CAP Creating a Path Forward "The Voice" - LANA SCOTT
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JAN/FEB/MAR 2022
The magazine for UAW members and their families
CAP
Creating
a Path
Forward
PAGE 12
LANA SCOTT
“The Voice”
PAGE 14
Women’s
History
Month
PAGE 8
SOLIDARITY
Winter 2022 | Vol. 65, No. 1
International Union, UAW
President
RAY CURRY
Secretary-Treasurer
FRANK STUGLIN
Vice Presidents
CINDY ESTRADA
TERRY DITTES
CHUCK BROWNING
Regional Directors
JAMES HARRIS, 1
LAURA DICKERSON, 1A
STEVE DAWES, 1D
WAYNE BLANCHARD, 2B
RON MCINROY, 4
MITCHELL SMITH, 8
JEFF BINZ, 9
BEVERLEY BRAKEMAN, 9A
Communications Department Staff
SANDRA ENGLE
RAENELL GLENN
SUSANNE MEREDITH
BRIAN ROTHENBERG
* CHRIS SKELLY
* DENN PIETRO
* FRANK GATES
* ROY ESCANDON
* YONETTA KENDALL
* Members of CWA
The Newspaper Guild Local 34022
Clerical Staff
SHELLY RESTIVO
ANTOINETTE TROUP
Members of OPEIU Local 494
Solidarity (USPS 0740610) is published
quarterly by International Union, UAW
8000 E. Jefferson Ave.
Detroit, MI 48214
(313) 926-5000
uaw.org. ISSN 0164 856X
Periodical postage paid at Detroit, MI and at
Inside
additional mailing offices. 3 FROM THE PRESIDENT 11 COVER STORY
FLINT SIT-DOWN STRIKE
ADDRESS CHANGES 4 DID YOU KNOW? 85th Anniversary
Requests for address changes and/or
UAW-CIO Helps with
deletion from the Solidarity magazine mailing 12 NATIONAL CAP
list must first go through the member’s local
WWII Housing Crisis
Creating a Path Forward
union. The local union updates the address
and sends it to the International. 5 WISCONSIN AUTOWORKER
14 COUNTRY MUSIC STAR
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Lana Scott on “The Voice”
Printed in USA 6 BLACK HISTORY MONTH 16 LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Circulation this issue: 512,532 Celebrating African-Americans Voting Rights
in the Labor Movement
UAW RETIRED WORKERS
INTERNATIONAL COUNCILS
7 A FIGHT WORTH HAVING
17 2020 FINANCIAL REPORT
ENVIRONMENTALISTS
AND BEYOND
Plus
NEW WESTERN REGION 25 LOCAL 160
WHITE SHIRT DAY
8 WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH 26 UNION SPORTSMEN
2 | SOLIDARITY Winter 2022
FROM THE PRESIDENT
eliminated just-in-time orders and forced also provide additional tools to guard
drastic shortages as manufacturing against unfair trade practices; and would
resumed. halt China’s exploitation of U.S. trade policy.
In many ways, the fact that the United Within the legislation are provisions to
States produced only 12% of the world’s ensure that manufacturing workers will
semi-conductor chips left U.S. have a seat at the table when policies and
manufacturers with limited options when it programs designed to promote research and
came to resolving the parts crisis. And the innovation are crafted. Finally, the bill
ripple effect along with the pandemic are includes bipartisan provisions to create
part of the origin of the inflation we resilient supply chains that will reduce our
experience today. dependence on foreign nations for supply
chains essential to electric vehicle
IHS Markit Automotive reported that last
manufacturing.
year alone, 1.5 million vehicles (14%) were
not built due to the semiconductor shortage Passage of this bill is critical for UAW
and other supply-chain problems. The members, manufacturing workers and their
shortage has caused layoffs, reduced hours families. By making America competitive in
for UAW members, manufacturing workers our global economy, supporting workers
as well as their families and communities whose jobs are lost due to trade, and curbing
These are times of great opportunity in China’s aggressive trade distortions,
that rely on these industries for their
Congress for UAW members and working Congress can increase U.S. production by
economic livelihood. It is a nationwide
families. incentivizing the onshoring of jobs.
problem. For example, Kentucky lost 20% of
With a President in Joe Biden who its vehicle production last year due to the Congress passing the COMPETES Act is a
understands the roles of unions in driving chip shortage. common sense approach to increasing
the American economy and a Congress led manufacturing output as soon as 2022 and it
And that is a wakeup call for all
by union friendly majorities, there is great heavily redirects U.S. manufacturing policy
Americans. Our Congress has the
opportunity both now, and if we do our to create jobs in the United States and
opportunity to rebuild manufacturing
grassroots work hard enough, long into the resolve key issues that have led to the 2021
competitiveness through the COMPETES
future. semiconductor shortage.
Act of 2022.
Yes, some of our priorities are currently
The COMPETES Act is a good bill for
stalled in Congress, but beyond the Preventing Companies from Canceling
workers as it would improve U.S.
headlines UAW members and our families Health Insurance for Striking Workers
manufacturing competitiveness, help ensure
are seeing movement on bills that quietly
we do not have future shortages of auto- For many UAW families, our negotiated
bring strong value and benefit to our
grade chips, strengthen our supply chains health insurance is a lifeline for loved ones
working future.
and protect American workers from unfair who suffer dangerous or chronic illness.
Two key pieces of legislation, one to fix our trade practices that have cost jobs In recent years, increasingly during
supply chain and one to prevent companies throughout the country and put thousands strikes and lockouts, companies have
from using health insurance as a weapon to more in jeopardy. threatened and, in some cases, canceled
hold back striking workers, have promising Investments contained in the COMPETES health insurance for striking workers.
legs this Congressional session. Act could bolster U.S. production of auto-
Working families who already feel strong
grade chips that are needed to prevent
enough about their working conditions to
future chip shortages that affect the
Fixing the Semiconductor Shortage strike are faced with life and death decisions
manufacturing of cars, trucks and
and Creating Jobs and some companies choose that to use as
agricultural equipment. The COMPETES Act
For UAW members and manufacturing leverage on working families.
includes $52 billion for domestic
workers, semiconductor chips were just a semiconductor production. Importantly $2 No working family should be forced to
piece of the puzzle in building and billion would be dedicated to the production choose between their right to advocate for
assembling the vehicles of the auto, heavy of mature semiconductor technologies in the better pay and benefits, and their need for
truck and agriculture implement sectors. United States that are needed to medical care for their families.
