The State
Legislature is expected to pass a tax bill with these results, according to
Spurlock, "80% of Texans will pay more taxes, actually probably 100% of
us in this room. Those making in excess of $120,000 a year will pay less taxes."UAW Region 5 leaders held an annual seminar for retirees at Local 276 hall in Grand Prairie on April 12. Seven activists from Local 848, including President Giesecke, attended.
Benefits experts for the Chrysler, Ford, and General Motors took up most of the program. Some of them showed concern for the automobile industry in America. The "Big 3" companies are not making their usual profits, and they continue to lose market share to imported cars. Region 5 Retiree Coordinator said that they expect to lose another 3% over the next 3 years. By 2004, only 39% of UAW members worked in major auto. General Motors' bond rating is "just about junk status." No aerospace reps were there, but it was explained that the department only has two very busy staffers.
Several speakers emphasized the political situation. CAP rep Ron Spurlock said that the United States is negotiating a new "trade" deal with Thailand. It is the 2nd largest center for truck manufacture. If the agreement is passed, truck manufacturers can be expected to move to Thailand, he said. The UAW political action people have helped sign up 140 congresspersons to oppose the pact. He summarized, "We haven't seen a trade deal in 20 years that was good for American workers."
The State
Legislature is expected to pass a tax bill with these results, according to
Spurlock, "80% of Texans will pay more taxes, actually probably 100% of
us in this room. Those making in excess of $120,000 a year will pay less taxes."
Region 5 Retiree Coordinator David Minnis said that Social Security may be privatized even though most Americans oppose it: "Bush is not giving up on privatizing. He doesn't care what the people think." He called Social Security, "the most successful government program in history. It costs only 1% to administer. The British would sure love to have it! They gave up their program some time ago and it's been very bad for them." He said that UAW members should continue calling their Congresspersons, "We can win that battle, we have to keep fighting."
Raising money for politics is important for our Region. UAW members in the
Big 3 now have payroll deduction for CAP contributions. Many of them are contributing
$8.50/week to become members of the "Director's Club." Retirees are
also selling raffle tickets for luxury cruises. There will be four winners this
year. 
Minnis (pictured left) assured the audience, "In this Region, our Director will not send one dollar to any congressman, Democrat or Republican, who votes wrong on trade. If they vote for CAFTA, they won't get any of your money. If you give money through the UAW, it's going to help with the programs you need and for keeping our jobs over here. It ain't going to be wasted!"
Retirees from the Aerospace Department do not have payroll deduction for CAP, but some of them are doing outstanding work anyway. Several members, including those from Local 848, were selling CAP tickets.
No one so far has matched the enthusiasm of the Retiree Chairperson from UAW
Local 967 in
Greenville, Ruth Hise. Hise has sent in $1,200 to join the "Director's
Club" four times this year. She is pictured in her special UAW jacket and
with a special UAW charm on her necklace.
Education rep JD Gray began with praise for retirees: "The UAW political
program would not be nearly as effective without its retirees." He then
asked people to raise their hands if they do not believe that American workers
are under attack. No hand was raised.