The UAW and the United Way have a 75-year history of working together to provide vital resources to our communities. Hear from UAW Vice President Gerald Kariem and Ford Motor Company’s Chief Manufacturer and Labor Affairs Officer Gary Johnson what this partnership means for our neighbors and how the UAW and Ford are continuing the tradition in 2020.
Ruben Burks’ long history of unionism and advocacy for social justice started in 1955 when he began working as an assembler at the former General Motors Fisher Body Plant 2 in Flint where he joined UAW Local 598. He steadily rose through the ranks of the local, serving in various leadership posts, including shop committeeperson and executive board member. In 1970, then-UAW President Walter Reuther appointed Burks to be an International representative in Region 1C. By 1989, he was the director of Region 1C and held that position for three terms. In 1998, he became the first African-American International UAW ...
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Five-year grant to fund health and education programs for Flint children FLINT, Mich. (Feb. 9, 2016) – The United Way of Genesee County today announced a joint effort made by General Motors and the United Auto Workers (UAW) to donate $3 million to support the increased health and education needs for the children of Flint who have been impacted by lead-contaminated water. Under a five-year commitment, the funding provided by GM and the UAW to United Way of Genesee County will address immediate, ongoing and growing needs of Flint children affected by lead. “This crisis has impacted every Flint resident, ...
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