A publication for Nissan workers who are campaigning for a fair election - Vol. 2
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Vol. 2
A publication for Nissan workers who
are campaigning for a fair election
OUR VOICE 1
COMMON Joins Workers
in Campaign to Organize Nissan
Danny Glover and Common with Nissan workers in Canton, Miss., August 3.
G rammy award-winning singer, actor and activist Common traveled to Canton,
Miss., August 3rd and 4th to join his friend and fellow actor and activist Danny
Glover in a meeting with Nissan workers who are campaigning for the right to
organize a union free of intimidation. The two men met with and listened to
numerous workers explain why they’re organizing a union and what the company has
been doing to fight their unionization efforts for years. Common spoke to workers,
student activists and community supporters on Saturday and explained that he
believes in their fight to have a voice on the job like workers have in other auto
plants around the world and that he will do what he can to support them.
Common, who was invited to join in the meeting by longtime UAW supporter Glover,
spoke directly with the workers about his feelings towards the labor/civil rights
movement. “Earlier today I was reading my Bible and the chapter talking about God
is love. I’m a real advocate for love and spreading love. It was talking about when
you operate out of love, there is no fear. I see everybody that is committed to this. I
feel love in this room. There is no fear anymore, we’re ready to stand up for what we
believe in and stand up for justice.”
Mr. Glover also reported to workers on his trips to South Africa and Brazil, which
included delegations from Mississippi. He described the strong union support for
their campaign in those countries and said the support actions included a dealership
leafleting action by trade union activists. “It’s important to build a coalition,” said
Glover. “Building support, whether that support is international or whether that
2 OUR VOICE
“I feel love in this
room. There is no
fear anymore. We’re
ready to stand up for
what we believe in and
stand up for
justice.”
support is local.” Student supporters also attended the meeting with Common and
Glover. Student Justice Alliances in support of the auto workers have been growing
throughout college campuses around the country into a national movement called
Concerned Students for a Better Nissan. Hundreds of university students have
signed up for and volunteered to work on the organizing campaign in support
of workers, including actions at auto shows, campus demonstrations and, most
recently, a student-led dealership project that includes a consumer education
campaign. The consumer education campaign is directed not at Nissan’s products,
which students say are high quality, but toward Nissan’s labor practices. Students
are asking car dealership customers to go to their website, choosejustice.com,
and support their efforts. “We are going to use all of our creative resources
to make the public aware of what is going on at Nissan, and we don’t plan on
stopping until there is justice for the Nissan worker,“ said Mississippi Student
Justice Alliance member Tyson Jackson. Workers believe having a union would
provide them a voice at the table with management and the ability to address
safety and other issues without fear of retribution from the company. “All we
want is a chance to express ourselves and address some of the issues that are
concerning us,” says Canton Nissan worker Rafael Martinez. “That‘s all we want.”
The call is for Nissan to respect its workers and their community by:
• Treating workers with dignity and respect. Nissan continues to deny workers in
the Smyrna, Tenn., and Canton, Miss., plants a fair union election and a safe
working environment. Nissan has intimidated workers who are interested in
having a union and want to speak up about safety concerns.
• Making all temp workers permanent and making their pay equal to regular
workers. Nissan employs a high percentage of temporary workers who for
years receive less pay, limited benefits and have no job security. Nissan
workers in the U.S. cannot rely on weak U.S. labor laws to adequately protect
their fundamental right to organize. Nissan workers are asking the company to
abide by principles for a fair union election, including:
* Prohibiting the union or employer from disparaging the other side;
* Providing equal time and access to union supporters to speak with workers
when the employer holds a meeting against the union on company time;
* Prohibiting the use of coercion, threats and intimidation to prevent
workers from exercising their right to join or refraining from joining the
UAW.
OUR VOICE 3
Carrying the Story of Injustice in
Mississippi to a European Auto Show
By Pastor Melvin Chapman
The Geneva Motor Show is Europe’s
largest exposition by carmakers, and I
traveled in March with a delegation to
Switzerland to bring Mississippi’s story
to European car buyers.
Bearing witness with me were
Reverend John Allen of the Buck
Horn Missionary Baptist Church and
two Canton Nissan workers, Chip
Wells and Michael Carter. Michael is
a 10-year employee working in the
truck department. Chip is a night
shift worker in the paint department
who has extensive travel experience
from his membership in the National
Guard for which he has traveled to
Afghanistan and Iraq, among other Pastor Melvin Chapman (left) with Reverend John Allen in
places. Together we were able to Geneva, Switzerland, at the Geneva Motor Show in March.
publicize Nissan’s unfair treatment of
Mississippi workers.
As pastor of the Sand Hill Missionary Baptist
We distributed leaflets, held a press conference at
Church for almost 16 years, my role is to provide
the United Nations and delivered a letter to Nissan
moral leadership and spiritual guidance. When I
headquarters asking the company to insist that
learned from my parishioners and members of the
Nissan managers in Mississippi stop their program
community that Nissan was trying to prevent its
of intimidation and fear tactics. We wore t-shirts
workers from exercising their right to join a union,
translated into German and French telling people to
I recognized that I had to take action. I became
“look beneath the shine” of Nissan’s new cars to see
part of the Mississippi Alliance for Fairness at Nissan
the fear tactics underneath.
(MAFFAN). I support the Alliance because it stands
on the side of right and justice for workers and the We held a beautiful ceremony outside the convention
community. center where the auto show was taking place. We held
hands, prayed and planted a tree to symbolize the
I believe strongly that Nissan should not be
growth of global solidarity.
implying that if Mississippians form a union they will
stop bringing work to the plant. These kinds of scare The response of the people we met was
tactics are wrong for Nissan workers and wrong for heartwarming. Europeans do not believe that Nissan
the Mississippi community. Nissan works with unions should intimidate and threaten workers to prevent
at its plants all over the world. We are not second- them from having a union. People were shocked that
class citizens. Our workers are entitled to a voice on this was happening in America.
the job like workers in every other nation. The right
to join a union is a civil right. It is a blessing to have seen how humanity all over
the world cares about injustice in our small Mississippi
In Switzerland, we engaged in numerous activities town. We are truly one, and justice will triumph.
to draw attention to Nissan’s conduct in Mississippi.