But the subsequent pandemic and manufacture products built by UAW That is why the UAW is working with U.S.
semiconductor chip shortage of 2021 made members. Rep. Cindy Axne in support of her bill that
clear how fragile the U.S. parts supply The House Ways and Means Committee protects working families from corporations
industry has been. wisely added provisions that would assist that would seek to use the health care of
The fact is a combination of bad trade displaced workers and will challenge China’s members as a pressure point in a worker’s
policies and a risky corporate bean-counter concerted efforts to dominate heavy voice to advocate for better working
practice of just-in-time parts orders equipment and vehicle manufacturing. conditions. This one simple bill by Rep. Axne
collapsed on manufacturers as the These provisions renew and improve the protects the dignity of all working families
pandemic caused supplier shutdowns, Trade Adjustment Assistance. The bill will Continued on page 4
Winter 2022 SOLIDARITY | 3
DID YOU KNOW:
FROM THE PRESIDENT
Continued from page 3
The UAW-CIO
Helped with
and we encourage Congress to take action
and pass this common sense bill. Housing Crisis
Public opinion overwhelmingly
distains the practice of companies using
after WWII
health insurance as a bargaining chip. In Social and economic justice have been
fact, in 2018 General Motors after initially foundational principles within the UAW
threatening to pull health insurance, organization. That is why it is not strange
reversed itself amid public backlash on to find out that the UAW was involved in
this fundamentally unfair corporate creating improved housing after the World
policy. War II.
The UAW-CIO had a Housing
Rep. Axne’s bill with your advocacy Department in the post-World War II years
help can end the practice of canceling led by Director William G. Nicholas, which
striking workers’ health insurance once provided research and expertise along with
and for all. facilitation of community housing projects
with the U.S. government. They came up
with a plan that would make the industrial
JOIN YOUR LOCAL CAP AND HELP
KEEP PRO-WORKING FAMILY
manufacturing of homes possible,
LEGISLATION MOVING IN D.C. alleviating the critical shortage of housing.
The plan was called “Homes for workers
There is good policy for working in planned communities thru collective
families quietly working its way through action” where the UAW-CIO would be
the halls of our nation’s capital. involved in helping to create planned
communities to be built outside the city of and congested. The same plan was
That is why hundreds of UAW CAP
Detroit. The housing shortage affected the redesigned with 312 lots, generous space
delegates will join together in May to plot
middle-class UAW-CIO members, as well as for community activities, large lots
a course to maintain and build on the low-income individuals. without alleys, easy access to parks and
Biden Administration and pro-worker There was a 15,000,000-home deficit and playgrounds and significantly lower lot
Congress we now have. We can make 1,500,000 homes needed to be built a year costs at $164 instead of the proposed
calls, text Congress, and knock on doors to bridge the supply gap. In order to $1,400.
together for working families. accommodate that mass production, an Unfortunately, many of the prefab
industry needed to be equipped with an home manufactures went out of business.
So look beyond the gridlock at the great
assembly line process, skilled workers, and Reports at the time indicated that the
opportunity working families have in
tooled machines. The factories could do it. National Housing Agency did a poor job of
Congress. And participate in your CAP Since the factories were able to change over preparing the plan due to a large portion
Councils and Local Union CAP committee from manufacturing automobiles to of the administrative staff’s inability to
actions to make sure that issues like the bomber plants, why couldn’t they switch do research. Half of the people that
COMPETES Act to create manufacturing over to mass production of prefab homes in needed homes could not afford the down
jobs, and Rep. Axne’s bill to ban bomber and tank plants? The UAW-CIO payment. The Federal Housing
eliminating health insurance for striking mapped out plants with space or that were Administration discouraged the prefab
workers, is just a start in restoring not being used. They recommended that a homes and their regulations reflected
fairness for working families. National Housing Committee be appointed that position. Mortgage companies also
by President Truman comprised of opposed the homes because they would
For more information on CAP visit organized labor, building trades and not be able to make money off of them.
https://uaw.org/standing-committees/ government agencies. The homes would have to be priced at the
citizenship-and-legislative-cap- Workers from local unions would form actual cost of the manufacturer.
committee/ co-operatives to buy land and build houses According to UAW archivist Gavin
together. The idea was for families to Strassel at the Wayne State University
arrange financing, acquire the land, and Library, “I’m not sure if workers and the
arrange the design. UAW-CIO believed UAW ever materialized one of these
these planned communities would help neighborhood co-ops, but the bold plan
eliminate slums by workers moving out of showed the union’s creativity and
Ray Curry willingness in addressing vital issues
the slum and into the new communities.
President, International Union UAW Local 174 was a part of a project slated beyond the workplace”.
for Lincoln Park. The plan originally was For more information about the UAW
designed to hold 708 lots and sell for $1,400. and the housing crisis, visit the James
The lots did not have recreational areas. Lindahl Papers in the Reuther Library at
They were narrow with alleys, were noisy https://reuther.wayne.edu/.
4 | SOLIDARITY Winter 2022
Wisconsin
Autoworker
Experiences
Missouri’s
Premier
Waterfowl
Hunting on
Brotherhood
Outdoors TV
Article and photo courtesy of
Union Sportsmen’s Alliance USA
Spring Hill, Tenn. — Aaron Burns, a Warm weather means a slow start for the charity pheasant hunt at a local hunt club
second-generation union autoworker from hunter, but when the temperature falls on where they raised money for the Rock
Footville, Wisconsin, headed to the heart of the second day, birds pile into the decoys County Cancer Coalition.
the Mississippi Flyway for epic waterfowl and feathers fly. “As a committee, we bring our union
action when the Union Sportsmen’s “This is by far the best duck hunting I’ve brothers and sisters and their families
Alliance’s Brotherhood Outdoors aired on ever experienced,” Burns said. “I mean, I saw together in the outdoors,” he said, “and every
the Sportsman Channel. more ducks on this hunt than any other time year, this hunt gets bigger, which means that
Mallards and teal are the main menu I’ve been hunting them.” every year we can help a couple more
items when Burns, a member of United Auto Burns is chairman of his local union’s people.”
