June 2024

Union density, the percentage of workers who are union members, is important in the labor market because of the way it affects workers, employers, and the broader economy. High union density often correlates with better wages, improved working conditions, and greater worker protections.

Union density has fluctuated over time, influenced by economic, political, and social changes. In the mid-20th century, union membership was at its peak in many industrialized nations, driven by the post-war economic boom and supportive labor laws. However, since the 1980s we have seen a decline in union density due to factors such as globalization, technological advancements, politics, and changing labor market dynamics.

High union density is often associated with numerous economic benefits for workers. Unions play a crucial role in negotiating higher wages, which helps reduce income inequality. Research indicates that unionized workers earn significantly more than their non-unionized counterparts. This wage premium is especially beneficial for low-income and middle-class workers, helping to lift many out of poverty.

Unions also negotiate for better benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid leave, which contribute to a higher standard of living and economic security for workers. These benefits often extend to non-unionized workers in similar industries or regions, as employers may raise wages and improve conditions to avoid unionization.

Beyond economic factors, high union density has substantial social and political implications. Unions have historically been at the forefront of advocating for social justice, equality, and workers' rights. High union density ensures a strong collective voice that can influence public policy and labor laws, promoting legislation that benefits all workers, such as minimum wage increases, workplace safety regulations, and anti-discrimination laws. Walter Reuther once said “There’s a direct relationship between the ballot box and the bread box, and what the union fights for and wins at the bargaining table can be taken away in the legislative halls.”

Unions also foster a sense of community and solidarity among workers, which can lead to greater civic engagement and participation in democratic processes. This collective power is vital in counterbalancing the influence of corporations and ensuring that workers' interests are represented in political decision-making. Union members also sit on various boards and committees as well as donate to area organizations.

High union density contributes to improved workplace conditions, unions are instrumental in negotiating safer working environments, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries. They fight for reasonable working hours and job security, which can lead to better mental and physical health outcomes for workers. Moreover, unions provide a mechanism for addressing grievances and conflicts, promoting a more harmonious and productive workplace.

Despite the clear benefits, increasing union density faces significant challenges. One major obstacle is the growing prevalence of precarious and gig economy jobs, which are often excluded from traditional union structures. The rise of temporary, part-time, and freelance work makes it difficult for unions to organize and represent these workers effectively.

Employer resistance to unionization is another critical challenge. Many employers engage in anti-union practices, such as intimidation, misinformation campaigns, and legal challenges to union activities. In some regions, weak labor laws and enforcement mechanisms make it easier for employers to undermine union efforts.

Globalization has also played a role in decreasing union density. The shifting of manufacturing and other labor-intensive jobs to countries with lower labor standards and weaker unions has eroded the bargaining power of unions in higher-wage countries. Additionally, the increasing complexity of supply chains makes it harder for unions to organize across borders and advocate for global labor standards.

There are some things to be done to address union density and recent wins at the bargaining table have created a stronger desire for unions across all sectors as people realize the benefits of having a union. Modernizing labor laws to protect the rights of gig and precarious workers is crucial. This includes extending the right to organize and bargain collectively to all workers, regardless of their employment status. Unions can also leverage technology to reach and organize workers more effectively. Online platforms and social media can facilitate communication, education, and mobilization efforts. Building alliances with community organizations, advocacy groups, and international labor movements can also strengthen the position of unions.

Recent wins at the bargaining table have raised public awareness about the benefits of unionization and combating negative stereotypes. Educating workers about their rights and the positive impact of unions on wages, benefits, and working conditions can encourage more people to join unions.

High union density leads to better wages, improved working conditions, and stronger worker protections, benefiting both workers and society as a whole. While there are significant challenges to increasing union membership, strategic efforts to modernize labor laws, leverage technology, and build broader alliances can help revive and sustain union density. The importance of unions in fighting for workers' rights and social justice underscores the need to support and strengthen the labor movement in today’s economy.

