Local 31 trustee and UAWD member Nick Livick writes for Labor Notes:
The UAW just wrapped up a historic election where members got to vote directly for their top leaders for the first time in the union’s history. The rank and file voted for change and a more militant stance with their employers. With seven seats contested, reform-minded candidates won every single one.
The union has vowed to fight to restart production at Belvidere. “This economic dislocation is a choice made by Stellantis to reap even higher profits,” said UAW Vice President and Stellantis department director Rich Boyer, who was elected on the Members United slate last year. “We will highlight their corporate greed to workers, community, taxpayers, and consumers.”
At the recent UAW Special Bargaining Convention, the union’s International Executive Board appeared to be in total unison, calling on auto workers to unite against our true enemies: “multibillion-dollar corporations and employers that refuse to give our members their fair share.”
Every leader got up and gave a rousing speech on unity and militancy ahead of negotiations. But after decades of concessions and losing, talk is cheap. Results must be delivered.
The entire membership of our union must be mobilized, united, and prepared for the fight that is coming our way.