Thursday June 17, 2010
Detroit Cobo hall – As the final day of the 35th Convention opened there was a buzz among all the photographers from the professionals who make a living at it to the Local Union photographers who live it. They were all wanting to map out how the morning would go, who would be where on stage and where would the gavel be handed off. They had assembled just before 9am to start the last day of the Convention; in essence, the last day President Ron Gettlefinger would open a convention day with the title. UAW President. From this day forward Ron Gettlefinger is President Emeritus.
The 35th UAW Constitutional Convention was called to order by President Ron Gettlefinger at 9:00 am. He called on Secretary Treasurer Elizabeth Bunn the read the results of the election of officers held on Wednesday, the reading allowed the results to be entered into the record. Bob King received 2,117 votes for President and presidential candidate Gary Walkowicz received just over 74 votes. During the election all Regions and Locals who had supporters for Brother Gary Walkowicz were asked to come forward and cast a vote once it was clear that over half of the delegates were voting for Bob King. This action (democracy in action) still only produced just fewer than 100 total votes for Gary. Leaving over 1,925 votes uncast for Bob King as they were a formality not needed to prove a winner in the race. All other races were handled by acclimation votes as no candidates came forward from any region to challenge those in their respective races. We now have in the General Motors Department Joe Ashton as our Vice President. Joe comes to the GM Departments Vice Presidency as the former Region 9 Director he was elected to that position in 2006. Maurice “Mo” Davison was re-elected by and ran un-opposed as Director of Region 3; he is now in his second term.

Retired UAW President Owen Bieber was on hand to help in the formalities of swearing in the new officers on Thursday June 19, 2010. He presided over the reading of the oath of office all officers are sworn into office directly from the UAW Constitution. After all our new officers were sworn in they moved to their respective chairs on the stage at the convention. This moved the honored and retired officers to the seating area behind the main stage, where they were joined by family and close friends.

 The next order of business is the handing of the gavel from Ron Gettlefinger to Bob King. Once complete President Bob King presided over the meeting and continued where we left off the day before. Delegates heard reports from the Resolutions Committee on Civil and Human Rights, and passed the resolution as recommended by the committee.
Bob King next introduced speaker Benjamin Todd Jealous current President of the NAACP. He is the youngest President and CEO of the oldest Civil Rights Organization in the United States. “My first protest was to organize at my college a student support group who supported striking UAW members on the campus” he opened his speech with. Ben took time to commend the delegates and the rich history of the UAW and their commitment to the rights of all Americans regardless of race of origin. He reminded delegates the history the NAACP and the UAW share as well. “I was in Washington D.C. in January of 2009; I froze, as we swore in President Barack Obama. I knew it would be cold that day because my grandfather had predicted it 2 years earlier. He was in his 90’s and did not live to see him sworn in as president. But on a visit with him 2 years earlier I said Grandpa I think Barack Obama will be our next President, he told me ‘Ben that will be a cold day in….’ He was right.” Ben reminded us of the racial stereotypes that are behind the so-called Tea Party movement. “A small group of well heeled, wealthy privileged, people want to take this country back, what they are really saying is back to the days before workers rights and unions.” “We can all see that the nation is being divided into a nation of have and have not’s. But we can say we truly own this town, (Detroit) and own this country, we are just going to take it back from a small group of well heeled wealthy and privileged people” Benjamin Jealous concluded. This was followed by a standing ovation and a small speech by president Bob King who reminded Delegates that there will be a march on Washington October 2nd, 2010. This march is being organized by the NAACP. It will be supported by the UAW as well, in people numbers and logistical support and planning.
United States Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis spoke to delegates later on June 17th. She spent 8 years in the U.S. House and stated, “I can tell all delegates here today that I would not be in the U.S. House in 2000 if it were not for the UAW. I had help from UAW Retirees, who mobilized and hit the streets for my campaign it was a wonderful experience. I am a union woman and I was a union kid. I am the daughter of a Teamster steward and I have walked a picket line, and like our President Barack Obama, I will not choke on the word Union” she stated to rousing applause. “On my first day in office as Labor Secretary I opened the doors and started cleaning house, there is still a lot of work to be done. I also met with workers from a plant that was closing, they did not want a hand out, and they wanted a hand up” she continued. She spoke of the problems facing workers in today’s workplaces,” Safety in the Mines, Refineries, Oil Rigs, why do we have these problems? We just left 8 years of letting business regulate itself and inspect their own worksites, which is wrong. I am concerned and we are working to change that” she stated. “There is a new sheriff in town, the UAW has a friend in the Department of Labor” she concluded.

