Ron, Terry: Thank you for joining our online discussion today. We are pleased that UAW Vice President Terry Thurman is joining us in answering your questions and responding to your comments about building our union through organizing.

This is an especially timely topic now that the Employee Free Choice Act has passed the House and moved to the Senate. This legislation would expand workers’ rights to organize by allowing card check authorization, providing mediation and arbitration for first contracts and establishing stronger penalties for employers who violate workers’ rights.

As usual, we have received other questions on various topics, including several regarding the upcoming national auto negotiations. We appreciate hearing from each of you, but we will only be responding to questions about organizing.

Organizing is so important to our union’s future. We only have one hour so let’s get started.

Flint/Michingan: Will the UAW be around in the next few years into future with the decline in active membership?

Ron, Terry: Absolutely. Obviously, we are all concerned with the downturn in membership mainly due to plant closings and the outsourcing of American jobs. But, it’s when times are tough that workers need unions the most. Even though our membership has declined, we know we will survive and grow.

Pundits have been predicting our demise for years, yet every Labor Day we still celebrate our heritage and our accomplishments for workers. There’s too much work to be done for us to be discouraged. On both the political and organizing fronts, we have to do everything we can to expand workers’ rights.

Swartz Creek, Michigan: Our great union has diminished in size by such a large percentage that I question how much power we really have. What is your view on this?

Ron, Terry: As the industry changes and circumstances change, we have to be able to change as well. Every change we make takes into consideration several things--the impact on our current members, the impact on our retirees, the impact on our institution, and what are future considerations. There is no doubt that our size or density in any particular industry or workplace is directly related to our power or strength. Twenty years ago, we represented over 95 percent of the auto industry in the U.S. That gave the UAW tremendous power to negotiate great contracts. Even though our density in auto is less today, our union still sets the standard in wages, benefits and working conditions. That’s because the power of workers united is always greater than that of individual workers.

That's why organizing is such a large priority. Our focus is on growing our union through organizing the transplants, national suppliers and other leads. We're also assisting TOP in their organizing campaigns.

Mt. Pleasant Tennessee: My question is, When the congress passes the right to organize law in the Senate and along with the one passed in the House these will be sent to the President to sign and he Veto's it what will be the response from the rank and file? I believe we should march on Washington and let these out of touch politicians know what we want in this country. Can we put more pressure on our high paid people in congress that work for us? Thanks ( Retired in Tennessee )

Ron, Terry: As you are probably aware, the president has pledged to veto the EFCA if it gets to his desk. We were all pleased that the House passed EFCA by a 241-185 vote on March 1. We realize that passage of the Employee Free Choice Act is going to be prolonged fight. We are continuing to put pressure on Senators now that it has passed the House. Thank you for your efforts in helping us get it passed in the House. So, now is our opportunity to talk to our senators. It is important that we hold politicians accountable for how they vote. Let your Senator know that. If the president does veto EFCA, then our response will be strong and swift. And, we will work that much harder to elect a president who does support workers’ rights.

Lansing, MI: Good morning, Ron and Terry... When positive ads promoting the determination of UAW workers to build high-quality products have appeared on television in the past, I recall that seeing them was very refreshing and energizing to me as a UAW member. Do you have any survey data to show what kind of reaction there has been by the public at large to this advertising, and do you plan on airing more of these kinds of ads in the future? Thanks!

Ron, Terry: You're absolutely right that one of the most important untold stories is the quality products and services our members build and provide. These kinds of ads are helpful in promoting a positive image of our union. We have continued different kinds of advertising (print, billboards, radio and some TV) in different parts of the country and some ads have even been geared to specific organizing campaigns. We’ll continue to do so. As you can imagine, a national TV advertising campaign is very expensive.

tucson, az.: hi terry, what can i do as far as helping organize? i live in tucson and i'm retired from gm.

Terry: Thanks for the offer of support. Retired UAW members are a great help during organizing campaigns. Not only do they have additional time and experience, but they know first hand the difference a union makes. If you are interested in helping promote the UAW, please contact your Retired Workers International Area Council – (520) 321-0440.

Wyoming Michigan: why is it that I am unable to get the signs I need to advertise the UAW organizing?

Ron, Terry: Workers who are interested in forming a union have various ways to contact the UAW, including an email link in the Organize section of www.uaw.org as well as the phone numbers of our national headquarters and our 11 regional offices. Call National Organizing and we'll see what we can do.

Shreveport,La: Organizing is very important we all agree but how can we allow company's to only organize part of the shop.

Ron, Terry: If the UAW and the Company can agree on the unit description before an election that is what it is. If not, then there is a hearing before the NLRB and they determine the Unit. We sometimes agree to a unit description in order to expedite the election then try to bargain in other classifications.

