Our members on the issues

EMPLOYEE FREE CHOICE ACT

Wayne Blanchard, UAW Local 1435 president, Perrysburg, Ohio: "This legislation is critical to our economic recovery because denying Americans the freedom to form their own unions is killing our economy. Giving workers the power to bargain for a better life is the best chance we have to rebuild the middle class and put workers back on track."

ASSISTANCE TO AUTO INDUSTRY

Patty Kramer, UAW Local 19 president, Wyoming, Mich.: "We must work closely with President Obama to get the auto industry back on track, with emphasis on using U.S.-manufactured components and giving incentives to those companies that keep their business in the United States."

ECONOMIC STIMULUS PACKAGE

Ken Collinson, UAW Local 1590 president, Martinsburg, W.Va.: "Our economy is in such a downward spiral, and building roads, bridges and schools will create more jobs and boost the economy."

HEALTH CARE REFORM

Kim Birchmeier, UAW Local 598, Flint, Mich.: "Now is the time to make health care available to every American. With President Obama understanding the urgent need for reform, we need to move forward to make this dream become a reality."

U.S.-KOREA FTA

Rich Martin, UAW Local 869 retiree, Mount Clemens, Mich.: "Free trade and fair trade should walk hand in hand. And as UAW retirees, we must urge our members of Congress to oppose any unfair trade deal with Korea."

EMPLOYEE FREE CHOICE ACT

Jim Griffin, UAW Local 376 retiree Manchester, Conn.: "Companies threaten to fire workers during organizing campaigns and move their businesses overseas. With Employee Free Choice, the labor movement will grow and become more powerful so we can improve the lives of all working people."

ASSISTANCE TO AUTO INDUSTRY

Glenn Stark, UAW Local 72 president, Kenosha, Wis.: "This assistance will not only help millions of active and retired autoworkers, but it will also bring back stability to the industry and our country."

ECONOMIC STIMULUS PACKAGE

James Clark, UAW Local 550 retiree, Indianapolis: "Tax cuts for the middle class are good, and every little bit helps stimulate the rest of the economy. And continuing health care for laid-off workers is a big plus as well."

HEALTH CARE REFORM

Curtis Jones, UAW Local 600 retiree, Detroit: "My big concern is maintaining health care for our retirees. But just because we retired with good benefits doesn't mean we shouldn't be concerned about others having affordable health care."

U.S.-KOREA FTA

James Lakeman, UAW Local 846 president, Cheektowaga, N.Y.: "This is one issue that isn’t getting much press, and it concerns me for two reasons: It directly affects the industry our members supply, and every trade agreement since NAFTA has resulted in the loss of U.S. manufacturing jobs. This one is no different."

Jennifer John