UAW members uncertain, apprehensive amid scandal, contract negotiations

[TexasTowelie]

Beneath the echos of chants and drum lines during Monday's annual Labor Day parade in Detroit, there was an air of anxiety and uncertainty for UAW members, who are facing a union leadership scandal amid upcoming contract deadlines.

The Monday morning parade took place five days after the FBI and the Internal Revenue Service raided UAW president Gary Jones' metro Detroit home, and two weeks before the UAW's contracts with Detroit automakers expire.

The Aug. 28 raid on Jones' home was part of a string of national raids targeting UAW leadership in a federal corruption investigation centering on misspent UAW money. Nine people have been charged in the investigation so far.

Despite the chaotic situation at the top of the UAW, the Monday parade was buzzing with UAW members, many of whom said it was important for them to show solidarity and tradition no matter what their leadership may have done.

Read more: https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/detroit/2019/09/02/labor-day-parade-uaw-scandal-contract/2191046001/
(Detroit Free Press)

[socdem60]

1. Unions

I believe in Unions. I just watched a pbs documentary on the UMW and Mother Jones in West Virginia. But, I find it hard to defend unions to younger people. Their defense is, "Who needs them? We already have safety guidelines, paid vacations etc. and the leadership is corrupt." I always say, you would not have these benefits without unions. They look at me like I have lobsters growing out of my ears. it is difficult to defend the unions because of the UAW leadership. All I know is that if unions are gone the CEO of every company will oppress workers every chance they get.