Ron: Welcome to our Jan. 19, 2007, online Q&A. Thank you for being with us. I am especially pleased that Secretary-Treasurer Elizabeth Bunn is joining us for today’s session. Welcome, Elizabeth! As you are aware from the notification that was distributed, we are going to limit our responses to questions that fall under the jurisdiction of our secretary-treasurer. Other officers of our union will join us in future broadcasts, when you can submit questions that pertain to their areas of responsibility.

We have an hour and Elizabeth and I are anxious to begin so let’s started.

Radford Virginia: What is the best way to ramp up our local's education committee, and where can we find the best resource's for information to help us work on internal organization. Thank you very much

Ron, Elizabeth: Our Local Education Committees are key to fostering a vibrant healthy democratic union. And, we know there is no better way to communicate than internal worker-to-worker conversations. Our Education Department is your best resource for ways to develop and implement a good program. That’s why the UAW has the best Education Department in the country.

Clinton Twp., MI: I am a UAW member who has a relative working for the County. She would like to know what gains the UAW has negotiated for public sector workers?

Ron, Elizabeth: The UAW’s track record for public sector workers has been every bit as good as for workers in our traditional auto and other manufacturing sectors. In addition to negotiating wage, benefit and retirement security improvements, although in some states and for some public sector workers in Michigan pensions have to be addressed legislatively—that’s another reason why a strong Community Action Program (CAP) is important, we have forged innovative solutions to workplace problems.

Several examples come to mind such as expanded rights for workers to transfer to other work locations, more restrictions on the Employer’s right to reassign and layoff, and the ability to challenge decisions on subcontracting public services to the private sector.

Others include:

School Participation Leave (paid time off for employees to attend parent-teacher or other school activities or simply to volunteer in the schools)

Sick and Vacation Bank Sharing (where one worker has been fortunate enough to accumulate large amounts of sick or vacation leave, he/she can donate time to a co-worker who needs it to care for her own illness or that of a loved one). An example of this is a mother that exhausted all of her vacation and sick time, her co-workers donated their vacation time to her leave bank. This allowed her to care for her son in his last few weeks of life without concern about her family’s income. This program benefits not only the worker directly, but the union movement as a whole by demonstrating the UAW’s creativity in conceiving and negotiating the program as well as the generosity of fellow union members who contributed vacation time to help out a co-worker at a time of need.

New York, NY.: Last Year at the convention, I was very pleased to hear the Secretary-Treasurers report on our unions finances. Thank You, Sister Bunn for your asistance in getting this done. My local, Local 259 in New York City, represents workers employed at auto dealerships and we have a long tradition in the local of always looking for organizing oppurtunities. My question is related to organizing. We set aside $60 million to be used in organizing. Have we used any of that money? If not do we have a plan for using it in the future.

Elizabeth: Thank you for the questions and the comments. At every Constitutional Convention the secretary-treasurer gives a financial report to the delegates. And every year the secretary-treasurer publishes a financial report in Solidarity magazine. I respectfully refer you to the January-February 2007 issue for the 2005 financial report.

In regards to the $60 million set aside by the delegates for organizing, myself and Vice President Terry Thurman are in the process of putting together plans, which will be submitted to the IEB once we have successfully concluded 2007 national auto negotiations. Incidentally, we will report out to the convention delegates in 2010 exactly how this money has been expended.

Toledo,Ohio: I recently became the new chair of my local's UAW Women’s Committee in October of 2006. My local president has been very helpful in guiding me in restructuring our committee. What I would like is your input on what else I can do better to focus our women on issues in our union and everyday life. I had attended a Women's Advisory Council Meeting 2 yrs ago here in Toledo, Ohio and found it to be very interesting and informative. So where can i find additional meetings that would be beneficial to our Union Women.

Ron, Elizabeth: Thanks for your question. We're excited by your interest and enthusiasm. Working with your Local President and Region 2B Director Lloyd Mahaffey, our Women’s Department would love to help. Also, we have our Women’s Conference scheduled for June 10-15, 2007 in Black Lake. A call letter will be forthcoming.

As you know it's important for everyone to be involved in our union, and it's especially important for women to become even more active.

We appreciate your concern and support as all of us together move our union forward!

Baltimore, MD: I imagine a row of appointees sitting around answering our emails, not you.

Ron, Elizabeth: Guess what? You're wrong. We're really here! And this is a great way to communicate with our membership. Thank you for caring enough to send in your comment.

