UAW to Members: "This Isn't a Contract Year of Concession" [Video]
The UAW is disseminating a message of hope on its YouTube channel, letting the members know the negotiations are going to be rosey, everyone is getting a pony, and you absolutely totally shouldn’t question their ability to negotiate better contracts.
(Also, the UAW has a YouTube channel. I guess it’s a lot cheaper than inviting members out to a golf course to let them know what’s going on.)
The video uses some incredibly strong, forceful language to let the members know that the negotiators mean business.
“The message is we’re working really hard, working really hard for them. Understood, this isn’t a contract year of concession. It’s really, truly just the opposite, and that’s exactly how we see it,” said Romeo Torres of Local 509.
Other quotable moments include:
“Just have the confidence in your negotiators. They’ll do a fine job for you.”
“I think the members should be realistic about this contract.”
“We’re going to try to get the best contract we can get.”
“I really, truly believe this is going to be a great agreement…hopefully.”
Sizzling stuff, there.
Your UAW Ford negotiators, everyone!
[via The Detroit News]
More by Mark Stevenson
Comments
Join the conversation
Do they have nukes pointed at China? If not, I don't know how much leverage they have anymore. Why aren't these guys gone already??
Union leaders , are first , and foremost .....politicians. Politicians , for the most part , tell the electorate "what they want to hear". The rank, file , aren't stupid, they are very much aware, that it's all rhetoric , and "sabre rattling"
With the announcement of Buick importing many of their future products from China the handwriting is already on the wall. What is to stop Ford or FCA from importing Chinese made vehicles in the future? The UAW has lost the battle and will not survive in the long run.
Contrast the UAW to unions in Japan or Germany. Rather than working to bankrupt the hand that feeds them (pretty well based on most of the members I know) these other unions work to help make the company more profitable, improve quality, and police their own ranks. Here the UAW will fight to keep your job when you and your homies drink and smoke weed on the lunch break.