If you ask Gary Walkowicz and any of his supporters who were in attendance they will tell you that “democracy was not served to this membership.” They wanted “less predetermined structure, a less, set up before delegates arrived.” This Convention, as those that preceded it are well run, well orchestrated machines. A “train going down the track and you better get on, or get out of the way” type of meeting. It is by this design that a body this large can make the necessary adjustments to function and do it all in a four day, non-stop schedule. The “adjustments” delegates vote on are ideas from the varied membership we have. Resolutions delivered to the International Union through the Region, they go to a Committee and are then presented during the Convention. This is too processed for some to accept. Delegate Walkowicz and other members want more spontaneous ideas from the floor presented by delegates during the convention without it being “run by the UAW attorneys, let the members decide” I heard stated on the convention floor.
I was honored and fortunate enough to be elected as a delegate by my Local union’s membership. While on the convention floor I did not just sit in my seat during the proceedings. I found that walking the aisles of this massive hall (COBO Hall Detroit holding over 4,000 delegates) enabled me to meet members from varied backgrounds and very diverse work worlds all represented by the same Union, the UAW. Some old familiar faces were there as I have been a member of LUPA, (Local Union Press Association) for over 20 years this got me re-connected to several other locals, which helps us better understand our diversity. I look forward to continue with some posts and information for all to view as I continue to sift through the pages of note I took during the marathon sessions that made up the 35th UAW Constitutional Convention. Also for our 2209 members I will have an abridged version of these posts in the next Local 2209 Local Voices Union Newspaper.

As the Conference Center at COBO Hall filled this morning with Staff, Delegates and Distinguished Guests, they were met by a sea of multi-colored balloons worthy of any celebration. We were celebrating not only the 35th UAW Constitutional Convention, but also the 75th Anniversary of the UAW itself. Cheers and blasts from air-horns rang from the crowd, as we honored the retiring staff members on their way out, including Vice President Terry Thurman and Secretary-Treasurer Elizabeth Bunn, UAW -GM Vice President Cal Rapson and President Ron Gettlefinger.

Although Vice-President Bob King was the popular candidate for President, Brother Gary Walkowicz, Bargaining Chairman from Dearborn Truck Plant was nominated as well. He ran on a campaign based on fighting concessions, at any cost. Both candidates accepted their nominations. A “Roll Call Vote” had to be taken in order to take an accurate vote. Each local was asked to go to the mic and cast their vote, either individually, or if their local was in unanimous agreement they could send a representative to vote in a “block”. A steady stream of Delegates walked down the aisle to cast their votes, until a majority was reached. There were 2,117 votes cast at the mic for Bob King. Gary Walkowicz received 74. The remaining 1,927 were not brought to the microphone, since a majority had been reached. President Gettlefinger asked that any Delegate wishing to cast a vote for Brother Walkowicz come forward and do so. At that time, a number of Delegates did exactly that…but it was not enough for an upset victory. Bob King was pronounced the UAW’s President-elect.

President Gettlefinger then thanked the delegates for their patience with the “Roll Call Vote“, which took nearly 2 hours. “Brothers and Sisters“, he stated. “You just witnessed Democracy in action!”

