December 19, 2011
Christmas Message From Region 8 Director Gary Casteel
As we approach the holiday season and the twilight of the year, it is natural we reflect upon the events of the year. Unfortunately, 2011 has not fared well for America’s working families.
Early in 2010 the Supreme Court overturned the ban on corporate spending in elections. The result of that action saw the 2010 election dominated by corporate spending, with candidates being bought and paid for by the corporate machine. As soon as the new breed of bought and paid for politicians took over last January, working families all across the country suddenly found themselves in the crosshairs of the wealthy elite. Wisconsin, Maine, Ohio, Alabama, Tennessee, Michigan, and Florida were just some of the places where these newly elected representatives turned their attention to waging war on the working class. Most followed the path of first reducing taxes on the wealthy, which in turn created a budget issue for that state. To cover the shortfall they decided to cut pay, pensions and benefits of state workers to make up the difference.
No group felt the brunt of the cuts worse than public school teachers. Nationwide teachers have seen cuts to pay and benefits, while having their bargaining rights attacked. In Alabama, the Republican controlled legislature made changes to the state employee’s ethics law that prevents students from buying their teacher a Christmas present. This comes after the legislature voted three pay cuts for teachers. Additionally, in Tennessee, teachers were stripped of their collective bargaining rights.
The attack on working families hasn’t been limited to state governments. In Washington the Congress spent the entire year pushing for more tax cuts for the wealthy at the expense of programs such as Medicare and unemployment benefits. Currently the stalemate in Washington is over the extension of the payroll tax cut. This tax cut was put in place to help working families by placing on average an additional $1000 a year in the pockets of people who punch a time clock. The Republicans are demanding the Bush tax cuts for the wealthiest 2% be made permanent as part of the deal. A year ago it was unemployment benefits that were held in jeopardy to get an extension of the Bush Tax Cuts for the wealthy. Placing the most vulnerable of  society at risk to benefit the wealthy is a morally wrong- pure and simple.
From the UAW standpoint it was a busy year. Contracts for the Detroit 3 were negotiated this year. Major gains were made during times of economic uncertainty within the United States and globally. The UAW Agreements with General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler will generate more than 20,000 direct manufacturing opportunities in addition to the multiple effects to other community and industry related employers. While we had more wins than losses this past year, the losses can still haunt you. Each family is important to us and we strive to take care of each one. While it is impossible to win each fight- that must be our goal.
The announcement of a new product for GM’s Spring Hill Assembly at Local 1853 and capital investment by Carlex Glass in Nashville at Local 737 was welcomed news to both our members and middle Tennessee. The flex assembly operation and two new vehicle programs in Spring Hill along with the capital investment in Nashville will provide financial stability to many working families both inside and outside of the UAW represented locations. Additionally, the members in the states of North Carolina with Daimler Trucks at Locals 5285, 5286, and 3520, Virginia with Volvo Trucks at Local 2069, and Volvo PowerTrain in Maryland at Local 171 have experienced growth in recalls and new hires of employees as a result of a recovering heavy truck market. We will have more information regarding Region 8 in the coming New Year, as we expand our resources and intensify our efforts.
The UAW is changing, in ways that makes our organization symbiotic with the 21st Century and the global economy. We are building relationships with employers based on respect and shared goals through teamwork and creative problem solving. Because the current law does not protect the rights of workers to freely decide on having a union to represent them, the UAW has adopted new principles for fair union elections. Under this framework, employees will have their voices heard because we know that the right to organize is a fundamental human right.
In closing, let us never forget the truest meaning of this season. Christmas is a time of giving – of our means and of ourselves. We in the labor movement understand giving ourselves and have many examples through the years of great social activist. Through our means, let us resolve to continue the fight for social justice, to defend the weak and build a better world for every person.
May this holiday season find your family in the best of health and spirits. It is an honor and privilege to serve each of you and I look forward to working together with each member in the coming year.
In Solidarity,
Gary Casteel
Region 8 Director |