Workers UAW Local 1268 and Team Leader Sportsmen’s Committee and organizes For a complete list of upcoming episodes,
at the Stellantis Belvidere Auto Assembly events and fundraisers for his fellow union visit www.brotherhoodoutdoors.tv.
Plant, hunts the marshes and flooded brush members. Back home in Wisconsin, the To watch episodes from past seasons, visit
managed by Habitat Flats Waterfowl Lodge Brotherhood Outdoors camera crew caught www.myoutdoortv.com.
in Missouri’s prime duck country. up with him and his union brothers during a
Winter 2022 SOLIDARITY | 5
BLACK HISTORY
MONTH
CELEBRATING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF AFRICAN-AMERICANS IN THE
LABOR MOVEMENT AND THEIR COMMITMENT TO CIVIL AND HUMAN RIGHTS
RORY L. GAMBLE
Rory L. Gamble has held several positions during his career
within the UAW. His career began at UAW Local 600 where
he served in multiple capacities. He was elected to other
roles in the organization including Regional Director and
Vice President. In 2019 Rory L. Gamble made history by
becoming the first African-American President of the UAW.
RUBEN BURKS
In 1998, he became the first African-American International
UAW Secretary-Treasurer, a post he held until 2002. He also
became the first labor leader to chair the Board of Trustees
of the United Way of Genesee and Lapeer counties in 1991.
Brother Burks was one of the first African-American officers
elected to the Alliance for Retired Americans (ARA).
ELIZABETH “LIZ” JACKSON
In 1966, she was appointed as one of the first African-
American women to serve as an International Representative
and was appointed by UAW President Walter P. Reuther to
work in the National Ford Deparment. In 1967, she made
history when she became the first woman to sit in the
national negotiations between the UAW and Ford Motor
Company.
BEN GROSS
He became a UAW member in 1949 when he joined UAW
Local 560 which began a 62-year long affiliation with the
UAW that included a string of groundbreaking positions. In
1950, he became the first African-American elected to the
local’s bargaining committee. In 1961, Gross was elected to
the Milpitas City Council in California and later elected as
mayor, a first for an African-American.
ERNEST “ERNIE” DILLARD
He hired in as an arc welder at the General Motors’ Fisher
Body Fleetwood plant in Detroit. He joined UAW Local
15 because he recognized the importance of the labor
movement, particularly for African-Americans. It was there
that his labor activism flourished, and he held numerous
positions in Local 15 between 1942 and 1964. He was the first
African-American to hold leadership posts at the local.
WILLIAM OLIVER
In 1941, Oliver became the first African-American to serve
on the executive board of UAW Ford Local 400. He became a
staff member of the International in 1945 and five years later
he was co-director, with Walter Reuther, of the UAW Fair
Practices and Anti-Discrimination Department, of which he
became sole director after Reuther’s death in 1970.
LILLIAN HATCHER
After winning her election to UAW local 742’s executive
board, she was later appointed as an International
Representative with the UAW’s newly formed Women’s
Bureau. She was the first African-American woman
appointed as an International Representative.
6 | SOLIDARITY Winter 2022
NEW REGION TO
BE FORMED IN
FAST GROWING
WESTERN STATES
The UAW International Executive
A Fight Worth Having
Board voted to change how the
regions are allocated. The
reorganization of Region 4 and Region
8 will allow for a new Region 6, which When UAW Local 578 members who recently held a hearing about the
will be comprised of Washington, work for Oshkosh Defense learned that matter.
Oregon, California, Nevada, Idaho, their company was awarded a $3 billion “Many times, we’re told that good
Utah, Arizona, Hawaii, and Alaska. contract with the U.S. Postal Service to jobs are worth fighting for,” said Bob
“Just in the past few years the UAW build up to 165,000 electric and Lynk, president of the UAW Local 578.
traditional postal vehicles, they were “Well, that fight is now. We need to
has been growing in the west
excited. They knew that their long fight to secure our future.”
including 17,000 new graduate student
history of quality work and experience The actions of Oshkosh Defense have
researchers at the University of
contributed to Oshkosh’s selection for become a rallying cry for local 578
California, with gaming industry the coveted contract. But soon after members. They rolled up their sleeves
dealers, and new opportunities in the announcement, the members found and started a petition campaign and
vehicle production, parts and out that the work would not be coming took their message on the road,
suppliers,” said Ray Curry, UAW to Wisconsin but would be going to a recently delivering tens of thousands of
International President. new manufacturing facility in South signatures to Washington, D.C.
Nominations for the regional Carolina. Despite capacity in their “These are jobs worth fighting for,”
director of the new Region 6 will be facility and the state, Oshkosh Defense said Ron McInroy, Director of UAW
held at the July 2022 Constitutional stated that it could not find a facility Region 4. “Local 578 members knew
Convention. The election for the new large enough to employ the 1,500 that their craftsmanship and experience
position will be held with all of the workers to make the EV mail truck. gave Oshkosh the platform to win that
other IEB positions. Once the election Despite the devastating news, contract and I commend the
takes place and the officers have been members of Local 578 did not give up. membership for taking a stand.”
sworn in, the new region will stand on They decided to fight to win the work And Local 578 members do not
its own. Until that time, the states that for their hometown. At a rally held in stand alone. Environmental groups
will make up the new Region 6 will February, they argued that federal have lent their support, arguing that
continue to be serviced in Region 4 dollars should support union jobs and green jobs should not happen at the
and Region 8. contribute to a cleaner fleet of vehicles. expense of labor rights. Unfortunately,
These are key components of President not all elected leadership feels the
“The new Region 6 will comprise
Biden’s Build Back Better agenda. Since same way. Senator Ron Johnson (R)
over 40,000 UAW members in an area
that event, more voices have joined in announced in February that he would
where our union density and growth is
questioning the decision to build the not fight to keep jobs in his state
high, and we believe will continue product in South Carolina. Both because, “It’s not like we don’t have
with strong organizing growth in the Oshkosh Defense and the U.S. Postal enough jobs here in Wisconsin.”
future,” said Curry. Service are being challenged by the Another example of how the ballot box
local, environmental groups as well as is connected to the breadbox.
