December 10, 2014

2014 Christmas Message
from Region 8 Director Ray Curry

The holidays are always a good time for meditation and reflection on the year. The past twelve months have been a busy but productive for those of us in UAW Region 8.

After years of discussions with Volkswagen and workers at their Chattanooga operations, the UAW filed for an election to establish a works council there. The interference in the election by politicians elected to serve the people was unprecedented. However, we are proud to report that UAW Local 42 is alive and well today in Chattanooga. When we stand together we can and will make a difference.  Standing for America’s working families is what we are all about. I only wish more of our elected officials would stand for working families instead of standing for those of power and privilege.

In Vance, Alabama we welcomed the addition of UAW Local 112 a new local union providing representation for workers at the MBUSI assembly plant near Tuscaloosa. Organizing in hostile environments isn’t easy- but it is the right thing to do. We must speak out where injustice exists – wherever working families are under fire and wherever workers cry out for a collective voice.

These are perilous times for America’s workers and we in labor have a responsibility to stand and fight for these workers and their families. President Abraham Lincoln dreamt of a nation that was “of the people, by the people and for the people.”  Labor is the last defensive for working people. The corporate lobby has now bought both the Congress and Senate and it will take a dedicated effort by those who stand with labor to keep the promise of the American Dream alive for our working families. They can outspend us, but if we stand strong they can’t outwork us. To quote the anthem of labor “Yet what force on earth is weaker than the feeble strength of one For the Union makes us strong.” We must stand collectively and stand strong.

As we enter into the holiday season, we must keep those less fortunate than ourselves in our thoughts and prayers. While things have improved, the disparity of income continues to be a stumbling block for many Americans. The working poor still struggle to get by and things such as the holidays can stress a budge already squeezed. All across the region local unions are tirelessly working to help those in need this holiday season. After all, that is what we are all about. I encourage each of you to reach out to someone less fortunate this holiday season and make their holiday brighter. It is truly more blessed to give than receive and the satisfaction of knowing you helped another human being will last long after the decorations have been stored away and credit card bills paid.

In closing, on behalf of the entire leadership and staff of UAW Region 8 I would like to extend to each of you wishes for a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. It is both an honor and privilege to serve this membership and your extended families. Family is what the holidays and labor are all about, so they naturally go together.  During this time of family, love and life, it is our desire that your holiday be filled with blessing, love and laughter. Enjoy a well earned rest with loved ones as together we will take up the cause for labor and justice when the New Year dawns.

On behalf of the leadership and Staff of Region 8,

In Solidarity,

Region 8 Director Ray Curry

 

 

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