As the first African American woman in the history of the UAW to be elected to the International Executive Board, I come before you with immense gratitude and a deep sense of responsibility.
My journey to this historic achievement has been guided by the wisdom and support of incredible mentors like Liz Jackson, Dottie Jones, and Eunice Stokes. Their unwavering belief in me and their commitment to lifting as they climbed have shaped my path and instilled in me the importance of paying it forward.
Today, as I reflect on my journey, I am humbled. Deeply humbled to be surrounded by incredible women who are making a difference in Michigan and across America. Together, we possess the power to lead and affect change in every sector we engage in. But let us never forget that our successes are built upon the foundation laid by those who came before us. It is our duty to honor their legacies by extending a hand to lift others as we continue to climb higher.
In recent years, we have seen a notable increase in women assuming leadership positions. In Michigan we elected women to the positions of Governor, Attorney General, and Secretary of State. These women serve as shining examples of what can be achieved when barriers are broken, and progress is fostered.
However, our work is far from finished. We must persist in sharing information, encouraging one another, and empowering our fellow sisters. Women from all walks of life recognize that an uneven playing field will never yield equality or justice. It falls upon us to raise our voices and double down on our efforts to promote fairness in our institution as well as others that we belong to.
I urge each of you to engage with your local standing committees, participate in women’s organizations supported by this International Union, and become politically active. Remember, a woman’s place is in her union, advocating for the rights and well-being of all workers. I encourage to find your seat at the table.
Together, let us continue to drive progress, champion equality, and stand in solidarity with one another on the journey towards a more just and equitable future.
In solidarity, Laura Dickerson TOP Department Director, Region 1A Director
https://uaw.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Dickerson_banner_WHM.png10882833Justin Mayhughhttps://uaw.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/uaw-logo-white-transparent-trademark-300x300.pngJustin Mayhugh2024-03-08 11:28:212024-03-14 18:11:58A Message from Laura Dickerson, TOP Department/Region 1A Director
As we enter the month of March, I am inspired to reflect on the significant contributions of women within our UAW community in celebration of Women’s History Month.
Throughout history, women have played pivotal roles in shaping our union and driving positive change. Their resilience, determination, and dedication have been instrumental in advancing workers’ rights and fostering a more inclusive environment for all members.
However, as we honor the achievements of women within the UAW, it is essential to recognize the challenges that persist. The fight for equal opportunities, fair treatment, and representation remains ongoing. In this spirit, let us recommit ourselves to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within our ranks.
The Alabama Supreme Court ruled that frozen embryos are children under state law, meaning the embryo has rights consistent with a living person. This negatively impacts reproductive rights and options for families who seek IVF to have children. This serves as a reminder that we must remain vigilant in safeguarding the rights of women, both within our union and in society at large. Upholding reproductive freedom, advocating for equal pay, and addressing gender-based violence are crucial aspects of our commitment to justice and equality.
This Women’s History Month, I encourage us all to engage in meaningful conversations, celebrate the achievements of our female colleagues, and actively work towards a more equitable future. Let us amplify the voices of women within the UAW, ensuring that their perspectives and contributions are acknowledged and valued. As we navigate the challenges ahead, let our collective efforts serve as a testament to the UAW’s unwavering commitment to advancing women’s rights. By fostering an inclusive and supportive environment, we can continue to build a union that reflects the strength and diversity of its members.
Let’s celebrate March 8 by wearing Purple in support of International Women’s Day while also taking action by signing the petitioning members of the House of Representatives to bring HJ Res 25 to the House floor by clicking here.
Thank you for your dedication to the principles of equality and justice. Together, let us create a legacy that honors the contributions of women within the UAW by wearing purple and taking action.
In solidarity, LaShawn English Women’s Department Director, Region 1 Director
https://uaw.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/LaShawn_banner.png10882833Justin Mayhughhttps://uaw.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/uaw-logo-white-transparent-trademark-300x300.pngJustin Mayhugh2024-03-01 09:33:552024-03-08 12:03:45A message from LaShawn English, UAW Women’s Department/Region 1 Director
The UAW kicked off its biannual National Cap Conference in Washington D.C. with hundreds of union members gathering at the Marriott Marquis Hotel to set the union’s upcoming political and legislative work. Tying into the spirit of last fall’s wildly successful Stand Up Strike at the Big Three automakers, the theme for this year’s conference is “Stand Up For Your Future,” with a focus on retirement security.
UAW President Shawn Fain was the keynote speaker for the day’s proceedings. He addressed an energetic crowd of delegates and received a standing ovation on numerous occasions during an impassioned speech presenting a vision of a member-led, powerful, reenergized UAW.
“We’re here to turn our union, our families, and our communities from quiet supporters of the cause of economic and social justice into an army of working-class warriors ready to stand up,” Fain said to those in attendance. “As the working class, we know we have the majority. But it must not be a silent majority. We know we have the power. But it must not be disorganized power. We know we are on the right side of history. But we can’t wait for the history books to vindicate us. We must act now.”