The sole nomination for Secretary-Treasurer went to Dennis Williams and he was elected by acclimation. Jimmy Settles, General Holiefield and Cindy Estrada were all elected/re-elected as Vice Presidents and part of the Bob King Mobilization Team. Phyllis Blust was nominated for the only open International Trustee position and was elected by acclimation.

The Delegates were given the opportunity to shake hands with each of the newly elected before adjourning to a final caucus meeting of Region 3 Delegates where Mo Davison was officially re-elected as our Director and Mike Ailes was elected as our Assistant Director.

Today we supported and elected the Bob King Team to represent our UAW. The elected team consisted of:

•President Bob King
•Secretary Treasure Dennis Williams
•Vice Presidents: Joe Ashton, General Hollifield, Cindy
Estrada, and Jimmy Settles
•Trustee Phyllis Blust

Each candidate ran unopposed except Bob King. Another contender named Gary Walkowicz ran for president. Bob King won by an overwhelmingly majority vote.

Before the election, President Gettlefinger, Secretary Treasure Bun, and Vice President Cal Rapson were all honored and thanked for their years of hard work and dedication to the union. They were wished the best as they went into retirement.

Later on in the day each region broke out into their own sessions to elect their regional director. Our Region Director, Mo Davidson was nominated and re-elected by acclimation.

We all celebrated the victories tonight with each region having their own dinner receptions.

Wednesday June 16, 2010

Detroit COBO hall-The morning started early for many Regions as Delegates and staff members set about to fill balloons and hang posters in preparation for the election that would happen later that day.  Region 3 had folks there at 5 am even though some had made Tuesday a late night with a 75^th birthday party that was held at Cobo hall for all Delegates, Regional and International staff members, Distinguished guests, and friends. 

The convention was re-convened at 9 am and called to order by President Ron Gettlefinger. He soon accepted an award for all UAW members from the March of Dimes. The award simply said “Thank You” for the service and donations that all UAW Leaders, Locals and Region put into the March of Dimes each year.  Most importantly we all were thanked for our work on the local level with March of Dimes WalkAmerica. That event is the single biggest fund raiser they do each year. The UAW provides people money and support that is second to none and helps drive the program each year.  Ron Gettlefinger graciously accepted the award on behalf of all UAW members.

All Delegates then paid tribute to Doug Frasier and his family who were in attendance today. A video tribute and history lesson was shown to all Delegates which was met with yet another standing ovation.

The Retired Workers Advisory Council was recognized and Region 3’s own Larry Scott is chairman of the Council.  They were thanked for their dedication and hard work each year on behalf of the UAW membership both retired and working.

Next we heard from the Public Review Board and one of its Co-Chairpersons James J Brudney. James reviewed the new members’ departures of old members and reported on general information and formalities of the Board. The Board was established 53 years ago to meet the needs of the UAW membership to have an impartial board of outsiders to hear claims and cases against the UAW. All Delegates received a booklet outlining claims and cases brought to the UAW Public Review Board in 2009.  A motion to seat the Board, its new members (6), was supported and voted into action.   

Maurice Mo Davison introduced and paid tribute to Retired Vice President and former Region 3 Director Terry Thurman. Mo gave a history lesson in the work that Terry Thurman did for his Region and the International Union Throughout his career.  Other retiring Regional Directors received the same honor over the next hour and all received standing ovations and cheers of support from their respective Regions.

Vice President Cal Rapson was thanked for his dedication and service to the UAW. Like so many in his position he had a long career of service to the UAW, and was honored for all his work on behalf of the membership.

UAW International Union Secretary Treasurer Elizabeth Bunn was honored for her unwavering service to so many in the UAW throughout a long and distinguished career. She earned a reputation for being a leader, a student and an advocate for all she represented. She backed down from nothing she faced in her career. Using her wealth of knowledge and background to win contracts and negotiate agreements that are the standard for so many today.

