Retirees took the front row at a recent meeting of UAW Local 848
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When a local union's contract expiration date comes up, the members have to prepare for the worst. They might be forced out on strike, or they might be forced to work without a contract. As United Aerospace Union Local 848's contract with Vought Aircraft comes due, September 30, 2007, union leaders are working hard to prepare the membership. Gate captains are chosen, e-mails and phone numbers are collected, and the membership is solicited to bring themselves and their best thinking into the process.
This year, the retirees decided that they want and need to be included. Instead of holding their regular monthly luncheon, they shifted to an evening meal. They invited the active members and their families to attend. The idea was to bring everybody concerned about the contract negotiations together. In August and September, the retirees met at 5:30 PM on their regular day, the second Thursday. Both times, President James Splawn and other union leaders attended to bring the retirees and family members up to speed. Retirees signed up for duty with the Contract Preparation Committee right alongside the younger members.
At the September meeting, the retirees decided that they would return to mid-day meetings only when their union contract is resolved, no matter how long it takes. At the meetings of the active members, retirees are treated with respect. It is pointed out that they have accumulated years of wisdom in union affairs, and need to be listened to.
This
year, retirees feel especially urgent about contract negotiations. We know that
we're on the chopping block. Retiree health care is the number one arguing point
for corporations. They have been demanding, and getting, concessions for the
last few years, and they want a lot more!
Of course, retirees always bring up the political side of union affairs.
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