CAW Local 199 Vice-President’s Column

Led by a larger than life size replica of legendary labour heroine Mother Jones hundreds of rank and file UAW members rallied outside the International Auto Show at Detroit’s Cobo Hall on January 8. Calling themselves “Soliders of Solidarity” they gathered to denounce demands by Delphi and the Big 3 for major contract concessions. Among those in attendance to support them were local CAW leaders and activists from Ingersoll, Kitchener, Windsor and St. Catharines. Our presence was vividly on display in the form of several CAW flags fluttering in the cold winds of a January day in the Motor City.

Though the turnout was not especially large what was on display was just the tip of the iceberg. The magnitude of the movement the marchers represent was made particularly clear at Ford in December. 49% of Ford workers in the U. S. voted against reopening their contract and granting Ford contract concessions like those the UAW just gave GM. At some large Ford UAW locals the no vote won by a clear majority.

This was a powerful vote of non-confidence in the international leadership of the UAW and its longstanding track record of contract concessions and continuous retreat.

A rank and file rebellion is in fact brewing in the UAW prompted mainly by Delphi’s radical demands for sweeping, union - busting contract concessions. Hundreds of rank and file UAW members and some local UAW leaders have gathered in attendance at each of a series of local meetings designed to organize resistance to Delphi’s attempts to wipe out everything these former GM workers fought and gained over the past 70 years. Indeed, it is very significant that the meetings they have been holding are very similar to the type of gatherings that led to the formation of the UAW in the 1930s and ultimately to the Great Flint Sit-Down Strike of 1937. Those involved are acutely aware of this historic parallel.

CAW members have every reason to rejoice in these developments. We can and must extend our hands in solidarity with this growing fight back by the UAW rank and file. They are showing us that fighting back still makes a difference.