4 OUR VOICE
NAACP Passes Resolution Calling on Nissan and Foreign
Automakers to Give Workers a Voice on the Job
During the NAACP’s 104th Annual Convention in threatened or intimidated; and
Orlando, Fla., in July, delegates unanimously passed a WHEREAS, it is problematic and a violation of human
resolution reaffirming the Association’s commitment to and civil rights when foreign automakers operate in the
fair labor practices and calling for foreign automakers United States and deny or suppress Americans the same
to allow employees to organize a union and engage in union and collective bargaining rights as workers in
collective bargaining. The resolution was put forward by Japan and other countries all over the world; and
the Mississippi State Conference of the NAACP. WHEREAS, these workers rights violations by foreign
“The American middle class is the engine of our automakers are most prominently occurring in the
economy and deserves fair wages and treatment in the southern part of the United States whereby local and
workplace,” stated NAACP President and CEO Benjamin state governments usually give tax and other incentives
Todd Jealous. “This resolution reaffirms our commitment to the automakers; and
to ensuring that employees of foreign automakers are WHEREAS, workers around the country including
not treated as second-class citizens.” most recently Canton, Mississippi of international
The resolution states, in part that, “…the NAACP automaker giant, Nissan, have expressed interest in
requests that Nissan, and other foreign automakers, being treated as workers in other countries by having
abandon their anti-union agenda and treat American a union in order to have a voice on the job and to
workers with the same human rights to organize a union address issues of fairness and safety; and
and engage in collective bargaining that they provide WHEREAS, these workers are interested in setting a
around the world…” precedent which would benefit workers in other states
Support for the resolution coincided with the by successfully forming a union as a positive step that
convention theme “We Shall Not be Moved,” and would support their rights, show mutual respect and
discussions centered on modern day attempts to roll aid in the company’s success through collaboration and
back the progress of the civil rights era and the efforts partnership; and
of civil and human rights advocates to combat these WHEREAS, Nissan-Canton, much as other foreign
efforts. automakers, has responded to the union interest
“We are proud of this longstanding partnership with activity by suppressing union activity, and having
the civil rights community and our shared commitment individual and group meetings to show videos implying
to fairness for all,” said UAW President Bob King. “This that there would be negative consequences and
sends strong message of support to the struggling Nissan potential loss of jobs if the workers exercised their
workers in Canton who want a solution that gives them right to unionize; thereby reducing U.S. citizens to
dignity and fairness on the job as they create quality second class members of its international workforce.
products at the best value for customers.” Therefore Be It Resolved, that the National
The resolution stems from the associations growing Association for the Advancement of Colored People
concern about fair labor practices by foreign reaffirm its commitment to the right to fair labor
automakers. practices and unionization by demanding that Nissan
Here is the full text of the resolution: and fellow foreign automakers afford its American
workers that same employment rights as those
2. Fairness in Labor Practices in the Auto Industry extended to its workforce in other countries around the
Mississippi State Conference (Unit 5632) world; and
Concurred as amended BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NAACP requests
WHEREAS, the National Association for the that Nissan, and other foreign automakers, abandon
Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is concerned their anti-union agenda and treat American workers
about the growing income inequality and the decline of with the same human rights to organize a union and
the middle class living standards in our nation; and engage in collective bargaining that they provide
WHEREAS, the hollowing out of the middle class is around the world; and
directly related to the decline in unionization, since BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the NAACP will
unions are a vehicle to turn low wage jobs into middle work with units, community leaders, clergy, students,
class jobs; and civil rights leaders and other partner organizations
WHEREAS, the United Nations’ International Labour to demand that Nissan and other foreign automakers
Organizations (ILO) Declaration of Fundamental respect the workers right to a free and fair election to
Principles and Rights at Work states that the right to unionize.
organize unions and participate in collective bargaining Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation’s oldest
is a universal human right; and and largest nonpartisan civil rights organization. Its
WHEREAS, it is the duty, responsibility and continuing members throughout the United States and the world
mission of the NAACP to support the right of working are the premier advocates for civil rights in their
people to freely organize unions without being communities.
OUR VOICE 5
UAW President Addresses Baptist Convention
At the invitation of Rev. Dr. Isiac Jackson Jr., president of
the Mississippi General Missionary Baptist State Convention,
and chairperson of MAFFAN (Mississippi Alliance for Fairness at
Nissan), UAW President Bob King addressed the Mississippi Baptist
Convention on July 24.
To a group of over 3000 religious and lay leaders from more
than 300 churches, President King drew on the rich history of the
civil rights movement to express why he believes Nissan workers
in Mississippi will be successful in winning a fair union election.
President King reminded the group that Dr. Martin Luther King,
Jr. died while supporting workers on an organizing drive and
that Dr. King always believed that the struggles for civil rights
and economic justice were inextricably linked. President King
explained that workers in Mississippi are making the right organize
a civil rights issue.
President King also pointed out that like during the civil rights
movement, today religious organizations, community groups,
like MAFFAN, and students are standing side-by-side with workers
at Nissan. Religious leaders like Rev. Jackson and hundreds of
students from dozens of HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and
Universities) in Mississippi and throughout the U.S. have been
beside them every step of the way.
Many of the church leaders in attendance vowed to bring
the struggle of Nissan workers back to their congregations by
sharing their stories from the pulpit and joining students who are
leafleting at auto shows and Nissan dealerships.
6 OUR VOICE
Message to Nissan:
Miss. workers deserve better
By the Rev. Dr. Isiac Jackson Jr.
When Nissan opened its plant in Canton, I have spoken with
we welcomed the corporation with open Nissan workers in
CHRIS TODD
arms, delighted for the opportunity for our Canton. They say
neighbors and congregants to demonstrate they simply want to
their outstanding skills and work ethic. We have the same voice
provided generous tax incentives. Hard- at work as Nissan Rev. Isiac Jackson Jr.
working Mississippians dedicated themselves workers in Japan and
to making Nissan successful. I am learning, across the globe.
however, that management in the Canton Workers believe that
plant is not treating Mississippi employees with a union, they will feel secure to speak up
with the respect and fairness that Nissan about safety, quality and ways to make Nissan
affords its employees all over the world. even better and more successful.
