UAW President's Speech: Building Power and Fighting for Justice

UAW President Unveils New Strategies at Financial Officers Conference

During the Financial Officers Conference in Atlanta, UAW President addressed union members for the first time in his new role. He started by acknowledging the dedication of the financial officers, asserting that the union's efficacy relies heavily on their commitment. "Without all of you, this union would not run," emphasized the President, pointing to the significance of their roles in advocating for economic and social justice.

Reflecting on his own journey within the union, the President recounted his initial experiences at the local level, which taught him the complexities of representing UAW members. He emphasized the collective mission of the conference: "To make our strong union even stronger" and "To leave a better UAW for the next generation."

Since assuming leadership nearly two years ago, the President has initiated several transformations within the UAW. Significant changes in bargaining strategies have been implemented, including the elimination of top-down deals. This new approach led to record-breaking contracts with major automotive companies, creating waves across the industry. The innovative "Stand Up Strike" was highlighted as a demonstration of the union’s commitment to economic and social justice.

The President also announced the establishment of the Department of Bargaining Strategies, designed to extend these successful tactics beyond the Big Three automakers to companies like Daimler Truck and Rolls-Royce. Under his leadership, the union has secured favorable contracts, featuring general wage increases and cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) in sectors previously lacking them, such as higher education.

In a bold statement, he declared, "We’re living our values," underlining efforts to ensure equal pay for equal work and dismantle tiered pay structures. Examples included negotiating for GM subsystems workers and holding companies accountable, as seen with Daimler Truck, where the UAW challenged pay discrepancies between different vehicle assembly lines.

Turning to the financial outlook, the President reported a robust increase in the union’s finances, with assets growing from $79 million to $124 million, marking a 57% rise. This growth was attributed to strategic use of members’ dues, enhancing both bargaining and financial power. "Our members TRUST us with their money because they want to see RESULTS," he stated.

The President also highlighted the success of recent strikes and contract campaigns, which have bolstered the union's income and membership. For instance, the contract campaign with the Big Three resulted in an additional $10 million in annual dues. A similar success story was shared regarding Daimler, where a $150,000 campaign investment led to significant wage gains and increased membership.

The union’s strike fund remains strong, capable of sustaining prolonged strikes if necessary. The President stressed the importance of investing dues in the membership, reinforcing the union’s power and financial health.

He concluded by addressing the need for a formal budget, a first in the union’s history, aimed at aligning financial resources with priorities such as bargaining, organizing, and member representation.

Amidst ongoing political dialogues, the President voiced concerns about trade laws, specifically criticizing NAFTA and advocating for tariffs as a means to protect the American workforce. He emphasized the need for bipartisan support to reform these laws, stating, "Our members and working class Americans don’t care about party politics, they expect leaders to lead."

The conference ended with a call to action, as the President urged the UAW to continue its fight for economic justice. "This is a new UAW," he declared, "We fight harder. We fight smarter. And most importantly—we win." The President's address was met with enthusiasm as he rallied members to persist in their pursuit of equitable labor conditions.