Detroit, Michigan: I’m a city worker and very concerned about health and safety in our worksite. Can you give me examples of what the UAW has done to address health and safety problems outside of manufacturing facilities?

Ron, Elizabeth: Workplace health and safety is a top priority for our union and it's the concern of everyone - no matter where we work. Although the specific health and safety concerns may be different if your workplace is an office, school or hospital rather than a factory, the commitment to a safe workplace is the same. The UAW's Health and Safety Department is available as a valuable tool for training and other resources for all UAW local unions.

Since organizing public sector workers, we have found many situations where the health and safety of workers is of serious concern. Examples of problems are buildings that are not up to code and have serious plumbing, electrical or structural issues; dangerous practices in hospitals and prisons exposing workers to HIV and Hepatitis; the need for a specific type of eyeglass for workers required to do data input all day; dangerous situations in the field where workers are required to remove children from abusive homes or supervise parolees or probationers; ergonomics in the office setting that adversely impacted workers’ health through injuries to the back or carpal tunnel syndrome. We have addressed those issues by bargaining and enforcing strong contract language and lobbying legislative bodies to strengthen OSHA and MIOSHA legislation.

We have been proactive by providing training programs for UAW health and safety representatives at worksites. Our training programs are so well done that we have been invited to train manager and other unions’ members at various public sector worksites.

Flint, MI: I am excited to become part of the UAW because I have seen what the UAW has been able to accomplish for autoworkers in my family. How do I, as a child care provider, fit into the UAW?

Ron, Elizabeth: We are excited to welcome more than 40,000 home-based child care providers into the union movement in Michigan. 20,000 of you are UAW! The successes the UAW has been known for in the auto industry – raising wages so families can achieve a decent standard of living, negotiating for affordable health insurance, ensuring workers are treated with respect on the job – are every bit as important to achieve for child care providers. We represent all kinds of workers, manufacturing to office clerical to hospital workers, who like you, wanted more justice on the job.

We hope you will take advantage of the opportunities of being a UAW member by being involved at all levels.

Milwaukee WI: The Union's efforts to organize white collar workers have been inspirational. What's the plan to continue?

Ron, Elizabeth: Thanks for the compliment. We have exciting and ambitious plans in both the Technical, Office and Professional (TOP) Organizing Department and in the National Organizing Departments.

In both instances, we have to use our resources wisely. After all, we finance organizing drives with dues dollars.

In response to what's going on in the TOP, we have to make sure that when a group of workers seeks UAW representation, we are the best union for them. For example, where we don’t currently represent any members in an industry or geographic area, another union might be a better fit. We’re trying to build a stronger UAW and a stronger labor movement at the same time and, of course, increase the workers’ power.

Our strategy highlights organizing where we currently have build power, strength and density. It also encourages coalitions with other unions. We are especially targeting:

 Academic higher education employees  Health care in Michigan (with Michigan Nurses Association)  Gaming employees (with UNITE HERE).

Pontiac, MI: Good day to you both! We all know, there was a name change to the Civil Rights Department. My question is this, "How dose this name change affect Local Civil & Human Rights Committees - Have the duties of the committee changed as well?" Though simular, I feel human rights alone is as broad as civil rights. Thanks!

Ron, Elizabeth: The delegates to the UAW's 34th Constitutional Convention made this name change to better reflect the purpose of this local union standing committee. After all, civil rights are human rights. Although the name has changed, the duties of the local union Civil and Human Rights committee have not changed.

Niles, MI: I work for a government agency and am curious to know why UAW representation would be a good choice for public employees?

Ron, Elizabeth: Great question. First, the UAW aggressively fights for collective bargaining rights in areas where public employees were previously prohibited from organizing. The UAW has proven to be an excellent choice for public workers because of our record in bargaining and enforcing strong contracts, and our ability to win social justice. In the past 5 years we’ve organized over 40,000 public sector employees so workers are aware of our excellent reputation. We are the choice for very small units with only one or two classifications to very large units with thousands of members with many classifications. We literally represent workers in the public sector from A to Z, from Attorneys to Zookeepers; from Physicians to Engineers; from Police Officers to Social Workers; from Clericals to Librarians. The UAW is committed to continue the struggle to expand and assert public sector collective bargaining rights.

monroe, mich.: I'm a autoworker and don't see how organizing outside manufacturing will help us, what's the point

Ron, Elizabeth: The simple truth is that all workers deserve the benefits and protections of a union contract. For over 60 years the UAW has organized workers who are not part of manufacturing. Workers from all walks of life have much more in common than any differences we may have. Whether you work on an assembly line or as a social worker, everyone deserves a voice on the job. For sure, our power at the bargaining table comes in good part from the number of workers we represent in the industry. But, more than ever, we need to mount strategic, comprehensive commuity and political campaigns as well. When we join together - workers across industries - on the picket lines, in the voting booths, in demonstrations, we win.