Nissan’s conduct shows that it sees Nissan management is aware of our
Mississippians as second-class citizens. Nissan community leaders’ concerns. Nissan has
is allegedly increasingly turning to labor reached out to me and others to ask what they
contractors to provide “temporary” workers at can do for the community. While it is noble that
lower pay and with fewer benefits than Nissan’s Nissan attempts to support financially various
regular workforce. These temporary workers community programs, we do not want “gifts”
work side-by-side regular Nissan employees and “favors.” We do not want paternalism. Our
for years, typically doing the same jobs, but dignity is not for sale. Our equality is not for
without job security or ability to plan for their sale. Our rights are not for sale.
futures. Nissan also seems to lack concern We are calling upon Nissan’s American
about injured workers and pays Canton workers management to abide by the global labor
less than those at its other U.S. facilities. standards widely accepted by your company
Because of such workplace issues, Nissan and other companies throughout the world.
employees began efforts to join the United I, along with other representatives of the
Auto Workers. They see a union as a way to pro-union Nissan workers, will continue to
collaborate, cooperate and problem-solve with champion this cause.
Nissan in a positive, constructive manner. The
For too many years, the people of Mississippi
company has fought back fiercely, implying
were denied the dignity and respect that is our
that it would take away jobs if the workers
due as Americans and as human beings. The
continued to stand up for their rights.
struggle for equality and fairness demanded
Nissan recognizes and bargains collectively sacrifice and struggle. We did not shrink from
with unions in Japan, as well as in Mexico, this challenge but rose to meet it.
Russia, the United Kingdom, Spain, Australia,
My fellow citizens, we are on the road to
South Africa and other locations around the
equality, but we have not yet arrived.
world. The company has formally taken a
position to endorse global labor standards of Now is the time when we must summon our
the United Nations, which call on companies courage yet again to speak truth to power.
to uphold the freedom of association and The Rev. Dr. Isiac Jackson Jr. is chairperson of
the recognition of the right to collective the Mississippi Alliance for Fairness at Nissan
bargaining. Committee.
It is troubling that Nissan is denying workers This was originally published in the Clarion-
in Mississippi their rights to a fair union Ledger. Visit clarionledger.com to see it.
election.
OUR VOICE 7
Organizing in the South
CHRIS TODD
CHRIS TODD
By Joe Atkins for the Jackson Free Press “I pastor people who work at Nissan,” Bishop Ronnie
Feb. 13, 2013 Crudup of the New Horizon International Church
TOUGALOO - I’m a Catholic now, but I grew up in told the crowd. “I’m outraged that in 2013--this is
the Pentecostal Holiness Church. My grandfather was not 1930--intimidation and threats could be used on
a Holiness preacher. I know about revivals. Preachers citizens in the state of Mississippi. We say to Nissan,
exhort, and people respond. They sing, they shout, `This is unbecoming (of) you. Allow the union to give
they come to the altar and they pray. their side, and allow workers to hear both sides.’”
Everything seems possible at a revival. People can The rally at Tougaloo College--a place rich in civil-
conquer the world at a revival. They feel they’re not rights history--was the latest community response
alone. They look around and see the spirit flowing to the United Auto Workers’ years-long organizing
through the congregation. When it’s over, they file effort. The Nissan plant in Canton is ground zero in its
out into the night like so many Christian soldiers struggle to break through the wall of non-unionized,
“marching as to war.” foreign-owned auto plants in the South. Success or
That revival spirit invigorated civil-rights activists failure could be pivotal not only to the UAW’s future
in the 1960s. Think of all the reverends who led that but also the future of the labor movement in this
movement: Martin Luther King Jr., Ralph Abernathy, country.
Hosea Williams. The march on Selma in 1965 began in Nissan’s worldwide workforce is largely unionized,
a church. Think of all the churches the racists burned but CEO Carlos Ghosn has strongly resisted union
hoping to kill the movement. efforts here in Mississippi and Tennessee. Workers in
Any social movement in the South needs religion as Canton say they’re subjected to endless anti-union
part of its DNA if it’s going to succeed. What was true meetings with management, though Nissan has denied
for the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s is true for these allegations.
the labor movement today. Labor organizing in the “Plant closings and layoffs are things they talk
South must be a “civil rights crusade,” Congress of about,” Nissan worker James Brown said. “If Nissan
Industrial Organizations leader Philip Murray said many has an anti-union video, we’re asking the UAW to show
years ago. a pro-union video. It’s not just about money. It’s about
The spirit of revival certainly was in the air at retirement, health care.”
Tougaloo College’s Holmes Hall Jan. 29, where a crowd It’s also about respect and human dignity, workers
of 200 or more gathered to show support for Nissan said at the rally. They told of arbitrary decisions by
workers seeking a union election at the giant plant management to reduce pension benefits, change work
in Canton. Preachers, workers and activists talked of hours, delay or eliminate pay raises, and expand the
labor rights as civil rights. A men’s choir fired things up plant’s temporary workforce. Nissan officials insist that
with “Look, Oh Happy Day” and other songs. direct relations between management and employees
8 OUR VOICE
Spotlight on a Community Supporter:
Pastor Horace McMillon
When you first meet Horace McMillon, pastor of the than those from lesser
Open Door Mennonite Church in Jackson, Miss., he circumstances. We
immediately impresses as someone who is poised and need social structures
soft-spoken, yet quietly self-confident and assured and institutions to
as he speaks for social justice. Once you know Pastor give everyone broader
McMillon’s background, you easily understand that opportunities. Unions
CHRIS TODD
his choice to stand with the Nissan workers seeking can play an important
justice is well-grounded in the real-life experiences role in providing those Pastor Horace McMillon
and knowledge he has gained first hand in the world opportunities.
of work.
Later Horace studied at a seminary in Chicago. At
Horace was born and raised in Omaha, Neb., and various times he also has worked full-time at non-
his father was a minister in the Missionary Baptist religious jobs in order to make ends meet.
