Convention News
King: Sow the seeds of economic justice
In his first speech as UAW president, Bob King told delegates to the UAW’s 35th Constitutional Convention that the UAW’s job now is to build off of what the prior administration put in place. “This convention is an example of the great Ron Gettelfinger,” King said. “We would not have what we have without the great Ron Gettelfinger.” Now that the torch has been passed as Gettelfinger’s two terms as UAW president ends, King says the theme for the UAW is mobilization. King acknowledged the steady string of organizing victories the UAW has had in various industries, pointing out the newly organized workers in higher education, the representation elections by casino dealers in Atlantic City, a recent contract victory by Boeing workers.
Time for Wall Street to pay up, demonstrators at rally say
After adjourning the UAW’s 35th Constitutional Convention on Thursday, union members took to the streets of downtown Detroit in a show of unity and a celebration of new beginnings. Under the helm of President Bob King, the UAW joined with International Brotherhood of Teamsters President James P. Hoffa, NAACP President and CEO Ben Jealous, and the Rev. Wendell Anthony, Detroit branch NAACP president, to march for economic justice.
UAW members honor the late Ted Kennedy
Sen. Edward M. “Ted” Kennedy’s vision and tenacity created unparalleled results for the underprivileged and left a lasting impact on America. Kennedy was awarded posthumously the union’s highest honor, the UAW Social Justice Award, Thursday at the UAW’s 35th Constitutional Convention at Cobo Hall in Detroit.
King announces assignments for officers
After an energetic conclusion to the 35th Constitutional Convention and a rousing rally with labor allies, UAW President Bob King today announced new bargaining and organizing assignments for the union officers elected by convention delegates. Gathered in a room at Detroit’s Cobo Center, the newly elected officers presented a unified front ready to focus on organizing, building power and winning justice for workers everywhere.
Hilda Solis: Good working conditions include right to join a union
The nation’s labor secretary says there’s hope for those who toil in unsafe, oppressive working conditions: “We don’t have to accept a situation we cannot bear. We can change it.” That inspiration was at the heart of an address by U.S. Labor Secretary Hilda Solis at the UAW’s 35th Constitutional Convention on Thursday.
Civil rights, pension protection resolution passed
Delegates debated and approved several resolutions Thursday, including those on:
NAACP's Jealous says it's time to take back America
NAACP President and CEO Ben Jealous encouraged union members to come off the sidelines and take their place alongside other human rights advocates and fight to take back “our America.” “It’s time for us to come back together in this country and to recognize the great power that we have when we work together,” Jealous told delegates on the closing day of the 35th Constitutional Convention. “You see the way that mathematics works is that if you were the majority 18 months ago, you’re still the majority now.”
Prepared remarks from U.S. Secretary Of Labor Hilda Solis to the 35th UAW Constitutional Convention
Good morning UAW! Thank you Jim (Wells) for that kind introduction. And congratulations to you – (Bob) King for your successful transition to President of the UAW. Your work over the years has proven your dedication to working families and the men and women of the UAW. I look forward to working with you and the members of your team. I would also like to take this opportunity to recognize and thank Ron Gettelfinger for his years of service.
Regional director election results
Each UAW region held elections Wednesday, and all 11 regional directors won by acclamation, as follows:
UAW officers end terms with fond farewell
In a fitting tribute, UAW delegates honored retiring International Executive Board members Wednesday, highlighting their many labor achievements:
