The magazine for UAW members and their families - Fall 2018
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teaser Fall 2018
The magazine for UAW members and their families
Seizing Opportunity, UAW Members
Look to the Future
Let me begin by wishing all UAW members a heartfelt the main backer of the original Earth Day celebration.
Seasons Greetings and Happy New Year from myself, the But that UAW commitment requires that these new jobs
International Executive Board and our UAW staff. remain here and that their conditions of employment
The year 2018, as in all years, had its hopes and include fair wages, benefits and safe working conditions.
challenges for all of our members. But UAW members The key question the UAW asks is: Will the EV transition
rose to those challenges whether in the workplace or in provide jobs for tens of thousands of American workers
helping communities and brothers and sisters in need. It who currently make parts and components for internal
is who we are. It combustion
is our UAW DNA. engines (ICEs)?
And I couldn’t Take for
be prouder instance the
to have been Chevy Bolt. The
elected as your EV powertrain on
president to lead a Bolt has over
such thoughtful, 80 percent fewer
caring and moving parts than
committed a comparable
members. ICE. That creates
As we turn the job challenges
page to 2019 our for workers who
future is in many make engines,
ways revealing transmissions,
itself. exhaust systems
The fact is, and fuel systems.
whether the The flipside is the
public is ready introduction of
or not, auto new types of jobs
companies are building electric
investing heavily powertrains
in electric and advanced
vehicles (EVs) components.
and automation. As the UAW Research Department in But we need a transition to EV production that takes
a recent white paper noted, General Motors plans 20 full advantage of this economic opportunity in the U.S.
EV models by 2023, Ford 40 EVs and FCA US is investing When we invest in quality manufacturing jobs, the rest
over $10 billion in EV technology and future products. of the economy benefits.
UAW members already build tens of thousands of EVs If for instance, those new opportunity jobs are located
and want to build more. But as we look ahead to 2019 outside the country, we risk a shift in the value of
and beyond, the UAW is committed to dealing with the automotive jobs that ultimately impact the take-home
real-world implications of technological change looming pay of workers displaced by the transition from the gas-
ahead for our members and the public in a thoughtful, powered engine.
meaningful and planned way. Similarly, if highly skilled union workers are displaced
One of the lessons of the past is what happens when and new technology engines are built by outsourced
workers displaced by technology are faced with a lack suppliers who focus on cost reduction at the expense of
of transition to new jobs that pay real living wages. wages, working conditions, safety and quality — we are
There is a disruption that bubbles up from industry, to once again displacing American workers with low-wage
neighborhoods and communities, and to the halls of jobs that will impact the Detroit and American economy.
government. As we go through this technological transition, it is
The UAW is committed to take these past lessons important to require commitments from automakers
and turn these challenges into opportunities. And the and government agencies to encourage the retooling of
UAW has a long history of support for environmental facilities and retraining of workers to produce these new
advocacy, from supporting fuel economy standards, the energy vehicles and maintain employment levels, wage
Paris Climate Accords and even to our historic role as protections, health and safety standards and unionization
2 SOLIDARITY Fall 2018
Our entire economy suffers when we send
these new jobs overseas or outsource for cheap
labor and low-quality labor standards.
in quality jobs. our cover story. But we need
The fact is, we can learn from to seize this as an opportunity
the past and be responsible to rather than a challenge and get
the environment as well as our this right so that we leave no
workforce. American worker behind.
But through these lessons of
the past we need to recognize
that workers and their families Become an Apprentice,
need to be part of this new
industry and not left behind.
page 8
Our entire economy suffers
when we send these new jobs
overseas or outsource for cheap
labor and low-quality labor
standards. And the overall 4 News Wrap-up
impact would depress wage New Contract
growth here in the United States
for all Americans. at Thomas Built Bus
In the end, the environment
can win. Shareholders can win. 6 A Day in the Life
And workers and their families, A Peek at What Our Members Do
who have shouldered the lost
wages and job opportunities of 10 Child Slavery
past technology transitions, can Member Survived
win.
Please take the time to read
Post-War Vietnam
more in depth in this issue of
Solidarity Magazine through 12 Legislative Update
New Leadership
in the House
14 COVER STORY
UAW V-CAP: Investing in Our Future Are We Ready
The UAW cannot use “check off” which allows for for Electric Vehicles?
union dues to directly sup- direct contribution to V-CAP
port federal candidates and, through payroll deduction. 20 Vehicle Guide
in an ever-increasing number Members and retirees can Plenty of Union-Made
of states, any candidate also give to V-CAP directly Rides Out There
for public office. Our only with a check. Either way, a
means of monetary support
for many labor-friendly can-
modest contribution of $10
a month comes to about 33
PLUS
didates is voluntary political cents a day and allows our 24 We Are UAW
contributions from UAW union to support candidates 25 Black Lake
members to UAW V-CAP who support our values.
(our union’s political action Send to: 26 Union Sportsmen
fund). UAW National CAP
Members can contribute
Department
to V-CAP in multiple ways.
8000 E. Jefferson Ave.
Many of our contracts have COVER ILLUSTRATION BY MATTHEW WILLIAMS
Detroit, MI 48214
SOLIDARITY Fall 2018 3
news wrap
Solid Contracts Source of Pride at Daimler Trucks
Each night as Jason Callahan and Holly TMP, Local 5285, in Mount Holly, gains over the life of the agreement,”
his family sit around the dining room North Carolina, Atlanta PDC, Local 10, said Mitchell Smith, director of UAW
table, the Callahans talk about many in Atlanta, Georgia, and Memphis PDC, Region 8, where the Daimler facilities
things, but somehow, he says the Local 2406, in Memphis, Tennessee. are located. “Their solidarity during
conversation always turns to his work UAW President Gary Jones says that this process enabled the bargaining
at Thomas Built Buses. agreement represents a hard-won committee to negotiate a solid
Callahan, a former four-term shop victory for members at Daimler Trucks contract.”
chairperson and now Local 5287 North America. “UAW members like The agreement includes a $4,000
president, is proud of the 1,068 Jason Callahan and his coworkers ratification bonus, increased health
production and skilled trades workers demonstrated that preparation and care benefits, lump-sum wage
at the High Point, North Carolina, solidarity can achieve fair wages and increases and an extra week of
school bus production plant—including benefits at the negotiating table,” said vacation for UAW members who have
some in his own family. Jones. “Members negotiated a solid worked at the company for 25-plus
“We have those conversations agreement with clear gains including years.
because we take pride in our work,” wage increases, lump-sum payments “We have a high seniority plant
Callahan said. “We know that what and other benefits. We’re proud of and something like that makes a big
happens here is not one-sided. We the work they’ve done and the well- difference,” said Callahan. “Most of
believe we earn our money and we deserved contract they received.” all, we have a voice at the workplace.
build a great product, and good “This was a challenging round of You get married and you have a voice
contracts help the company and our negotiations, but one that showed the in what happens at home and when
members build a good relationship and power of perseverance and solidarity,” you come to work, you should have
a strong company.” said UAW Secretary-Treasurer and a say in what happens. That’s what
In July, Callahan and his coworkers Director of the UAW Heavy Truck a UAW contract gives us, and we are
joined other UAW members at Daimler Department Ray Curry. “In the end, proud of that,” he said.