Church. Horace earned a college degree from
Oberlin College in Ohio. Oberlin is close to Lorain, Along with his wife Monique and their two
Ohio, which has seen a stark decline in steel, auto children, Pastor McMillon came to Jackson eight
and other manufacturing jobs over the past thirty years ago to serve as pastor of the Mennonite Church
years. There he saw at close range what happens here. (His mother has since moved to Jackson,
to a formerly thriving community when the job also.) There are several Nissan workers in his
base starts to erode, and he came to the conclusion congregation and his discussions with those workers
that for years now the American middle class has have deepened his conviction that faith, life and
been stagnating at best, declining at worst. His social justice are all connected. Pastor McMillon is
experience in higher education also convinced him convinced that companies have social responsibilities
that those who come from privileged backgrounds to their workers and communities. That is why he
have significantly better opportunities to succeed feels compelled to take a stand for the workers.
are best, not “third party” representation by a union. that right.
Ironically, Mississippi’s anti-union governor, Back in the 1930s, the lowest-paid workers in the
Republican Phil Bryant, has actually encouraged outside southern economy--sharecroppers and tenant farmers-
(also known as “third”) parties to help prevent unions -organized together as the biracial Southern Tenant
from coming to Mississippi auto plants, reported the Farmers’ Union, and they won key battles in getting
Memphis Commercial Appeal. plantation owners in the Mississippi and Arkansas Delta
When the Freedom Riders arrived in Mississippi to recognize their rights. They did this despite gun-
a half-century ago, their task to integrate what toting vigilantes who tried to stop them.
historian James Silver called the “closed society” must A STFU rally was like “a southern evangelical
have seemed impossible to most. Nowhere was the revival,” Mississippi-bred historian Elizabeth Anne Payne
resistance to racial integration stiffer. To succeed they has written. “Fiery sermons, passionate exhortations,
had to appeal to the nation’s conscience, its sense and emotional hymns ... gave testimony about the
of right and wrong. Theirs had to be a broad social power of the STFU in Holiness style, witnessing that the
movement that involved more than integrating a water Holy Spirit could instantly transform lives through the
fountain or theater. union.”
To succeed, the labor movement must be about I saw some of that spirit at Tougaloo College Jan. 29.
more than paychecks. “Human rights are worker rights, A veteran journalist who teaches at the University
and worker rights are human rights,” Mississippi’s pro- of Mississippi, Joe Atkins is author of “Covering for the
labor, fighting priest, Rev. Jeremy Tobin, told the crowd Bosses: Labor and the Southern Press” and winner of
Jan. 29. the Mississippi Association for Justice’s 2011 Consumer
Workers have a legal and a human right to Advocate Award. His blog is laborsouth.blogspot.com.
organize, to speak as one voice across the table from He can be reached at jbatkins@olemiss.edu.
management on issues that affect their lives. They Reprinted with Permission
should not be intimidated and threatened for exercising
OUR VOICE 9
Solidarity in Brazil
By Carl Patton highest labor court.
T o know that
people in
other countries
• Gilberto Carvalho, the top secretary to
the President of Brazil, met with us at the
Presidential Palace to talk about the right to
care about us and organize a union.
will take action • One of the highlights was meeting with the
on our behalf is former president of Brazil, Lula, who had
truly moving. To previously spoken about our campaign at a
see this global UAW convention.
solidarity in action
is a life-changing There was a huge amount of press coverage in
experience. Brazil of our visit. Danny Glover attracted a lot of
attention and appeared on the most popular talk show
As part of a in Brazil to speak about Nissan’s anti-union activities.
delegation to
Brazil, I was We met so many awesome people who became
overwhelmed more than friends; they are our sisters and brothers.
Carl Patton and inspired They all pledged to keep a focus in Brazil on Nissan’s
as hundreds anti-union attacks in the U.S. through support
of workers activities at car dealerships and elsewhere.
demonstrated at plant gates and dealerships in support I was fortunate to see firsthand the generosity,
of our struggle to have a free election at Nissan in warmth and strength of the people and unions of that
Mississippi. Union leaders, workers, legislators, judges beautiful country. I will never forget the people I was
and even the former president of the country welcomed honored to meet who showed the true meaning of
us with open arms and pledged to carry our message global solidarity. If working-class people everywhere
throughout Brazil. stick together, there will be justice, freedom and
Our delegation included my co-workers Morris Mock, peace.
Wayne Walker and his wife Cherce, Mississippi NAACP
President Derrick Johnson, UAW President Bob King and
the wonderful Danny Glover. We participated in many
incredible events during our visit. News Clips on JAW Spring
To name just some of the things we did:
• The Sao Paolo State Legislature held a seminar FROM Financial Times March 21: In the car industry…10
of the 12 biggest companies awarded the bonuses unions
on worker rights at which we spoke.
were asking for, which was the best result for eight
• Over 600 Renault workers came to a rally years says Hidenari Hori, assistant general secretary of
to ask Nissan to respect workers’ rights in the Confederation of Japan Automobile Workers’ Unions
Mississippi. (JAW).
• Hundreds of workers held demonstrations See: http://bit.ly/FinTimesMarch21
outside Nissan dealerships in Sao Paolo. From The Asahi Shimbun March 14: There are signs
• The national board of CUT, the major trade that this year’s “shunto” spring labor negotiations are
union federation, invited us to discuss shaping up to become a major turning point in the wage
solidarity activities. We also met with trend in this country. The climax of the first half of the
other union groups, including the ABC Metal negotiations came on March 13 when many automakers
Workers, Forca Sindical and CNTM. We’re and electronics manufacturers announced they will fully
also very appreciative of the help we received accept their unions’ demands for higher bonuses.
from UGT federation which did a great job See: http://bit.ly/AsahiShimbunMarch14
mobilizing for the large dealership action, From The Wall Street Journal March 14: TOKYO—Japan’s
participated in other actions in Brazil and top industrial labor unions won their biggest annual
helped host our delegation in Brazil. compensation gains in years, the latest hopeful sign that
• We spoke at a meeting of a community the economy is starting to pull out of its long stagnation.
organization in Heliopolis. Toyota Motor Corp, Japan’s largest manufacturer, said
• Our struggle was discussed at a meeting of the
10 OUR VOICESouth Africans Embrace Us With Their Amazing Spirit
By Betty Jones representation.
