Region 3 Director Maurice 'Mo' Davison
We generally associate globalization with jobs leaving America, but Region 3 recently saw a major investment by a German company in Indiana. Tell us about that.
A joint venture was established between Chrysler Group and Getrag to design, develop and manufacture dual, wet clutch 6-speed transmissions. The UAW was successful in negotiating an agreement that will result in the new plant being opened in Tipton County by summer 2009. The plant will reach a capacity of 700,000 units per year, providing 1,100 to 1,200 jobs. The workers will be Chrysler employees and members of Local 685.
People think military work is usually done in southern or western states. How much military work goes on in Region 3 shops?
Members of Local 5 in Mishawaka, Ind., build the Hl or "Humvee," at the AM General plant. Almost every military vehicle, including the M1 A1 Abrams tank, uses a transmission built by the members of Local 933. Members at Rolls Royce in Indianapolis, which is also Local 933, build the engines for the C-130 transport plane, the E2C Hawkeye, the tilt rotor Osprey, the Global Hawk drone and many helicopter engines. Also, we have workers at a Honeywell plant in South Bend, Ind., (Local 9) who build aircraft braking systems.
Between golf scrambles and motorcycle poker runs, Region 3 raises lots of money for worthy charities. Why do you engage in such activity when you have so many other things to deal with?
None of this good work would be possible if not for the many volunteers from our local unions. The reason we engage in this kind of activity is simple: If one baby can be saved through the March of Dimes as a result of the UAW, then it was worth it. If one more wish can be granted by the Make-a-Wish Foundation as a result of the UAW, then it was worth it. If we don't help these young people, then who will? We do it because it is our moral obligation.
When do you see America winning a single-payer health care system?
I hope to see it in my lifetime. Every union member should realize the single toughest issue during any set of negotiations is the cost of health care. It makes no difference if it's a plant of 10 people or 10,000 people. The cost of health care is out of control. I find it ironic that many Americans will raise cane when gas prices go over $3 a gallon but won’t march over the cost of health care. The answer is not to pass the ever-increasing cost along to workers but to control it. Good, affordable health care should be a right for all Americans and not simply a privilege for those who can afford it.
