Health and safety is high priority for the union

Never take it for granted. “Health and safety is an issue that affects every worker for the rest of their life,” said UAW Local 600 member Curtis Newton, health and safety representative at Ford Motor Co.’s Dearborn (Mich.) Truck Plant.

“We have to maintain a safe work environment so that you can return home to your family every day, and so that when you retire, you and your family can enjoy the fruits of your labor,” said Newton.

Health and safety is so important to the UAW that it’s one International Union department that works directly with local unions to address their needs. Safety is usually one of the highest priorities workers establish when negotiating a first contract and renegotiating an existing contract.

During recent contract negotiations, UAW members at Volvo Trucks North America won strong and decisive language on cadmium, ergonomics and hazardous fluids. Also, the 2,600 members of UAW Local 2069 at the New River Valley, Va., plant recently won better sampling protocols for all chemicals, improved ventilation to protect members from welding fumes and chemicals that lead to asthma and improved emergency response procedures.

UAW Local 1752 members worked for more than a decade to convince management at Schweizer Aircraft in Elmira, N.Y., to use less methyl ethyl ketone, a solvent used throughout the industry.

The UAW Health and Safety Department educates members, local union leaders and staff about ways to prevent and eliminate safety and health hazards. It assists other departments and local unions in negotiating contract provisions, and in designing and running health and safety programs.

If you have concerns about hazards at your workplace, please contact your local union health and safety representative.