In Solidarity,

Doug

March 2024

2023 saw a big surge in union activity. Union represented worker membership was up over 190,000 compared to 2022. More workers filed for union elections in a variety of sectors—including health care, nonprofits, higher education, museums, retail, and manufacturing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics data show that almost ½ million workers were involved in 33 major work stoppages in 2023, up over 280% from 2022. About 75% of strikes in 2023 took place in the private sector, with over half in health care. Government work stoppages involved public colleges, universities and public elementary schools. Some of the issues workers went on strike were: wages not keeping up with inflation, health insurance, retirement benefits, longer work hours, and working conditions.

Some of the larger strikes you may have heard about were:

United Auto Workers
On September 15, 2023, more than 12,000 workers went on strike at GM, Ford, and Stellantis. The workers went on strike to secure better pay and benefits after previous concessionary contracts. Between 2013 and 2023, the three automakers had seen their profits rise by $250 billion. The UAW selected specific worksites to strike, with approximately 53,000 workers participated in the work stoppage. This was the first time the UAW had gone on strike at all three automakers at the same time.

Kaiser Permanente
In October 2023, more than 75,000 Kaiser Permanente workers represented by number of unions went on the largest recorded health care strike in U.S. history. Their biggest issues were pay and staffing

University of Michigan
In March 2023, around 2,200 workers at the University of Michigan went on strike. The workers included graduate student instructors and graduate student assistants. Their big issues were pay and benefits and to get harassment protection and safer working conditions.

Starbucks
On November 16, 2023, more than 5,000 Starbucks workers went on strike because of the company’s refusal to bargain in good faith for a first contract. For more than two years, Starbucks has refused to bargain and has not reached a first contract with any of its unionized stores.

Hollywood
From July through November SAG-AFTRA (actors) and May through September WGA (writers) were on strike. Some of the main issues were pay from streaming services and the use of artificial intelligence (AI).

Contact your congress people and urge them to support the following Pending Legislation

• The Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act includes reforms that would strengthen private-sector workers’ right to strike. It would eliminate the prohibition on secondary strikes and allow the use of intermittent strikes. It would also prohibit employers from permanently replacing striking workers.

• The Striking and Locked Out Workers Healthcare Protection Act would stop employers from cancelling health care of striking workers

• The Food Secure Strikers Act would allow striking workers to qualify for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

In many polls, the majority of Americans say the decades of declining union membership has been bad for working people and the country. The spike in union activity and more non-union workers voting for union representation appears to verify this. Unions help protect workers and improve conditions for all. Shortly after the UAW auto strike, 3 non-union automakers raised the wages for their workers. The workers are standing up to corporate greed and demanding a fair share, and unions can help them get that.

December 2023

The holiday season is finally here. Time for a much-needed break with family and friends.

This last quarter has been busy. During the recent contract negotiations when the UAW went on strike, our local was called upon to “Stand Up”. We went on strike from September 29th through October 30th. I am extremely proud of all of our members for the way they conducted themselves. Members went out of their way to assist strike efforts in many different ways. Whether it was donating food, items to be used at picket locations, or just volunteering more time, it showed how strong our membership is when we stand united. And I would be remiss if I did not mention the absolutely amazing amount of support from both the public and businesses that we received. We had so many businesses donate all kinds of things to our members, from food to business discounts to hand warmers when it got cold. These and so many other things showed us they appreciate us and we, in turn, will continue to support those that support us. The amount of support from the public was overwhelming. Driving by and honking their horn raising the spirit of those walking the line, phone calls and emails expressing support, stopping and talking to members and telling them they were behind us when members were out and about proudly wearing the “wheel” – these actions further showed us we had an immense support base and helped bolster our efforts. Thanks to everyone!!

Now that we are back to work, Local 602 members have been gearing up for our new products which will bring back a 3rd shift. We are excited to have the new and revamped products. Customer enthusiasm has been great towards the early showings. With the ratification, LDT made a lot of our temps permanent. Congratulations to all new hires!!

In closing, I’d like to remind everyone to keep an eye each other during the holiday season. Reach out to those you might not have seen in a while. Let people know you are thinking of them. Holidays can be great for some, but others - some of whom may have recently lost someone – have a hard time. So please: be safe, enjoy yourselves and your family and friends, reach out to others and have a great holiday season!

