected] Type “Letters” in the subject line. SOLIDARITY September - October 2015 27 Here’s one more thing union families can share.

Save with AT&T Wireless and Union Plus. Just because you’re union, you can save 15% on select wireless service from AT&T, the only national wireless provider that’s union—like you. You can save whether you’re already an AT&T customer, or switching to all-union AT&T. Plus, if you use a Union Plus Credit Card on qualifying purchases, you’re eligible for up to $250 in rebates. For union members, this is an easy call.

Find out more at UnionPlus.org/ATT All program plans for new and existing customers may require a new two-year contract. This offer cannot be combined with any other discounts. Qualifying monthly data plan required.

UAW_FamiliesShare_ATT_FullPage.indd 1 7/17/15 11:42 AM