UAW autoworkers take pride in General Motors’ continued success

DETROIT – UAW members are proud to have contributed to General Motors’ positive second quarter financial results.  GM’s turnaround is proof that with flexibility, innovation and teamwork, anything is possible, UAW President Bob King said today.

“The commitment, sacrifices and hard work of UAW members at GM is an enormous part of this positive news coming from the company,” King said.

“The UAW recognizes the paramount importance of innovation, flexibility and partnership with management to respond to global economic pressures.  The UAW of the 21st century is dramatically different from the UAW of the 20th century.  We are proud to play our part in the turnaround at GM.  Our mission is to make the highest quality products for the best value,” King added.

As Chief Executive Officer Ed Whitacre steps down as CEO, the UAW acknowledges his role in taking GM from bankruptcy, to repayment of federal loans, and to two consecutive successful financial quarters.

“Ed Whitacre took the helm of the ship in the roughest water and steered GM to safe waters.  With his leadership -- and sacrifices by UAW members -- we were able to keep GM as a viable company, continuing to provide good jobs for our members and so many other workers whose livelihoods depend on GM and the U.S. auto industry,” said UAW Vice President Joe Ashton, director of the union’s GM Department. 

“We look forward to working together with the new GM CEO, Daniel Akerson, in a positive, innovative relationship to produce best-in-class vehicles that, hands down, beat global competition,” Ashton said.