March 27, 2023
2023 Special Bargaining Convention Begins
By UAW Region 8 Webmaster John Davis
Photos by John Davis
The 2023 Special Bargaining Convention began at 12:00PM on Monday March 27, 2023. UAW Region 1A Director Laura Dickerson and Regin 1 Director LaShawn English welcomed the delegates. Detroit is covered by both Region 1 and Region 1A.
The invocation was provided and the colors presented, followed by playing the national anthems of Canada, Porta Rico and the United States. The convention was called to order and a report given by the Credentials  Committee, Rules Committee and the Resolutions Committee.
Newly elected UAW President Shawn Fain addressed the convention and thanked Ray Curry for his times serving the UAW. President Fain discussed the need to develop a bargaining strategy that meets the needs of all members.
Region 1D Director Steve Dawes introduced the first guest speaker, Michigan Senator Gary Peters. “I want congratulate newly elected President Shawn Fain and thank Ray Curry for his service to this great union. I want to tell you I am from Michigan where the State Legislature and Governor just repealed right to work. That is the first state in the country to do that. This week you have a huge responsibility as you prepare for bargaining. It is unions that have built the middle class.
We are seeing the introduction of electric vehicles across the country. I tell you as a member of the US Senate, we must make sure those battery plants are staffed with union members. We must make sure the chips for those vehicles are built by union members. Unions built this country and we need solidarity moving forward. Thank you!” Senator Peters stated.
Michigan Senator Debbie Stabenow spoke from a video.
UNIFOR President Lana Payne addressed the convention. Unifor is Canada’s largest private sector union, with more than 315,000 members across the country, working in every major sector of the Canadian economy.
A resolution was pushed to the floor to require COLA in all contracts. A spirited debate began concerning if passing resolutions that placed absolutes on bargaining was a good idea. A representative from legal explained that placing demanding ahead of bargaining could be considered in violation of current labor laws. An amendment was made to add retirees. The legal representative explained permissive bargaining. Once it was explained the resolution failed.
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