A Message from Ron Gettelfinger

January 2008

Greetings:

Our union knows all too well that issues raised at the bargaining table are often controlled by political forces beyond the bargaining table. If we are to have a say about the future of America and our own future as working people, then we must be involved in the political process. That’s why the theme for the 2008 CAP Conference is “Forging our future through political action.”

This year offers us the opportunity and privilege of participating in America’s greatest democratic debate as our country decides who will be our next president. Additionally, there will be many critically important congressional, gubernatorial and other state and local elections in November.

As in any presidential election, the stakes are high for workers. We’ve lost more than 3 million manufacturing jobs under the current administration. Millions more citizens have lost health care coverage. Our nation’s trade deficits – especially with China – have gone through the roof. And the number of workers who belong to unions has slipped below 8 percent.

It’s time for a change in direction and a change in leadership. The UAW will be working hard to elect those candidates who stand with us on the most important issues: health care for all, fair-trade agreements that include labor and environmental standards, and workers’ right to organize. UAW local unions, retired workers’ chapters and councils, and CAP councils will once again play key roles in helping to educate, mobilize and get out the vote.

Each of us can make a difference – from our neighborhood precinct to our workplace. And, together, we can forge a better future.

In solidarity,

Ron Gettelfinger
President
International Union, UAW