RETIRING IEB MEMBER:
UAW REGION 1 DIRECTOR JOE PETERS

This Solidarity issue celebrates the union’s 75th anniversary. Is there a particular time in UAW history that affected you most?

The American Axle strike in 2008. We battled a dishonorable employer for 87 days on the picket line, during extremely harsh winter weather, over immoral contract concessions. Yet during this entire hardship, our brave and dedicated sisters and brothers never wavered. The courage they showed and the support from other UAW members, other unions, local politicians and community activists will forever be remembered as a truly historic show of solidarity.

Why are unions just as important today as they were in 1935?

The battles that we are fighting for our members today are indicative of the battles that were fought when our great union was founded. Higher wages, better benefits, pensions and job security have been, and will always be, the driving force in our collective bargaining efforts. Social justice and dignity in the workplace have been the foundation of what the UAW stands for, and that has not changed in 75 years.

What would you say to someone who is considering joining a union?

When you join a union, particularly the UAW, you are joining a family. Belonging as a member gives you a voice in your future. By paying monthly union dues you have the full force of the International behind you to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves and stand with you so you don’t stand alone. The security that the union provides and the pride associated with belonging to our great institution cannot be understated. Wear the UAW wheel proudly. It symbolizes all we stand for: collective bargaining, family, loyalty and solidarity.

What is your fondest career memory?

To pick a most memorable career moment is extremely difficult. My first election as a committeeman is right up there, as is being put on staff by (former UAW President) Owen Bieber and working for (former UAW President) Steve Yokich in the Ford Department. My proudest moment was being elected director of Region 1. It was, and still is, an honor to be chosen by your peers to hold such a prestigious position. I would hope that the establishment of “No Child Without Christmas” will turn out to be my most memorable career memory. I can only hope that the generosity displayed by so many people over the last five years continues.

Name two things you’re looking forward to in your retirement.

That is an easy one: Enjoy every minute that the good Lord gives me, and spend my remaining days as the No. 1 Grandpa on earth.

Joan Silvi

RETIRING IEB MEMBER:
UAW REGION 1C DIRECTOR DUANE ZUCKS CHWERDT

This Solidarity issue celebrates the union’s 75th anniversary. Is there a particular time in UAW history that affected you most?

In 1968 I was elected alternate committeeman. Shortly afterward, the committeeman went on leave and never came back. I had knowledge of the union, but not much else. Talk about baptism by fire! But it taught me the joy that comes from helping others.

Why are unions just as important today as they were in 1935?

I believe they are more important today. In 1935 the country was coming out of the Depression, the economy was not in total rebound and employers were taking advantage of workers. It sounds a lot like today. In 2010 workers still need to have their voices heard and need to be represented on the political agenda.

What would you say to someone who is considering joining a union?

It takes tremendous courage to stand up and say that you want to be represented by a union. A union gives you a say in what happens at your worksite, and when the UAW is involved, you are not standing by yourself.

What is your fondest career memory?

The solidarity shown by UAW members in 2007 as they were faced with difficult contracts. Those were extremely difficult times for our members, but they stood tall and made tough decisions. I saw the same strength and solidarity in 2009 when auto manufacturers and others faced bankruptcy. Our members did what they had to do for the good of the whole. Recently what has been memorable is helping to bring home health care reform. Working with the leadership of UAW locals has been rewarding; it has also been a privilege and a pleasure serving with the International Executive Board.

Name two things you’re looking forward to in your retirement.

Spending time with my wife, Connie, my children and my four grandchildren. We plan to spend time fly fishing and traveling, and we’re both looking forward to that.

Sandra Davis

RETIRING IEB MEMBER:
UAW REGION 1D DIRECTOR DON OETMAN

This Solidarity issue celebrates the union’s 75th anniversary. Is there a particular time in UAW history that affected you most?

It was when Walter Reuther was a keynote speaker at Region 1D Summer School in 1968. I was Local 1502 president, and we were at a resort in South Haven, Mich. We’d formed an in-plant committee to organize our facility at Micromatic Textron in Holland, Mich., and we were successful. This was my first summer labor school experience, and when Walter came on that stage and began to speak, nobody made a sound. We were riveted. There were about 250 or so people there. That summer school and that speech got me going. It inspired me with a true desire to really get involved in the UAW to help working people improve their lives. The second memory was when I was at the two-day opening of Black Lake in June 1970 shortly after Walter and May were killed. That was a very somber day.

Why are unions just as important today as they were in 1935?

Corporations are asking for, expecting and demanding more concessions from workers. Fear is playing such a huge role when it comes to organizing. The middle class was formed because unions forced employers to recognize workers’ rights and demanded better for our members. The middle class has been under attack for a decade. If we’re not careful, we will no longer have middle-class workers.

What would you say to someone who is considering joining a union?

You most definitely need a union. Without that you have no dignity, no respect from management or sometimes even from your fellow workers. When you join the union, you’ll have a voice and a vote – and you won’t be an at-will employee.

What is your fondest career memory?

That was June 2002 when Region 1D delegates elected me regional director. The next day I was inducted as part of the UAW International Executive Board in front of the entire union delegation, and it was one of my proudest moments. I was re-elected in 2006. That feeling of being chosen by your peers to lead them is humbling and never gets old.

Name two things you’re looking forward to in your retirement.

Not having to keep a schedule that changes daily and sometimes hourly, and includes weekends and holidays. I’ll get to spend some time with Corlyn and our kids and grandkids. I’ll be available to participate in birthdays and other special events that I’ve missed over the years. I’m going to have more time to golf, fish and work in the yard.

Gwynne Cobb

RETIRING IEB MEMBER:
UAW REGION 9A DIRECTOR BOB MADORE

This Solidarity issue celebrates the union’s 75th anniversary. Is there a particular time in UAW history that affected you most?

It would have to be 1979 when we settled a 41/2-year strike at Colt Firearms. Also the recent contract settlement for 2,500 new members at Foxwoods Resort Casino stands out. Another time would be 1989 and the fight for workers in Puerto Rico over collective bargaining. I witnessed workers standing in the hot sun for hours at a time to vote for union representation. There were crowds of women, single mothers with children and the elderly all willing to weather the elements for collective bargaining rights. I was deeply moved. Today, the UAW represents 18,000 workers in Puerto Rico.

Why are unions just as important today as they were in 1935?

Unions are actually more important today to balance the equation. Unions establish wage rates, benefits and time off. They give workers a say in the workplace and a remedy for resolving grievances. Workers get the protections they need while they make quality products.

What would you say to someone who is considering joining a union?

I would tell them that they are making the best decision in their life. Your future is in your hands when you choose to form a union.

What is your fondest career memory?

That would be resolving and negotiating my first contract. It included an unfair labor practices strike, so there was litigation to work through.

Name two things you’re looking forward to in your retirement.

I will be active in the labor movement and the community, and will always be forever thankful to UAW leaders, members and my family for giving me the opportunity to work with people of all backgrounds.

Sandra Davis