Trucks North America facilities in the members at this facility and “Some of my family and friends work
ratifying a new six-year contract five others won increased benefits here, and I would just be tickled if one
agreement. The agreements also and maintained job security as they day a grandchild would want to come
cover UAW members at Daimler Trucks continue to build great products and to work here, too,” he said. “That’s
North America facilities at Cleveland strong communities.” how proud I am of what we have
TMP, Local 3520, in Cleveland, North “We congratulate our members achieved here. We negotiate contracts
Carolina, Gastonia/Parts, Local 5286, at Daimler Trucks for winning a that give us a solid foundation for the
in Gastonia, North Carolina, Mount contract that provides significant future.”
New Agreement at The New School
After 15 months of bargaining, 700 health insurance rebates for many grievance and arbitration language,
academic student workers at The workers. sexual harassment provisions and
New School in New York City have hiring and on-boarding procedures.
a new contract with solid economic “The SENS UAW Bargaining
and non-economic gains. Committee has worked tirelessly on
The agreement reached between [worker quote here, to come] behalf its members to significantly
the Student Employees of the New improve their work lives,” said
School (SENS) UAW and The New Region 9A Director Beverley
School includes higher minimum Brakeman. “It has been an honor
wage levels across all positions with In early 2017, SENS UAW members and a privilege to work with this
annual increases thereafter, a full voted 500-2 for their union. At that bargaining committee on behalf of
waiver of the University Services time, they received wages only, its members whose commitment
fee, a commitment to seriously no tuition remission and no other and dedication to The New School
look at child care needs for all economic benefits. In addition to make it the world class institution of
employees, a signing bonus of $300, the economic gains, the bargaining higher education that it is today.”
and — for the first time — significant committee was able to win strong
4 SOLIDARITY Fall 2018
news wrap
Organizing Win at University of California
Academic Researchers Vote to Join the UAW
Academic researchers at the “We welcome our new UAW the UC’s San Diego, Irvine, Riverside,
University of California will begin members. The work our new Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Merced,
bargaining a first contract after UAW members do include Santa Cruz, San Francisco, Berkeley,
voting to join the UAW in November. groundbreaking research that makes and Davis campuses.
The 4,740 employees represented the University of California one of The new bargaining unit joins UAW’s
by the UAW include project the most respected public research Region 5 under the leadership of
scientists, researchers, specialists universities in the world,” said UAW Regional Director Vance Pearson as it
and coordinators of public programs President Gary Jones. bargains its first contract.
at the university voted to join UC academic researchers will “We welcome our new members
the union. The California Public join the 19,000 academic student into the UAW family with our rich
Employees Relations Board verified employees and 7,000 postdoctoral history in California and Region 5,”
that a majority of the academic researchers the UAW already said Pearson. “We look forward to
researchers have chosen the UAW as represents in the University of bargaining with the university for a
their union and certified the result California system. New UAW world class contract for our world
15 days later. academic researchers come from class academic research members.”
Remembering Retired Region 4 Director
Wilfred Stewart
In the late 1950s a young Wilfred where he worked until 1971 when
Stewart, who had previously worked coworkers elected him to a full-time
as a laborer for Vern Martinson committeeperson position.
Construction, found new work at Coworkers called him “Bill” and
John Deere in Waterloo, Iowa. liked his style and energy. They
It could have been a move that elected him to serve as an elected
just helped pay the bills and feed a member of the local’s pension
family, but Stewart turned it into a committee for many years. In 1977,
path that led him through the ranks he was elected shop committee
of the UAW to eventually become chairperson and served as co-
director of Region 4, which includes chairperson of the UAW Deere
Iowa. Negotiating Committee.
Brother Stewart, who led the The harder he worked, the
region from 1984 until his retirement more others took notice. In 1979,
in 1995, passed away Aug. 18 at age UAW President Douglas A. Fraser
81. appointed him to the International
“We mourn the loss of our union Union staff. In 1982, he became
brother and retired director are we assistant director of UAW Region 4.
thankful that our union is stronger In 1984, Region 4 members elected
because of Brother Stewart’s him regional director.
leadership and commitment to A man of strong conviction in his
working families in Region 4 and work and country, he spent much of
everywhere,” said UAW President his life fighting for worker rights and hunting and the challenge of archery
Gary Jones. proudly supporting American-made competitions among friends.
Brother Stewart, born June 30, production. He enjoyed driving his His passions flowed to those
1937, in Algona, Iowa, became a UAW beloved American-made Corvettes in around him, instilling strong work
Local 838 member in 1956 while support of the UAW. He appreciated ethic, American pride and a love of
working in the foundry at Deere. the outdoors with quiet moments the outdoors with his children and
He later bid into the assembly area fishing for walleye, the enjoyment of grandchildren.
SOLIDARITY Fall 2018 5
a day in the life
Cortez Ali Mark Brehm
Hi-Lo Driver Loader Lift Arm
Bargaining Chairman Welder
UAW Local 155 Local 94
Integrated John Deere Dubuque
Manufacturing and Works
Assembly (IMA) Region 4
Region 1 Dubuque, Iowa
Detroit, Michigan
“My job at John
“Basically, a hi-lo driver Deere is work as a
is responsible for moving loader for a robotic
all the material around the lift arm welder.
building. We supply the “Each day, I check
lines with the materials the schedule to make
to build the seats. The sure what parts the
hardest part of the job would be being aware of the line needs for the day and then I start fitting up
safety hazards. There’s a lot of pedestrian traffic in the pieces of metal in my fixture. First, I tack weld the
areas we operate in. You have to be constantly vigilant pieces together and load the robot. Then, I cycle
about safety.” the robot and load in stabilizers and service locks.