President Ron Gettlefinger was honored by Elizabeth Bunn

President Ron Gettlefinger was honored by Elizabeth Bunn for the long and winding road he traveled as a labor leader. Throughout his career Ron always referred to himself as a Chassis Repairman from Local 862 in Louisville KY, Region 3. He was the kind of leader who worked his calm demeanor on the people he went toe to toe with. That calm quiet style was respected and revered by those he negotiated with. Ron was a leader who used his background and knowledge from his humble beginnings, against all who rose to take from the working people he represented.  He had peers who respected him and enemies who ended up with that same respect for him, they just took a little longer to get there. A great leader in very tough times, Ron Gettlefinger was loved and honored by so many. He was honored today by all the Delegates at the 35^th Constitutional Convention. Thank you for your service Brother Gettlefinger.

The Credentials Committee had their report read and entered into the record. The Delegates supported and passed the report as read.

The Rules Committee had their report supported and entered into the record.  All Committees were thanked by the UAW International executive board for the work they did on behalf of all the members of the UAW.

Nominations and acceptances were the main order of the day. Once rules were established, (that’s where that Rules committee’s work comes into play) for all Delegates the nominations were opened.

1^st Bernie Ricke Local 600 (Region 1A) Nominated Bob King for the office of UAW President (Local 600 is Bob Kings Local.) Bob King when asked by the chair accepted the nomination. Bob King had over 2,115 votes, he was declared the winner.

2^nd Cathy Abney Local 600 (Region 1A) Nominated Gary Walkowicz for the office of UAW President. Gary when asked by the chair accepted the nomination. Gary only was able to garner just over 74 votes. Gary may have lost but his ability to run in the race proved the democracy of the UAW.

3^rd Kevin Johnson Local 807 (Region 4) Nominated Dennis Williams for the office of Secretary Treasurer. Nominations closed with no other candidates, Dennis was seated by Acclimation.

4^th There were 4 open Vice President Positions, All filled by Acclimation as the candidates went unopposed. James Jimmy Settles Jr., Cindy Estrada, General Holiefield, Joe Ashton.

The open position for Trustee was filled by Phyllis Blust. She won by Acclimation.

The convention was recessed until 9am Thursday June 17, 2010

Maurice Mo Davison was re-elected as Director of Region 3, for a second term. “I am honored and humbled to be re-elected as your Director of Region 3

In the Region 3 Caucus, Maurice Mo Davison was re-elected as Director of Region 3, for a second term. “I am honored and humbled to be re-elected as your Director of Region 3. I will not let you down” Mo Davison stated to the standing ovation he received from the Region 3 Delegates who overwhelmingly supported him. He ran unopposed for the position.

It’s Day 3 of the convention and I’m already a day behind. So I’m listing the key issues that were discussed:

“Fighting for Economic & Social Justice”

“Healthcare should be a RIGHT, not a priviledge”

“Good jobs are worth fighting for”

“Strength in Solidarity”

“Stop the race to the bottom”

On the first day of the Convention, there were many opportunities. We had the opportunity to meet Leadership, Delegates and Distinguished Guests from throughout the UAW. We also heard discussion and had the opportunity to vote on many resoulutions, including topics of “Creating Auto and Manufacturing Jobs for the Future” and “Political Action”. I was given the opportunity to take the microphone and have my opinion heard on a resolution titled “Right to Organize”. I spoke in favor of this resolution. I feel strongly that it is important, for the survival of our great Union and the survival of the middle class, to continue to help our neighbors to gain a voice in their workplaces.

In addition to the proposed resolutions, we were privileged to hear speeches from State Representatives John Dingell(Michigan), Betty Sutton (Ohio) and John Lewis (Georgia), who was also awarded with the UAW Social Justice Award. Mr. Lewis stated emphatically, “As members of organized labor you must never give up! You must never give in! You must never give out! Walter Reuther was beaten unconscious and he did not give up! And you must not give up!”.

Elizabeth Bunn introduced Michigan Governor Jennifer Grandholm by telling the Convention attendees,“Leadership is not about making easy decisions in easy times….it is about making difficult decisions in difficult times.”

