Making better tomorrows
Organized labor often takes a pretty big hit when it comes to newspaper coverage, TV news and many talk-radio shows. This is especially true during most traditional organizing campaigns when employers and their union-busting attorneys make even more outrageous allegations about unions.
How can we fight this onslaught of negative images?
UAW local unions are setting the record straight every day, community by
community.
Through all the good work local unions do, as well as working with and supporting
organizations such as the United Way, Habitat for Humanity, Make-a-Wish Foundation
and the March of Dimes — to name only a few — we build a positive,
solid reputation that chips away at any employer’s false propaganda.
UAW members have always been generous with our time, talents and money when it comes to giving a helping hand — whether it’s lending a hand with youth sports teams, aiding veterans, building a school playground or, as with the recent devastating tsunami, helping in the relief effort of a major disaster.
That’s also true within our own ranks. When a union brother or sister needs assistance because of a serious illness or other emergency, UAW locals step in with gate collections or other fund-raising events. A union member always knows where to turn for help.
As union members, it’s just second nature to reach out and help because we know that an injury to one is an injury to all and any misfortune faced by one of us could happen to any of us.
That’s how solidarity works.
On behalf of the International Executive Board, we want to say “thank you” to all of our local unions who give the UAW a good name in our communities. We applaud all of the accomplishments of our community services committees who demonstrate our caring and generosity in hundreds of ways — from San Francisco to San Juan.
UAW retirees deserve special recognition for the multiple ways they help those in need. Just as our retirees helped to build the UAW, they are now helping to build better communities.
All of us can be proud of our local unions as they make better tomorrows for so many individuals and organizations who benefit from the good deeds and good hearts of UAW members.
Ron Gettelfinger