Although presently off the shop floor due to his duties Finally, I send the parts to the next station for the
as a shop chair, Ali has seven years’ seniority as a hi- next part of the process and begin the cycle over.
lo driver at IMA and worked for a decade in the parts “The most difficult part of my job is to mirror
division at Ford Motor Co. the line for the parts that the line needs for the
“The best part of the job as a hi-lo driver is I operate day. The most dangerous part of my job is hoisting,
the hi-lo all over the building. I like the sense of freedom which is when I, and others in the factory, lift up a
to be in all areas of the building. I’m the type of person heavy object to move it.
who prefers not to have to stand in one place. “The most satisfying part of my job is welding and
“What makes me proud to be a UAW member the putting out high-quality products that will be used
most is the comradery. It’s nice not to feel alone when all over the world.
the company comes at you with something that might “I am proud to be a UAW member because of
be an unfair labor practice. It feels good to have an the great benefits that are offered to me and the
organization behind us that’s going to protect our rights.” opportunity to vote on important matters.”
product spotlight
Planters Peanuts (Kraft Heinz)
Suffolk, Virginia
Local 2426 – Region 8
Did you know? UAW members produce Planters Peanuts. We
are 300-members strong. UAW Local 2426 is located in Suffolk,
Virginia. We produce the mixed-nut blends, straight-packed
tree nuts and peanuts. You will find our products in the small
commercial cans and in cellophane packs. At Planters, our
members do everything — production, maintenance, quality, basic
lab work and machine-operating jobs. As union members, we take
great pride in producing the best quality Planters products to
be distributed across the nation. The Planters’ plant in Suffolk,
Virginia, has been in existence for over 100 years. We have been
an organized workforce for 97 years. Please think of your union
brothers and sisters in Virginia the next time you see our products
in a grocery store. For us, it’s all about union pride!
Voll V. Greene, President
UAW Local 2426
6 SOLIDARITY Fall 2018
product spotlight
Winners Honored for Achievement and Union Values
Children of 3 UAW Members Win Union Plus Scholarships
UAW members who take advantage This year, three UAW families received “Their scholastic achievements,
of the Union Plus program helped scholarships. volunteerism, and the way they
three UAW families this year with • Aviva Weinbaum of Amherst, express the union values their parents
college scholarships. Massachusetts, whose mother, Eve have instilled in them is inspiring.”
Union Plus passes along the Weinbaum, is a member of UAW Local The awards were among the
exclusive benefits they negotiate on 1981, received a $1,000 scholarship. program’s $150,000 in scholarships to
behalf of union members directly. 115 students representing 32 unions.
These benefits and programs are • Haley Caudill of Bowling Green, This year’s group includes university,
free to union members and their Kentucky, whose mother, Kimberly college, and trade or technical school
families, The Union Plus programs Caudill, is a member of UAW Local 2164, students from 36 states.
help current and retired labor union received a $500 scholarship. “Union Plus is pleased to help these
members and their families through incredibly talented union family
programs as diverse as hardship • Taylor Lenburg of New Lenox, Illinois, members offset the high cost of college
assistance such as strike and layoff whose father, Dino Lenburg, is a education,” Union Plus President Mitch
assistance; financial assistance, member of UAW Local 2293, received a Stevens said. “Education is a vital
credit card savings and discounts to $500 scholarship. building block for success, and we’re
theme parks, theatre and a variety “Congratulations to these hardworking happy that the Union Plus Scholarship
of programs. Each year, Union Plus students and also to their proud Program aids and support for 115
also has scholarship programs. parents,” UAW President Gary Jones said. deserving students. “
Meet the 2018 UAW Honorees
Taylor Lenburg Haley Caudill Aviva Weinbaum
Taylor, of New Lenox, Illinois, is a Haley had completed two years as a Aviva is a neuroscience major at
psychology major and aspires to be marketing major at Western Kentucky Barnard College in New York and
a psychiatrist University when hopes to become a surgeon. While
or forensic her mother was in high school, Aviva completed
psychologist. diagnosed with a two courses at Amherst College and
Taylor was rare form of studied in Colombia one semester.
heavily active breast cancer She has interned at Baystate
in Air Force in August 2016. Medical Center in Springfield and
Junior Reserve While helping her at Pioneer Valley Workers Center
Officers’ mother through in Northampton. Her high school
Training Corps chemotherapy counselor, Lisa Zephyr, described
(AFJROTC), and surgery, Aviva as grounded, driven, and
earning the Haley enrolled focused. “Aviva has a constant thirst
Air Commando in the nursing for learning, and she feeds off the
Association Award, a Daughters of program at Southcentral Kentucky rapid and rigorous pace of more
the American Revolution medal, and Community and Technical College with the challenging classes,” Zephyr said.
the Aerospace Education Foundation goal of becoming an oncology nurse. She “She is bound to be a stellar college
Award. Retired U.S. Air Force Master now works as an administrative liaison at student who will immerse herself
Sergeant Daniel K. Schliffka was TriStar Greenview Regional Hospital. wholeheartedly in her academics and
Taylor’s AFJROTC instructor and “Because of the UAW, my mother did extracurricular commitments.”
considers her one of the program’s not have the stress and worry of losing
top cadets. “Taylor has always her job like others employed by nonunion
impressed me with her strong companies,” Haley said. “My mother UAW members can access
commitment to excellence, her has not only conquered cancer but has Union Plus benefits at
ability to lead, and her willingness a hopeful future. Her union brothers unionplus.org.
to help others,” Schliffka said. and sisters showed solidarity through
fundraising, meals, encouragement,
emotional support, rides to treatment,
and so many other touching gestures.”
