Putting America back to work
A working families agenda for 2009
"I do not view the labor movement as part of the problem. To me, it’s part of the solution. We need to level the playing field for workers and the unions that represent their interests."
– President Barack Obama, Jan. 30, 2009, before repealing three Bush-era, anti-worker executive orders
President Obama’s quick action to reverse three executive orders in his first week in office shows he will give American workers more than just talk when it comes to protecting their workplace rights.
One order will prohibit federal contractors from using any federal funds to run anti-union campaigns against organizing drives. A second requires federal contractors to give workers the first right of refusal on any positions whenever work is transferred from one contractor to another. A third requires federal contractors to post a balanced notice advising workers of their right to join a union, not simply their right not to belong to a union.
The election of Obama, along with expanded pro-worker majorities in the House and Senate, gives all UAW activists – active and retired – the opportunity to focus lobbying efforts on these top five legislative priorities in 2009:
Employee Free Choice Act
This legislation is urgently needed to restore the right of workers to organize and bargain collectively, free from employer intimidation and coercion.
Action: Urge members of Congress to vote for the Employee Free Choice Act, and ask senators to commit to vote for cloture to cut off any filibuster against this bill. Tell them this legislation is essential to restore workers’ right to organize and bargain collectively.
Assistance to auto industry
Under terms of the bridge loans that were extended by the federal government to General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC at the end of 2008, domestic auto companies will develop restructuring plans. The new administration and Congress will consider major initiatives related to energy security and global warming that are likely to pose significant new challenges for the auto industry.
Action: Urge members of Congress to insist that any auto industry restructuring plans must not single out workers and retirees for unfair sacrifices. Tell Congress to support initiatives providing assistance to the companies to enable them to meet fuel economy, greenhouse gas emissions and other requirements; retool facilities in the United States to produce more fuel-efficient, advanced technology vehicles and their key components; and implement fair restructuring plans to ensure long-term economic viability.
Economic stimulus package
Obama signed this into law Feb. 17, and it should give a major boost to our economy and create millions of jobs. The package includes tax relief for 95 percent of working families, along with significant new spending on health care, education, infrastructure and energy initiatives. It also includes substantial improvements in unemployment insurance, health care and trade adjustment assistance benefits to help the jobless and low-income Americans.
Health care reform
The new administration and Democratic congressional leaders have vowed to push national health care reform legislation. The UAW and a broad coalition of progressive organizations will mount a campaign in support of this effort. We will insist any legislation should guarantee universal health care coverage and comprehensive benefits, restrain escalating costs, ensure quality care and provide for equitable financing. This legislation also should include mechanisms to deal with retiree health care costs so retirees receive promised benefits and older manufacturing companies are not placed at a competitive disadvantage.
Action: Urge members of Congress to support national health care reform legislation and insist it must contain these essential elements.
U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement
The Bush administration negotiated a terrible free trade deal with Korea that would require the United States to immediately eliminate its tariffs on imported autos and auto parts, and to phase out our 25 percent tariff on imported pickups. This trade deal does not require Korea to eliminate its tax and other nontariff barriers to U.S.-built automotive products. So Korea would be able to keep its market virtually closed to our automotive products, while it increases exports to our market. The resulting increase in our already-large auto trade deficit with Korea would lead to the loss of tens of thousands of jobs for American workers.
Action: Urge members of Congress to oppose this unfair free trade deal with Korea, which represents a major threat to the jobs of UAW members and other American workers. Tell them to insist that the Obama administration must renegotiate this deal so Korea is required to open its market to U.S.-built automotive products before the U.S. grants any further access to our market.
Source: UAW Legislative and International Affairs Department