In solidarity,

Doug

February 2023

By the time you receive this, you should still have time to get your UAW IEB runoff ballot in the mail. Please make sure you mail it in, your vote is your voice.

Oldsmobile Outdoor Club Winterfest is February 17 – 19 at the Ramada Hotel in Grayling. Lots of fun activities for the entire family.

The Special Bargaining Convention is coming up March 27. The new UAW IEB should be in place and ready to lead us forward as one to fight for our fair share. Whichever candidates you supported, we need to come together for the benefit of ALL of us. Showing a united front will show whomever we are bargaining with that we are indeed a force to be reckoned with! We all know the hard work we put in and the toll it takes on us physically and mentally. Working as one, we can put a plan together at the special bargaining convention to ensure the livelihood of all members in all sectors that will allow us to live in comfort and with dignity.

I have some sad news. Local 1618 Retiree columnist Ted Gauss passed away February 2. Please keep Connie and his family in your thoughts.

In Solidarity,
Doug

December 2022

The national elections are over, our IEB elections are almost over. I hope everyone voted in both and will also vote in the runoff next month for the remaining IEB positions. We need to remember that we are stronger and get more done when we work together. We are allowed to have differences, but when we come together for the benefit of all, we ALL come out ahead and become stronger because of it. So, let’s all work together to make this Nation and this Union the best we can for all of us.

The holiday season will be in full swing by the time you are reading this. Please take a moment to remember those who may need something during this time. The holidays, though filled with love, joy, and time spent with family and friends, can be a rough time for some. It could be someone who recently had a loved one pass and needs to hear from friends and family. Maybe an elderly neighbor who doesn’t get out much, would love a visit. Consider volunteering some time at a soup kitchen – they can always use help throughout the year. Check in on people just to say “hi”. It can make a huge difference. For volunteer or donation opportunities, check below.

City Rescue Mission https://tinyurl.com/4vm7xrsr

Salvation Army https://tinyurl.com/ycxenb7r

Old Newsboys Donate https://tinyurl.com/3fj82sez

Toys For Tots Donate https://tinyurl.com/2cr4hkuw

Depression and anxiety rise over the holidays. Make sure to be aware of your mental well-being. Don’t let the pressures of the holidays get to you. If you start feeling overwhelmed, below are some links.

Mayo Clinic https://tinyurl.com/yew9b4z3

Every Day Health https://tinyurl.com/ekwf3bf3

WebMD https://tinyurl.com/3zs579vy

Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Call or text 988 or https://988lifeline.org/

I hope you and your family have a safe and happy holiday season. Enjoy the time with your family and friends and let’s work together to make next year the best ever. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

April 2022

The 38th Constitutional Convention of the UAW is being held in Detroit this July 25-28. This is where we as a union consider changes and additions to our Constitution, as well as nominate and elect the executive board. I found this information on uaw.org and thought I would share it with all of you.

The Constitution of the UAW is the supreme law of our union and is the Constitution of every local union. It provides the foundation for the day-to-day operations of our great union, and equally important, it sets forth the rights, guarantees and responsibilities of all UAW members.

The Constitution can only be amended by a majority vote of the delegates to the Constitutional Convention, which is held every four years, or at Special Conventions. This is a democratic process, as members elect the delegates who represent them at these conventions, per Article 8 of the UAW Constitution.

An electronic version of the UAW Constitution is available at: https://uaw.org/uaw-constitution-2/. You can request a paper copy by contacting your Local Union leadership.

It's important that every member become familiar with the Constitution. Just like the U.S. Constitution, to protect the rights of union members and the union, you need to know what those rights entail! You should carefully study our Constitution and apply its principles in your daily life, both as a member of a great democratic union and as a citizen in a democratic society.

It’s also vital that you read your collective bargaining agreement and local union bylaws. These documents address issues specific to your workplace and local union. By reading all three (your collective bargaining agreement, local union bylaws, and the UAW Constitution), you are educating yourself on how your union works. Education is essential to full participation in your union. Remember, knowledge is power!

Our UAW Constitution begins with a Preamble, which is an introduction to our union and core values. If you're a new member, you should pay extra attention to the Preamble and Article 6, "Membership" and Article 41 “Duties of Local Union Members”. These democratic processes govern our union as protections for all members. They are designed to make sure you, as a member, have a voice.