SOLIDARITY Fall 2018 7
Build Your Future in the Skilled Trades
A UAW Apprenticeship Can Spark a New Career
Federal Grant Helps the UAW Train As of December 2018, 620 UAW-represented
the Skilled Trades Workers of apprentices from 12 trades are enrolled in
Tomorrow the program — and there’s room for you! The
current trades in the program are electrician,
Apprenticeships are a system to provide welder, tool-and-die maker, plumber/pipefitter,
workers in industry with comprehensive millwright, wood model maker, metal model
training by exposing them to the practical and maker, prototype model maker, industrial
theoretical aspects of the work required in truck mechanic, experimental assembler,
highly skilled occupations. This is accomplished machinist and machine repair. Additional
through structured training on the job with trades will be added as the program expands.
related technical instruction in the classroom. The grant covers the first 144 hours of
The end result is a well-trained skilled trades apprenticeship training and is being used to
worker who has earned a UAW journeyman’s supplement existing apprenticeship programs,
card. and to develop programs at work sites with
Our union has always believed that it is apprenticeship programs.
best to recruit future journeymen from the Many UAW facilities have pre-apprenticeship
current ranks of the UAW production workers programs that help workers develop the skills
at any given facility. The UAW Skilled Trades that are necessary to move into the skilled
Department in 2015 secured a $5 million federal trades. Classes include basic mathematics
grant that is expected to train 1,000 new UAW review, shop math, mechanical reasoning,
apprentices by 2020. The program is run in spatial relations and others. A major goal
partnership with the UAW-Labor Employment of the grant is to provide apprenticeship
Training Corporation (UAW-LETC), a private, opportunities to under-represented groups such
non-profit labor-management organization that as veterans, women, people of color and other
has been operating federal, state and local underserved populations.
workforce programs since 1984.
8 SOLIDARITY Fall 2018
number of apprentices IAC Strassburg
to be filled internally. CWC Textron
Unions can also bargain Flex-N-Gate
for additional training and Huron, Inc.
adequate health and safety Bosch Corporation
measures to ensure they Federal Mogul
can meet the challenges of Oerlikon-Fairfax Mfg. Co.
the 21st century. Detroit Manufacturing Systems
Learn from the Best: The process:
Our Journeymen are How Can I Become an
There to Help Apprentice?
Transitioning from a Apprenticeships programs consist
production job to a skilled of 7,424 to 8,000 hours of carefully
trades job isn’t easy: In supervised shop floor experiences,
addition to the demands plus at least 576 hours of classroom
of the classroom, there’s instruction. The apprentice studies
the actual work that subjects common to most trades,
has to get done. Each including mathematics, drafting
apprentice will have an and shop theory. There will also be
experienced journeyman classes specific to the apprentice’s
working beside them to specific trade. Are you ready for
guide them in their future the academic challenge? If not,
trade and to keep them you might want to investigate
safe. Our journeymen take whether your facility has a pre-
pride in their work and apprenticeship program to help get
The Need for Apprentices want to make sure that you ready.
the next generation of skilled trades A joint company-union
The 21st century global economy workers have what they need to do apprenticeship committee usually
demands a well-trained, world-class an excellent job. handles the administration of
workforce. At present, there is an apprenticeship programs, typically
aging skilled trades workforce. The Many Workplaces Participate in including the timing of the classes
need for skilled trades workers the Program. Among them: and standards for admission to the
is critical as these highly trained program as negotiated in the UAW
and experienced workers head Ford Motor Co.
General Motors contract. A joint subcommittee
into retirement. A lack of trained is responsible for handling the
skilled trades workers can hurt a FCA USA
John Deere orientation, rotational assignment,
company in many ways, including its school and shop liaison and the
profitability and productivity. There Oakley Industries
Carlex Glass resolution of day-to-day problems.
is a drastic need to invest in training
to “up-skill” workers for the highly
complicated work of the future. The
UAW Skilled Trades Department,
long a national leader in developing THE UAW APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM
apprenticeship programs, is assisting
many of our represented workplaces Being a UAW skilled trades with ever-changing technology,
by recruiting and developing in- worker is not just another job: that pays more money and
house talent. It’s a career. Those who gives you the opportunity
have been through it to earn while you learn,
Apprenticeship is a Negotiated will tell you a four- an apprenticeship
Benefit year apprenticeship is just may be for
One of the many benefits of like a college degree. you. See your joint
being a UAW member is the ability Once earned, no one apprenticeship
to negotiate pre-apprenticeship can take it away. So, if committee
and apprenticeship programs into you are ready for work representative or your
our contracts to ensure that our that is varied, interesting local union leadership for
members can improve their skills and challenging, that keeps up more information.
and move into more complex – and
higher-paying – work. Through the UAW Skilled Trades Department 8000 E. Jefferson Ave.
collective bargaining process, unions Detroit, MI 48214 | (313) 926-5421 | SkilledTradesDept@uaw.net
can demand and bargain for a set
SOLIDARITY Fall 2018 9
union front
No Longer Alone
She was Forced into Child Labor; now she Speaks up About
the Difference a Union Makes
At age seven, the victorious “I understand the true definition me so proud.”
communist Vietnamese government of union means you are representing “Jennifer has an extraordinary story
kicked Jennifer Tu out of school. It and protecting those who can’t and a powerful voice which reminds
forced her into a life of hardship and speak up for themselves,” said Tu. us what it means to stand up to life’s
a slave-labor existence because her “That is what touches me. All the challenges,” said UAW Region 1D
mother was Vietnamese and bonding we Director Gerald Kariem. “It’s also
her father an American have with each a reminder of what happens when
soldier who had returned brother and people come together. In Jennifer’s
to the United States sister. That is case, through her tenacity and her
and lost touch with his what gets to me desire to find her father and a better
daughter and the woman most and makes life for her family, others reached out
he loved. to help her. That changed her life and
“I was mixed blood,” said now she is using her love of
Tu, bargaining chairperson union to show others
of Local 167. “I had blue they are not alone.”
eyes and light skin and I In 2001, after
looked American. When I hiring on at North
went outside people did not American Fuel Systems
want their children to play Remanufacturing, Tu said
with me. The (Vietnamese) she wanted to learn more
government did not treat about the union. She
me fairly,” she said. “I was began working with the
discriminated against.” elections committee and in
Tu now lives in Grand 2016 attended a veterans’
Rapids, Michigan, and works conference at Black Lake.
at North American Fuel Systems “We watched a movie
Remanufacturing LLC. She clearly called POW-MIA and
recalls her journey to the United it brought back to me
States, arriving in Grand Rapids at everything that had happened
11 p.m. on March 28, 1985, to finally in my life,” she said. Later she was
meet her father. invited to share her story with
Before that, from age 4 to age 7, conference attendees.
Tu, her mother and her younger “Now, I’m glad to do the same
sister struggled daily trying to make thing for others. I can stand up for
ends meet in Ho Chi Minh City, my brothers and sisters,” said Tu.
formerly Saigon during the Vietnam “I want people to know that when
War. In addition to having to work you are in a union you have a voice.
cleaning houses, raising chickens and There is someone working for you and
ducks, scalping lottery and movie representing you. When that happens,
tickets and more when she was as both sides can have a healthy living.
young as 4 years old, Tu said that You can have better wages, better
she and her family were at times living and a better country.”
homeless. She says that by the time Said Tu, “I hope that my story will
she was 14 she had been arrested help a new generation. I hope it
several times and at least once reminds them that everything they
beaten by police. get is because someone else helped
Top: Jennifer Tu, with her mother,
She understands how it feels to them, maybe someone in the union.”
