Delegates OK measures on health care, manufacturing jobs, political action, organizing and veterans

Delegates approved proposed resolutions calling for:

Health care reform – Delegates approved a measure acknowledging the disparities in health care coverage in the United States, supporting the recently passed national health care reform legislation and vowing to continue efforts toward adoption of a single-payer health care system.  “God bless the UAW for negotiating collectively for health care reform,” said UAW Local 602 President Brian Fredline.

Creating auto and manufacturing jobs for the future – A resolution was approved supporting a strong U.S. manufacturing sector by protecting existing jobs, green technology and product development, fair trade, regulation of hedge funds and the establishment of a consumer financial protection agency. Brian Schneck, president of UAW Local 259, said the resolution is crucial to stopping job loss. “Corporate greed has led us to this point. We have an opportunity to create a new, green technology and partner with business and labor to accomplish this.

Right to Organize – Delegates approved a resolution that calls for strengthening labor laws to allow all workers in all sectors to organize free of employer interference. The resolution also calls for overturning Bush-era anti-worker decisions and insisting that Congress act now to pass the Employee Free Choice Act.

Supporting Our Troops and Honoring Our Veterans – UAW delegates passed a resolution that calls for policies that respect and honor America’s active and veteran military personnel and their families.

Political Action – Delegates passed a resolution that encourages and equips members to become effective lobbyists and political activists, and build coalitions with other labor and progressive groups. The resolution also urges continued support of the UAW’s Voluntary – Community Action Program) V-CAP.

Joan Silvi and Sandra Davis