Haslett, MI: Hi, Are there benefits for public sector workers when the UAW endorses political candidates? Thank you.

Ron, Elizabeth: Yes, due to the UAW’s involvement in the political process public sector workers have gained many benefits. Most public entities are funded through the actions of elected officials, so they are our employers and decide our budgets. We have gained rights for public sector workers through legislative and executive branch lobbying efforts that we may not have obtained by other means. Examples of these gains include: collective bargaining rights, the allocation of additional workers to address high caseloads and legislative mandates requiring health and safety protections for workers.

And, we have had our rights taken away by anti-union politicians. Recently, more than 20,000 UAW state employees in Indiana and Kentucky, as well as thousands more union members in Missouri, lost collective bargaining rights with the stroke of a pen by anti-union governors. This is another example of the importance of our political involvement.

Livonia, MI: What are the financial issues facing our union today and what is being done to solve them?

Ron, Elizabeth: Thank you for this question, which we can all relate to. The International Executive Board takes its fiduciary responsibilities very seriously.

At our 2006 Constitutional Convention, the delegates took action that leaves our union at both the local and international levels in much better financial shape. The changes made at the last convention will help us address the challenges facing us currently. But in the long run, we need to build our membership through organizing.

We're often asked, especially in organizing drives, about the distribution of union dues. For each dollar received, with rebates, 50.35 cents goes to the Local Union; 44.65 cents goes to the International, and 5 cents goes to the strike fund, in accordance with the provisions as outlined in Article 16 of the UAW Constitution.

With its portion of the dues dollars, the International supports the local union in all matters that affect our membership, such as collective bargaining, health and safety, politically and legislatively.

Beloit, Wisconsin: Why can't something be worked out for our Locals and CAP Councils to use CREDIT UNIONS instead of banks?

Ron, Elizabeth: We don't use credit unions for checking accounts because they don't return cancelled checks or provide cancelled check images. These are required by both the auditing department to complete audits and the U.S. Department of Labor.

Columbus, OH: As a former area CAP chair I am concerned that CAP Councils might lack the resources going forward to do the important work of education and mobilization of UAW members about public policy issues. Has the executive board of our union considered joining in coalition with progressive organizations like America Votes to prevent duplication of efforts as it pertains to public policy advocacy?

Ron, Elizabeth: Thank you for past service, commitment and dedication as a CAP chair and for your continued involvement and concern.

Annually, we continue to hold voluntary V-CAP check-off and CAP dollar drives, which are very successful in generating resources for the areas you mention.

We have always considered ourselves a part of a broad social movement and we have always worked with other labor unions and allies fighting for social justice. We will continue to work with progressive organizations when it enhances our effectiveness and strength.

Defiance, Ohio: We are told that if local union funds dip below a certain amount, that the International Union comes in and takes over our finances.

Ron, Elizabeth: We're not sure if you're referencing Article 36, Section 10 of the International Union, UAW Constitution. We respectfully refer you to your local union president who knows the proper protocol to engage your local union in a more in-depth discussion and understanding of the matter you raise.

New York New York: The U.S. and South Korea are negotiating a free trade agreement that will have huge impact on the auto sectors of both countries. What is UAW's position on this and what is UAW doing about it?

Ron, Elizabeth: Let us say first of all how proud we are of our legislative staff who are based in Washington, D.C., for the great job they do in looking out for the interests of our active and retired membership and their families.

The UAW is not opposed to fair trade agreements, however, we lobby vigorously against free trade agreements, such as the one you mention. All trade agreements should include provisions and enforcement mechanisms that protect human rights, workers' rights and the environment, and they should include protection from import surges, and currency manipulation by trading partners.

It is our hope that with the new, Democratic-controlled Congress, we can finally achieve some progress in negotiating fair trade agreements.

Troy/MI: We need the UAW to actively organize DaimlerChrysler Financial Services (DCFS). When can we expect the UAW to begin organizing DCFS? Thanks

Ron, Elizabeth: Thanks for asking. We always love to talk about organizing, especially among employees in companies where the UAW already represents workers. However, for tactical reasons and to protect workers seeking representation, we generally don't talk about specifics in the early stages of a campaign. If you know of interested employees at DCFS, please have them contact the TOP Organizing Department. We promise a very, very quick response. And, we always keep inquiries confidential for the protection of the workers.