Cookie Trinh, in what was then
have no one to turn to. It’s why
South Vietnam.
becoming a union member became Right: Her father, Roger Yates, a U.S.
important to her when she began serviceman serving in South Vietnam.
working in the United States. Bottom: Tu and her husband, Phuc.
10 SOLIDARITY Fall 2018 PHOTOS COURTESY OF JENNIFER TU / UAW LOCAL 167union front
So We Know NAFTA was Bad. How Bad?
Mexican Auto Work Volume has Grown Seven-Fold
For UAW members, it’s
something they just know. Under NAFTA Mexico’s Automotive Workforce has Grown 7-Fold
NAFTA bled UAW jobs. But as Thousands of Employees
the “New NAFTA” (called the • In 1994, Mexico
USMCA) makes its way to the auto workforce
Senate for debate, how bad was 112,000, by
was the old NAFTA? Well... 2016 it was 767,000
pretty bad.
• 93% is in parts
Since NAFTA passed in 1994,
the Mexican auto workforce • In 1994 US
grew seven-fold from 112,000 accounted for
to 767,000 — all but seven 82.5% of NA
percent in parts. In 1994, automotive
the U.S. accounted for 82.5 workforce, by 2016
percent of the workforce and it was only 51.3%.
by 2016, that number had Mexico grew from
dwindled to 51.3 percent. Canada United States Mexico 7.6% to 41.8%
The UAW wants NAFTA Sources: INEGI, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Statistics Canada
renegotiated. But, it’s a very
complicated issue. “We also
want enforcement of labor
provisions and a level playing
field,” said UAW President
Gary Jones. “That only
happens when we hold feet to
the fire and judge the ‘New
NAFTA’ by how it protects and
adds U.S. jobs.”
In 1993, Mexico produced
just over 1 million vehicles.
Today, Mexico produces more
than 4 million vehicles.
Why? Mexican wages for auto
assembly today are at $6.63
and for auto parts, Mexican
wages are $3.98 an hour.
“Renegotiating NAFTA is
important,” said Jones.
“But making sure there are
enforcement provisions in
the ‘New NAFTA’ is more
important. UAW members
should not have to compete
with government-controlled
Mexican unions and wages
that pay pennies on the
dollar because of a poorly
crafted trade agreement.
Enforcement language in the
trade agreement is the only
way that the ‘New NAFTA’
restores what the old NAFTA
took away.”
SOLIDARITY Fall 2018 11legislative update
Election 2018
Voters Sent a Message to Elected Officials
The wealthy and most powerful impact wide-ranging policy debates out in solid numbers.
dominate Congress and state in Washington such as federal trade,
legislatures. Two-fifths of labor, infrastructure, retirement • Elections were determined by
senators and representatives are security, tax, and prescription drug razor-thin margins in many cases.
millionaires. Dark money groups policies. The saying, “Every vote counts,”
such as Americans for Prosperity At the time of this writing, really rang true during this
and the American Future Fund Democrats gained 402 seats to election cycle.
reported spending more than win a 235-199 advantage over • Voter participation was at an all-
$800 million on campaign-related Republicans, with one race, in time high. Over 113 million people
activities to the Federal Election North Carolina’s 9th Congressional or 48.1 percent of eligible voters
Commission between January 2010 District, disputed due to potential cast ballots. This is potentially
and December 2016. wrongdoing. the highest level in over 50 years,
In the face of these odds, yet the fact that over half of
elections are the only leverage Key Takeaways from The eligible voters do not vote needs to
that average voters have to ensure Election change.
that millionaire CEOs are not the
only ones who have a seat at the • The UAW played a significant role • Races that have previously been
decision-making table. That’s why in Congressional races across written off could be added to the
UAW members and retirees worked the country. Thousands of UAW list of battleground states in 2020,
tirelessly to elect pro-worker members knocked on doors, such as the Texas Senate race. This
candidates. As a result of UAW made phone calls and sent text closely watched seat proved that
members’ commitment to a strong messages in support of pro-worker a pro-labor candidate can mount a
and representative democracy, candidates, which impacted the serious challenge in a red state.
UAW-endorsed candidates won big outcome of the elections.
in the 2018 midterm elections. • The pro-labor victory occurred What to Expect
The midterm election was a despite extreme anti-labor At the time of this printing, the
message to Congress and state gerrymandering in several states highest priority for lawmakers will
elected officials from voters thereby reducing the number be to keep the government open
that it is time to rise above the of competitive districts. This as funding for federal agencies and
political rhetoric and take action election is on par with other programs expire Dec. 21. A bipartisan
on jobs, health care, education midterm waves like in 1994, 2006 agreement will need to be reached
and fair trade. Voters want policies and 2010. To put the significance to keep the government open,
enacted at the federal level that of gerrymandering in perspective, and President Trump is demanding
strengthen workers’ rights to in 2010, Republicans won the massive new spending on a southern
collectively bargain, trade policies popular vote in the House by border wall. Congress has passed
that create U.S. manufacturing jobs seven percentage points and the farm bill and criminal justice
and discourage companies from picked up 63 seats. This year, reform legislation in the “lame duck”
outsourcing jobs overseas, and tax Democrats won the popular vote session.
policies that improve the economic by an even larger percentage Congress will not tackle substantive
security of working families instead than the Republicans did in 2010. issues until the new Congress
of profiting ultra-rich billionaires Hopefully, pro-labor gains in reconvenes in January. From now
and wealthy multinational governorships and state houses until then, the UAW will remind
corporations. will help unwind gerrymandering returning and new members
As of Jan. 3, 2019, when the in several key states as governors of Congress to put into motion
Congress is sworn in, Republicans and state legislators who serve what voters want— real progress
will no longer have complete four-year terms — will be in office and action on jobs, health care,
control over the federal in 2021, when the next round education, fair trade, income growth
government, as Democrats of redistricting begins. Despite and a future for their children.
regained control of the House of numerous state voter suppression
Representatives for the first time laws, pro-labor candidates won by UAW Legislative Department
since 2010. The elections will strong margins and voters turned
12 SOLIDARITY Fall 2018legislative update
Shifts in Power
BEFORE THE 2018 ELECTION
Republican Democrat
HOUSE SENATE
MEMBERSHIP MEMBERSHIP
193 238 49 51
Democrats Republicans Democrats* Republicans
435 100
seats seats
AFTER THE 2018 ELECTION
Republican Democrat
HOUSE SENATE
MEMBERSHIP* MEMBERSHIP
235 199 47 53
Democrats Republicans Democrats** Republicans
435 100
seats seats
*As of this writing, one race, in North Carolina’s 9th Congressional District, is disputed.
