We Are The People For The People

The UAW Constitution has built in protections for local union contract gains.  The purpose of Article 19 is designed to protect contract gains.  Section 6 says: “The International Executive Board shall protect all Local Unions who have succeeded in establishing higher wages and favorable conditions and have superior agreements, so that no infringement by Local Unions with inferior agreements in workplaces doing similar work may be committed against the Local Union with advanced agreements.”  

The entire purpose of this clause in the UAW Constitution is to prevent whipsawing.  Whipsawing is the practice of having local unions compete for favor with the company.  It is a downward spiral leading to lower wages faster line speeds and plant closings.  

Unfortunately the paradigm shift the International UAW has accepted of cooperation with the corporations we work for has violated our UAW Constitution and violated Federal Labor Laws.  The corruption crisis that has exploded in our union can be traced back to ignoring this and other clauses in our Constitution.  

UAW members need to take back control of our union.  A reform movement is under way to do just that.  UAW Local 551 needs to do our part to reclaim our union for the members of the UAW. Unite All Workers for Democracy is organizing to implement much needed reforms to our democratic practices and improved transparency in the dealings of the International Executive Board so members can know how their dues are being used and have the ability to do something about it.