Governor Granholm gave a speech full of encouragement and support for UAW members. She is a shining example of what can be accomplished when Unions and politicians join forces to help the working people. “We need to continue creating jobs and keep them in America! Lets reward companies for bringing jobs back home!” Governor Grandholm said that she believes that UAW members should tell the world about labor’s collaboration with management to provide quality products. “We are a weak nation if we make nothing.”

“We are losing some great soldiers,” Governor Grandholm said of the many retirements of UAW staff and Executive Board members. Some of these retirees include Secretary-Treasurer Elizabeth Bunn, Vice President Cal Rapson and President Ron Gettlefinger.

Detroit June 15 COBO Hall- During the reading and debate of amendments to the UAW Constitution, there was discussion on Article 32 Section 2. This deals specifically with the make-up of The Public Review Board. It would change some of the section 2 language to read; The Public Review Board shall consist of 6 members (previously 7). Additionally language was changed, In the event of death, retirement, or resignation of any of the six (6) members, the International Executive Board shall have the authority to reduce the number of members from six (6) to five (5).
My name is Mark Gevaart, I am an Elected Delegate from UAW Local 2209, and we work with the best servicing rep in Rich Mince, the best assistant Director in Mike Ailes, and the Best Leadership in a Director, Our Director in Region 3 Mo Davison. (To a rousing round of Region 3 applause) I rise to speak in support of this amendment, and like we voted on an earlier amendment to Article 10, Section 1, I ask you to support passage of these amended changes to Article 32 Section 2 – Because it just makes sense! Thank You!
(When the session was adjourned I visited the leadership at the front of the hall took some pictures and shook hands with President Ron Gettlefinger, former Region 3 Director, who stated “that was one of the shortest Region 3 statements ever made, at a convention and I appreciate that.”)