the House Oversight Committee which
UAW-Represented Workplaces That You May Not Have Known About
UAW members do a variety of diverse jobs in many different sectors. The members of Region 1, Local 251, Unit 81, Ontario, Canada
UAW Member/Environmentalists at the Ecology Center, Ann make sure hungry Canadians are delivered industry-leading food
Arbor, Michigan, Local 38, Unit 47 have a very important job. This service. See what members are dishing up at www.compass-canada.
non-profit organization looks at issues of chemicals in our society, com.
consumer products and the impact they have. They make Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, medical supplies and
recommendations to advocate for safe and responsible selection of necessities such as hospital beds have been in high demand.
goods, such as ensuring the toys donated in toy drives, such as Toys Members at Bennett Manufacturing Company, Albany, NY, Region 9,
for Tots are safe and free of dangerous chemicals. For more Local 55, Unit 8 are working hard everyday, to meet the demand in
information about the Ecology Center, visit www.ecocenter.org. this growing industry and manufacture quality union-made
Tantalizing the tastebuds of people at over 2,200 locations hospital beds. Read more about Bennett Manufacturing at www.
throughout Canada, workers at Compass Group serve quality bennettmfg.com.
cuisine at cafes, schools, universities, seniors’ residences, hospitals, Do you have an interesting workplace that you’d like featured?
as well as remote camps, and even offshore oil rigs. Email workplaces@uaw.org and tell us about it!
Winter 2022 SOLIDARITY | 7
Women’s History Month 8 | SOLIDARITY Winter 2022
A S WE CE LE B R ATE WO M E N ’ S H I STO RY M O NTH , WE R E COG N I Z E T WO UAW WO M E N
WH O HAVE MAD E A L A STI N G I M PAC T FO R WO M E N I N TH E U N I O N M OVE M E NT
Dottie Jones
UAW leader Dottie Jones made history as
the first African-American Administrative
Assistant in the UAW. Jones started her
advocacy for the rights of workers in 1966
when she joined UAW Local 630. There she
served as a member of the executive board,
an Employee Assistance Program
Coordinator, Chairperson of the Community
Service standing committee, and Chief
Steward of the local.
In 1985 she was named one of 25
Outstanding Black Women in Michigan and Geraldine “Geri” Ochocinska
was given the Feminist Achievement Award
and the Walter Reuther Distinguished
Service Award. She also served as Assistant Geri Ochocinska broke the glass Ochocinska’s impact went beyond
Director of the UAW Women’s Department ceiling at the UAW becoming the first just her Region. She served as a board
and as Assistant Director of the Retired and woman Assistant Director and of directors’ member on a number of
Older Workers’ Department. Regional Director serving on the organizations, including the Coalition
In 1996, she was appointed by President International Executive Board. of Labor Union Women (CLUW), the
Stephen Yokich as the first African- Director Ochocinska became a UAW Statewide Labor Advisory Committee
American woman to serve as an member in 1965 after helping organize for Cornell University’s School of
Administrative Assistant in the President’s her co-workers at Rich Ice Cream Co. in Industrial and Labor Relations, Union
office, a position she also held during the Buffalo, N.Y., as a technical, office, and Occupational Health Center, Coalition
presidency of Ron Gettelfinger. professional unit of UAW Amalgamated of Economic Justice, Northeast-
Sister Jones was a true trade union Local 55. Midwest Alliance of Management and
activist that advocated for women and She was elected unit chair and Labor, the Public Broadcasting
workers’ rights. She was no stranger to served until 1969, when she became the Association of Western New York, and
politics, collaborating with governors, local’s office manager and assistant the International Foundation of
members of congress and President Bill administrator of its Retirement Income Employee Benefit Plans. She was also a
Clinton. In 1992, Sister Jones testified before and Welfare Funds Department. In president of the Industrial Relations
the House Subcommittee on Employment 1971, Ochocinska was promoted to Research Association of Western New
Opportunities at a hearing on sexual business representative of the local York.
harassment in nontraditional occupations. with responsibilities including contract “Geri was a pioneering trade unionist
She attended a White House briefing during negotiation, grievance, and arbitration who broke the glass ceiling when she
President Bill Clinton’s administration handling for many of the Local 63 units. was elected Regional Director of Region
regarding the proposal for cuts in Medicare She was elected vice president and 9,” said UAW President Ray Curry. “She
in 1996. financial secretary-treasurer before organized the Rich Ice Cream Company
Women exercising their right to vote was being appointed as a Region 9 in 1965, rising in her local to become
an important issue for Jones. She said, International Representative in 1976 to Vice President and Financial Secretary
“When you start fighting for an equal share service more than sixty companies in during a time when female elected
of the power, this shakes the whole male western New York. Geri also developed leaders were rare. Once appointed to
power structure, and they get antsy. But this and taught educational programs for the UAW International Staff in 1976,
isn’t about taking over, it’s about equality.” union leaders and assisted in Ochocinska was a strong labor
“The only way to change this is to elect organizing new members. representative with over sixty
people that look like you, who think like In 1994, Ochocinska became the first companies in western New York.”
you,” she said. woman to be appointed Assistant “We honor Geri Ochocinska today for
Jones received many awards and held Director of Region 9 by Director Tom her lifetime of service, advocacy for
several positions including state Fricano, approved by UAW President working families and most of all for
representative for the Michigan Minority Owen Bieber. Sister Ochocinska was the being a pioneer leader of women who
Women’s Network, the Michigan Task Force first woman elected as a regional paved the way for so many influential
on Sexual Harassment, UAW Region 1A director serving two terms from 1998 UAW women in leadership.”
Women’s Council, the Taskforce on Elderly until her retirement in 2006.
Abuse and Secretary of Labor Participation
Committee and many more.
Winter 2022 SOLIDARITY | 9Cindy Estrada
Celebrating Women in History Cindy Estrada is serving her third four-year term as a UAW
Vice President and currently heads the Stellantis (formerly Fiat
Chrysler Automobiles) and Women’s Departments.
She was first elected UAW Vice President in 2010 and
assigned to direct the unions UAW Independents, Parts and
Supplier/Competitive Shop Department; Public Sector and
Health care servicing department and the UAW Women’s
Department. While in that role she was the lead negotiator for
over 17,000 UAW workers in the State of Michigan.
Estrada also led negotiations for the Michigan Coalition of
State Employee Unions, providing historic agreements
protecting health care and establishing vital programs
addressing privatization and workplace democracy for over
35,000 state employees.
