A Message from Ron Gettelfinger

March, 2009

Greetings:

We have a new Congress – 111th – and the Democrats hold the majority. We also have a new pro-worker president of the United States – Barack Obama. We went into the 2008 election cycle focused on issues – Social Security, education, trade, good jobs with good wages and benefits, and workers' right to organize (Employee Free Choice Act). We knew our active and retired members would understand these pocketbook issues.

The UAW's hard work made these issues the centerpiece of national concern. Taking full advantage of our contractual gains in 1999 national negotiations, which established an Election Day holiday, we were able to mobilize our members and their families.

The UAW and the rest of the labor movement will be working with the 111th Congress to enact progressive legislation that will truly benefit workers.

Your CAP handbook contains a section on issues that make up the UAW's legislative agenda. Issues contained in this book will be the basis of our program this year.

Let's continue the fight to make a difference for all working families.

In solidarity,

Ron Gettelfinger
President
International Union, UAW