Politics Playing A Big Role At UAW Convention

by Jeff Gilbert
WWJ AutoBeat Reporter

This year's UAW bargaining convention is not only the kickoff to an important round of auto negotiations; it is often taking on the trappings of a democratic campaign rally.

"Politics plays a tremendous role," said UAW President Bob King, at the first day of the convention that also included speeches from Democratic strategist Donna Brazile, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn, and Detroit NAACP President Wendell Anthony.

"We can not continue to vote wrong, and expect folk to do right," said Anthony.  "Many of those people who occupy a house on the hill are there because many of us, unfortunately, helped to get them there."

The UAW has contended that many of the Republican gains, including the election of Rick Snyder as Michigan's governor, came because some union members sat out this election.

King promising to use the conflict between union members and the Wisconsin Governor as a rallying point heading into the 2008 national elections.  He tied Governor Snyder's efforts to balance Michigan's budget to the Wisconsin governor's showdown with labor unions there.

"They want to take more and more and more away from working America, from middle-class America," said King.  "They want to give more and more to the wealthiest and the corporations. We are not going to tolerate and stand for that."

Governor Snyder has denied being engaged in "union busting," and has said that his efforts to attract business to Michigan are aimed at creating more jobs.

As the convention continues, it will feature appearances by other labor leaders.  King is also planning a "social activism" event.  At the union's constitutional convention this summer, members held a march through downtown Detroit.

King calling on union members to become more active, saying leaders can't do it all themselves.

"Workers never get the rights they deserve, never get the economic justice they deserve, never get the economic justice they deserve, unless we are willing to fight for us."

Follow Jeff Gilbert on Twitter @jefferygilbert