**Independents Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Angus King of Maine caucus with the Senate Democrats and are shown in blue.
SOLIDARITY Fall 2018 13PLUGGING INTO THE FUTURE
High Road or Low Road?
Electric Vehicles: Public Policy Must Support Keeping Good
Manufacturing Jobs in the U.S.
With General Motors planning over and smog-free, could only operate to the U.S. Department of Energy.
20 electric vehicles (EVs) by 2023, where there was the electrical Over the next decade, electric
FCA USA (Chrysler) investing $10 infrastructure to support them. The vehicles were at their heyday,
billion and Ford Motor Co. budgeting first successful electric car in the accounting for a third of all vehicles
over $11 billion for 40 EVs, the U.S. made its debut around 1890 on the road.
future of the internal combustion when an Iowa chemist, William At the time, very few Americans
engine (ICE) is in flux. Morrison, developed a six-passenger outside of cities had electricity.
When that happens, what will the vehicle capable of 14 mph, according Even so, it was easier and
future hold for the jobs of tens of
thousands of UAW members whose
livelihoods are currently heavily
dependent on the production of
ICEs and related components such
as exhaust and fuel systems? Will
their jobs disappear because EV
powertrains are far less mechanically
complex than ICE powertrains? Will
other industry actors take the low
road and resist collective bargaining
so that wages are depressed and
job quality in the automotive
sector declines? Or will most of the
jobs in producing EVs and related
components go overseas like in so
many other industries?
Not necessarily, according to the
UAW Research Department, which
recently produced a white paper on
the issue, “Taking the High Road:
Strategies for a Fair EV Future.” The
report maintains that the American
union autoworker can benefit from
the inevitable shift to EVs, but
sensible public policies must be
in place to ensure that high-road
manufacturing jobs are created
for the workers and communities
that depend on them. “The UAW is
focused right now on looking into
the future and planning for the jobs
of tomorrow — for our UAW members,
their families and the future work of
new members,” said UAW President
Gary Jones.
EVs have been around for more
than a century. EVs, while quiet
14 SOLIDARITY Fall 2018less expensive to build an
infrastructure of gas stations than
electrical charging stations. EVs
eventually lost out to vehicles
with internal combustion engines.
With the advent of Henry Ford’s
assembly line and the mass-
produced Model T, ICEs would
spur a revolution in the nation’s
mobility.
Today, while EVs still lack
that mass acceptance as the
new infrastructure develops,
companies are betting that the
improved reliability, affordability,
range and availability of charging
stations will convince consumers
that EVs — and not ICEs — are the
motoring public’s future.
“As we go through this
technological change, we must
demand that key decision
makers do what is right for the
environment and the workforce. highlight advances in sustainable such as Toyota, Nissan, Hyundai-Kia,
It will require commitments from technologies. The Chevrolet and many European automakers are
automakers and government Volt, built since the 2011 model also heavily invested in hybrids and
agencies to re-tool facilities and year at General Motors’ Detroit/ EVs. Chinese companies are major
re-train workers to produce new Hamtramck Assembly Plant by players in the market as well. “We all
energy vehicles,” UAW President members of Local 22, is a hybrid recognize the industry is changing,
Jones said. “We also need a EV/ICE that automatically switches more in the next five years than the
fair-trade policy that promotes over to an ICE when the battery last 100 years, and we want to be a
the production of advanced power is depleted. GM promises 20 part of that,” said Quentin Perea, a
technology in the U.S. And we new electric and fuel cell vehicles member of Local 5960 and a team
need to ensure that investments globally by 2023 and vehicles by leader on the chassis line at General
in green technology are used to 2020 and easily leads the domestic Motors Orion Assembly plant, where
create quality automakers in the segment. It plans the Chevrolet Bolt is built.
jobs that pay to sell 1 million In September, The New American
well, keep EVs by 2026. Road Trip stopped at the plant. The
workers safe, At present, Ford road trip traveled from San Francisco
and protect builds electric to New York City in a Chevy Bolt to
workers’ vehicles and highlight advances in sustainable
freedom to join hybrids, but only manufacturing across the country.
unions.” in Mexico. It has UAW workers discussed how the
announced plans vehicles are made and what it means
EVs – Who to spend $11 to have their work so prominently
Builds Them? billion developing featured in a nationwide campaign.
EVs and hybrids, “This is an awesome experience to
UAW members with 40 hybrids see our hard work go into a vehicle
have already and 16 EVs and to have you go cross country with
built tens of globally. it,” Local 5960 Chairman Jason Leist
thousands of FCA USA told participants in the road trip.
EVs, and as the (formerly Chrysler) “I’m definitely the proud chairman
market for EVs in June announced of hardworking men and women at
Local 5960’s Quentin Perea:
grows, UAW The industry is changing and UAW it will spend more Local 5960. They’re building the future
members will members want to be a part of it. than $10 billion here.”
build many on new electric
more. The vehicles within the A Look at the Future of EVs
Chevrolet Bolt EV, built in Lake next four years. It currently sells a There will be a tipping point for EVs,
Orion, Michigan, by members of limited number of Chrysler Pacifica the moment when enough consumers
Local 5960, was recently featured hybrids. decide EVs can deliver on reliability,
in The New American Road Tesla and transnational automakers electric infrastructure and price so
Trip, a nationwide campaign to
SOLIDARITY Fall 2018 15PLUGGING INTO THE FUTURE that they are reasonable viable as powertrains are projected to reach on the road and are investing in an alternative to ICEs. To speed price parity with EV powertrains. research and development, charging this along, governments around the EVs also provide savings on fuel and infrastructure, subsidies for world are mandating a transition maintenance costs because they do consumer purchases, procurement to greener cars to help address not require regular fluid changes and of EVs for government fleets, sales climate change and have announced have fewer moving parts that may quotas for manufacturers, and a variety of EV targets they hope to require replacement. The growth of preferential access to parking and meet in the coming decades. ride hailing and autonomous vehicles traffic lanes. For now, EVs make up just 1 (AVs) also favors EVs as those who Venture capitalists have already percent of the U.S. market. How own highly utilized fleet vehicles will turned their sights toward the quickly that market share will grow see savings in fuel and maintenance. coming shift to EVs. In 2013, is up for debate, but Bloomberg New EVs also provide the higher power investment companies invested $33 Energy Finance predicts EVs will and greater energy storage necessary million in EV battery companies. By account for 10 percent of the global for AVs. Governments around the 2017, that figure increased 13-fold. market is the mid-2020s and over world have set ambitious goals to In the first quarter of 2018, venture 50 percent by 2050. By 2030, EV cut emissions and put millions of EVs capitalists invested $868 million. 16 SOLIDARITY Fall 2018
A January 2018 analysis of Original represented and other workers in a reduction in jobs by employers.
Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) ICE powertrains? There will no doubt Ford has told its investors that
conducted by Reuters shows that be less demand for parts such as product simplification that comes
German OEMs have invested $52 exhaust systems, transmissions and from EVs could lead to a 50 percent
billion in EVs, Chinese OEMs 21 fuel systems. A USB-commissioned reduction in capital investment and
billion and U.S.-based OEMs $19 teardown of a Chevrolet Bolt found a 30 percent reduction in labor hours
billion. But a large portion of the $19 that the EV powertrain had over 80 compared to ICE production.
billion invested by U.S.-based OEMs percent fewer moving parts than a The impact on jobs could be even
is invested in China. comparable ICE powertrain. As EV worse if OEMS outsource powertrain
“The massive investments pledged technology and design improves, this work to low-road suppliers
by automakers represents a strong figure is likely to rise. Even if original that compete primarily on cost
commitment to the development equipment manufacturers (OEMs) reduction.
and eventual mass production of build EV powertrains in-house — which “This would reduce the quality
EVs,” the UAW report noted. “But is an open question — there will be of jobs in the value chain and
where those vehicles
and components will
be made is an open
question and will
determine which
economies benefit
from the EV shift.”
Manufacturing
Costs — and
Opportunities
Once the tipping
point is reached,
then what happens
to the jobs of tens of
thousands of UAW-
SOLIDARITY Fall 2018 17PLUGGING INTO THE FUTURE
the positive impact that auto and benefit premium is eroded by The age of the EV could also
employment has on the rest of the outsourcing and low-road practices, present the opportunity to ensure
economy,” the report noted. “Much the quality of these jobs will erode there are ethical supply chains and
of the premium wages and benefits as well.” proper environmental safeguards.
in automotive jobs is because of But the UAW research pointed out For instance, the conditions in
union density and strong collecting It could be an opportunity for a which battery components cobalt
bargaining agreements, the report high-road transition to EV production and lithium are mined highlight the
pointed out. “Even nonunion that takes full advantage of the need for oversight and intervention.
autoworkers have benefitted opportunities that EVs will soon Roughly 60 percent of the world’s
because of the strong agreements present. The shift must result in cobalt is mined in the Democratic
that the UAW has negotiated quality automotive jobs and positive Republic of Congo where child
with the Big Three. If the wage economic benefits for the U.S. labor and other labor abuses are
communities where EV common, and health and safety
production occurs. are substandard. In Argentina,
A high-road approach where rich lithium deposits are
would support: located under indigenous lands,
● Research and people are not receiving proper
development. compensation for mining operations
while there are water shortages
● Capital investment in and environmental degradation.
infrastructure. Countries such as China are bound
to cheat on environmental and labor
● Re-tooling facilities for laws.
EV production. But the U.S. could move to capture
● Worker re-training. the U.S. battery aftermarket. Spent
EV batteries can be repurposed for
● Policies that promote the home, the electrical grid and
higher wages, health other uses in workplaces where
and safety, and the workers and the environment are
right to collective protected.
bargaining.
18 SOLIDARITY Fall 2018“If the government does fundamental change in the key environment and for workers, we
nothing to promote and protect components that power the vehicle. need to get this right and leave no
this burgeoning industry, it will There will likely be changes in where American worker behind.”
move offshore —just as the lead the most valuable
battery recycling industry chased auto components
lax environmental regulations to are made,
Mexico,” the UAW report noted. employment
As a nation, the United States is decreases in
falling behind on control of the powertrain
new EV value chain. Lithium-ion manufacturing
batteries are the most valuable and new
component in EVs, with growth companies in the
expected to be 73 percent from market that do
2017 to 2021. It could become a not have a U.S.
$40 billion market by 2025. But manufacturing
the U.S. is far behind Asian and base. What
European countries in lithium-ion is needed is
battery capacity, with China and a proactive
European countries accounting industrial policy
for 75 percent of battery that promotes
manufacturing capacity by 2021, the production
and the U.S. accounting for 14 of EVs and their
percent, with it dependent on components in the
the success of one plant, Tesla- U.S. under higher
Panasonic Gigafactory in Nevada. road conditions
Falling out of the value chain on that benefit
EV components can reduce the the American
positive impacts of EVs assembled workers and the
in the U.S. For example, a USB- communities
commissioned tear-down of the that rely on
Chevy Bolt found that 56 percent manufacturing
of the value of the vehicle was jobs.
produced by LG, with much “In the end, the
of the components produced environment can
overseas. win. Shareholders
can win. And
Conclusion workers and their
What remains to be answered families can win,”
is if the disruption caused by the President Jones
move to EVs will be a threat or said. “To have
an opportunity. This isn’t a shift an auto industry
in consumer preference, but a that works for the
SOLIDARITY Fall 2018 19union front
2019 UAW Union-Built Vehicle Guide
Buying American, Buying Union Supports Good Jobs
New SUVs, updated trucks and addition to the redesigned
new technology highlight the many Chevrolet Silverado and GMC
choices Americans have to buy union- Sierra pickup trucks, GM also
made vehicles that support UAW builds medium-duty pickup
members and their work. trucks in a joint venture with
In today’s manufacturing world, Navistar.
the UAW automotive guide is an
important tool to help consumers Ford Motor Co.
