September 2023

Greetings, Union Family,

It has been a few months since our last edition of the Lansing Labor News, and I hope this one finds you well.  No doubt as you are reading this summer is trying to rush right on by.  Go ahead and grab hold of it and enjoy those last few summer nights.  For many of us the end of August brought hardship and frustration with severe weather and multiple confirmed tornadoes throughout Michigan.  I was able to escape any significant issues, apart from a decent case of poison ivy rash after cleaning up a couple fallen trees.  For those readers who were affected more severely, I hope the path to normalcy is a quick one.

As I pondered the question of what to write for this edition, a recent UAW conference gave me the inspiration.  While the readers of the LLN all share the UAW as a common thread, we work in many different sectors.  For some of us, we will head into fall with expiring contracts and active bargaining sessions.  This is the perfect opportunity to review the new strike assistance program the International Strike Department rolled out during the conference.

By now most members should be aware of the increases made to the weekly assistance amount, but the method of paying that benefit is new.  In an effort to keep dues dollars secure, the UAW utilizes many accounting practices that may appear obsolete to its members.  Cash based accounting and paper checks are some examples.  The pay portion of our strike assistance has traditionally been paid by check, with a cumbersome tracking process occurring in the background.  The Strike and Accounting Department, under the leadership of UAW Secretary-Treasurer, Margaret Mock, has introduced a new electronic process for paying out strike pay to striking members.  The new process was put in practice during the strike against Clarios this spring.  With many contracts set to expire, including at the UAW-GM worksites here in Lansing, it is important we prepare for this new process.   

In the event of a strike against your worksite most of the strike assistance process will be the same as in the past.  The most notable change comes with ACH, or direct deposit of the pay portion of your strike assistance.  After a strike is called, members will be instructed to register for their strike assistance, and this is where the changes will become noticeable.  Much of the traditional paperwork has been replaced with an electronic strike assistance portal.  Members should be prepared for this process by having an active email account, bringing bank account and routing numbers, and a fully charged smart phone.  In addition, medical information, dependent information, and SSN’s will be needed to complete your benefit
coverage.  If you do not use a traditional bank, pay cards and apps still have routing and account numbers associated with them.  Members without smartphones may consider bringing a helper with them, depending on hall capacity.  At registration the member will scan a unique QR code or enter the site URL, they will then receive an e-mail to create a membership file within the strike assistance portal.  Members will need to create a username and password to access their file in the portal, so plan a method to memorize those. 

Once your profile is complete, the information will be processed electronically.  The Financial Secretary of the local will confirm members against the local membership list as well as strike duty cards or sign-in sheets.  These actions will allow the distribution of funds via direct deposit.  I am hopeful this will be an improved and seamless process for the membership.  As with life, nothing is without glitches, but in addition to the Strike Assistance Helpline, we have our fellow members here to help us through.

December 2022

By the time you receive this edition of the Lansing Labor News, we’ll be in the midst of the holiday season.  Between the crisp fall colors, breaking bread with family or friends, and the whimsy of a snowy Christmas, the holiday season is a spectacle many look forward to all year long.  It’s to you, along with all the members of UAW Local 652 and the readers of the Lansing Labor News, that I wish Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year.

With the year drawing to a close, we have much to be proud of here at Local 652.  As the situation with the ever-present Covid-19 evolved, we were able to start doing those things that we had previously taken for granted.  Things like working without the annoyance of a mask or just seeing a person smile.  Potlucks with our fellow members at many of the worksites became the norm once again.  With parts restraints and staffing issues looming over our heads, we put in the work to meet the high demand for our products.  These vehicles are the bread and butter of all our units at the local.  We ramped back up engagement with members and the community through events put on by our standing committees.  The Election Committee successfully conducted local elections with the guidance of the UAW Constitution and state and federal law.  Finally, we are happy to see our Local 652 retirees meeting at the hall for luncheons, bingo, and fraternizing.

