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:
Claire McClinton is a Flint resident and UAW retiree.
