Delegates approve constitutional changes

On Tuesday delegates approved six amendments to the UAW Constitution, including changes that reflect equality of sacrifice from International Executive Board officers and members and staff to help the union through difficult financial times and new language on appeals requirements. Yvette Thompson-Gordon of UAW Local 1435 and a UAW Constitution Committee member explained that they carefully reviewed 87 proposed amendments.

UFW leader: Two union histories go hand in hand

United Farm Workers President Arturo Rodriguez believes in tradition and hopes to continue to build on the tradition his union has built with the UAW. “Walter Reuther and Caesar Chavez shared a vision that transcended the boundaries of trade unionism. They realized it would take more than a union to overcome the crippling poverty and economic challenges facing our society. It would take a movement,” said Rodriguez.

IMF leader: 'A new era of global solidarity has begun'

Think globally and not just locally was the message delivered by the president of the International Metalworkers’ Federation, Jyrki Raina, to 1,200 delegates at the UAW’s 35th Constitutional Convention at Cobo Hall in Detroit on Tuesday. Raina said manufacturing is still the backbone of the world’s economy, despite its financial troubles, and strong measures need to be taken to prevent another worldwide economic catastrophe that hits workers the hardest.

Harkin to keep up fight for EFCA

Sen. Tom Harkin of Iowa promised UAW delegates Tuesday that they can count on him to help make the Employee Free Choice Act law. The Democrat who chairs the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, made remarks to convention delegates via satellite from Washington.

Economy, international labor solidarity resolutions pass

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.”

UAW delegates support striking Spirit pilots

Marian Wright Edelman: a crusader for children

Marian Wright Edelman, who received the union's Social Justice Award, told delegates the UAW helped raise awareness of hunger in America.

Remarks by IMF General Secretary Jyrki Raina to the 35th UAW Constitutional Convention

Dear Colleagues, It’s an honour and pleasure for me to bring you the greetings of the International Metalworkers’ Federation and the international guests. You are part of our global family of 25 million organized workers, sisters and brothers, in more than 100 countries of the world.

Remarks of Sen. Tom Harkin to the 35th UAW Constitutional Convention

(Editor's note: Remarks delivered via satellite)