I was blessed to be One of the most
part of a delegation heartwarming and moving
that just returned from experiences of my life
an unforgettable visit was when the workers
to South Africa, where literally embraced me
the warmth and love we with song and dance,
received from everyone — encouraging us to keep
especially union members up our struggle and never
at Nissan — will sustain us give up. They promised
as we continue to stand their full support and
up for our rights and pledged to do everything
dignity. they can to convince the
Our delegation included company to allow a free
the Reverend Dr. Isiac union election in the
Jackson Jr., president of United States.
the Mississippi Alliance for Fairness at Nissan (MAFFAN), The South Africans organized a march and a public
Derrick Johnson, head of the Mississippi NAACP, as well demonstration at the Japanese embassy to publicize
as several UAW representatives including President the company’s attacks on worker rights in the U.S.
Bob King. We were thrilled to be joined as well by our I know that these warm and friendly people will
amazing supporter and dear friend Danny Glover. continue to engage in public actions until Nissan agrees
There were so many incredible experiences. I spoke to treat us equally to their unionized facilities all over
to a large meeting of 800 workers from Nissan, who the world.
are members of the South African auto union, NUMSA, We had many important meetings. We met with Nissan
and they gave us a wonderful reception. It is incredible management to ask them to share our concerns with the
that the company works cooperatively with the union company’s executives. We also met with other union
in South Africa while implying to us in Mississippi leaders, including leaders of the COSATU federation, the
that we might lose our jobs if we also seek union garment workers’ union and the soccer players’ union.
They all endorsed our campaign and will support us.
Leadership of the African National Congress (ANC) also
heard our story and offered to help. There is clearly a
Offensive Negotiations strong bond between the UAW and the unions of South
Africa, because for many years the UAW was a leader in
that it would grant its workers a bonus equal to nearly the fight against the apartheid government. The UAW
six months’ of base pay, a 15 percent increase over last took many actions to support workers fighting for the
year’s bonus and the highest such offer in five years. right to have unions in South Africa and to have the right
See: http://bit.ly/WSJMarch14 to equality and democracy.
From Japan Times March 13: Major automakers fully We visited Lilyfields Farms where the leaders of the
accepted their unions’ bonus requests for fiscal 2013 anti-apartheid movement were arrested. The person
on Wednesday amid growing expectations of earnings who hosted our delegation was Ahmed Kathrada, one of
recoveries on the back of the yen’s depreciation, the ANC leaders who was arrested and put on trial with
while electronics makers told their unions they would Nelson Mandela. He spent 26 years in prison. In 1994
maintain regular seniority-based wage increases… he was elected to Congress in the country’s first free
Five major domestic automakers — Toyota Motor elections.
Corp., Nissan Motor Co., Honda Motor Co., Fuji Heavy
Industries Ltd. and Mitsubishi Motors Corp. — fully It is almost impossible to imagine the courage and
accepted their unions’ bonus requests while Mitsubishi perseverance of these heroic people. They suffered
Heavy Industries Ltd. did so for the first time in 16 greatly for decades but never gave up. Even after
years. See: http://bit.ly/JapanTimesMarch13 going through so much hardship, they remain loving
and warm and positive.
From Reuters March 12: Japan Inc. to pay bigger
bonuses, cautious on higher base wages. Toyota Motor I will never forget the people I met and their
to pay out biggest bonuses in five years. generous spirit. And they will always be a model to
See http://bit.ly/ReutersMarch12 me of grace, dignity, courage and the quest for human
dignity. I will carry this spirit inside me forever and try
to live up to their inspiring example.
OUR VOICE 11The voice from within: “Your voice is your
power. Use it. It
It wants to be heard but is unable,
although it is one that everyone
should not be taken
should listen to because it has good and from you. Many great
meaningful things to say. It wants to rise
and say, hear me for I have information men and women right
that is practical and beneficial for all
of us. Yet again, it doesn’t have the here in Mississippi have
CHRIS TODD
strength to carry it out. But why?
given their lives for us
And how can something so powerful
remain silent? Rafael Martinez to have a voice today.”
Is it the fear of man?
Is it the fear of losing a position? Is it
the fear of losing a job?
Or is it just fear itself?
All of us are fearful of one thing
or another. However, our voice is not one to be and pro-union without fearing that the plant will
compromised. It’s a precious gift that should be used close or move away. Nissan does support their own
without fear or intimidation. Moreover, how do we workers in many countries. And those workers at
strengthen our voices? Just by reading this booklet these plants have a voice because they recognize they
you are already taking steps to do just that. are valuable to the company. They understand their
worth. Thus, they can help improve the company by
Also, talk to those who openly support the
making it better, bigger, and stronger, day by day.
UAW. These individuals at NISSAN CANTON openly
identified themselves as supporters by wearing Nissan knows how valuable you are to the company.
T-shirts, hats, pins and even wristbands. They do so So with this in mind, it only makes good sense that
without fear or intimidation because they have come workers in this country should have a voice similar to
to learn and understand this is their legal right. That those in foreign lands with a voice. We will no longer
same legal right allows all of us to have a voice at just accept but we will begin to expect, just like the
NISSAN CANTON. We cannot be denied that right. It’s Nissan unionized workers across the world.
the law. Don’t ever let another person or company see less in
On the other hand, all of us at NISSAN CANTON are you than you see in your self. Understand your value,
asking the same question: Why only a $.55 cent raise recognize your worth. You are somebody.
when the company is so profitable? And we haven’t Therefore, we can say it doesn’t matter how much
received a raise in over five years. How is this fair? you were making before you came to Nissan or if you
Or even justifiable? came from a small town or big city, working or not
And why does upper management at NISSAN working. What’s important is knowing that your voice
CANTON continue to display such a hostile attitude is the one instrument that can bring about change
toward unions by showing negative videos about and justice along with fairness at NISSAN CANTON.
plants closing and blaming unions, when they know Your voice is your power. Use it. It should not be taken
that bad management is what closes plants, not from you. Many great men and women right here in
unions? Mississippi have given their lives for us to have a voice
Because if unions caused those plants to close today.
then NISSAN wouldn’t have plants in Japan, Mexico, So, how you use your voice today reflects your
Spain, Great Britain, South Africa and soon Brazil, appreciation for what others have done for you.
just to mention a few Nissan plants that are Again, always remember – don’t let anyone rob you
unionized and doing very well without the fear of by fear or intimidation of your gift to exercise the
closing. right to use your voice.