Along with this positive news, we have a few things to watch as we move toward the new year.  LGR has great-selling Cadillac products with enhancements on the way, but the local members and leaders must keep reminding management that Lansing is the place for new products.  The GM Unit members are submitting contract demands as the UAW-GM labor agreement expires on September 15th.  Bargaining in 2019 was tough, and 2023 may be more challenging, but we have the membership and the know-how to get through.  The parts and staffing issues are projected to continue, but hopefully, improvement will come later in 2023.  Local members and leaders must continue to educate themselves on unionism and work to improve communication.  Last but certainly not least, we need to work on setting aside conspiracy theories and mistrust as we navigate this new system of elections in our International Union.  With only 15% of the membership voting on the referendum decision and only 11% voting for the IEB elections, I am keeping my fingers crossed that we are only experiencing growing pains.  I do not have the magic solution, but I believe we can improve where we are currently.  The positive futures of our members and the working class depend on it.

September 2022

Greetings union family.  As you take time out of your day to read this issue of the Lansing Labor News you will undoubtedly lay it down understanding that we are on the tail end of summer and election season is on the way.  While this common theme may seem overwhelming, ensuring the membership is focused on our political process while reflecting on the importance of the recently observed Labor Day holiday is essential to our continued success. 

Signed into law by President Grover Cleveland on June 28, 1894, Labor Day is a federal holiday which seeks to recognize the importance of the labor movement in this county.  For many it has become synonymous with appreciating all workers and their labor, end-of-summer vacations, or the infamous Labor Dale sale.  While we as represented workers should certainly respect and appreciate the efforts of all working-class people, it is my belief that we cannot allow Labor Day to be diluted into “everyone’s” holiday.  We should be vocal and visible as we celebrate, and we should not be ashamed to remind folks of Labor Days meaning and history.  A history that is marked with controversy as labor and political powers disagreed on how, when, or even if we should celebrate.  A history where the holidays existence was subject to the empty rhetoric of Socialism; a tool used against the working class still today.  It’s vital the world knows about our holiday, because when we are apologetic unionists, it weakens our influence and our ability to make gains for the membership.

Not to take a back seat to Labor Day celebrations and the winding down of our Michigan summer, the political season is here and something that must be talked about.  We may proclaim to hate them, we may even falsely believe that we as unionists shouldn’t be involved in politics, but that doesn’t eliminate the fact that our political process is integral to successful collective bargaining.  When fellow unionists or elected leaders take the time to speak about politics the intent is sincere.  It’s rooted in the fact that no collective bargaining agreement is immune to the laws and statutes put in place by our elected and appointed leaders.  The articles want you to know of the important work that goes into screening candidates who request the backing of labor organizations.  Screening that is designed to understand if a person is willing to stand up for labor and its core beliefs.  It’s true, we as members can get fixated on the sensational talking points surrounding us and wonder if labor is out of touch with what matters to its members, the simple answer is no. 

When we are encouraged to vote it is because data shows there are UAW members who do not.  When we are encouraged to be political it is because someone has dealt with the crippling consequences of a dysfunctional NLRB while dealing with member issues.  When we are encouraged to support labor friendly candidates regardless of party, it is because we need allies who are at the table.  It is because of fair wages, health and safety, dignity, and many other aspects that make up what a unionist is.  These are not the top trending topics or the most current conspiracies, but to have any chance at reclaiming the heyday of the highly organized middle class, they must be our focus.  Lansing Labor news readers I ask that we embrace the importance of this recent holiday and welcome this upcoming season of politics.  We need to quit with the political cynicism because a failure to vote is not an act of rebellion or courage, it is an act of surrender.  And no matter whose rights they are, we need to never lose that sense of outrage over the injustice that surrounds us.

April 2022

Spring has sprung in the Lansing labor community which undoubtedly means we recently wrapped up winter with another Oldsmobile Outdoor Club, Winterfest.  The club, which will soon celebrate its 80th year, began as a Union and management organization for employees of Oldsmobile.  Its mission, which still stands today, is to continue the outdoor recreation heritage of the wonderful state of Michigan through family-friendly events. 