New York, NY: I'm a teaching assistant at New York University and a member of GSOC-UAW - the union for grad employees. I just wanted to say thanks for the support we've recieved as UAW members. And the support we've gotten from the broader labor movement. After the Bush NLRB took away our collective bargaining rigths, we've been engaged in a fight with NYU to get them back to the bargaining table. It hasn't been easy but the workers at NYU still want their union! Our first UAW contract in 2001 was great - health care, real rights, an almost 40% increase in compensation. Thanks for the help. United we will win at NYU.

Ron, Elizabeth: Thank you for your support. You have been inspirational in a long struggle. Victory at NYU is a victory not just for you but for all academic student employees in private universities. By our count there are about 200,000 unorganized employees in these workplaces. With your help, we can win.

Detroit, Michigan: Training for local finance officers? Will there ever be sessions provided by the international UAW (Free) for members taking offices in their locals.

Elizabeth: We provide on-going training to local union financial officers in the following ways.

1) The following Manuals are available on request from the Auditing Department:

• Financial Officers' Manual (small fee)
• Basic Procedural Instructions
• Payroll Taxes
• L/M Instructions
• 990 Instructions

2) Training at National Financial Officers’ Conferences (We are in the process of scheduling a date for our next one.)

3) Between national conferences, there are typically annual conferences conducted at the regions.

If you need help with a specific question, please contact the Auditing Department through your regional director.

Arlington, VA: The TOP dept has had several impressive organizing victories over the past few years (childcare workers, academic workers, etc.), what are the future and on-going campaigns that TOP is engaging in over the next few years? Do you have any plans on adding "Academic" to the full title of the UAW (along with aerospace, ag-imp workers, etc.)?

Ron, Elizabeth: We’ve already talked about some of our on-going drives. Organizing in the academic sector has been one of our success stories. We represent more than 40,000 workers in higher education. We represent more teaching and research assistants in college and universities than any other union. These workers have helped us organize other workers in their own and other industries, have helped our political campaigns, on pickets lines, etc.

We should think about acknowledging that fact in our name. But, these workers are part of our UAW family no matter what.

Lansing /Michigan: Hi Ron and Elizabeth- To continue on from the question from Livonia. How much is in the strike fund?

Ron, Elizabeth: At the end of November, the strike fund stood at $874,000,000. We are proud of the fiscal health of the fund and believe employers appreciate the significance of our strike fund reserves.

Dearborn Local 245: What role do you see for retireies in the future?

Ron, Elizabeth: First of all thank you very much to all of our retirees for your role in building our great union.

Our retiree chapters and councils ensure that our retirees are kept up to speed on the issues that affect them. The involvement of our retirees today is even more important as the issues we face impact retirees as well as all Americans. Through your involvement in the political arena, as well as in our communities, you have been in the forefront on making change that affects our country for the better. You helped to create the American Dream and we need you more than ever to keep it alive.

Detroit MI: What can be done about the stress women workers are under with the caseload sizes we have and our home responsibilities. Many women are single parents with financial issues and job streess only adds to women's health issues in a negative way. Lower case loads are needed to reduce the stress women face in their live. Women are catching up to men in stress related illnesses and something needs to be done.

Elizabeth: Thanks for your question. Collective bargaining is a democratic process. It is also the "art of the possible". We have addressed caseload/workload issues in a variety of ways in both the TOP and manufacturing sectors. It is a difficult issue to address but we remain committed to doing so.

Marshall, MI:: I have been through one plant closing and I am working on my second closing. During both of these trying times my fellow union brothers and sisters seem to think that the money in our local union is their money and feel they should get this money. I have tried to explain to them that this money goes back to the International. Could you explain to our members why this money goes back to the International and how it is put to use. Thank-you.

Ron, Elizabeth: Thank you for your question and thank you for your support. Wouldn’t it be great if this question never had to be asked because we had a global economy that worked for workers and not just those who owned the global corporations.

The Constitution, Article 36, Section 9, provides that in cases of closed Local Unions all assets go to the International. To the extent there are monies remaining after handling closing costs (for example, property taxes on buildings), we place it in our General Fund.

Ron, Elizabeth: Once again, we wish to express our appreciation to all of you for participating in our Q&A and for giving us the opportunity to address some of your concerns. It has been our pleasure to be with you this afternoon. Thank you for your continued support.