Detroit June 15 COBO Hall

Tuesday, June 15 2010
Called to order at 9:00am the Chair –Ron Gettlefinger picked up where the convention left off on Monday. Members started the day with resolutions and passed after debate, the submitted resolutions from the resolutions committee.
Delegates also viewed an Erving Bluestone tribute video, he passed at the age of 90 in 2007, born in 1917 he work with so many in the historic growth of the UAW. A leader who started at the age of 23 in local 511. He worked in a bearing plant, on his way to being a UAW leader he soon found himself involved in his local and the natural growth to a life as a labor leader was built. Irving Bluestone worked tirelessly for working families. He sat in on some of the toughest negotiations with GM, Ford, Chrysler and other Agricultural Implement manufactures.
His son Barry Bluestone who told the delegates that his father Irving would have loved to see his 30th retirement anniversary in 2010. But Irving led a life of service and a desire to help the middle class built on the wages and benefits negotiated by the labor movement, specifically the UAW. Many of the negotiated contracts were by other labor unions and used as standards in the non union workplace. COLA, Retirement Benefits, Pensions, Seniority rights, a grievance process, all pieces of the puzzle that keeps workers safe and giving them a chance to prosper. All were cornerstones of the UAW, battling for dignity and a living wage everywhere. From a peak of 1.5 million members we now see our membership at just over 315,000. Workers wages have stagnated, annual wage increases have slowed and many of the hallmarks of the middle class are starting to slip. We can make a case for the need to help more people today, so many cry that the bailouts need to stop yet we see those being bailed out are hardly owed that bailout. Fair Trade policies and support for auto companies are a must to add to our legislative agenda. We should also go farther by replacing the aging bus and train fleets in this country putting American workers back to work. Barry Bluestone also thanked the UAW, its leaders and the work Labor unions have done to help him get an education and become the well rounded economist that he is today.
We continued the debate on resolutions on Tuesday throughout the day with plenty of Delegates speaking on all sides of the issues. The morning to mid afternoon covered propose Resolutions. Later in the day Constitutional amendments were handled. And during the day we had plenty of non delegate speakers sprinkled in.
US Senator Tom Harkin D-Iowa, spoke via satellite from Washington as the Senate was in session. He stated “why should working people have to crawl on broken glass and go through hell just to join a legal organization – a union? We will pass the Employee Free Choice Act! Fight with me until we get this done! Demand from your leaders Fair Trade not just free trade. Every American can agree that trashing the environment in other countries and killing workers in other countries is not the part of free trade, make it fair trade, do it right! The UAW made me proud and helped this country get Health Care Reform passed. The wind is at our backs, do not believe what you hear, we are marching right on into November, we can win and we will with your help.
Marion Wright Edelman received a Social Justice Award for her work with the Children’s Defense Fund. She stated some obvious points that delegates agree with; “No one is worth 100 million dollars a year, The average CEO earns 310 times more than the average worker, that is backwards we need a better balance. There should be no poverty in the United States, a country where the GDP is 15 Billion. We need to listen to the kids, brown, black, white, they are the future and they need us to TEACH, TEACH, And TEACH. We need teachers who love to teach and love the children that is as simple as I can say it. Stop building and filling prisons, start teaching and manufacturing, create jobs for these next generations, they need us to care for them. Teach, Teach Teach!”
Jyrki Raina from Finland spoke to the Delegates he was with a delegation of over 40 labor leaders from all over the globe. He is the General Secretary President of the IMF the International Metal Workers Union, with a combined membership of 25 million in 100 countries around the globe. “The world has changed so much in the last 75 years that the UAW has been in existence. In this new world economy we have to join the workers of the world, so we all can share in a better life. We are in a crisis today because of unregulated financial sectors in every country, now more than ever we need to regulate the financial sector so we do not have this problem again in the future. We want to end this speculation and demand a global sur-tax to end speculation, and currency manipulation. America needs manufacturing to be better, no question, I respect all of you, we respect you for what you have done for labor the world over, the struggle must go on, and we have to fight for rights in all countries, in all workplaces.”
In the afternoon we were presented with some of the Constitution Committees recommendations. The proposed changes all passed, as delegates agreed with the proposed language changes of the Constitution. The changed wording on the following;
Article 10, Section 1 to reduce the amount of Vice Presidents from 5 to 4.
Article 11, Section 1, 2, 3, & 8 dealing with the salaries of the International Union from the President on down to staff jobs. Delegates were told that the International Reps had eliminated the 3% raises and COLA, in an effort to tighten expenditures. And that the raises they were voting on still would put the UAW International Reps at the bottom of the pay compensation list when compared to other International Unions.
Article 16, Section 14 deals with a redistribution of Strike Fund monies. Delegates were told that the UAW leadership has taken a 28% reduction in staff, and there are 23% less clerical staff. It was also noted that if we continue with loss in membership that all or part of Black Lake could be sold.
Article 32, Section 2 this deals with the restructuring of the Public Review Board, an outside group that is not subordinate to any part of the UAW. A partial excerpt of Section 2 Line 23 -“There shall be established a Public Review Board consisting of impartial persons of good public repute.” They changed the wording so that if a person left the board (death, retirement, resignation)they would not be replace, moving the Board make up from Six to Five. Local 2209 Delegate Mark Gevaart was recognized by the chair and spoke on this Amendment. (Text of speech is included in Delegate Mark Gevaart “Speaks” area of this blog.)
Article 33, Section 4(a) this amendment now states; an appeal shall be made in writing, except as otherwise provided in the constitution and that all appeals include an original physical signature.
Article 45 Section 2 elections added Members in good standing who are on indefinite layoff from an employer may not be a candidate for, or vote in, an election for a non-executive local union office that has grievance handling, contract bargaining or contractual administrative duties unless specifically authorized to do so by Local Union Bylaws or applicable collective bargaining agreement.