The body of our UAW Constitution is broken down into Articles and Sections. An Article being a main subject and each Section underneath the Article a key point related to that subject.

Start by reading the Constitution front to back, but after reading each Article, flip to the very back of the Constitution to see if there is an interpretation for that Article. The interpretations are key clarifications. They represent the interpretations of our Constitution by the International Executive Board.

Pay special attention to the Ethical Practices Codes, found after the Articles.

There’s a helpful table of contents in the front of the UAW Constitution. For example, if you're thinking about running for an elected position within your local union, the table of contents shows that Article 38 is titled "Local Union Officers" and Article 45 is titled "Stewards and Committeepersons." This would be a good place to start.

There is also a subject index towards the back of the book (between the Ethical Practices Codes and the Interpretations) that allows you to search by topic or phrase. The subject index is a great tool because it directs you to the article, section, and page number of the specific topic you're looking for. For example, you can look up “Local Union” in the index and you’ll find a sub-topic of “Election of Officers”.

March 2022

Have you ever been in a “discussion” about unions with some anti-union folks? Do you know any talking points to back up the many benefits of having a strong union presence (known as union density) in the community?
I came across the following information in a great article I thought I’d share with everyone. It has good data, with the references, showing how unions help not just their members, but everyone in the communities where union density is stronger. I strongly suggest you read the full article here https://www.epi.org/publication/unions-and-well-being/. There is a lot more detailed information available in the article.
Here are some highlights, some of which you may already know, but some may also surprise you. Areas with the highest union densities:

•  Have state minimum wages that are on average 19% higher than the national average and 40% higher than those in low-union-density states
•  Have median annual incomes $6,000 higher than the national average
•  Have an uninsured (without health insurance) population 4.5 percentage points lower, on average, than that of low-union-density states
•  Are more likely to have passed paid sick leave laws and paid family and medical leave laws than states with lower union densities
•  On average, a worker covered by a union contract earns 10.2% more in wages. When union density is high, nonunion workers benefit, too, because unions effectively set broader standards—including higher wages—which nonunion employers must meet to attract and retain the workers they need. The combination of the direct wage effect for union members and this “spillover” effect for nonunion workers means unions are crucial to raising wages for working people and reducing income inequality.
•  Unions also help to reduce gender and racial/ethnic wage gaps. Hourly wages for women represented by a union are 4.7% higher on average than for nonunionized women with comparable characteristics. Black workers represented by a union are paid 13.1% more than their nonunionized Black peers, and Hispanic workers represented by a union are paid 18.8% more than their nonunionized Hispanic peers.
•  Union workers are far more likely than nonunion workers to be covered by employer-provided health insurance, have retirement plans, paid sick days, vacation and holidays, more input into the number of hours they work, and more predictable schedules.
•  Strengthened health and safety. Unions also improve the health and safety of workplaces by providing health insurance and paid sick time, requiring safety equipment, and empowering workers to report unsafe conditions without fear of retaliation

So read the article and arm yourself with facts of the many benefits of unions.

December 2021

Another year is coming to a close and it’s time to reflect on some key issues we faced this past year and will continue to affect us.
Referendum – The referendum for direct election of the IUAW executive board passed. Whichever way you voted, it’s time to come together, now more than ever, and do what we can to make the Union stronger than ever before. Hopefully, those who were active and outspoken leading up to the referendum vote will continue to be active in the Union now that the referendum is over. More voices and participation are needed. The more people participate, the stronger our Union will be.
New/returning product – LDT is getting new product and will see upgrades and changes to the facility. Along with that will come down time in 2022. It’s been a long time waiting for the new Acadia and we look forward to having it back again.
Labor movement - The pandemic has made workers realize their worth. With companies posting high profits and giving executives exorbitant pay, some of which are hundreds of times more than what their hourly workers make, more people are standing up to the inequity. Look at the number of strikes and the gains that have been made. UAW members walked the picket line and also supported other unions on their picket lines. The labor movement is about building workplace equity for everyone. Walter Reuther said at the 11th convention “We are building a labor movement, not to patch up an old world so you can starve less often and less severely; we are building the kind of labor movement that will remake the world so that the working people will get benefits of their labor.  That is the kind of fight we are making.”
Despite a lot of down time at our local, our members have continued to be generous to those in need and have donated to a number of local organizations and causes. The members of ALL UAW locals are extremely generous to those in need. To paraphrase Walter Reuther, you’ll get no greater satisfaction than serving your fellow man.
Finally, I’d like to wish each and every one of you a safe and happy holiday season. Enjoy your time with your family and friends.