In addition to the effort needed to simply exist, as with any organization or club, the Oldsmobile Outdoor Club requires members and person-hours to plan and organize events.  The club has had a dedicated support system for much of its history, with members giving their time, energy, and knowledge to ensure its success.  Though the club has worked to adjust events to match member demographics more closely, it is also having to contend with contraction due to societal forces.  It is my observation that we have shifted more of our energy to consuming and criticizing while investing less in actual doing.  The consequences for the club have been an aging and shrinking board, scaled-back events, and fewer new members.  For the Lansing labor community, it means reduced interaction between members and with the community, which I fear will lead to further erosion of organized labors power and influence. 

This does not have the be the reality.  Even though it may seem life is busier, an honest look within will reveal that the time is there, but we must commit.  I ask that our members who enjoy the outdoors challenge themselves to make that commitment.  To not only consume but also contribute to ensuring a highly functional club that appeals to a broad swath of our members.  This effort will not only offer hope for another 80 years for the Oldsmobile Outdoor Club, but it will be for the good of Unionism and outdoorsmanship.

Though I am already on the verge of a typical cliché springtime article, I would like to take the time to put out a reminder that mid-term elections are right around the corner.  Working-class Americans, particularly those in Labor, must always be prepared.  We cannot fall for the propaganda that leads us to believe that we have no interest in politics.  We cannot allow the partisan and cynical nature of today's politics to relegate us to the sidelines.  It is tough, it is noisy, and it sometimes feels as if it is all for nothing but let me ensure you it is not.  If those who came before us simply gave up when it got hard, can you imagine how much more dire our situation would be?  Workers must vote, and we must protect our interests because we know that our labor agreements are subject to the actions of those in office.  We need to let everyone know that we care about labor law enforcement, investments in American jobs, lowering costs for families, better health care, and investing in education.  Finally, let it be known that we will be deciding on a Governor, an AG, a Secretary of State, and a plethora of other positions from the State level down to the ever-important municipal level.  I will see you and anyone you can grab, at the polls on August 2 and November 8, 2022!  

December 2021

Another year is coming to a close and more than 5,000 years since the earliest known New Year celebration, we humans will again promise to enter the new year with better conduct. Whether that’s eating healthier, exercising more, paying off debt, praying more, drinking less, quitting smoking, reducing screen time, or improving relationships, it appears the New Year’s resolution is here to stay.  Regardless of your desire to participate, I am calling on all laborers to make a resolution to better understand our role in our union.
You’ll notice that I used the word “our” regarding the union, because as cliché as it may sound, there is no union without U and I.  It has become increasingly common to make statements about contracts, actions, and people related to the union that brand the institution as “the union”.  It’s less common to hear or read the phrase “our union” or even “my union”.  I am of the firm belief that this terminology is subconsciously, or unfortunately even consciously, shifting the responsibilities of unionism from the members to some other entity which doesn’t exist.  Furthermore, I believe that this shift is exacerbated by the decline of social capital in this country, which is well described by Robert D. Putnam in the book, Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community.  It is this shift from membership engagement and ownership, which along with other pressures, undermines the fundamentals of a labor unions existence.      
So why choose this year as the year I task myself and my fellow members with the above resolution?  One needs only examine the unofficial results of the referendum process to see the clues of an inattentive membership.  While the subjects of increasing voter turnout or member involvement are not unique to the labor movement, when such a significant change to the mechanics of the union only garners an estimated 15% of eligible members, a commitment to engage is obvious.  Again, as a labor organization we face a gamut of internal and external pressures on our ability to be successful.  It would be foolish of me to believe that member engagement is our sole obstacle, but it is certainly one of the easiest to fix.  A labor union, like our country’s democracy, requires eternal vigilance.  The UAW’s core ideas, “the precepts of democracy require that workers through their union participate meaningfully in making decisions affecting their welfare and that of the communities in which they live” cannot survive the from unions beginnings in 1935 through to the next century with little to no nurturing or involvement.  So, as I wish all the Lansing Labor News’ readers Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year, I ask that our new year includes a reading of the UAW Constitutional Preamble and a commitment to reengage.  

