How does the UAW work?

Toward Progress for All

The history of the UAW is the story of ordinary working men and women accomplishing extraordinary things through the strength of their solidarity and the power of their collective action.

Through the creative use of the collective bargaining process, the UAW consistently leads the union movement in breaking new ground for working families and retirees.

The UAW, however, is more than a collective bargaining agent -- we are a social movement committed to dealing with the problems of all people.

Our Union's vision always has reached beyond the bargaining table and the workplace to our role as citizens in a democratic society.

Throughout our history, the UAW has been a force for social and economic progress for all working people. Over the decades, we've never been afraid to change strategies and tactics to adapt to new social and economic realities. But one thing that never changes is our unshakable commitment to these fundamental principles:

• "Management must accept union organization and collective bargaining as an essential and constructive force in our democratic society.
• "The workers must be provided a meaningful voice in maintaining a safe and healthful workplace with decent working conditions, and must enjoy secured rights, together with a satisfactory standard of living and maximum job security.
• "The workers must have a voice in their own destiny and the right to participate in making decisions that affect their own lives before such decisions are made.
• "The UAW must play an active role at all levels of government to protect the lives and rights of its members and their families. We must work constantly on the political and legislative problems facing the whole society.
• "Union members must take seriously their responsibilities as citizens and work, through their union and individually, to realize the goals of participatory democracy and responsible and accountable government."

— from the Preamble to the UAW Constitution