The long-time organizer and activist is involved with many
labor and community organizations. Estrada is a proud
member of UAW Local 174, having worked at Impressions in
Taylor, MI.
Beverley Brakeman
Beverley Brakeman was elected director of UAW Region 9A
at the 37th Constitutional Convention in June 2018. Previously
she was the Region 9A Assistant Director.
Brakeman, a member of UAW Local 376 in Connecticut,
began her work with UAW under the direction of then-UAW
Region 9A Director Phil Wheeler. She was hired to run Citizens
for Economic Opportunity (CEO), a coalition started by the
UAW comprised of community, labor, faith-based and other
allied groups with an interest in challenging corporate power
and accountability.
Under Brakeman’s leadership, CEO fought for universal
healthcare and corporate transparency and accountability. In
the early 2000s when states were fighting for better laws and
policies to increase health care coverage for all, Brakeman
started and led Labor for Universal Healthcare. This group
fought in the legislature, in corporate boardrooms, on the
streets and even in police vans against insurance company
excessive CEO pay and profits.
Laura Dickerson
Laura Dickerson was elected UAW Region 1A Director at a
special convention on Aug. 27, 2021. She fills the remaining
term of former Region 1A Director Chuck Browning, who was
unanimously elected by the UAW International Executive
Board to the position of Vice President and Director of the UAW
Ford Department.
Dickerson is the first African-American woman in the
history of the UAW to be elected as Regional Director and to be
promoted to Assistant Director of a Regional UAW Office. She
was appointed Assistant Director of Region 1A in 2020. Region
1A covers most of Wayne (including part of Detroit), Monroe
and Washtenaw counties, and extends to the Ohio border.
10 | SOLIDARITY Winter 2022Flint Sitdown Strike
85th Anniversary
On February 11th, White Shirt Day, UAW
members came together to honor the 85th
anniversary of the Flint Sitdown Strike
against General Motors. The 44-day strike
began on December 30, 1936, when workers
from all different races and backgrounds help improve their
decided to sit down at the Fisher Body morale. When the strike
Plant 1. became violent, the Flint Women’s
White Shirt Day is an annual day of Emergency Brigade was formed to protect
remembrance when members of the UAW, the sitdown strikers who were their
regardless of sector, are asked to wear white husbands, brothers, and sons. Wielding
shirts and to eat bean soup, an apple, and mops, brooms, rolling pins, and pans, they
bread, which is the food the strikers ate, surrounded the men in the plants and
honoring the courageous men and women of formed human shields against the police. we had a good governor,” recalled Geraldine
Flint, Michigan who stood up against When tear gas was hurled into the buildings Blankenship decades later. Blankenship
anti-union sentiment, brutal working to break the strike, the women smashed the attended the annual observance every year,
conditions, and low wages. windows so it would escape. until her death.
Flint workers were asking for a national The clash with police, also known as the A major turning point in the strike
General Motors agreement, day rates, the Battle of Bulls Run, prompted Michigan occurred on February 1st when strikers took
abolition of the piece work system, seniority Governor Frank Murphy to take action. over Chevrolet Plant No. 4, which was key to
rights, recognition of the union, control of Murphy, to General Motors dismay, sent in the production of most General Motors
the speed up, grievance procedures, the the National Guard to keep the peace, rather vehicles. This brought one of the most
reinstatement of all men who had been fired than remove the workers from the plant. powerful corporations in the world at the
for union activity, and for a 30-hour week. “We didn’t know what was going to time to its knees and to the bargaining table.
General Motors denied those demands. happen, and then of course when the The strike ended that historic day on
While the men were in the plant, the Flint National Guard was called out we were February 11, 1937, in a one-page agreement
Women’s Auxiliary collected money for scared to death that maybe they were going recognizing the UAW as the exclusive
families and visited the strike windows to to shoot the strikers, but they didn’t because bargaining agent for all the workers.
Winter 2022 SOLIDARITY | 11CAP - CREATING A Brennan Center, in just this year alone, 19
PATH FORWARD states have enacted 33 new laws that
As UAW Community Action Program restrict access to vote. Several states are
leaders convene this May in National likely to pass laws this year that make it
Harbor, MD, delegates will implore state harder for people to vote.
leaders to improve opportunities for Gerrymandering has also effectively
working families in our workplaces and disenfranchised millions of voters across
our communities. the country as state lawmakers and
“We are at a period where we have great governors across the country have created
changes in our workplaces and our districts that benefit their political party.
communities, but we have great UAW CAP members continue to push for
opportunities too, that can make sure that the United States to pass meaningful
future generations of UAW members have legislation to curtail states from enforcing
good union jobs, benefits and a place at voter suppression laws, but the effort has
the table through collective bargaining,” stalled in the United States Senate due to
said UAW President Ray Curry. “We have a unified Republican opposition.
President who is unabashedly supportive “UAW CAP members continue to press
of union members, the UAW in particular, state governments against voter
and working families, so this is an suppression measures,” said President
opportunity to create a path forward.” Curry. “But we are equally committed
despite these obstacles to getting out the
vote. In CAP our mission is not just to
PROTECTING THE RIGHT fight in the halls of the legislature, but we
TO JOIN A UNION must also turn our attention to making
Almost 70% of Americans support the sure that these barriers do not succeed.
rights of unions to organize. We know a And that means knocking on more doors,
worker with a union contract earns 10% making more phone calls and reaching
more in hourly wages than a non-union more members and neighbors.”
worker with the same job, nevertheless
union membership has declined. STRENGTHENING THE
One of the key legislative initiatives in MIDDLE CLASS AND
Congress is called the “Protecting the U.S. MANUFACTURING
Right to Organize Act”(PRO Act), which Many of UAW manufacturing sectors
would strengthen penalties against are in the midst of a great opportunity for
corporations that violate workers’ rights, jobs of the future as the nation begins to
provide for mediation and arbitration of phase in a reduced carbon footprint.
first contracts, eliminate right to work, “Technology changes are both a
prohibit captive audience meetings, and challenge and an opportunity,” said Curry.
support workers’ right to strike for basic “If we do this right and we protect good
workplace improvements. The legislation paying union jobs as they transition to
has passed the House and has 47 co- Electric Vehicle technologies, we can
sponsors in the United States Senate (plus actually grow jobs in the future. But that
the tie-breaking vote of Vice President requires government policies that
Kamala Harris.) incentivize keeping good paying union
“The PRO Act remains a priority for our jobs in the United States.