September 2021

May 2021

Open your favorite search engine and type in cancel culture. You are destined to find endless news articles and videos containing this trending phrase.  Go ahead, turn on the television or start your favorite media service; again, you’ll be bombarded with the term.  What is the deal with cancel culture anyhow?   

If we peel back the layers, we find a phrase with varied origins, from urban slang to an evolution of the boycott, a cultural boycott of sorts.  Regardless of its roots, there is one thing we can be certain of; the term is not new, and we are not special for using it.  As it relates to Labor, we have been canceling for decades.  Whether it be boycotting companies due to unfair labor practices, striking our employers, or using protests to place pressure on ineffective elected officials.  If it’s not new, should we be worried that cancel culture is more sinister than just a new type of boycott or a modern interpretation of ostracism?  I say no, but we do need to stay vigilant.

Vigilance is essential because if we pay close attention, we can see many instances where phrases can be used as diversions.  The diversion is a classic play; when influencers throw out red herring to take our focus off of what matters and divert it to the less important sensationalism.  Labeling all things cancel culture allows poor behavior to be brushed aside or overreaction justified.  Diversion using the cancel culture label has become just as effective as the infamous use of guns, gays, religion, and even socialism.  When Americans are not focused on the reality of what is happening around us and justify that these events are simply cancel culture, the working class loses.

As with most situations, the mechanics of cancel culture can be complex.  We can see how the phrase cancel culture can be smoke and mirrors, but it can also be a powerful tool to expose wrongdoing and create change.  Instead of learning and evolving, people and groups in this country have an aversion to change and continue unacceptable behavior by using terms like cancel culture as a permission slip.  Let’s consider this hypothetical situation where I am the leader of a group of people who believe it’s only right that women be treated as sex objects.  We use our platform to advance that ideology in various forms of media. When society pushes back because that idea is wrong, we claim to be the casualty of cancel culture.  This is that complexity where we as a society must do better to actually understand the nuances of a situation.

While the idea of canceling poor behavior is a positive, there is an opportunity to misuse this phenomenon with the uproar culture or mob mentality.  There is no room for conversation about a difference of opinion or perspective in the mob mentality.  The people’s court is always on duty, ready to render a verdict at a moment’s notice, judgment is swift, and the punishment is often harsh.  Activism, exposing evil, or being woke are all fine, but when it comes to mob culture a more measured response is often in order.  Barack Obama spoke on this very subject as he highlighted a trend we often see within our own ranks, slacktivism.  Observing that, “There is this notion that to make change you just go ahead and be as judgmental as possible about other people, then you can sit back and gloat on how woke you are, brag how you called people out, that is not activism, that is not how you bring about meaningful change.” 

As you can see, the idea of a cancel culture is inherently controversial.  What one person might see as being canceled for controversial statements, another might see as being held accountable for offensive or harmful views, and another may see it as a diversion tool.  We must ensure the phrase doesn’t become so pervasive that it's just a pair of words you might easily breeze past every day without paying it any attention.  It’s also our job to understand what is going on, what the differences are, and then work to find a middle ground to improve as a society and a Labor movement. 