So in view of this it is possible to be pro-Nissan Written by Canton Nissan worker Rafael Martinez.
12 OUR VOICEMr. Ghosn, you’ve got mail
Global unions express dismay at Nissan’s
anti-worker activity in U.S.
Left, Nissan Workers in Barcelona, Spain, are
represented by the MCA-UGT union. They stand
with Canton Nissan workers in their fight to win
union representation. Below, Nissan workers are
represented by the MCA-UGT union in Avila, Spain,
and stand with Nissan Canton workers in their
effort to organize a union.
From Australia to Russia, from France to Brazil,
unions far and wide that represent Nissan and
Renault workers have written letters in support of a
fair, intimidation-free union election for workers in
Canton, Miss.
The fact is, Nissan and corporate partner Renault
recognize and bargain with unions in most countries
where they produce automobiles. From Spain – Manuel Garcia Salgado, the MCA-UGT
union’s national secretary:
So why does Nissan deny Canton workers the
chance to choose representation without fear of “On behalf of the MCA-UGT, we want to express our
reprisals? Our sister organizations from around the serious concern with this atmosphere of fear that
world are asking the same thing. is being created by local management in Canton,
Miss., and we urge you to intervene so that workers
Here are a couple of excerpts: in Canton can be treated in accordance with the
values and principles that dictate Nissan
management conduct in Japan and Europe.”
From France – the French Metalworkers
Unions to Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn:
“The absence of a union at the Nissan
plant in Canton and the prevailing climate
of fear does not allow employees to defend
their rights. … You can thus appreciate that,
on a human level, we are offended by such
methods and what is more, they are contrary
to the principles laid down by the convention
of the International Labor Organization.”
Source: UAW International Affairs
Manuel García Salgado, center with fist raised – who is Department
general secretary of Spain’s largest autoworker union,
the MCA-UGT – joined labor leaders from around To read the full text of these letters,
the world to show solidarity with Nissan workers in please see pages 15 and 17.
Canton, Miss. The MCA-UGT represents thousands of
Nissan and Renault workers throughout Spain.
OUR VOICE 13Unite House Tel: 020 7611 2500128
Theobalds Road
Holborn
LONDON
WC1X 8TN
Bob King President
United Auto Workers
December 19, 2012 By Email: Bking@uaw.net
Dear Bob
Nissan, Canton, Mississippi
Unite is aware of the UAW’s organising campaign at the Nissan plant at Canton,
Mississippi and that your Union is campaigning for a fair election process and an end
to Nissan’s bullying and intimidation of workers.
As we are aware Nissan negotiates with Unions throughout the world, notably in
Japan but also here in the UK.
They also are required under European legislation to have a European Works Council
and although our relationships with the company are not perfect, we find the attacks
on pro Union workers at the company unacceptable.
As you will be aware a number of UAW staff met with Unite officials and organizers
recently in London and Unite is committed to providing assistance and advice to the
UAW in securing successful outcome in your campaign at Canton, Mississippi.
Nissan should respect the rights of workers wherever they are should they freely
decide to join an independent Trade Union.
We are happy to support your campaign and I am sure you will receive the support
of Unite Reps at Nissan in Sunderland, UK.
Yours in solidarity
Tony Burke
Assistant General Secretary
Len McCluskey
General Secretary www.unitetheunion.org
14 OUR VOICED. Frank Torres Madrid, April 24th, 2013
V.P. NSIO
Dña. Ruth Pina
Dtra. RRHH & General Affairs
Nissan España
Madrid, a 24 de Abril de 2013
Dear Mr. Torres and Mrs. Pina:
We have learned of the current situation in Canton Mississippi through our Global
Union Federation IndustriAll, and through our sister union in the United States the
UAW. It is our understanding that Nissan management is engaged in a campaign of
intimidation against workers who would like to hold a union representation election
at the plant.
This company campaign includes Nissan holding (captive audience) meetings in
which anti-union videos are shown and where implied threats are made that the
plant will close if the company is forced to engage in the collective bargaining
process.
These tactics of intimidation run counter to the principles established by ILO
Convention Number 87 in 1948 including the freedom to form a union, and ILO
Convention Number 98 which reiterates the right to freely form a union and
collectively bargain(with one’s employer). (The fore-mentioned tactics) also violate
OECD guidelines. (Consequently), on behalf of the MCA-UGT, we want to express
our serious concern with this atmosphere of fear that is being created by local
management in Canton Mississippi and we urge you to intervene so that workers in
Canton can be treated in accordance with the values and principles that dictate
Nissan management conduct in Japan and Europe.
Sincerely,
Javier Urbina Manuel García Salgado
Director of International Affairs National Secretary
OUR VOICE 15Dear Mr. Bob King,
President
The International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of American (UAW)
Firstly, we JAW and the Federation of All Nissan and General Workers’ Unions (Nissan Roren) would
like to express our respects to UAW for your activities so far to protect the workers’ rights in the
United States.
With regard to the organizing of Nissan Canton Plant by UAW, JCM, JAW and Nissan Roren have
conducted various activities in collaboration with President Bob King and UAW members since
December 2011.
Our stance on the organizing of Japanese businesses in foreign countries is universal as follows,
1. Workers should be organized. To protect worker’s rights, unity among workers is indispensable. It
is through constructive labor-management relations that we achieve healthy development of the
company, industry, and fair society.
2. When workers are organized, they should be able to make decisions based on their own will, in a
democratic manner, without being interfered by any third party.
3. When works are organized, the labor union that organizes them should be members of IndustriALL.
Based on the above stance, we believe that organizing at Nissan’s Canton Plant should be conducted
by UAW, a member of IndustriALL.
We will continuously negotiate with the management of Nissan HQ that the above contents will be
thoroughly realized and the local management will maintain a neutral and fair position at Nissan’s
Canton Plant.
We declare our solidarity to UAW as above and continue to provide support to realize fair organizing
in close collaboration with each other.
