I've read and posted on some fascinating blogs here regarding organized labor. Some are right on and some are way off base on their ideas. Quite often what is missing in the discussion is the history of the organization. I think many just don't know how progressive an organization the UAW was and still is, more after the jump...
Most of this comes from the history of the UAW which is easily accessible here;
http://www.uaw.org/...
But here are some highlights;
The UAW was founded on Aug. 26, 1935--"since their beginning, the UAW has been a leader in the fight for progressive policies and programs that have given millions of Americans the opportunity to realize the American Dream".
The early UAW leadership – including brothers Walter, Victor and Roy Reuther – organized workers to fight for more than another "nickel in the paycheck." We fought for dignity and respect on the job.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the National Labor Relations Act in 1935, requiring employers to negotiate with duly elected unions."
1936-’37— "UAW launches historic Flint, Mich., sit-down strike at GM Dec. 30. Strike ends Feb. 11, 1937, after GM agrees to negotiate with union."
This led to the organizing of Chrysler, Ford and many parts suppliers.
1942- "UAW Vice President Walter Reuther proposes converting auto plants to arsenals for democracy to build 500 planes a day."
So, it was Walter Reuther's idea (the UAW President) to convert the auto factories into the "arsenals for democracy" which helped win WWII.
1944
— "First UAW Women’s Conference – UAW is the first union to hold one – calls for full employment and equal pay for women.
— First conference of UAW veterans establishes Veterans Bureau and formulates program for returning GIs."
1949, the UAW bargains first pension plan for its membership through bargaining.
1961--hospitalization and sick benefits won. Anti-discrimination clause in contract.
1964--full hospitalization and medical for retirees won through bargaining.
1973--30 and out retirement won through bargaining.
There are many more UAW highlights that they fought for and won that the rest of the country benefitted from. However, this is the last UAW highlight I want to promote;
1999--UAW wins Election Day as a paid holiday for its employees. Why was this important? Ask Barack Obama about Michigan, Ohio and Indiana--especially Ohio and Indiana.
The UAW has always had a great social conscience and the idea of the Reuther brothers was to fight and bargain not only what was good for their membership, but society overall. And that's what they bargained for
--fairness for everyone,
--equal pay for women and minorities,
--pensions,
--sick pay and healthcare,
--safety in their workplaces
That's why the Republicans want to kill them off. The UAW is not just a "labor organization", the UAW is a social movement of ideas that benefit the overwhelming majority of our society. This is the battle and we are on the battleground.
Which side are you on?