UAW Membership Reclaims Roots in Historic Election

Latest

Newly elected President Shawn Fain, UAW / United Auto Workers union

For the first time in its history, the membership of the UAW / United Autoworkers union got to vote directly for its International Leadership. The election was capped off with the election of a new President. The establishment Caucus who ran the union for years was soundly defeated in other leadership contests as well.

Dogged with corruption in recent years resulting in Federal charges etc., the rank and file was fed up with the concessionary direction of its union. Over the years, rank and file “reformers” and revolutionary groupings have challenged management/corporate friendly union leadership in the UAW. This includes the League of Revolutionary Black Workers, Women’s Emergency Brigade (post Sitdowners), New Directions, No More Tiers movement, UAWD and more. This election has now put their valiant struggles on the workers agenda.

Newly elected President Shawn Fain summed up the meaning of his and others’ victory, including history making elections of three African-American women to the Executive Board, topped off by Margaret Mock, Secretary-Treasurer:

“This election was not just a race between two candidates, it was a referendum on the direction of the UAW. For too long, the UAW has been controlled by leadership with a top-down, company union philosophy who have been unwilling to confront management, and as a result, we’ve seen nothing but concessions, corruption, and plant closures,” Fain said.

Watch his convention speech here:

+ Articles by this author

Claire McClinton is a Flint resident and UAW retiree.

Free to republish but please credit the People's Tribune. Visit us at www.peoplestribune.org, email peoplestribune@gmail.com, or call 773-486-3551.

The People’s Tribune brings you articles written by individuals or organizations, along with our own reporting. Bylined articles reflect the views of the authors. Unsigned articles reflect the views of the editorial board. Please credit the source when sharing: ©2024 peoplestribune.org. Please donate to help us keep bringing you voices of the movement. Click here. We’re all volunteer, no paid staff.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Featured

Pregnant Teen Died: Seeks Care in Three Texas Emergency Rooms

Nevaeh Crain cried in pain, too weak to walk, blood staining her thighs. Vomiting and feverish at her baby shower, the teen went to two different emergency rooms, returning home, worse than before. Pregnant women have become untouchables.

No, Immigration Is Not Making Housing Less Affordable

Despite politicians' claims to the contrary, immigration is not making housing unaffordable. In fact, immigration can be part of the solution.

Make Your Vote Count 

This 2024 election is gaining on us and the pressure to get to the ballot box is intense and...

Michigan’s Prescient Lesson: Vote While You Still Can!!! 

Michigan's non-elected Emergency Manager dictatorship made Flint's water crisis possible. Pay attention to the danger of losing our Democratic rights as we’ve known them in this election. Vote while you still can!

US Doctors Tell Biden, Harris They ‘Witnessed Crimes Beyond Comprehension’ in Gaza

US doctors who visited Gaza tell Biden, Harris they've never seen such horrific injuries, on such a massive scale, with so few resources, that our bombs are cutting down women and children, and that a ceasefire must be imposed.

More from the People's Tribune