UAW Local 1005 - Vice President's Corner

Vice President's Corner

Mike Caldwell
Vice President
U.A.W Local 1005
MikeCaldwell@uawlocal1005.org

Dear Brothers and Sisters of Local 1005,

First I would like to thank everyone for the privilege of representing Local 1005 as the alternate delegate to the 35th Constitutional Convention. It was a tremendous learning experience to see the election process first hand. There were many proposed resolutions presented by the resolutions committee.

Monday’s resolutions consisted of: creating auto and manufacturing jobs for the future, health care reform, the right to organize, political action, and support for our troops and veterans. all were passed with overwhelming support especially the one for supporting our troops and veterans introduced by retiring Vice President Cal Rapson which passed with such a loud unanimous vote it was probably heard out side in the street. there were also many guest speakers including AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka and our own Congresswoman Betty Sutton.

Tuesday changes were adopted to modify the salaries and benefits of the international officers including wage freezes, cola and holidays to reflect equity of sacrifice in these difficult times. there was also a change in the appeals process that appeals must be submitted in writing with a valid original signature except as provided for in special circumstance listed in the constitution. New language for elections of committee persons reads: no member in good standing on indefinite layoff may be a candidate or vote in an election for a non-executive local union office that has grievance handling, contract bargaining, or contractual administrative duties unless specifically authorized by local bylaws. Also new language reducing the number of vice presidents from five to four and allowing for another reduction in the event of a retirement, public review board, and transfer of funds from the strike fund to the general fund. Special Guests included united farm workers president Arturo Rodrguez, International metalworkers’ federation president Jyrki Raina, and live via satellite U.S.Senator Tom Harkin of Iowa who promised to keep fighting for the employee free choice act. also resolutions for building the economy, public employee rights, and domestic violence.

Wednesday the day you were all waiting for ELECTION DAY! A roll call vote of all local unions represented to choose a new president. Bob King and Gary Walkowicz accepted the nomination for president and after more than an hour of voting Bob King reached the more than 50% majority and was declared the winner with 2,115.095 votes to Gary’s 74.549 votes. Vice Presidents Joe Ashton, Jimmy Settles, Cindy Estrada, and General Holiefield, and secretary treasurer Dennis Williams were elected by acclamation by accepting the nomination (unopposed). All former officers were recognized for their service. Later in the day we split up into regions and held elections for regional directors. Ken Lortz was elected regional director of 2B by acclamation (unopposed) but still received a unanimous support voice vote from all delegates present.

Thursday Newly Elected President Bob King assumed the role of chairman again thanking President Gettelfinger for his service. the following resolutions were visited Protecting our Pensions, civil and human rights, fair labor standards, then a motion was made to accept the rest of the resolutions as printed. Guest speakers included NAACP President Ben Jealous and Labor secretary Hilda Solis. There was a motion to close convention. After closing remarks from President King we all gathered outside for a protest march to the Detroit Financial district. Our march was joined by Teamster President Jimmy Hoffa who spoke on a platform thanking us for our support and pledging the support of the teamsters that we may continue to work side by side for a better America. If anyone would like to see the complete text on the amendments please contact me and I will let you read my copies just please don’t keep them so others may read them as well. Again thank you for allowing me to represent you at this historic event.

Fraternally
Mike Caldwell
Alternate Delegat

As you have seen there is a lot of construction going on in the plant this looks to be a very busy place in the coming years. Be involved it’s your Union! I am looking forward to serving you in 2010. If you have any questions or anything I can do for you please contact me in the main building or Email me here. MikeCaldwell@uawlocal1005.org

Quote of the month:

“It’s not a good job unless it’s a safe and secure job. Workplace enforcement and safety is not only our responsibility it’s our moral obligation.”

President Bob King U.A.W.

F.Y.I. if any of you are veterans or have friends and family who are veterans you may now get veterans license plates for your vehicle at no additional fee simply take your DD214 or honorable discharge papers with you when you renew your license plates. Try to go at least 2 weeks before they expire since your new plates need to be mailed to you. What has your government done for you (or to you) today? See it here http://thomas.loc.gov/ you may contact the President at " President@WhiteHouse.gov " or email your Senators, http://voinovich.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Contact.ContactForm ,or http://brown.senate.gov/contact.cfm/ . Be involved in your government while it’s still "your" government.

Fraternally Mike Caldwell
Buy Union, Buy American!