discover where their vehicle is made Ford has two new vehicles on
and who provides the craftsmanship. the list for the 2019 model year
“We negotiate our contracts to and one that will be available 2020 Jeep Gladiator
ensure we have a say in quality and as a 2020 model in the second
sourcing so that we can add our quarter of 2019. Thanks to the
voice and expertise in how vehicles successful 2015 negotiations
and components are assembled,” between Ford and the UAW,
said UAW President Gary Jones. “It’s the Ford Ranger returns after
important to let family, friends, an eight-year hiatus on the
neighbors and co-workers know market. The Ranger, a mid-
where they can go to buy union-made size pickup, built at Michigan
vehicles.” Assembly Plant in Wayne by
One way consumers can tell if a members of Local 900, comes
vehicle is made by UAW members in two configurations, SuperCab 2019 Ford Ranger
is through the 2019 UAW Union- (2+2 door extended cab with
Built Vehicle Guide (on the opposite a 6-foot bed), and SuperCrew
page). The vehicle sticker will reveal (4-door crew cab with a 5-foot
the final assembly plant as well as bed). The Lincoln Aviator,
the Vehicle Identification Number a seven-passenger, three-
(VIN). A VIN that begins with a 1, 4, row SUV that is assembled in
or 5 means the vehicle was built in Chicago by members of Local
the United States. A VIN that starts 551, will be available as a 2020
with a 2 is a Canadian-assembled model in the second quarter
vehicle. The UAW recommends buying of 2019. The Lincoln Nautilus,
certain vehicles assembled in Canada assembled by Canada’s Unifor
because they are built by members of union and which has many 2019 Cadillac XT4
the Unifor union and have significant UAW-built components, is also
UAW-made content which supports new for 2019. of the Year. The re-engineered 2019
the jobs of UAW members. A VIN Ram 1500 was named the Motor
beginning with a 3 is a vehicle built FCA USA Trend Truck of the Year, as well as
in Mexico and is not a UAW-made While FCA USA doesn’t have new the 2019 Truck of Texas, which pits
vehicle, even if it carries a Big 3 vehicles on the 2019 list, it has one pickups and utility vehicles against
nameplate. that will be available as a 2020 one another in on- and off-road
Here’s a quick look at what the 2019 model in the second quarter of evaluations by auto journalists.
model year has in the way of new 2019. The new Jeep Gladiator pickup (The Ram 1500 is dual-sourced with
union-built recommended vehicles: truck, built by members of Local the UAW-built model assembled
General Motors 12 in Toledo, Ohio, was unveiled at FCA USA’s Warren Truck Plant
in late 2018. FCA USA has invested and the Sterling Heights Assembly
For the 2019 model year, GM has at plants in Sterling Heights and Plant in Michigan and in Mexico. Be
a new entry in the luxury SUV/CUV Warren, Michigan; Belvidere, Illinois, sure to check the VIN to make sure
segment, the Cadillac XT4. Built by and Toledo as part of its plan to that it starts with a “1”, which will
members of UAW Local 31 in Fairfax, concentrate production of Jeep and signify it was built in the United
Kansas, the five-door crossover has Ram in the U.S. The Jeep Wrangler States. A “3” identifies a Ram 1500
a 2-liter turbocharged engine. In was named at the Motor Trend SUV built in Mexico.)
20 SOLIDARITY Fall 20182019 UAW Union Built
Vehicle Guide
BUY USA • BUY UNION • BUY USA • BUY UNION • BUY USA • BUY UNION • BUY USA • BUY UNION •
UAW CARS UAW SUVS/CUVS UNIFOR CARS
Buick LaCrosse Buick Enclave Cadillac XTS
Cadillac ATS Cadillac Escalade Chevrolet Impala
Cadillac CTS Cadillac Escalade ESV Chevrolet Impala (police)
Cadillac CT6 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid Chrysler 300
(excluding plug-in hybrid) Cadillac XT4 Dodge Challenger
Chevrolet Bolt (electric) Cadillac XT5 Dodge Charger
Chevrolet Camaro Chevrolet Suburban
Chevrolet Corvette Chevrolet Tahoe UNIFOR SUVS/CUVS
Chevrolet Cruze* Chevrolet Tahoe (police)
Chevrolet Cruze (diesel) Chevrolet Tahoe (special service) Chevrolet Equinox*
Chevrolet Impala Chevrolet Traverse Ford Edge
Chevrolet Malibu Dodge Durango Ford Flex
Chevrolet Sonic Ford Escape Lincoln MKT
Chevrolet Volt (electric) Ford Expedition Lincoln Nautilus
Ford Mustang Ford Explorer
Ford Taurus GMC Acadia UNIFOR TRUCKS
Lincoln Continental GMC Yukon Chevrolet Silverado (double cab)
GMC Yukon Hybrid GMC Sierra (double cab)
UAW TRUCKS GMC Yukon XL
Chevrolet Colorado Jeep Cherokee
Chevrolet Medium-Duty Navistar Silverado UNIFOR VANS
Jeep Grand Cherokee
(regular cab and crew cab) Jeep Wrangler Chrysler Pacifica
Chevrolet Silverado** Lincoln Aviator Dodge Grand Caravan
Ford F Series (2020 model year will be available in second quarter
Ford F-650/750 of 2019) UAW VANS
Ford Ranger Lincoln MKC Chevrolet Express
Ford Super Duty Chassis Cab Lincoln Navigator Chevrolet Express (cut-away)
GMC Canyon Ford E-Series (cut-away)
Jeep Gladiator Ford Transit
(2020 model year will be available in second quarter of 2019) GMC Savana
GMC Sierra** GMC Savana (cut-away)
Ram 1500*
These vehicles are made in the United States or Canada by members of the UAW and Canada’s Unifor union, formerly the Canadian Auto Workers (CAW). Because of
the integration of vehicle production in both countries, all of the vehicles listed as made in Canada include significant UAW-made content and support the jobs of
UAW members.
However, vehicles marked with a single asterisk (*) are also produced in Mexico. Vehicles marked with a double asterisk (**) are
produced in Mexico and Canada. All Cruze hatchbacks and some sedans are produced in Mexico. The diesel version is manufac-
tured in the United States by UAW members. The Chevrolet Equinox is manufactured in Canada by Unifor members and also
in Mexico.
Beginning in mid-2019 all heavy-duty Chevrolet Silverados and GMC Sierras will be built in Flint, Michigan, only. In early 2019,
the light-duty, regular cabs of both trucks will be produced in Mexico only.
When purchasing a vehicle marked with an asterisk, it’s important to check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). A VIN beginning
with “1” or “4” or “5” identifies a U.S.-made vehicle; a “2” identifies a Canadian-made vehicle; a “3” identifies a vehicle made in Mexico. Not all vehicles made in the
United States or Canada are built by union-represented workers. Vehicles not listed here, even if produced in the United States or Canada, are not union made.
SOLIDARITY Fall 2018 21You can also read
