Blog

Solidarity is Giving and Getting Support

Students say the outsourcing issue cuts to the heart of what the institution’s values are. EVENTS SHOW HOW WE CAN ALL HELP EACH OTHER The Merriam-Webster dictionary definition of solidarity is “unity (as of a group or class) that produces or is based on community of interests, objectives, and standards.” With the UAW, that is always the case, but three recent situations involving UAW members clearly show what the word is in action.

UAW Donates $28k to Help Members in Puerto Rico

EARTHQUAKES, HURRICANES AND A PANDEMIC HAVE HIT THE ISLAND HARD It’s been a difficult stretch for Puerto Rico in the last couple of years. People there have been hit with hurricanes, earthquakes and now a pandemic. But whatever challenge is thrown at our 5,000 members who work at a variety of public and private entities, they know their UAW family is ready to pitch in.

Harvard student workers vote to ratify first union contract One-year agreement includes victories on discrimination protections, healthcare, and childcare

CAMBRIDGE, MA -- Student workers at Harvard University made history today, voting in favor of ratifying their first union contract. The one-year contract agreement with the university will improve pay and benefits for over 4,000 student workers, and guarantee health and safety protections in the midst of a pandemic. The contract strengthens protections for student workers against discrimination and harassment, including racial discrimination and sexual harassment, and includes new provisions aimed at increasing job security for international student workers.

The UAW Mourns the Loss of former Secretary-Treasurer Ruben Burks

The UAW International Executive Board is deeply saddened by the passing today of beloved former UAW Secretary-Treasurer Ruben Burks.

“It is never easy losing a member of the UAW family, and it is especially hard when it is someone like my union brother Ruben Burks, who gave so much to members and the union that he loved,” said UAW President Rory L. Gamble. “He was a gentleman, and a fighter for what is right and just. I am forever thankful for his leadership and his friendship.”

COVID-19 Update 4/6/2020

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My Brothers and Sisters, Just a short message on this Monday afternoon as we move into another week of this worldwide crisis. Today, I’d like to start with the news of an amazing milestone. I’ve spoken before of our brave UAW men and women who are working tirelessly at the Ford Plymouth, Michigan plant producing much needed face shields to protect those on the front lines of this pandemic. In just 13 days, since this effort began, our UAW members have produced 1 million face shields. This vital Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) has been shipped to numerous health care facilities in several states, one of the hardest hit being New York.

Statement of UAW Vice President Gerald Kariem Director of the UAW Ford Department on UAW Ford Members' 1 Millionth Face Shield

“We could not be prouder of the UAW members that have volunteered to make such a difference at this critical time in our history. These UAW Ford Members have sacrificed beyond themselves for all of us.”

Heroes on the Front Lines: Robert Nader

UAW Local 245 member Robert Nader gets antsy sitting still. Instead of going stir-crazy, he signed up for a job that would keep him busy and hopefully save lives. He is making face shields to help fight the spread of the devastating COVID-19 virus. “It’s not just me. It’s a lot of different people in here coming together to help,” said Nader. “The medical community really needs these masks and other personal protection equipment right now.”

COVID-19 Update 4/3/2020

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My Brothers and Sisters, Today brought more news of members and hard-working men and women stepping up to help our first line responders and their families and communities during these difficult days. We have members who have courageously volunteered their time, going through rigorous safety training at the GM Kokomo, Indiana, facility as they begin their work to make ventilators that will save lives. One of the first UAW workers to volunteer there said that she thought of her elderly mom as someone who might need this life-saving equipment.

Heroes on the Front Lines: Sandy Welch

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Heroes on the Front Lines
UAW Local 95 member Sandy Welch is a five-year cancer survivor. She has high blood pressure, too. That means her immune system is not 100%. But, while others in Wisconsin are told to stay home, she heads to work every day as a medical transcriptionist at a medical clinic in Janesville. “I have a compromised immune system and sometimes I think about that, but I don’t let that take over my thoughts,” she said.

Break Time with Brakeman 4/03/20

Break Time With Brakeman - Local 1508

Bev shares about Local 1508, Honeywell, whose members were locked out for 10 months, and how they are protecting themselves during coronavirus

COVID-19 Update 4/2/2020

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Sisters and Brothers, A short message today to recognize the courageous men and women stepping up to help all of us during these difficult days. As you all know, we have many members on the front lines of this crisis, who report to work every day and put their lives at risk to keep our communities safe and functioning. And we have members who are stepping up and volunteering to help save lives in so many ways.