CAP members,” said Curry. “We can CAP members are busy advocating for communities, our families and our work
reverse the decline in union members passage at the state and federal levels for opportunities,” said Curry. “When you join with your
nationwide by simply leveling the playing legislation that ties investment in new local CAP Committee you become the voice of your
field for workers who want a union and technology to good-paying union jobs in future on many issues including candidate
give workers a fighting chance of the United States. Many UAW friendly endorsements. And in 2022, our CAP members have a
organizing without retribution.” legislators have signed on to a provision great opportunity to impact a great deal of policies
proposed by Sen. Debbie Stabenow and that impact our lives.
CIVIL RIGHTS AND Congressman Dan Kildee to tie subsidies
to U.S. jobs and add an extra $4,500 tax
ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
VOTING RIGHTS In addition to Electric Vehicle implementation and
UAW members have been at the credit for union-built vehicles. While
subsidies, CAP members are busy advocating for new
forefront of Civil Rights and Voting Rights debate continues in the U.S. Senate, the
fuel efficiency standards that will ease the transition
since Walter Reuther stood behind then focus remains on incentivizing
to electric vehicles including heavy trucks. The goal is
President Lyndon Johnson as he signed the opportunity for American manufacturing
to reduce emissions while also protecting UAW
1965 Voting Rights Act. workers.
members in the transition. UAW members have
For Reuther voting rights was an advocated for standards that promotes investment,
extension of his vision for CAP connecting FROM THE PANDEMIC, FUEL establishes certainty and creates new union jobs in
the “ballot box with the bread box.” STANDARDS, TRADE AND vehicle production and advanced technology.
In 2021 voter suppression laws RETIREMENT SECURITY,
dramatically increased. False claims that CAP HAS A FULL PLATE BUDGET, TAXES, HEALTH CARE
President Biden unfairly won the 2020 “Unlike many unions, the UAW CAP and COVID-19
election have likely contributed to the Standing Committees are what really UAW CAP members are hard at work promoting
spike in activity. According to the drives our efforts to impact our legislation at the federal and state levels that refocus
12 | SOLIDARITY Winter 2022nomination and confirmation of judges
who prioritize the interests of working
people. Over a third of judges can retire
and U.S. Supreme Court Stephen Breyer
has announced his retirement. In recent
years more anti-worker judges have joined
the court. Unsurprisingly, a litany of
anti-labor decisions have made it more
difficult for workers to organize; protect
union pensions; and advocate for health
and safety in the workplace. 2022 National CAP
CAP Members have been active in Conference in our
supporting President Biden’s nomination
of judges who will support worker rights,
Nation’s Capital
protect voting rights, and strengthen May 15-18
access to affordable health care.
UAW CAP councils, CAP
RETIREMENT SECURITY committees, and local union
Whether protecting social security, the leaders from across the country
retirement benefits of public sector will convene May 15-18 at the
employees and protecting private sector Gaylord National Harbor
retirement plans from cuts, UAW CAP Conference Center in our nation’s
members are actively advocating at the capital to organize for the 2022
state and federal level for retirement policy agenda and midterm
protections. elections.
“The fact is our CAP Committees have
never had a fuller plate, and UAW “The UAW is unique in that our
members have never relied on their efforts local unions, through their CAP
more,” said Curry. councils directly participate in
Other state and federal issues passing pro-labor legislation as
impacting UAW members and their well as endorsing pro-labor
families include Immigration; Education elected officials,” said UAW
and Job Training; Health and Safety at President Ray Curry. “Our
Work; Veterans’ issues and protections for members are gathering to share
our members in Puerto Rico and their best practices, learn about the
families. latest campaign techniques, and
focus on UAW’s legislative and
ENDORSEMENTS political agendas.”
SET THE TONE
For UAW President Curry, the tone of While in Washington, D.C.
CAP work is set through the hard work of members will hear from national
CAP Committees during the endorsement and Congressional leaders and
process. meet with their elected officials in
“UAW members sit in on endorsement a jam-packed three-day
interviews and participate in the actual conference.
endorsement process,” said Curry. “It sets “We are proud that our political
tax policies on creating and sustaining jobs, a strong tone for elected officials that our action begins at the worksite,” said
stimulating the economy, ensuring the super wealthy members are the focus of our CAP Curry. “We encourage our
pay their fair share, and discouraging the off-shoring program. And it is important that local members to contact their local
of American jobs. CAP members also have opposed union members participate in CAP. Our unions and get involved in passing
budget cuts for programs that are important to influence as a union starts with that door pro-labor laws to create an
working families and improve retirement security and knock or that phone call.” environment for our families to
affordable health care. CAP members have been For the UAW, clearly, 2022 will be a thrive. “It all starts with members
instrumental in advocating as well for COVID-19 relief critical year for the American worker. But participating in CAP to endorse
to keep workers and their families solvent and protect the midterm Fall 2022 elections will help and elect pro-labor candidates and
their jobs through the pandemic. determine the fate of many of the issues pass laws that benefit working
INTERNATIONAL TRADE CAP members are working on. “Electing families.”
Fortunately, President Biden has appointed and reelecting those that support UAW
Katherine Tai to the position of U.S. Trade members and their families is the strength
Representative (USTR), where she is embracing a of UAW CAP work. As activists, we have a
worker-centric trade enforcement model. UAW CAP big job ahead of us,” said Curry. “But we
members have been fighting for legislation to combat also have a great opportunity as well to
unfair trade practices; and to protect UAW members really make a lasting change and create
who are the only producers of electrical steel left in thousands of jobs of the future if we elect
our country. the right people and pass the right
legislation. But it is hard work, and I am
JUDICIAL NOMINATIONS confident UAW members are up to the
UAW CAP members are active in supporting the task.”
Winter 2022 SOLIDARITY | 13LANA SCOTT
“The Voice”
14 | SOLIDARITY Winter 2022Lana Scott’s
Passion for
Country Music
lands her on
“The Voice”
For Lana Scott, daughter of a UAW Voice” Scott sang a rendition of Kelsea about other people and their feelings, and
member, her relentless passion for Country Ballerini’s, “Hole in the Bottle.” In this she is someone to be proud of.”
