On July 19, 2010 UAW Local 6000 was packed with Stewards from around Michigan. The training covered the principles and techniques of organizing worksites and Labor/Management. The morning session lead by Local Representatives Celia Ontiveros and Jim Walkowicz. Stewards had the opportunity to meet their brothers and sisters from different departments and locations in Michigan. Local 6000 President Ed Mitchell presided over the event and made the day possible with his steady leadership.

After the official training was completed the room was brought to their feet by International UAW President Bob King. The President passionately talked about UAW members who took action three generations ago so all Americans could have dignity at work. President King also talked about how the labor fight has now gone global. All over the planet the struggle for basic human rights continues. President King talked about the new UAW Gimme FIVE program, which is designed to help members build power and win justice. State employees unfortunately know all about injustice as our wages and benefits have been slashed. The hard work of the past is starting to evaporate as public employees become discouraged, overworked, and undervalued. President King stated the answer is to take power back by organizing workers, overturning anti-worker labor laws and to pass the Employee Free choice Act.

There is power in becoming an active member of our Local. The power is in the ability to use resource available to us such as the freedom of speech, power of the pen, the right to gather publicly and present opposing views without being jailed. Recently, members of Local 6000 have utilized all those powers in writing our legislators in regards to stopping legislation that would be harmful to issues concerning retirement and benefits. Members have also used their power to speak by making appointments with their legislator and to testify at House and Senate Hearings. We have also gathered and held rallies in response to attacks on our retirement benefits, health care, public safety issues, and Wall Street’s attack on Main Street. In the past few months public employees have demonstrated we will no longer sit idly by while corporate America or politicians take what we have worked long and hard to obtain. We will gather where we need to apply pressure, speak up when we are attacked, and oppose legislation that threatens to unravel our futures.

As the most democratic Union in the world the UAW elected Bob King as their new International President. President King has been a long time acquaintance and help to our Local and a strong Unionist. Local 6000 send their best wishes and welcome our new International President.

President King in a roll call vote received the required two-thirds votes for the Presidency although the count was nearly unanimous.

It is a drizzling Monday June 14, 2010, and I am at the opening day of the UAW 35^th Constitutional Convention and for only the second time in the history here in Detroit. As I walk around Cobo Center I have met Brothers and Sisters from around the country and Puerto Rico all here to celebrate the 75^th anniversary of our Union and to conduct business. I have also seen International retirees such as former Financial Secretary Treasurer Reuben Burk; our own past Treasurers recently retired Alan Kilar and Blake Miller, who is now an International Representative.

As with any big event there are some bumps along the way but it looks like this will turn out to be an excellent event. Our President Ed Mitchell is serving on one of the many committees and we will be getting updates from him and the other delegates throughout the run of the Convention. There will also be pictures on the photo page throughout the week to try and give you a sense of being here at the Convention.