Buffalo, New York: Terry, The Bush administration has lied to, mis-used and abused our Military personel. They have denied them leave, overworked them and provided inadequate health care to them. In many cases to save a few bucks, they even stooped so low as to reduced disibility pensions. What sort of scoundrel would do such a thing? The Bush Administration continues to break their promises to our brave sons and daughters serving in the US Military. Do you think it is time to Unionize our Military?

Ron, Terry: We believe that everyone is better off if they belong to a Union. However federal law does not allow active military personnel to bargain collectively.

Redondo Beach CA 90278: With all the Union Aerospace and Manufacturing jobs moving out of California and being replaced by low paying jobs in retail services do we want to organize places like Wal-Mart, Target, TJ max. Stores are going up every where.

Ron, Terry: We don’t have any plans to go into retail organizing at this time from the National Organizing Department perspective. We are focusing on transplants, national suppliers, corporations that we have agreements with but have unorganized plants, and leads that come into the department. However, we are supportive of other unions’ efforts to organize retail workers.

Liberty Missouri: Why not use public advertising, movie theaters, billboards, magazines, to inform the American workers of their rights to form and belong to a unions, as outlined as basic principles of the National Relation Act of 1935? I know that the R to W lobby & org is an opposing group that is feared as an opposing advertising force and a war may occur if labor would do an in your face advertising campaign. True or False

Ron, Terry: We have recently had a discussion about using billboards, newpapers, radio spots in targeted organizing campaigns and you may very well start to see more of that.

Troy, MI: What does a person have to do to become more involved in organizing? Who can I talk to about it?

Ron, Terry: Thank you for your offer of help. Our members are our best organizers. Please contact your Local Union President and he or she can get us your information.

Hammond, Indiana: President Gettelfinger What do you think of the guest worker program that is always in the news and how do you think it could affect our union?

Ron: The UAW is opposed to a dramatic expansion of the guest worker programs that leave the guest workers without equal workplace rights. This just leads to exploitation of these workers and undermines wages, benefits, etc. for other American workers.

Dallas TX: How can individual union members, Local Union committees such as the Publication Committee and Retiree Club, and associated organizations like Jobs with Justice help with organizing drives in our own areas?

Ron, Terry: Organizing is everyone’s job and we appreciate your interest. Local union newspapers can keep members informed about organizing efforts in their area. Let your local union leadership know you are available to help.

The National Organizing Dept., working with the regional directors, conducts member organizing training, and we will continue to do so.

Hammond, Indiana: There are alot of car dealership in the area around our plant to you think that it will be possible to organize them one day?

Ron, Terry: The UAW has been successful in organizing several dealerships in Michigan and in other states, particularly in the Northeast. If you know of dealership workers who want to form a union, please have them call our National Organizing Department at 313 926-5461.

Louisville, KY: Toyota is reporting record breaking profits. Yet, at the same time, it was leaked out that the company wants to align the U.S. employee's pay with the average manufacturing wage in that particular state. In Louisville, it means just short of $13.00 an hour. The sad part is, as a non-union facility, Toyaota can up and do this on a whim. I hope the employees of Toyota in Georgetown, KY, now realize the importance of unionizing and having a legal contract. At this point, their future wages and benefits may depend on it. Has this announcement moved Toyota closer to becoming unionized?

Ron, Terry: We have seen some increased activity at Georgetown because of the leaked document. And, you are right, without a collective bargaining agreement, Toyota can make any change at any time. We remain committed to helping Toyota workers form their own union, win the protections of a union contract and continue to be a success.

Let us make a couple of points here.

First, the workers at the GM/Toyota joint venture in California (NUMMI) belong to our union and the relationship we have developed with Toyota over the years is very good. The workers there build quality products and they are very productive.

Second, it is important for all of us to remember that in order to be pro-union, you do not have to be anti-company. Unions give workers a voice in the workplace, and without a union, workers serve at the "will" of the employer, thus the phrase, "employees at will."

Bowling Green / Kentucky : Terry, Magna people are saying that the UAW left them high and dry here, and the opportunity for organizing has passed. Personal experince tells me there is more to the story than that, Magna Mgt. is likely the source of this. Please if you can tell me what is the plan here in Bowling Green for Magna's organizing efforts. They biuld frames for Ford and they are afraid of the future. In Solidarity, John

Ron, Terry: Thanks for the question, John. We just had a discussion about Magna yesterday among the officers. I can assure you that Bowling Green Magna is on our radar and has not been forgotten or abandoned. We are very much aware of the product there and who the customer is.

Michigan: What is UAW's position on HR676?

Ron, Terry: HR 676 is Rep. John Conyers single payer health insurance bill. The UAW continues to believe that single payer is the right long-term solution to America’s health insurance crisis. There are various single payer bills that have or will be introduced, including the Kennedy-Dingell bill.

Troy, MI: Is there really any hope of organizing any of the new Asian transplants throughout the South? Are there any specific programs designed to expand membership, or will there be anytime soon?

Ron, Terry: We have Frank White in the National Organizing Dept. dedicated to working with workers at the transplants who are interested in joining our union. He's putting together a team that is focused on community organizing, member organizing and committee building.

