The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) awarded the $6 billion contract for the next generation of postal vehicles to Oshkosh Defense, a company with a reputation for tough military trucks built with union labor with just a small number of electric vehicles on order.
But instead of using this opportunity to expand quality jobs under a decades-old union contract, the company plans to refurbish a vacant warehouse in another state and build these vehicles without a commitment to union wages or representation.
Let’s Build Back Better and put letter carriers in union-made vehicles that are good for the planet. Add your name and sign the petition if you agree.
The tax credit of an additional $4,500 for union-made electric vehicles made in the U.S. is a win for UAW members, unorganized autoworkers, and the entire labor movement. The provision:
- Supports the high standards in wages, benefits, and safety that UAW members have bargained for in the auto industry
- Incentivizes nonunion companies to stop spending millions on union busters and to allow their workers to form their unions freely
- Encourages U.S. auto manufacturers to bring back jobs they offshored
TO: All UAW Local Unions
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
This year has been challenging on all fronts. Our communities are stressed physically, financially, and emotionally as we endure COVID-19. And while we all await and hope for a future that can bring us back together, many have had to rely on the good will and support of others to get through this difficult time.
United Way continues to be on the front lines of giving aid and support to those in our communities. In 2019, we witnessed the good work done by the United Way Labor Committee (comprised of labor leaders, United Way CEO’s, AFL-CIO community services liaisons and United Way staff) in the support provided to UAW members on strike against General Motors. While that strike ended, the work continued. From natural disasters affecting families across our nation, through the increased needs produced by the pandemic, on every front, United Way has stepped up and helped.
Now, it’s our turn to do the same. The United Way helps millions of people by connecting them with much needed resources during times of difficulty. Sometimes those people in need are our members; often it’s our family or neighbors. We’ve maintained a long-standing partnership with the United Way because we know that together we can face all challenges.
The UAW proudly endorses and supports the United Way’s worksite giving campaigns, and I am asking you to do the same. Together, we can help the United Way continue their good work in our communities.
Thank you for your continued support.
In solidarity,
Rory L. Gamble
Please click on link below to view/print correspondence from President, Rory Gamble
2020_united_way.pdf
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cc: Chris Crump
Sandra Engle
Ruthann Hande
Leigh Kegerreis
Jimmie Williams
Union members in the public sector are once again under attack and need our support. The Snyder-appointed Civil Service Commission is using the cover of a global pandemic to engage in underhanded union busting targeted at State of Michigan workers. This is not only an attack on dedicated state employees, but also their ability to provide quality public services to the people of Michigan. At a time when state workers have been on the frontlines of protecting the people of Michigan from the coronavirus, these anti-worker commissioners are trying to undermine the right of state employees to collectively bargain. Stand with our brothers and sisters and tell the Civil Service Commission to end these anti-union attacks.
Call your Representative’s office right now at 1-866-287-6350, and call your Senator’s office at 1-888-329-5096. Make sure you let them know who you are, where you live, and that any federal legislation dealing with this pandemic protects frontline workers and working families across America.
Owen Bieber touched the lives of many during his career, including many UAW members and their families. During his 12 years leading the world’s most powerful union that was 1.1 million members strong, he had a hand in supporting struggles for human rights from Africa to Eastern Europe, and advising President Bill Clinton on labor and economic issues.
Bieber’s work as a union leader went beyond rallies and negotiations. The UAW supported labor and civil rights movements with leaders across the globe, where the stakes were about more than higher wages. He is a leader that will be missed, but never forgotten. Do you have a story about Owen? We'd like to hear it!