This afternoon, Bargaining Convention delegates cleared the 15% threshold of votes needed to bring a resolution out of committee for debate: Resolution to Renew COLA Wage Adjustments Across All Sectors, one of UAWD’s priority resolutions.
With inflation projected to continue increasing, it is more important than ever to reinstate COLA as a staple of all UAW contracts. This must start with COLA provisions in all initial proposals and preparing to strike for COLA. The resolutions committee report mentioned COLA only once (on page 12), and UAWD supported this resolution to make a stronger statement in support of COLA.
UAWD Steering Committee member, John Deere worker, and Local 281 delegate Nolan Tabb made the point of order to bring a stronger resolution on COLA to the floor.
HAPPENING NOW
UAWD Reform Delegate Nolan Tabb successfully pulls a resolution on COLA(Cost of Living Adjustment) out of committee for debate.
— Unite All Workers for Democracy (UAWD) (@UAWD_Reform) March 27, 2023
UAWD members Sheila Kulkarni (Local 2865) and Rachel Petherbridge (Local 5118) spoke about the importance of COLA to higher ed members. Steering Committee member Scott Houldieson led a chant of “No COLA, no contract!”
Scott Houldieson of the @UAWD_Reform starts a chant: “NO COLA. NO CONTRACT.” pic.twitter.com/bjZOiBZsxR
— Kalea (Kay-lee) Hall (@bykaleahall) March 27, 2023
An amendment was proposed to include COLA for retirees in the resolution language, which failed. Ultimately, following impassioned debate, this proposed resolution to prioritize COLA as an initial demand was ultimately voted down, with 191 in favor and 311 opposed (38% to 62%).
Cola resolution rejected.
All reform delegates voted in favor of passing the resolution.
— Unite All Workers for Democracy (UAWD) (@UAWD_Reform) March 27, 2023
UAWD is committed to fighting for COLA for all members and to building strong contract campaigns, especially in the Big 3 this year! Join our Organizing Committee to get involved, and check back at UAWD Convention HQ at uawd.org/convention2023 for more updates during Convention week.