We already have committees in several of the transplants and are actively working to expand them. As we look at the transplants, we are also looking at the transplant suppliers, and how we can assist workers there who want to organize. Sandra Engle is willing to help workers at supplier companies. Frank and Sandra, as well as any of our national organizers, can be contacted at (313) 926-5461, or through our web site at: http://www.uaw.org/organize/org_contact.cfm.

Troy, MI: What are the biggest challenges that the UAW faces in trying to organize new facilities and attract new members?

Ron, Terry: Employer intimidation and employer threats. Many companies hire anti-union consultants, who advise companies on what to say and how to spread fear among the workforce. Polls reveal that a majority of workers would join a union if able to do so free of fear and intimidation.

We succeed in organizing when workers support one another, and find out that by joining together, we can be on equal footing with any employer.

Local 2911, Fort Wayne, Indiana: Good morning Ron and Terry - I am the Bargaining Chair for Local 2911 in Fort Wayne, IN. The Company is International Truck and Engine, Corp. We have several non-Union "sister plants" that mirror the Company's Represented plant capability. The Company uses these to "pistol whip" us during contract negotiations. It has been excessivley anti-Union lately. It would benefit us greatly to organize these plants. Who do we contact, and how do we get started? - Mike Coil

Ron, Terry: We can help by working through the UAW Heavy Truck Department. We have met several times with Vice President General Holiefield, who directs this department for our union, and his staff concerning International Truck and Engine. We are very aware of the situation at this company and we continue to meet regularly about their non-union facilities.

Jackson, Michigan: How is the UAW helping to create jobs? Are you looking toward the future at what new industry will be developed to provide good jobs for people? Is mass transportation (commuter trains/new automated highways/innercity transporation/rural transportation) and option? How about new fuel and alternative fuels/changing the infrastructure of our country to support a more environmentally friendly and human friendly environments. Is there money to be made in going green? In other words, can we pull ourselves out of the dying auto industry into a new concept of life?

Ron, Terry: The UAW is always looking toward the future, not only for our members, but for the country as well. Mass transportation is being discussed by more and more communities, and the UAW is involved in these discussions through our CAP program. We are conscious of the environment and we are also aware that working people are part of the environment – and our goal is to preserve good jobs and to protect our environment at the same time.

In regards to job creation, we are lobbying hard against unfair trade agreements that place our nation at a disadvantage. The huge trade deficit confirms that our country is behind the eight ball when trade agreements are negotiated. In many instances employers in the U.S. are not competing against other industry, but against other countries. So, regardless of the jobs that are created, we need to have an industrial policy that places our nation on a level playing field.

Lansing, MI: Many peole are not on the organizing staff or able to devote the many required hours to an organizing drive, but are willing to help. If everyone does a little, then no-one has to do alot. What suggestions would you have for someone willing to help organize this country?

Ron, Terry: Members are oftentimes our biggest allies and biggest help in organizing. By publicly being supportive of our union and letting others know what we have accomplished and what we stand for, you can assist and accomplish a great deal for working families. Thank you for being willing to help.

Loardstown, OH: Ron, Terry, Thanks for this oppertunity. I read the question about advertising. Would it pe possable for a local union to run a local add on cable stations(cheaper). If so i would like that to happen. Also, I just want those reading these to know that some locals are in contract talks now (us). We are doing everything we can to persearve our jobs. We are also communicating with other locals in order to stay on top of managmet demands

Ron, Terry: If a Local Union wants to sponsor or run an ad on Cable TV, it should be cleared with our Legal and PR Departments. We welcome the opportunity to work with Local Unions on projects such as this, and it’s important that our message be consistent throughout our union and that we abide by all relevant laws and regulations regarding broadcast advertising.

Youngstown, Ohio: What is the UAW doing about global organizing? Can we push a global or even a national union front? What can we do to help unite differant unions?

Ron, Terry: Good question, because in a global economy, our efforts to join with workers in other countries are essential for our union, and we are continuing our outreach to brothers and sisters around the globe.

We recently hosted representatives of the Japanese Auto Workers in Detroit. In April, Sandra Engle, Assistant Director of National Organizing, is going to Thailand to meet with Thai workers. In June, we are meeting with workers and organizing representatives from Mexico, South Africa, Korea, Argentina and Brazil. We continue to work with the International Metalworkers Federation (IMF) and IG Metall, our sister union in Germany.

Ron, Terry: We want to thank you for joining us today and submitting your questions. Once again we recognize that many questions did not address the topic, and we regret not being able to answer everyone. However, we will be back again to address organizing issues at a later date. In the meantime, we are looking forward to the next online Q & A with UAW Vice President Jimmy Settles.

We both recognize the support and hard work of our local union leadership and membership, as well as all of our staff, in assisting workers to gain a voice on the job. We appreciate your efforts and everything that you are doing to help us build a better and stronger union.