We Hold the Power
Message from UAW President Ron Gettelfinger
“To engage in legislative, political, educational, civic, welfare
and other activities which further, directly or indirectly, the joint interests
of the membership of this organization in the improvement of general economic
and social conditions in the United States of America, Canada, the Commonwealth
of Puerto Rico and generally in the nations of the world.”
UAW Constitution, Article 2, Section 5
Whether we like it or not, much of our everyday life is determined by politics. From the cost of our water to the cleanliness of that water, our local elected officials hold the power. From the size of classrooms to the quality of the school curriculum, our state elected officials hold the power. From the amount of the Social Security checks to the lack of a national prescription drug plan for seniors, our federal elected officials hold the power.
But on Election Day, we hold the power.
Some people say our union always endorses Democratic Party candidates. The UAW doesn't label candidates Democrats or Republicans, Independents or Greens. Let me be clear: The UAW's Community Action Program (CAP) endorsements are not based on the candidate's political party. It's the candidate's stand on the issues that determine our endorsement.
We will stand with those politicians who stand with us on issues like strengthening workers' rights to organize, stopping the privatization of Social Security and ending the erosion of America's manufacturing base. But neither should we back down from holding accountable those politicians who are against us on these important issues.
The right to vote is the very heart of our American democracy just as the fight for social and economic justice is the very heart of our union.