Music landed her on national television with audition, judges’ chairs are facing away from He stated in an interview, “I am so
an entire UAW Local cheering her on as she the performer, and only turn when the humbled by all the wonderful people that
appeared on NBC’s four-time Emmy Award- judges activate a button to see who is gathered together to support my daughter,
winning musical competition series “The performing and must decide to turn their it’s just phenomenal and I am grateful …the
Voice”. chair prior to the artist finishing their song. UAW means the world to me, and the
Four celebrity judges pick aspiring This allows the judges to base their decision support from Ford and the UAW, plus locally
vocalists from across the country for their on the vocal talents and not the appearance here in Corydon, Indiana, …especially the
“teams” to compete. of the performer. Afterwards the performer UAW is mind boggling and it’s just awesome
The celebrity judges comprised for Season must decide which judge’s “team” to join. and wonderful.”
21; multi-platinum global recording artist, After Scott finished her song, both Blake “I want to say, thank you so much,” Lana
Grammy Award winner and actress Ariana Shelton and Kelly Clarkson turned their Scott said about the UAW supporting her
Grande; country/pop music star and tv host chairs for her. Afterwards Clarkson stated, “I journey on “The Voice”. “I could feel your
Kelly Clarkson; singer, songwriter, and love your sound. It kind of reminded me of support, even if I haven’t met you I heard
producer, John Legend; and country music Natalie Maines meets Pam Tillis. Like you about it and felt that support, and I really
star and television personality Blake have that real cool stylized country sound feel that the UAW and Ford were a huge part
Shelton. which I love.” Blake Shelton after giving her a of my success on the show and all those votes
The show’s format features four stages of standing ovation claimed, “That is country. I really counted, and I believe they helped my
competition: Blind Auditions, Battle Rounds, mean that’s not like I’m going to try to do get as far as I did. It’s such a big family that
Knockouts and Live Performance Shows. In country. That is country.” The 28-year-old you are all a part of. For you all to support
Season 21, we were pleased to watch as well ended up choosing Shelton as her coach. me like that is so humbling and it’s also very
as help support one of our own, 28-year-old Prior to her Blind Audition, Scott shared that motivating because I feel we are all this
Lana Scott who is the daughter of Rob Scott her father is a huge Blake Shelton fan, she family now. I feel I am part of that family now.”
a Millwright at Ford Motor Company’s also said she would be thrilled to have Kelly Scott was able to make it to the semi-
Louisville Assembly Plant, UAW Local 862. Clarkson turn her chair for her. finals on “The Voice” but unfortunately was
Scott, said she has enjoyed music her For Scott, her drive led her to the show. eliminated with two other contestants on
entire life, whether singing at church or This was her sixth time auditioning adding votes from viewers. After several great
performing in musical theater. Always that, “Perseverance pays off,” she said. “Sixth performances, her time was up on the show.
encouraged by her family, especially her times the charm is my new motto,” she said. But for her UAW family her perseverance
grandmother, Scott pursued her love of “I’ve been almost there a few times, and to and talent brought solidarity from UAW
music. After graduation from high school, finally be on that stage… I think because I’ve members in Local 862 that will long be
Lana briefly attending the Berkley College of visualized and wanted and worked for that remembered.
Music, before landing a job performing on a specifically for so long than when I’m on it I Lana Scott is not the only person with ties
cruise ship. Spending the next three years can’t not appreciate it.” to the UAW to be featured on the “The
singing and visiting exotic locations, Lana For proud UAW dad Robert Scott, he said Voice”. Rio Souma, a UAW member from
focused in on her passion for country music her success comes from the person she is. Stellantis, was featured during Season 19.
by honing-in on her vocal and songwriting “She is an amazing person. I believe that is He was on John Legend’s team and lost in the
skills. why she sings so good because it is really battle rounds to singer Casme’ ending his
In this season’s Blind Auditions on “The coming from the heart. She has always cared time on the show.
Winter 2022 SOLIDARITY | 15Voting Rights Our union has long fought
for voting rights of all
Americans because it is
fraud is extremely rare, and voter impersonation is virtually
nonexistent.
Worse, the anti-worker majority on the Supreme Court
the foundation of our democracy. Unfortunately, last year, failed to stop state anti-voter laws. Instead, they chipped away
state legislatures nationwide enacted countless restrictive at critical legislation like the Voting Rights Act. Now, there is a
voting laws. Nineteen states passed thirty-four laws making it danger that millions of lawful citizens will be denied their right
harder for citizens to vote, even criminalizing offering bottled to vote in 2022. UAW members are no exception.
water to someone in line to vote. Several of the laws make it Under President Curry’s leadership, we advocated
harder to vote by mail and reduce the number of ballots drop legislation that protects voting rights for all Americans.
boxes -- both which dis-proportionately impact marginalized Regrettably, in early January, Senate Minority Leader
communities of color. Many also loosen the rules for those in McConnell filibustered to advance the combined pair of
power to purge voters from voter rolls. voting bills known as the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act
Such efforts aren’t slowing down. As the 2022 legislative (H.R. 5746). Efforts to change the Senate’s archaic rules didn’t
session begins, four states (AZ, MO, NH, SC) already receive a majority of votes either. Bipartisan discussions are
introduced thirteen restrictive voting bills. The last time there now geared to reform the Electoral Count Act, making it
was a large-scale push to curb voting access was during harder for the Vice-President to overturn the results of
Reconstruction, more than a century ago. Now, voters in Presidential elections.
nearly half the country will again find it harder to cast a ballot UAW’s history is rooted in fighting for civil and human
in November. rights. Without these reforms, voters from every walk of life
Why are states passing such laws? How are the lives of UAW could face barriers at the ballot box. Your vote determines
members, their families and retirees impacted because of it? who sets the policy agenda in the White House and Congress.
False claims that President Biden unfairly won the 2020 You can turn the tide on voting rights by urging your Senators
election have been a driving motivation. These laws continue to vote yes on H.R. 5746. Call the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at
to pass despite extensive credible research showing that voter 202-224-3121 to be connected to your Senators.
UAW Retired Workers
presence in these communities. found on the uaw.org website, under the
Many IAC’s have drop-in centers, where a retirees tab.
