June 1, 2009
Education and Communication
As the newly elected Vice President for our local I have taken it upon myself to work on these two very important areas for the future of our Union. As a certified instructor (LUDL) in the UAW I want to use the training I have received for the improvement of our local union as well as reaching out and offering classes to our sister locals in Gastonia, Mt. Holly, and High Point. This will be utilized by offering classes in Union Education to our membership. There will be a complete list of classes and when they will be offered on the local union’s website (www.uawlocal3520.org) just click on member resources-education resources. All you have to do is call or come by the local and sign up for the classes. We will be offering a couple all day classes for laid off members as well as a Saturday all day class if interest is high enough. This all day class will cover at least five different subjects like Union History, Union Basics, Grievance Process, Constitution and Bylaws, etc.
There are people who believe that the unions are on their way out of this country and that there is no place for them today. I firmly disagree with these thoughts. I feel that anywhere there are workers without the voice they need at the worksite, are in need of a Union. The issues we face today as a Labor Union are difficult but we have faced them before. Labor Union has always been the guardians at the gate to protect the middle class our efforts as members are more important now than ever before.
Our futures are not up to some people that we don’t see, it is up to us. How we act or react now will determine our futures and our family’s futures. If we are going to continue to ask the question, “When are they going to do something”, then I say we have a long hard road ahead, but if we stand together and ask the question, “What can I do?” then our future can be bright. I challenge every member of this Local Union, from Freightliners TMP and PDI to Metaldyne and Ford to do two things. One is grasp opportunities to learn more about the union and how it operates. Don’t ever assume you know or someone around you knows, Educate yourself by signing up for one of the classes being offered at the local. Second is to Communicate what you learn with those around you. Talk to the non union workers around you to explain the importance of workers standing united, working for the same cause. Our purpose for standing united is to secure our jobs for the long term, make sure our pay and benefits stay competitive and affordable. Bottom line is without the workers standing together we are at the mercy of the companies we work for and I know everyone remembers what that was like, no choices, no voices and no respect.
Stand United and sign up for one of the many classes being offered. Contact information is below.
Standing in Unity and Solidarity,
Kevin D Barnett
Vice President/Education LUDL
UAW LOCAL 3520
Local Union phone number: 704-878-3191
E-Mail: KevinBarnett@uawlocal3520.org