Working together works
This issue of Solidarity highlights the success of workers at Dana Corp. plants around the country who have chosen to form their own unions as part of the UAW.
Their story is further proof that when workers are given a choice through a fair process, free of employer intimidation, they will choose a union almost every time.
The recent successful organizing drives at several casinos in Atlantic City, N.J., at Foxwoods Casino Resort in Norwich, Conn., and Casino Aztar in Evansville, Ind., also show what workers can accomplish when we join together.
Working together to improve our lives is a basic part of American democracy. In the workplace, the right to collective action is protected by the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), which guarantees the right to organize and requires employers to negotiate with a union chosen by a majority of workers.
Unfortunately, the intent of the NLRA has been weakened by years of fierce employer resistance. More recently, Bush appointees to the National Labor Relations Board, charged with enforcing the act, have used every opportunity to weaken the rights of workers while strengthening the hand of employers.
At present, a large majority of American workers — more than 80 percent — work in nonunion workplaces. That means that tens of millions of workers don’t know how much power they can have when they act together. Nor is there any easy way for them to be informed about health and safety laws, workers’ compensation and other laws and regulations that offer protections to working people.
To close this information gap, our union is not only helping workers organize. We’re also reaching out to our communities and our neighbors, to make sure as many people as possible know what our union has accomplished — and what all workers can accomplish by joining together.
In December, as featured on the back page of this issue, UAW members began appearing in a unique new interactive advertising campaign. On broadcast and cable TV and the Internet, UAW members are talking about how our union contributes to our communities, and about key issues such as workplace safety and the connection between toxic toys and fair trade standards.
Using the latest Web-based communication tools, this campaign is designed to be a two-way channel.
You can join in, help inform your friends and neighbors — and have a little fun — by hitting the Web site www.IamtheUAW.org and submitting a story about your local union, CAP council or retiree chapter and the impact you’ve had in your community and your workplace. The stories selected will highlight the diversity and activity of our union.
Whether we’re leafleting a plant, canvassing a precinct or posting on a blog, UAW members are true to our union values: We support each other. We solve problems. And we know that working together works.
Ron Gettelfinger