February 2021

Though we likely all knew better, there was this small glimmer of hope that since a new year had sprung, the perils of 2020 would be behind us.  Unfortunately, 2021 is still going to offer plenty of challenges, difficult decisions, and hard work.  Nevertheless, we remain hopeful because of the promise of multiple vaccines and the unbreakable spirit of the American people which seems to always pull us through.
This spirit and hard work are highlighted in the first few months of the year as we celebrate Black History and Women’s History Months.  The focus on these groups isn’t to say one person matters more than the other, but rather, brings to light the struggles certain Americans face and show that they too, matter.
The UAW has a long history of fighting for the right of all members to succeed and live a dignified life, no matter our differences or similarities.  Before we as a country had the nerve to do so in 1964, the UAW in 1946 established the Fair Practices and Anti-Discrimination Department with Article 25, a constitutional amendment, at the International Convention.  The Department was renamed The Civil and Human Rights Committee in 1983.  The Committee is an essential guardian of the “No Discrimination” policy of our Union. Members of this committee fulfill the local union’s commitment to assuring members full rights regardless of religion, race, creed, color, sex, political affiliation or nationality, age, disability, marital status or sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
The committee informs members of steps and procedures, including filing complaints and hearings, whenever a member or members believe their rights have been violated, either by management or other union members. The committee works toward the elimination of discrimination in the workplace, the community, and the nation.
As part of our dues dollars at work, leaders and committee members receive training in a variety of subjects including employment law, EEOC cases, policy and procedure, case management, and lobbying on behalf of our member’s needs.  
So as we enter this new year it’s up to us, Union members, to remember our roots.  We were founded with the idea that we are stronger together than we are apart.  That if we use this collective might, there is no amount of money or influence that can drown out our vision.  In this tribal society, it is more important than ever to not fall into the trap of treating each other or the process of governing like a game of shirts and skins, where finding common ground is never rewarded.  That thinking along with the lure of selfishness and individualism will do more harm to our cause than any of the challenges we have faced of late.  

December 2020

First off, I would like to wish all the Lansing Labor News’ readers Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year.  As you are reading this edition I can imagine that many of you, like myself, will be working with our families as we try to navigate the best options for holiday plans.  Covid-19 has brought to us a year like no other, and one that continues to exhaust even as we continue to try and figure out the “right” thing to do.     

I would be remiss if I did not give the year some credit though.  2020 began as the Lansing area was moving forward from the historic strike against General Motors.  A strike where the hardship was overshadowed by the amazing solidarity shown by the membership, the community, and small business.  Our GM unit returned to the launch of two all new products for our facility, one of which, the Cadillac CT5, already received the award for Best Midsize Premium Car in the J.D. Power 2020 IQS.  Each of our four units are humming away on overtime and in the constant state of hiring new members, all while donning the ever-irritating mask. 

This year has also reminded us to cherish the value of life.  We have watched the numerous heart wrenching news specials about life lost, and the struggles this pandemic has caused for so many, including our own members. 

Lastly, while in the midst of a pandemic, Americans found a way to get it done, we found a way to vote.  We determined ourselves to do it safely, and in big numbers as well.  There is no doubt voting was made a lot easier to accomplish thanks to the many states, like Michigan, whose citizens had previously voted to make the process easier, not harder.  Though the pandemic and the red herring certainly made things a little slower than normal, it was no less secure than any other vote.  The tight numbers, new processes, and Covid-19 will undoubtedly cause the freedom-haters to come out with new ideas to complicate the right to vote, but I am confident that our citizens, especially working-class unionists, will continue the fight for less restrictive voting. 

Once the dust settles on this election, we as working men and women must continue to hold all our elected officials accountable to those things that are so important to our livelihoods as laborers.  I have faith that we will rediscover the omnipotence of collective voices, and this nation will endure as it has endured, will revive and will prosper.   

September 2020

It seems like an annual ritual, we take a moment to reflect, and then wonder where the year went.  Not that many weeks ago I was enjoying a physically distanced camping trip with friends, and now I am looking at pictures of this year’s Liberty Hunt successes.  For a while there I thought Covid-19 would cause the year to drag on, but it seems as if all the wishing that 2020 would be over with has worked, autumn is just about here. 