International Area member or spouse can seek advice and
information on their benefits, and the
The Council members have led the way
during their working years, by fighting for
Councils (IAC’s) Councils hold monthly meetings to share
information on important benefit updates,
the wages and benefits most of our
membership enjoys today, and they continue
The Retired Workers International Area the UAW political agenda, community to do so by being part of the Alliance for
Councils (IAC’s) were established in 1966 as activities that the group can participate in, Retired Americans and other advocacy
part of Article 55 of the UAW Constitution. and to advocate for improvement of retiree groups to continue the battle. Many of our
Their purpose is to assist the retirees, and benefits at the state and federal levels. retirees are officers of this group at the state
their spouses, that live in these geographical We currently have 530,536 retirees in all and national level.
areas. The areas were selected because we sectors of the UAW spread out across the These Councils also provide a place for the
had large numbers of our membership United States. There are currently 34 retirees to socialize, they participate in car
retiree to these areas and there were no local International Area Councils, with 19 of these shows, go on bus trips, volunteer in their
union offices available to assist them. They offering drop-in center services. A listing of communities, host luncheons as well as
were also established to be our political these locations and contact people can be holiday get togethers.
16 | SOLIDARITY Winter 20222020 Financial Report
Report to Members on the Union’s Finances
This report is a summary of the Union’s financial position for
2020. It comes at a challenging time when our union was faced
with a global pandemic, supply chain issues, and a shortage of
semiconductor parts that has impacted many of our sectors.
Through investment and budgeting the union has been able to
act as good stewards of dues money, stabilizing our funding and
following the stringent auditing practices put in place with our
extensive ethics reforms on fiscal management.
Our union, despite challenging times, has great opportunities on the horizon. Many sectors anticipate
significant growth including auto, agriculture implement, heavy truck, TOP, and higher education.
Changes in technology give UAW members the opportunity to grow into new jobs with union protections
and benefits through collective bargaining as EVs and battery technologies come online.
And UAW members have achieved significant gains in contracts over many sectors despite the challenges
during the pandemic and parts shortage as UAW members share in record profits.
The UAW Strike Fund despite some notable strikes, like the 2019 General Motors strike, continues its
growth at a steady clip.
And with a union champion as President, the Biden Administration continues to advocate for working
Americans and push for good paying union jobs in the United States and stronger labor laws that make it
easier for Americans to join a union.
Yes, there have been challenges in recent years, but the state of our union finances remains strong and
growing stronger despite those headwinds.
Frank Stuglin
Secretary-Treasurer
Winter 2022 SOLIDARITY | 172020 Financial Report
This financial report provides information
about the union’s financial position. Among the UAW FINANCES AT A GLANCE
highlights:
OPERATING FUNDS INCOME AND EXPENDITURES FOR 2020:
• The Union’s Operating Funds reported a net
Income $ 183,309,242.27
income of $12,699,630.00 for 2020. Operating Expenditures 170,609,612.37
_______________
Funds include the General Fund, as well as the
Net Income $ 12,699,629.90
_______________
_______________
Citizenship, Education, Civil Rights, Recreation
and FEC Funds. TOTAL ASSETS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2020:
• The Union’s Strike and Defense Fund received Cash on Hand and in Banks $ 5,353,699.00
$55.5 million in 2020 from the ½ hour dues Investments - At Cost 953,640,439.00
increase approved by the delegates to the 36th Accounts Receivable 9,684,933.00
Mortgages Receivable 410,949.00
Constitutional Convention.
Notes Receivable 2,517,582.00
• The Strike and Defense Fund paid out $5.5 Supplies for Resale 310,887.00
million in strike benefits in 2020. Furniture, Equipment & Vehicles 3,338,073.00
Union Building Corporation 81,155,822.00
_______________
• Overall active and retired membership stood at
TOTAL ASSETS $ 1,056,412,384.00
_______________
_______________
1,051,328.
TOTAL LIABILITIES AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2020:
The following is a summary from UAW Secretary-
Treasurer Frank Stuglin. The full report is available for Accounts Payable to Affiliated Organizations $ 4,219,440.00
examination at all local unions. Accounts Payable - Troubled Workers 597,819.00
Local Union Rebates 2,541,773.00
Note Payable to VEBA 93,648,218.00
Payroll Taxes Payable
_______________ 88,463.00
TOTAL LIABILITIES
_______________ $ 101,095,713.00
TOTAL FUND BALANCES AS OF
DECEMBER 31, 2020
______________
______________ $ 955,316,671.00
REPORT OF SECRETARY-TREASURER FRANK STUGLIN FOR TOTAL ASSETS
THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020 Total Assets were $1,056,412,384.00 as of December 31,
At the direction of the International Trustees, Calibre CPA Group, 2020, an increase of $23,377,183.00 from the Total Assets of
PLLC, audited the books of the International Union, UAW for the year $1,033,035,201.00 as of December 31, 2019. Total Assets are
ended December 31, 2020. primarily comprised of cash on hand and the cost of various
The following report reflects the changes in the financial position of investment securities. Total Assets also include other less liquid
the International Union, UAW as of December 31, 2020 in comparison assets such as real and personal property that are used in the day-to-
to our Union’s financial position as of December 31, 2019. day operations of the union.
OVERVIEW OF UAW FINANCIAL STRUCTURE TOTAL LIABILITIES
The International Union’s financial structure is based on a system Total Liabilities, consisting of Rebates to Local Unions and the
of individual funds. The UAW Constitution establishes this system General Fund, Payroll Deductions Payable, Monies Due to Affiliated
and sets forth the source of income and objectives of each fund. Organizations and amounts due to the VEBA were $101,095,713.00 as
The Secretary-Treasurer’s office ensures compliance with the of December 31, 2020, a decrease of $9,856,346.00 from Total
Constitution by segregating all of the Union’s financial resources into Liabilities of $110,952,059.00 as of December 31, 2019.
separate funds and otherwise ensuring that expenditures are made
in accordance with the Constitution. The Union has a total of 11 TOTAL FUND BALANCE
separate funds. The combined resources of these 11 funds are set The Total Fund Balance of the International Union, represented by
forth in the figures below. Total Assets less Total Liabilities, was $955,316,671.00 as of
A summary of several of the Union’s larger funds is also included in December 31, 2020. This is an increase of $33,233,529.00 from the
this report. Union’s Fund Balance of $922,083,142.00 as of December 31, 2019.
18 | SOLIDARITY Winter 2022You can also read
