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UAW Vows to Resist More Concessions
UPDATE: The UAW media site has been updated with new video clips and photos from the union’s Special Convention on Collective Bargaining. Check it out here.
UAW President Ron Gettelfinger opened a two-day auto bargaining conference Tuesday in Detroit with a vow to hold steady against concessions and a promise of worker unity and determination in negotiations, particularly on the issues of job security, wages, health care and pensions.
Addressing more than 1,500 participants at the UAW Special Convention on Collective Bargaining, Gettelfinger said unity and determination are key to winning justice for union members and working families.
We come here to discuss the issues and hammer out a collective bargaining resolution that represents the best interests of every sector of our union.
“Collective bargaining is not collective begging,” he said, drawing cheers from delegates.
Where we have demonstrated cooperation, it would be a grave mistake to equate our action to capitulation.
Citing the diversity of the UAW membership—which includes auto workers, health care workers, auto parts workers and public employees—Gettelfinger stressed all UAW members “are united by our common goals and common dreams, not just for ourselves, but for all working people.”
He also renewed the UAW’s call for “single-payer, universal, comprehensive national health care that covers every man, woman and child in America.” Regarding trade agreements, Gettelfinger cited the nation’s $132 billion automotive trade deficit, saying:
It’s time to stop the outsourcing of American jobs and with that the race to the bottom for the lowest wages.
At the close of the first day of the bargaining conference, Gettelfinger reiterated the UAW will strike if Delphi Corp. continues with plans to void the labor agreements in court.
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