Not only is the 35^th UAW Constitutional Convention an opportunity for delegates to participate in our union’s democratic process, it’s also a chance for us to show off some of the excellent products we make. 

UAW members make or provide an impressive array of products and services, and many were on display on the first floor of Cobo Hall in Detroit, just adjacent to where resolutions will be debated and officers elected. 

For delegates, it was a chance to be educated about what we make. For exhibitors, it was a chance to promote their wares. For Gerard Deveau of UAW Local 376 in Hartford, Conn., it was a little of both. The shop chairman for Colt Firearms, and a tester of those weapons, Deveau said it was gratifying to get the word out to other delegates that UAW members make some of the finest handguns and rifles in the world.

 

They are also the only union-made weapons in the United States.

 

“Tell a friend, that’s all I can say,” Deveau said.

 

The delegate tests the weapons for Colt, which boasts more than 300 UAW members. As a tester, it’s his job to fire the weapons and spot any flaws before they go to market.

 

“It doesn’t happen that often, I’m proud to say,” the delegate added.

 

For delegates Richie Franklin and Hal Thompson of UAW Local 2999 in Strasburg, Va., the exhibits were a chance to take home information. They stopped at the Alliance Print and Design booth that was manned by Brenda Kokotan and Sandy Vasholz of UAW Local 2350 in Sacramento, Calif. Their small shop performs a wide variety of printing functions and is interested in winning business from UAW locals that do not know that UAW members are also printers.

 

Technology has advanced to the point where it isn’t necessary to have a local printer, Kokotan said.

 

“One of our biggest clients is in New York, so we ship anywhere,” she added. “We’re trying to show that there are UAW printers out there. We’ve had a great reaction, especially when they find out we are UAW.”

 

Brothers Franklin and Thompson, who work at International Automotive Components, say it’s a shop they’d like their local to consider.

 

“We’re compiling information, and we’re going to take it back to our local president and executive board,” Franklin said. “We like to buy UAW, and we support each other. That’s what we’re here for.”

 

There are, of course, many automobiles: New models that you can climb into and vintage models that are roped off. And there are large tr

Delegates test their racing skill at the UAW-Chrysler exhibit.

actors, and heavy construction equipment. And there is some fun stuff for delegates as well.

 

Marty Green of UAW Local 736 in Grand Rapids, Mich., and Brenda Hansen of UAW Local 1243 in Whitehall, Mich., found two of the more fun things to do. Brother Green had his golf swing analyzed by Pam Phipps, director of golf at Black Lake Golf Club, the UAW’s premier course in Onaway, Mich.

 

 The result?

 

“I need help,” said Green, who formerly worked at General Motors’ metal fabricating plant in Grand Rapids.

 

Both tried their hands at a computerized racing game sponsored by the UAW and Chyrsler.

 

“He did very well because he used to race,” said Hansen, an Alcoa worker. “I crashed quite a few times.”