2002 Special Convention for Collective
Bargaining
Day 2
Day 2
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2002 Special Convention for Collective
Bargaining
Day 2 |
The second day of the Bargaining Convention
quickly moved into discussion concerning the platform for 2003 contract
talks. The following items were discussed:  · Job Security - Recent layoffs and plant closing as a result in the downturn of the economy, drive home the importance of job security for our members. The UAW will work to continue worker protections such as ban on plant closing to help not only our members buy the communities in which they live. · Education and Training - The UAW has truly become an "Educational Union" through in house training programs as well as tuition assistance. These programs are not a "frill" but vitally important to maintain a trained and motivated workplace. · Wages- UAW members deserve an increase in their standard of living, and we will bargain to achieve livable, family supporting wages and benefits for our members. Business Week magazine recently reported that the average CEO now earns $20,000,000 a year - 531 times the average blue collar wage. Often times, these CEOs continue to draw these sums when the companies they run falter, leaving workers without a job. It is time to bring executive pay down to reasonable levels. · Health Care - A universal national health care system remains the only way to secure affordable health care for all Americans. In the meantime, the UAW will continue to fight for improved care for our members and their families. We will continue to work with UAW employers to support meaningful cost control measures that do not compromise quality health care. · Retirement and Pensions - The UAW remains committed to the three-legged approach to retirement security, including Social Security, company funded benefit pensions and private savings. The recent Enron debacle shows the difference between a federally backed system and a company funded - company controlled 401(k). · Health and Safety - We have seen significant improvements in our health and safety performance, but there is still work to do. Any injury, any fatality in a UAW workplace is one to many. Work must continue to introduce new programs that will further enhance the workplace for our members.  These items were all passed and supported by the delegates. Local 2195 members Linda Watkins and Dean Carroll joined in the debate in support of these important items.
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