The beginning of the fall season also signals that it is once again time to put our focus on elections.  While it would be typical for me to hop on my soapbox and declare that we as the working class, as Unionists, should be laser focused on politics every month, I know that like many other topics, it will be an argument for naught.  Though, it would be easier to abandon the lecture if it were not for the fact that our political system is so integral to our everyday lives.  More so as Unionists because we all know the famous words from Walter Reuther, “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.”  It is frustrating to see brothers and sisters in the workplace, in leadership, and even in organizing, fighting the good fight just to then go vote against ourselves. 

The pundits and polls say we as Americans are more divided, more dug in, than ever before.  While I typically ignore most of the shouting on social media and opinion news outlets, I am keeping a tab on this report, because it is telling us about our behavior as a society.  It tells us that regardless of the amount of time we spend encouraging each other to ignore the hype, ignore the red herring, we are not.  It tells us that the calls to put your contract, your safety, and your financial wellbeing before those sensationalist topics, we are not.  It tells us that no matter how many times we are told to not forget the lessons of the past, we seem more than willing to cruise right back into the Gilded Age.  And no matter how many times we hear the call to be eternally vigilant and that the greatest menace to freedom is an inert people, we find ourselves voting against our wellbeing as working-class Unionists.

So, this is the challenge, what do we do when everyone is dug in or too busy with themselves?  The answer is… go vote!  If it is true that a vast majority of us have our minds made up, then we must all fulfil our civic and UAW Constitutional duties to vote.  Not so fast though, we cannot just take care of ourselves, we must get out there and activate the community.  From now until November 3rd it must be our daily goal to get friends, family, and neighbors primed and ready to vote.  Whether it’s in person voting or taking advantage of the improved absentee ballot system we Michiganders voted for in 2018, the responsibility is ours to make sure voter turnout smashes records.  Also, consider volunteering as an election worker, because the fact remains that typical election workers are of the age which makes them more susceptible to the Covid-19 virus.  Luckily for many of us, we have contractually bargained days off for election day.  Let’s Get Out the Vote!

June 2020

“The Constitution of the UAW is the highest law of our 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”.  Across the country UAW Locals are working through the process of upholding our Constitution while navigating through the disruption that Covid-19 has inflicted on just about everyone and everything around us.  While there is no magic solution for many of the issues this pandemic has caused, with the Constitution as our basis, UAW members across the country are fulfilling their duties to hold fair elections.  Patience, strategy, data, and constantly improving education will get us to where we need to be.  
It is because of these elections that you will likely see many new faces in our Lansing Labor News, including mine.  While I am grateful to the membership of UAW Local 652 for consistently standing with me through my journey as a working class American and Unionist, I would like to take a moment to congratulate my predecessor, Robert Smith, on his retirement.  Bob, a proud tradesmen and former bargainer came into this roll during some of the toughest times.  As automation, global trade, and corporate greed were changing the landscape of Lansing’s manufacturing scene, many Locals were finding themselves in uncharted waters.  If that wasn’t enough, Bob’s term began as the country was nosediving into a recession which rivaled Regan’s Recession and even the Great Depression.  Making the decision to serve our members by running for Financial Secretary during these challenges is the description of a servant leader in my book.  Bob remained humble during his reports to the membership, it wasn’t until I sat and really looked at where we had been that I understood how his leadership helped to ensure the future of this great Local.  It is that same humbleness that will certainly lead to a phone call from Bob, likely full of colorful adjectives concerning my decision to offer praise about his time in this role.
On a serious note, I truly want to thank Bob, the leadership, and the membership for providing me a strong foundation as we continue to do the work necessary to move this great Union forward.  In the history of Labor, struggle has always been part of the story.  The ability to power through these struggles comes from being educated about the grit and determination of our former Union members.  While our members may be tempted to question their faith in this Union due to the lack of integrity by some in our leadership, we must understand that the institution and its cause are still just and good.  If anything, these struggles will remind us that elections matter, including our own.  We as the membership must stay eternally vigilant to ensure the success of this Union.  Education has to stay at the forefront of everything we do.  Lastly, we must push each other to uphold the Constitution of this Union as we work to advance the promise of the labor movement in this country and around the world.