Bargaining for America

Good jobs are worth fighting for
By Ron Gettelfinger
President, United Auto Workers

Members of the UAW enter 2003 auto bargaining facing a unique set of challenges: A stagnant economy. A steady decline in unionized manufacturing jobs. A political environment more hostile than ever toward working families. And shrill – but familiar – complaints from industry observers who claim that the cost of UAW-negotiated contracts is too high in today’s competitive automotive marketplace.

In fact, the U.S. auto market has been highly competitive since the industry began 100 years ago. More than 60 years ago, when UAW pioneers organized General Motors, many people argued GM would never be able to operate under the “burden” of a union contract. They were wrong – just as wrong as those who now argue that UAW members are a drag on the 21st century auto industry.

Since the UAW became part of the U.S. auto industry, UAW-represented companies have enjoyed decades of tremendous vitality, benefiting workers, consumers and shareholders. Members of our union played no small part in creating this sustained economic growth.