May 2021

It’s that time of year again. Young men and women finishing one chapter of their life and beginning the next as they go through the traditional graduation. Whether high school or college, this milestone is definitely one to be remembered. Countless hours doing homework and studying have finally paid off.

For those graduating high school, you have some decisions to make. The most basic is continue education or go straight into the workforce. However, trade schools and apprenticeships are a great choice that need to be explored and are often overlooked. The need for workers in the trades is high and the pay and benefits are great. Here are some examples of starting wages, job growth and training time.

Electrician – Median salary: $56,181, Projected job growth: 10% from 2018 to 2028, Training program: four-plus months

Carpenter – Median salary: $39,416, Projected job growth: 8% from 2018 to 2028, Training program: five-plus months

Truck driver – Median salary: $45,261, Projected job growth: 5% from 2018 to 2028, Training program: six weeks

Some of the areas that are in great demand are Electricians, Welders, Plumbers, Home inspectors, Aircraft mechanics, HVAC technicians, Diesel technicians, and Construction managers. These jobs range in average pay from $49,000 to $84,000.

Other positive things to consider when looking at some of these jobs:

You cannot “outsource” them.

Most remain relatively stable even during economic downturns.

Some have potential for high earning based on experience

Trade school is better than college because it takes much less time, and with apprenticeships you get paid while you learn.

I would like to congratulate and wish all graduates the best of luck. You have many opportunities out there. Consider a good paying, union, trade job.

February 2021

By the time you receive this issue of Lansing Labor News, White Shirt Day should have just been celebrated. White Shirt Day commemorates the end of a 2-month long sit-down strike in Flint from December 30, 1936 to February 11, 1937. Through the efforts of the brave men and women, UAW members gained a seat at the bargaining table with General Motors. We, as a Union, were finally united as one. Working and watching out for each other, together we became stronger and stronger. A formidable force to be reckoned with in our Solidarity.
I feel the idea behind this commemoration is more important than ever now. The middle class is facing unprecedented challenges seemingly everywhere we look. We have many things facing us internally and externally that we need to face together.
Politics, the pandemic, our internal issues, and the inability to have civil discourse are creating divides like never before. We need to once again focus on our common ground. We need to be able to have honest, sometimes painful, discussions while respecting that others may have different views. We need to become more active within our Union to help strengthen it and educate ourselves and our Brothers and Sisters.
TOGETHER. SOLDIARITY. UNION. As a proud UAW member I see, hear, and also speak these words often. Unfortunately, I feel the meaning of these words has been diminished by the many controversies and issues we are facing and apathy is rising.
Together. This simply means you are never alone. Your Brothers and Sisters are there for you. Through all life’s ups and downs. Sharing the joys of birth and marriage, and the anguish of losing a loved one. We rally to help when one of our own faces a disaster. Having each other’s backs and standing together at work. Speaking up when one isn’t treated fairly. Helping educate each other and sharing our experiences. With your Brothers and Sisters, you are NEVER truly alone.
Solidarity. Solidarity, to me, means uniting toward the common goal of improving, and defending, our middle-class way of life. “A rising tide lifts all boats” is a great aphorism for this idea. When we work together to improve safety for us, it makes it safer for other workers. Our gains gradually become their gains. What the unions have struggled to achieve has improved working conditions in non-union workplaces.
Union. Our organization, the UAW. Binding us together as one. With such a variety of members, our strength is our diversity, our knowledge base is broad. Every member has a voice and every member needs to USE that voice.
We are strongest when we are truly united. We may have differing ideas on the path, but the destination remains the same. Together, Solidarity, Union. Not just words. A way of life to improve the middle class.