James Hoffa Addresses Delegates

Day Four of the 36^th International UAW Constitutional Convention

By UAW Region 8 Webmaster John Davis

The final day of the 36^th International UAW Constitutional Convention began with President Bob King reading the official results of the IEB elections into the official record.

Retiring UAW President called President’s Emeritus Owen Beiber and Ron Gettelfinger to the stage to assistance in the oath of the office for the new International Executive Board. The oath of office was administered to thundering applause and the new officers took their places.

President Barack Obama addressed the conference via video link.

“I want to thank retiring UAW President Bob King for his efforts for American workers,” President Obama stated. “Today the auto industry is healthy again and union workers are churning out some of the best vehicles in the world. Bob has been a relentless advocate for worker and human rights and he leaves big shoes to fill. "

Next Teamsters President Jimmy Hoffa, Jr. addressed the convention. “It is my honor to be here with you today,” President Hoffa stated. “We know there are those out there who would attack us such as the Koch Brothers and the Limbaugh’s of the world. The reason is we are the only voice for the middle class. It is labor that supports the working class and are the stalwart that consistently battle to make sure all working Americans have a place at the table. I am proud to say the UAW and Teamsters work together for our members and all working Americans. We will stand with the UAW as they fight for their members and we appreciate your support.”

Following President Hoffa the business of debating resolutions continued, with the first resolution being aimed at support for our veterans. The resolution stated “We owe it to our service men and women and our nation’s veterans to honor their service and do everything within our power to return them home safely. This is the least we can do to repay our troops for their service.”

The next resolution dealt with discrimination in the workplace. The UAW has a long standing position of opposing discrimination in the workplace- all types of discrimination and this resolution discussed. 

The motion was made to accept the remainder of the resolutions as written. The motion was passed as UAW Vice-President Norwood Jewell introduced the final speaker Michigan Chapter NAACP President Rev. Wendell Anthony. Rev. Anthony delivered an inspiring message stressing this is our time to do the right thing.

There was a nomination to adjourn the conference and the delegates crossed the street to support striking workers at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.