In solidarity,
June 19, 2013
Yasunobu Aihara, President
Confederation of Japan Automobile Workers’ (JAW)
Akira Takakura, President
Federation of All Nissan and General Workers Unions (Nissan Roren)
16 OUR VOICEBoulogne Billancourt, on December 5, 2012
Mr. Carlos Ghosn
Mr. President, CEO-Chairman Nissan
The UAW has called our attention on the situation existing at NISSAN CANTON (Mississippi) relating to
the situation of the workers in this plant and, in particular, with respect to their right to freedom of
association.
We were invited to visit Canton, and those of us who were able to respond to this invitation spoke
directly to a number of workers of the plant. The numerous exchanges between the workers and the
French unions highlighted the many pressures exercised by local management as well as the methods of
intimidation directed against the workers to discourage them from requesting elections that could allow
the presence of a trade union of their choice in their plant.
As such, many voiced compulsory “one-on-one conversations with their managers...”, during which it
was stated that there could “... be serious consequences ...”, if they sign “the card, the legal document”
that could allow them to hold an election. There are constant references to UAW plant closings, which
imply to Nissan workers that their plant will close if they chose the UAW. Videos have also been projected
in which there is real anti-union propaganda, which workers cannot escape as soon as there is a hint of
advocacy for the presence of a union in their plant. Some workers at Nissan feel compelled to wear anti-
union T-shirts on which is inscribed: “If you want a union, go back to Detroit.” Also, the workers supporting
the union have been denied equal time during work hours to counter company anti union meetings held
during work hours. Unfortunately, this list is not exhaustive.
You can thus appreciate that, on a human level, we are offended by such methods and what is more,
they are contrary to the principles laid down by the Convention of the International Labor Organization No.
87 of 1948 concerning the Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organize, the provisions
of ILO Convention No. 98 on the Right to Organize and Collective Bargaining, and the guiding principles of
the OECD.
You are the CEO of Nissan and also that of Renault, groups to which you are committed through the
signing of the “Declaration of the RENAULT Group’s Employees Fundamental Rights” which is currently
being renegotiated. There is nothing that should call into question the fundamental freedoms, both for
employees of Nissan or Renault.
The absence of a union at the Nissan plant in Canton and the prevailing climate of fear does not allow
employees to defend and negotiate their rights. In the current state of affairs and contrary to initial
commitments, local management discontinued certain pension benefits and replaced them with a 401k. It
also announced that, after the end of the year, the current medical coverage for retirees will be replaced
with a vastly inferior plan.
To explain more precisely the situation that the workers at the Nissan plant are facing and to quickly find
a solution, we would like to meet with you as soon as possible.
We look forward to your response.
Pour la CFDT Pour FO Pour la Cgt Pour la CFE-CGC
Fred Dijoux Laurent Smolnick Fabien Gâche Dominique Chauvin
OUR VOICE 17Brazilian unionists intensify campaign against
anti-union practices of Nissan in the U.S.
In a press conference,
leaders of three unions
announced new actions
in defense of American
workers, prevented from
organizing themselves
into their union, the UAW.
In a press conference on
the morning of Tuesday,
March 12, the president
of the CUT, Vagner
Freitas, made it clear
that the trade union will
not tolerate disrespect
for workers’ rights
PHOTOS: UGT
anywhere in the world.
Above: Brazilian trade unionists hold banners at a
The statement was made
Nissan dealership in Brazil in support of Nissan workers
in the interview he gave,
along with Secretary
in the U.S. Right: UGT President Ricardo Patah speaks
General and International
to the unionists at the Nissan dealership.
Relations of the National
Confederation of them by implying that it will close economic insecurity in the family and
Metalworkers of CUT John Cayres the plant in Canton, Mississippi if in the region.
and UGT unions and union workers, workers vote for union membership.
John Cayres stated that the
to denounce the anti-union practices The bosses are also meeting with
initiative of the Brazilian unionists
of Japanese automaker Nissan in the metalworkers to pressure them. In
is part of this global campaign of
unit installed in the city of Canton, a video produced by the automaker
the UAW, whose launch took place
in the U.S. state of Mississippi. The for workers, the vice president of
in January in Mississippi and he and
direction of Nissan is preventing corporate communications, David
the president of CUT participated,
employees of that unit from joining Reuter said that “there is no union at
along with representatives of the
the labor union, the UAW (United this company.”
parliament, civil organizations,
Auto Workers), by means of various In the U.S., unionization is universities and the arts. “It is
types of threats and intimidation. guaranteed only if 50% plus one of inconceivable that in a country
After the conference, Vagner the employees of a company vote that considers itself the cradle of
Freitas, John Cayres, President for representation, through a secret democracy workers can not even join
of GWU, Ricardo Patah, and the ballot. In order to get a free and fair the union because their bosses do not
secretary general of the Union Force, election, the UAW launched a global leave,” said the general secretary
John Carlos Gonçalves (Juruna), campaign against the anti-union of International Relations and CNM /
signed letter to senior leaders of the attitudes of the automaker, which has CUT.
used a variety of tactics to prevent
automaker, demanding that Nissan
workers at Nissan from forming a
New visit
honor its commitment to respect The leader of CUT also stated
freedom of international trade union union. According to officials, several
that he had signed a letter to
organization, fulfilling the principles factors contribute to increasing
management asking it to allow union
of the Global Compact of the United climate of fear at the automaker,
representatives to attend meetings
Nations and the ILO Declaration of including: workers have no union
with the workers inside the company,
Fundamental Principles and Rights at representation, have no collective
and that Nissan issue a statement
Work. bargaining agreement, wages are low,
assuring employees who opt for
working conditions poor, much of the
Campaign against threats staff is temporary - the employee
membership in the UAW that their
To prevent the organization of rights will be respected without any
does not know how long he/she will
workers, Nissan has threatened kind of retaliation. “Nissan’s anti-
be used, which further fuels the
18 OUR VOICE UGT, CUT and Forca Sindical continued on page 19We will not tolerate anti-union practices or
disrespect for the rights of workers at Nissan
This was the message from Brazilian unionists, who and to denounce the human rights violations of this
united in defense of the workers’ drive at Nissan in metalworkers unit of Nissan.
the U.S. Written by: Marize Muniz The leaders in their speeches highlighted the solidarity
T he president of the CUT, Vagner Freitas, Brazilian of Brazilian workers to U.S. workers and the need to
unionists and others who participated on Tuesday, March universalize the rights of workers to global fairness.
