• In this Issue >
  • Features
    • From the President
    • 258 years of trade unionism
    • Beware of the man behind the screen
    • Artists at Work
    • Capturing the essence of her subject
    • Giving new personality to old metal scraps
    • Honorable mentions
  • Union Front
    • What’s in the SAP?
    • Closing loopholes
    • Auto Dealership
    • Michigan workers vote ‘yes’
    • Workers get a first contract
    • UAW wins big settlement
    • Organizing Roundup
  • Departments
    • From the Readers
    • World of Work
    • UAW 101
    • Safer Work
    • Still Solid
    • Skilled Trades
    • Workers' Words
    • Phipps' Tips
    • Green Corner
    • Solidarity Index / Past Issues

Photo: JENNIFER JOHN

“What we think matters now,” says Royal Oak Ford service porter Kerry Napier.

AUTO DEALERSHIPS

Michigan workers vote ‘yes’

For the first time in Michigan, UAW members can now buy a UAW-made car and get it serviced by UAW-represented workers at the same dealership.

The 34 auto service workers recently voted 22-12 to join the union, making their dealership the first in Michigan with UAW representation. The bargaining unit includes technicians, service and parts workers, body shop repair personnel and porters.
Workers at Royal Oak Ford, who fought to join the UAW, say they can now look toward a first contract and the opportunities this victory brings.

Warren Dolbeer, a technician with 26 years of experience in auto repair, including the last eight at Royal Oak Ford, said, “With the UAW represented here, this takes us to the next level of professionalism.”

Kerry Napier, a service porter at the dealership, agrees. “It’s just great for everyone,” he said. “For us, we have a voice in the workplace and what we think matters now.”

“We’re excited to work with Royal Oak Ford,” said UAW Vice President Bob King, who directs the union’s National Organizing Department. “UAW members in the Detroit area for the first time will now have a chance to purchase top-quality, union-made Ford cars and trucks at a dealership that will have top-quality service provided by their UAW brothers and sisters.”

UAW Region 1 Director Joseph Peters said, “This is a great victory for the workers who want to work with management to make this a world-class dealership.”

Sandra Davis

‘Welcome,’ from N.Y. York dealerships

The recently organized Mathews Ford and Royal Oak Ford dealerships in Ohio and Michigan join the more than 125 dealerships in Connecticut, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin with UAW representation.

In New York City, UAW Local 259 represents about 2,100 auto dealership workers.

“I’m very excited to see our brothers and sisters in Michigan and Ohio coming aboard,” said UAW Local 259 President Bill Pickering.

“The UAW will make a difference for the dealership workers in Michigan and Ohio,” said UAW Local 55 President Bill Voelz, whose Buffalo, N.Y., local includes auto dealership workers.

They will see that they will have more rights and dignity in the workplace and a say in what happens to them there.”

“And others who haven’t organized yet will see that there is a place for them in the UAW.”

Sandra Davis