Monday June 14, 2010
The UAW 35th Constitutional Convention was convened at 10:00am in COBO hall Detroit Michigan. After the presentation of the colors, we joined members in the singing of national anthems from the United States, Canada, & Costa Rica the meeting was called to order.
Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm started with a biased and rousing speech that spoke of the success of the auto industry as a whole in Michigan in the midst of plant closings and job loss. She wished all UAW members a happy 75th birthday (2010 is the 75th year the UAW has been representing members in this country.) She also again pointed out as many have, that “we need to lift the work and living standards around the world, not lower the standards of America.” She also made the following statement, “we are not afraid of Trade just give the US a fair fight give us a chance to prove we can compete, free trade is not free, fair trade gives us a chance we need protective legislation that promotes fair trade.” “In the words of deceased UAW President Douglas Frasier “Presidents and Governors come and go but the UAW goes on and on.” Governor Granholm concluded.
Delegates also had an opportunity to preview some TV commercials that the UAW has put together; titled “What Do You Believe” they are well done spots using young people in rolls as the stars and tell a story in 30 short seconds. Very nice, money well spent, they would make you smile when you see them. They are currently being played at movie theatres in Alabama in the middle of several foreign transplant assembly facilities towns. They are available to view at UAW.org.

John Lewis D-GA in the US Congress, spoke with an impassioned speech to the convention. He cited many times in his life that the UAW was there to help. He stated that of the 10 who spoke in Washington at the Freedom March of 1964 (one speaker was Walter Reuther) he is the only surviving member of that group of 10. He spoke in an eloquent manner about his humble upbringing in Troy Alabama and how he has relied on Labor to support him. 

Throughout the day delegates rose to speak in support and rose to tell the delegates that they felt some specific resolutions “did not go far enough” that was the only voice of dissent heard.
Then during the resolution discussions in the afternoon of Monday June 14 a few members jumped up in Region 2B to yell “point of order!” They waited until the floor was clear of debate and between resolutions to ask the chairman (President Ron Gettlefinger) to allow them to make a motion to accept the resolutions as written by the members and proposed in the resolutions book, basically to end debate on the resolutions, so they may bring up new resolutions for debate by the body. They were ruled out of order as they did not have 159 members to support the motion and the chair felt the body wanted to continue debate on the duly written and submitted resolutions from the resolutions committee and he was supported by a rousing round of cheers and yells from the body in attendance.
Richard Trumka AFL-CIO President gave a rousing speech; he also noted that Retiring Secretary Treasurer Elizabeth Bunn was going to come to work for the AFL-CIO to work in the Organizing department. He soon had the delegates on their feet and in 3 quick minutes he had them cheering yelling and clapping for his direct and heartfelt speech on the state of the labor and how it is our time to build again!
Later in the afternoon upon adjournment for the day the delegates were given tickets to be part of the administrative caucus who overwhelmingly supported the Bob King Slate of candidates that will be voted upon on Wednesday June 16 at this convention. This slate includes New Vice Presidents, a Secretary Treasurer, a Trustee, and Regional Directors.

Todd McKibben Takes the Mic at the Convention

Monday June 14, 2010 Detroit, COBO hall – During the Resolution discussions UAW 2209 Delegate Todd McKibben was recognized by chair, Bob King, and he spoke at the microphone in support of the Resolution on Political Action.

He stated; “I am Todd McKibben Vice President of UAW 2209 and an elected delegate from my Local, we are from Region 3 guided by Director Mo Davison and his new “road dog” Mike Ailes Assistant Director. I rise in support of Political Action and the CAP program, I support this resolution. 

We all know that big business has deep pockets to fight Labor friendly politicians, people we would support. Without the UAW and labor activists that are involved in politics, we would have no support in Washington D.C. We have to be politically involved, without our support; it could be compared to taking a knife to a gun fight.”

“The candidates that support workers values & beliefs in working America want the same things that the CEO’s do…..without the greed. They want a home; a dependable union made vehicle, money to put in the bank for their children’s education. It takes every single voter to do their part, get educated on the issues that affect us….all of us! I support this resolution.”