We’ve never been a union concerned only with another dime in the paycheck.

But we’ve always played a defining role in helping all workers achieve the American dream.

This August marks the UAW’s 75th anniversary, when 200 workers who dreamed of a better life for America’s autoworkers met at the Fort Shelby Hotel in Detroit and chartered this great union.

Since that hot summer day in 1935, the bargaining gains achieved by the UAW – improved wages, benefits, retirement security, health and safety, worker empowerment and family programs – have set the standard for America’s workers.

The democratic values and vision of the UAW for social and economic justice for all workers have defined who we are as a union.

From standing up for civil and human rights to standing against worker abuse, the UAW remains committed to continuing the fight for human dignity, social equality and economic justice for all.

In this issue of Solidarity, we celebrate our union’s 75th anniversary – honoring the past, highlighting the present and looking forward to the future.

And just as those who came before us paved the way these last 75 years, we’ll continue to face new challenges with courage, strength and solidarity.

– The UAW International Executive Board