March 2024

Goodness! Things have been so busy at the union hall, let me tell you all about it!

It’s been 12 years since the attack was made on unions! Honestly, it still feels like yesterday when this happened. The Snyder administration named it Right to Work which made it possible for workers to opt out of paying union dues. They could opt out and by law, still receive representation. In my opinion, it's otherwise known as a FREELOADER. Well, all of that nonsense ended on February 13th and Michigan's Right to Work repeal is now in effect!  HALLELUJAH!!! Thank you to all of our ENDORSED public officials who made this happen. 

February is also Black History month, and we had our annual Black History Program. This year all of the UAW locals in Lansing joined forces for one big program. The food was delicious, the entertainment was fabulous and the company was even better. I really enjoyed myself. Thank you to all of the Civil & Human Rights Chairs, their committees and especially to Local 652 Civil & Human Rights Chair, Tina Anderson. Well done!

March brings us to Women’s History Month. International Women’s Day was March 8th and members wore purple to honor women. A couple of members from the Women’s Committee and I went to MSU to learn about MMIW2-S (Murdered & Missing Indigenous Women & Two Spirit Individuals.) and the REDress project. If you drive on MSU Campus, you will see several red dresses hanging/blowing in the wind. This project brings awareness to the murdered and missing Indigenous Women.  UAW Local 652's Becky Roy spoke about her work on the Red Dress project. She is a wonderful speaker and I admire her passion and activism on a topic that is dear to her heart! Here are some alarming facts about Native women:

• 84.3% of Native Women/girls have experienced violence.

• 55.5% have been physically abused by their intimate partner.

• 40% of sex trafficking victims are Native women.

• 56.1% Indigenous women experience sexual violence.

• MURDER is the 3rd leading cause of death for Indigenous women.

• The violence against native women has to end.

Lastly, sisters, I mentioned in my last article that I am now the President of CLUW (Coalition of Labor Union Women). I am inviting you to our designer purse bingo fundraiser! It will be held on April 21st, from 2-5 at UAW Local 602. Tickets are $25 (pre-sale) and $30 at the door. I hope to see you there! As always, if anyone ever needs anything, don’t hesitate to call.