12, in São Paulo, in a press conference to denounce the The president of the CUT was emphatic: “we do not
attacks of the Japanese automaker Nissan against workers agree with anti-union practices anywhere in the world.
of the unit installed in the city of Canton, in the U.S. state If Nissan can do this in the U.S., it can do it in any other
of Mississippi, made clear they will not tolerate disrespect country. “
for workers’ rights anywhere in the world. Vagner noted that Nissan is building a plant in Resende,
After the conference in which they denounced the in Rio de Janeiro, and, here, the labor movement is
intimidation tactics used by Nissan U.S. to prevent workers united to demand that workers’ rights are respected.
form organizing and fighting for their rights, Vagner, the “We will not accept anti-union practices in Brazil and
president of GWU, Ricardo Patah, the Secretary General we do not accept them in the U.S. Every trade union
of the Union Force, John Carlos Gonçalves, and Secretary movement will be in Resende if this happens, “concluded
General CNM-CUT, John Cayres, signed a letter of support the director.
for workers. In the document, the unions demand that
the automaker respect international standards that Also participating in the conference were
guarantee freedom of union organization. The company’s representatives of the UAW (United Auto Workers) union
management is preventing the organization of workers representing U.S. autoworkers, Rafael Messias Guerra and
with threats. According to the leaders, the salaries of Ginny Coughlin
many workers in Canton are very low, a large percentage HISTORY
of workers are temporary and the union has limited rights In January this year, the president and the Treasury
when it comes to representing employees in this category. secretary general of the CNM-CUT attended meetings with
They also announced the visit of a Brazilian delegation the Mississippi Alliance for Fairness at Nissan (MAFFAN)
to Mississippi to support the struggle of the workers of the to denounce the violation of human rights by the
carmaker. A delegation led by the President of Central CUT, metalworkers unit of the Japanese manufacturer Nissan
was in the U.S. earlier this year to attend meetings with installed in the city of Canton, Mississippi, USA.
the “Mississippi Alliance for Fariness at Nissan (MAFFAN)”, Disrespect for workers at Nissan continued on page 22
UGT, CUT and Forca Sindical continued from page 18
union practices have lasted more than 18 months, so we call on
the Company to allow the UAW to have the same time to inform
workers about their rights guaranteed internationally,” said Cayres.
At the press conference this morning, the union announced that
a Brazilian delegation will go to Mississippi to expand support for
the struggle of the metalworker. The leaders also stressed the
solidarity of the Brazilians and the Americans, and the need to
universalize the rights of workers to global fairness.
“We do not agree with anti-union practices anywhere in the Above: (L-R) John
Cayres (CNM/CUT),
world,” emphasized Vagner Freitas, noting that Nissan is building a
Vagner Freitas (CUT),
plant in Resende (RJ) and here that the union movement is united Ricardo Patah (UGT),
to demand that workers’ rights are respected. Carlos Gonsalves
(Forca Sindical).
Also participating in the conference were Rafael Messias Guerra Lower right: John
and Ginny Coughlin, UAW representatives in Brazil. Cayres participating
in the activities of the
(Source: Marize Muniz - National Treasury and the Holy Spirit UAW campaign launch
Solange - CNM / CUT) in January.
OUR VOICE 19remain in this situation for years,
receiving half the pay of permanent
employees, and not having the same
benefits, including not having fixed
and fair working hours.
“Here in Brazil, workers are
protected by labor legislation that
should be improved and deepened,
but is still advanced. Temporary
workers can only be hired for a
Quote translation: “Open your mouth in favor of change, for maximum of 90 days, and after that
must be hired permanently or laid
the cause of all those who suffer. Open your mouth; judge
off,” explained Lucena.
righteously; and create justice for the poor and those who
Workers at Nissan-Mississippi are
need it.” Proverbs 31:8-9 trying to organize a union, to open a
March 28, 2013 — Translation from Portuguese discussion with management about
their rights and working conditions.
Congressman Lucena reports on the situation However, the local management of
the automaker has used a variety
of Nissan workers in Mississippi (USA) of tactics to prevent workers from
exercising their right to organize.
“Workers are pressured, have their
jobs threatened and even receive
implied threats that Nissan will close
the plant if they organize themselves
into a union. And these jobs are,
after all, some of the best paying
jobs in the state.”
For Roberto de Lucena, the right to
decent work should be an inalienable
right, constitutionally guaranteed.
“This attack on workers at Nissan is
absolutely horrendous,” he said.
According to the Congressman,
the struggle for civil rights, human
rights and workers’ rights is no
A s part of a delegation of the
General Union of Workers (UGT),
Congressman Roberto de Lucena
plant in Canton.
“Mississippi is one of the poorest
longer a local matter but a struggle
for everyone, everywhere in the
world: “We need to join hands across
states in the U.S. It has had the
(Green Party-Sao Paulo) visited the borders, and fight globally to end
lowest per capita income in the
United States on an official visit injustice and inequality.”
country and is emblematic of the
representing the Brazilian House of
struggle for civil rights and other The Congressman said that the UGT
Representatives, March 17-22. Rep.
social struggles. There we witnessed is engaged in the Global Campaign
Lucena is also a vice president of the
the struggle of workers at Nissan,” led by the UAW and the Nissan
UGT. The congressman visited the
said Lucena. workers to demand that the Japanese
City Council of Jackson, Mississippi’s
capital, as well as the State Capitol. company, one of the largest and
The Japanese automaker Nissan,
Lucena also participated in a meeting most important in the world, respect
whose global president Carlos
of union leaders led by UGT President workers’ rights in Mississippi. “They
Ghosn is Brazilian, faces a serious
Ricardo Patah, with leaders of the love their jobs and they love Nissan.
problem at its factory in the state of
UAW, a major labor union in the They are pro-union and pro-Nissan.
Mississippi. The plant has about 4,500
United States, led by President Bob They just want to organize and be
employees, a large percentage of
King, and with workers at Nissan’s respected by this great company,”
which are temporary workers. Many
concluded Lucena.
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