UAW most committed to companies

By Bob King

Last week, the UAW opened negotiations with the domestic automakers.

One important bargaining goal is to reward members who have sacrificed so greatly. An equally important goal is bringing jobs to this nation and creating better communities across America.

Corporate profits can be made anywhere in the world, and for many shareholders, the question of whether jobs exist here or abroad isn't critical. For the union, our core mission is defending the American worker, restoring our manufacturing base and regaining middle-class jobs for all Americans.

At the bargaining table this year, we'll seek to restore communities by bargaining for investment and jobs for America. Social justice and a better quality of life for all working people is essential to the UAW, which means we are also committed to the protection of the environment.

We have a vision of the world we want to leave our children and grandchildren. It is one where corporate growth doesn't sacrifice the vitality and survival of our planet. The UAW is an ally with environmentalists in the effort to reduce fuel emissions and achieve greater energy efficiency while also growing jobs in America.

The recent agreement on new fuel standards offers an excellent example of the UAW's contribution in bringing people together. The other stakeholders articulated their own valid interests:

Employers advocated that shareholders not suffer from overly stringent standards that would lead to unworkable financial stresses.

Environmentalists advocated for the survival of the planet and to achieve maximum possible reductions in emissions.

The government advocated for reducing dependence on foreign oil for the sake of our national security.

The UAW advocated for a creative solution that took into account all of these interests.

The UAW is a voice for the American middle class — not just our members. We want corporate success, but not at the expense of American communities. We want environmental protection, but not at the expense of jobs or viable companies. The UAW is fundamentally a moderate, pragmatic and socially responsible player in the dialogue.

More than any other stakeholder, the union and its members have the most at stake in the long-term success of the company. Management comes and goes as opportunities present themselves. Shareholders buy and sell, seeking the highest returns in the short term. Many CEOs earn enough in a year to leave and maintain a high standard of living indefinitely.

It is workers whose long-term security depends on the success of the company. It is workers, above all, who care about the long-term viability of the company. It is workers who seek not wealth or riches, but only a decent standard of living and security for their families.

Bob King is president of the UAW. The article originally appeared in the Aug. 3, 2011, edition of the Detroit News.