UAW Secretary-Treasurer Margaret Mock gave a powerful speech on reproductive justice. “The attack on women’s reproductive healthcare will be on every ballot across America in 2024,” Mock said. “We need the entire nation standing with women. We must lobby every politician that receives our CAP dollars and our votes to support legislation which provides choice for women. Everyone must join us in this unprecedented battle for reproductive freedom for women. If women are not truly free, no one else can be either.”
UAW Secretary-Treasurer Margaret Mock addresses delegates at the UAW National CAP Conference in Washington D.C.
Each of the UAW’s three Vice Presidents spoke on the issue of retirement security, discussing the need for post-retirement healthcare as an essential next battle for the UAW in the legislative halls and at the bargaining table.
“The fight for retirement security in this country is bigger than any one employer,” said Vice President Rich Boyer. “It’s bigger than any one industry. We have to have an aggressive plan to win – just like we did during the Stand Up Strike. We need a strategy that lifts up all workers and creates real standards in this country. We need to win real retirement security for all.”
“When these companies listen to Wall Street and say we can’t afford to care for the people who made us all this money, I say there’s something very wrong with that,” Vice President Mike Booth stated. “There’s something wrong with these corporations, there’s something wrong with congress, and there’s something wrong with our for-profit health care industry. These are not problems we can solve one worksite at a time or one industry at a time but solve them we must. The American people want real retirement security. We need real retirement security. And it’s about time that we fight like hell for real retirement security.”
UAW President Shawn Fain speaking with a CAP delegate during the day one conference dinner.
“We were incredibly effective during the Stand Up Strike because we were aggressive, united, and because we took the boss by surprise,” Vice President Chuck Browning told delegates. “It’s time that we used those same aggressive tactics and applied them to our political program. It’s time for us to take the boss fight to the next level. That’s how we win.”
Many delegates made the short trip to Capitol Hill to stop into congressional offices to lobby for workers’ rights on numerous issues.
U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders speaking at the UAW National CAP Conference in Washington D.C.
Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders gave a rousing keynotes speech during the day one conference dinner, speaking on the many challenges facing the working class and the importance of fighting for working people in 2024 and beyond.
“Amidst all of those challenges, there is some extraordinaire good news taking place,” Senator Sanders said. “We are currently seeing a major revitalization of the trade union movement in America. And, in that regard, I want to thank the UAW for all that you are doing, because you are helping to lead that revolution.
Sanders’ speech was followed by an interactive session where the Senator Sanders and delegates took turns asking and answering each other’s questions.
The National CAP Conference is the heart of the union’s political work. Delegates and leaders work together to shape the UAW’s political and legislative priorities moving forward.
CAP delegates listen to U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders during his keynote address.
https://uaw.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/BernieCAPdinner-scaled.jpg16722560Justin Mayhughhttps://uaw.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/uaw-logo-white-transparent-trademark-300x300.pngJustin Mayhugh2024-01-23 15:42:192024-03-08 11:54:00UAW Kicks Off National CAP Conference in Washington D.C., Sets Political & Legislative Agenda
The Workers Defense League in New York recently honored UAW Local 2110 Maida Rosenstein during the group’s 81st anniversary dinner May 16. Rosenstein has always given priority to organizing new workers. She has been involved in graduate worker campaigns at New York University and Columbia, at a host of nonprofits and museums, and in higher education. For more than 30 years, she has strongly promoted membership-led, grassroots union activity, in contract negotiations campaigns, new organizing and political action. As a result, Local 2110 has developed a broad group of leaders, and a degree of mobilization and activity that stands out within the labor movement.
Rosenstein’s first successful strike was in high school when she led a “pants strike” to force the school to allow girls to wear pants. She and her classmates were reprimanded and sent home, but a week later the rules were changed and girls were allowed to wear pants to school. The strike taught her that collective action was a potent weapon in promoting women’s rights.
After receiving a degree in art from Rutgers University, she became a university clerical worker, and in 1981 she joined District 65 UAW’s organizing committee at Columbia University. The goal was to organize 1,100 clerical workers, and the campaign, which brought together her feminist views and her commitment to workers’ rights, was a tough one. There were years of legal delays and a vicious anti- union campaign in which the university claimed that the union would interfere with the highly personal relationship between a secretary and her boss. She learned the basics of organizing and the drive was transformative for her. After the union won the election in 1983, she became a fulltime organizer and ultimately was elected as vice president and then president of UAW Local 2110 (the successor to the District 65 Technical, Office and Professional Division).
Rosenstein serves as the vice chair of the UAW New York State Political Action Council and is chair of the UAW International Advisory Council on Technical, Office and Professional Workers. She is also elected to the New York State Committee of the Working Families Party.
Other honorees included Robert Martinez Jr., president of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers and James Slevin, president of Local 1-2, Utility Workers Union of America.
https://uaw.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/maida.jpg14401920Chris Skellyhttps://uaw.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/uaw-logo-white-transparent-trademark-300x300.pngChris Skelly2017-05-23 20:32:002024-03-08 11:53:37MAIDA ROSENSTEIN: PRESIDENT, UNITED AUTO WORKERS LOCAL 2110 TECHNICAL, OFFICE AND PROFESSIONAL WORKERS HONORED
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