Unions Study Political Power
On June 26, UAW 848 leadership stayed an hour late to join other
UAW local leaders in learning ways to improve our members' political power in
2002. The main presentation at our hall was by Region 5 education specialist
J.D. Gray.
"Aerospace is suffering from the same things that hit us in
auto in the late 70's and 80's - outsourcing!" Gray began. Political
maneuvering can take away everything that unions win in negotiations,
consequently, UAW members study ways to improve our ability to fight back in this
important area. Gray said that Region 5 has developed a 2-year strategic plan.
All members are encouraged to belong to the annual "Century Club" of
people who donate $100 or more per year to the Community Action Plan (CAP-the
UAW's political organization). Even retirees with low incomes join the club,
Gray said, because they appreciate the tremendous importance of politics.
The main strategy that the UAW wants to use is
"one-on-one" political contact. It enables UAW leaders to get the
message to members in the most effective way possible, and allows the members'
messages to get back to guide leadership. Gray said, "You have to be able
to hear what the members have to say."
Not every political message is popular with every member. That
would be impossible. However, "We communicate with our members, whether we
know that they agree with us or not," Gray said.
Activism is the key to the Region 5 strategy. One of the goals
is to get more members involved in the UAW standing committees.
UAW Region 5 Expert J.D. Gray