Delegates debated and approved several resolutions Thursday, including those on:

Civil and Human Rights – Delegates approved a resolution that reaffirms the UAW’s commitment to adequate training and funding for civil rights law enforcement and continue to support advancement in affirmative action, equal pay for women, and prevention of sexual harassment, hate crimes, HIV/AIDS and discrimination based on sexual orientation. “I ask that we stay committed to equality and nondiscrimination throughout the workforce,” said delegate Timothy Williams of UAW Local 549, who rose in support of the resolution, “and that the UAW continue its civil rights education throughout the membership.”

George Taylor, a delegate from Local 2121, discusses the Fair Labor Standards Act resolution. Photo by Rebecca Cook.

Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) – Delegates approved a resolution to maintain, enforce and strengthen the standards of the FLSA. Workplace protection for workers must be kept in place, including a basic level of pay in the form of minimum wage, discouraging excessive extra hours worked and paying suitable overtime when working over 40 hours a week. “FLSA and the UAW mean exactly the same thing. That’s what we do,” said delegate George Root of Local 494.

Protecting Our Pensions – Delegates approved a resolution that will give working families more security in retirement. The resolution encourages a national retirement policy that recognizes the benefits of defined-benefit pension plans and mandates full disclosure of pension and 401(k) plans. “Without good pensions and retirement plans, you increase the chance of losing your home and not being able to pay your bills,” said delegate Charles Riley, a UAW Local 10 retiree.

The remaining resolutions were bundled and adopted by delegates.

Sandra Davis and Joan Silvi