This afternoon, delegates at the UAW Bargaining Convention voted to pass the Resolution to Build Student Worker Solidarity, one of UAWD’s priorities for this year’s Convention.
As more and more student-workers unionize with the UAW, universities are finding ways to divide our units—like the recent NLRB Region 1 decision that poses an urgent threat to higher ed workers. The UAW cannot take the passive stance that it took in face of the emergence of auto tiers. We need a coordinated strategy for this fast growing sector.
Yesterday, Evan MacKay (Local 5118) introduced the first version of the resolution, consideration of which was postponed by a motion. Last night, the resolution language was revised at a higher education-focused meeting that was attended by UAW members across sectors held after convention proceedings ended.
Today, Region 6 Director Mike Miller and Region 9A Director Brandon Mancilla addressed the convention to explain the significance of the revised resolution. Afterwards, Evan reintroduced a revised version of the resolution, and delegates voted to pull the resolution out of committee onto the floor for consideration.
Although many members from auto, manufacturing, and other sectors were prepared to speak in support of the resolution, the question was called before they had the opportunity. Thankfully, the resolution passed overwhelmingly with support from a majority of delegates across regions.
You can show your support for higher education workers by signing this petition from members in Region 9A in solidarity with UE members at MIT.