UAW Members Convene in Lansing to Discuss Strategy and Endorsements
In a significant gathering for the United Auto Workers (UAW), members from across Michigan are assembling in Lansing for the Michigan Community Action Program Conference. This three-day event marks the return of the conference to the state capital since 2018, providing a platform for delegates to engage in political discussions and hear from endorsed leaders.
UAW President Shawn Fain highlighted the union’s primary concerns during a keynote address. He emphasized the need for “adequate wages, adequate healthcare, retirement security, and time off the job” as core issues. Fain also criticized corporate profits as detrimental to workers’ welfare and urged members to remain focused on economic issues rather than culture wars.
“The billionaires try to divide us … based on race, based on where we’re from, based on who we love, what bathroom we use,” Fain stated. He continued, “They don’t want you looking at this,” referring to a chart showing company profits.
Fain underscored the importance of the upcoming midterm elections, describing them as a “defining moment.” He called for a member-driven approach in determining the union’s direction in negotiations and political actions.
Members expressed enthusiasm about the conference’s return. Carrie Robinson from Southeast Michigan’s Local 7 found the event “inspiring,” saying, “In numbers, we will have power.”
El-Sayed’s Address to UAW Delegates
The conference, which began on Monday, welcomed Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed to speak on Tuesday. El-Sayed criticized the previous administration’s trade policies and their effects on domestic electric vehicle production, especially given the dominance of Chinese companies in the global EV market.
El-Sayed advocated for government support in developing affordable American-made electric vehicles and emphasized the importance of unionized auto shops in this effort. “Our job I think is to double down on American research, design, and manufacturing,” he asserted.
Running against former Republican Congressman Mike Rogers, El-Sayed addressed critiques of his political stance, affirming, “I’m a capitalist who actually read about capitalism.” He referenced Adam Smith, cautioning against corporate monopolization.
El-Sayed’s campaign received the union’s endorsement over Congresswoman Haley Stevens. UAW Local 900 President Dwayne Walker emphasized the need for member engagement and praised El-Sayed’s appeal to younger voters. “We can’t leave the young ones behind,” Walker noted, acknowledging generational changes.
The conference will continue with a speech from Democratic gubernatorial nominee Jocelyn Benson.
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