Delegates passed resolutions on economic justice, international solidarity and others on Day Two of the 35th UAW Constitutional Convention.

Delegates approved proposed resolutions calling for:

Rebuilding a More Just Economy – UAW delegates agreed that the country’s economic woes have unfairly burdened working families and the nation needs a large-scale program of public investment, more state and federal aid and labor reform that respects the right to organize and bargain collectively. “We need to do something to stop these job losses and maintain vital communities,” said delegate Mark Ridenour of UAW Local 422 in Norton, Mass. “Our plant just received a 60-day plant closing letter. At its peak we had 478 people, and today we have 38. When our plant closes, our members will be out of work or have to relocate to another state; the company will not have to help maintain the infrastructure and the community will suffer.”

John Anthony, a delegate from UAW Local 602, says the urban agenda resolution is needed because one child in four lives in poverty. Photos by Rebecca Cook.

Urban Agenda – A resolution was approved supporting the UAW’s commitment to strong and vital urban centers. The union’s vision includes a strong safety net, quality educational institutions and access to high-wage jobs to lift urban residents out of poverty. “This issue is near and dear to our hearts because one in four children lives in poverty. They are not around the corner from us, they are next door to us,” said delegate John Anthony of UAW Local 602.

Domestic Violence and Violence Against Children – Delegates passed a resolution to address this difficult issue and join the Children’s Defense Fund and other child advocacy groups in calling for more to be done to protect our children from violence. “We need to stop sweeping domestic violence under the carpet and offer protection to all those who need it,” said UAW Local 6000 delegate Diane Doubrava.

Economic Democracy and Corporate Accountability – A resolution was passed calling for corporate bankruptcy reform, executive compensation reforms, including “say on pay,” more democratic shareholder votes, plant closing payments, public review of corporate restructurings, employee representation on corporate boards and honoring collective bargaining agreements in corporate restructurings.

UAW Local 6000 delegate Diane Doubrava says it's time to stop sweeping domestic violence under the carpet.

International Labor Solidarity – A resolution was approved by delegates in support of improving the wages, working and living conditions of UAW members by ensuring that the rights of all workers throughout the world are respected. “The resolution is important in this day of global economics,” said delegate Gordie Fletcher, president of UAW Local 686 in Lockport, N.Y. “Wall Street is working to keep the working class down.”

The Environment – Delegates waived debate and approved a resolution in support of legislation that protects our land, air, water and public health, and urges policymakers to develop new initiatives that address today’s environmental problems, acknowledging that a robust economy and environmental protection go hand in hand.

Public Employee Rights and Privatization – Delegates approved a measure in support of public employees who struggle to win the legally protected right to form and join unions, and who fight to keep the critical services they provide in the public sector where they belong.

Compiled by Sandra Davis, Jennifer John and Joan Silvi.