UAW 34th CONSTITUTIONAL
CONVENTION HIGHLIGHTS

 STATE OF THE UNION
Remarks of UAW President Ron Gettelfinger
(June 12, 2006)

VOICES FROM D.C.
Remarks of Sen. Barack Obama
(June 12, 2006)

Convention highlights from the UAW

UAW Region 8
         Day 1 Report   (June 12, 2006)
           Day 1 Photo Gallery  

         Day 2 Report  (June 13, 2006)
         Day 2 Photo Gallery  

           Day 3 Report  (June 14, 2006)
         Day 3 Photo Gallery

         Day 4 Report  (June 15, 2006)
           Day 4 Photo Gallery              

UAW President Ron Gettelfinger announces new bargaining, organizing assignments

After a spirited conclusion to the UAW’s 34th Constitutional Convention, UAW President Ron Gettelfinger today announced new bargaining and organizing assignments for the union officers elected by convention delegates.

“We made these assignments based on how we can deliver for our members, and provide opportunities for workers who would like to be part of our union,” said Gettelfinger.

UAW Secretary-Treasurer Elizabeth Bunn, who was re-elected to second term, will continue to direct Technical, Office and Professional (TOP) organizing, the UAW Women’s Department, as well as the UAW Accounting Department and related functions.

UAW Vice President Cal Rapson, also re-elected to a second term, will direct the UAW General Motors Department, including Delphi. He will also continue to direct the UAW Veteran’s Department.

UAW Vice President Bob King, re-elected to a third term, will direct the UAW Ford Department, as well as Severstal. He will also continue his assignment as director of the Independents, Parts and Suppliers Department.

UAW Vice President General Holiefield, elected to his first term at this convention, will direct the UAW DaimlerChrysler Department, the Heavy Truck Department, and the General Dynamics Department.

UAW Vice President Jimmy Settles, also elected to his first term this week, will direct the UAW Aerospace Department, the Agricultural Implement Department, as well as American Axle and Guide. He will also direct servicing for Technical, Office and Professional (TOP) workers, and direct the UAW Transnational Department.

UAW Vice President Terry Thurman, elected to a first term during the convention, will direct the UAW’s National Organizing Department, which focuses on outreach to industrial workers.

“It’s a dream assignment,” said Thurman, during a news conference following the convention. “Where else can you get the opportunity to bring thousands and thousands of workers into the greatest organization in the world.”

Vice President Cal Rapson Bio:

Cal Rapson was first elected a vice president of the UAW at the Union’s 33 rd Constitutional Convention in Las Vegas in 2002.

Rapson has managed key bargaining assignments in the UAW Aerospace, Agricultural Implement and General Dynamics Departments, as well as departments representing UAW members at Guide Corporation, Lear Corporation, and American Axle Corporation.

A machine repair/machinist, Rapson directs the Skilled Trades, Veterans, Conservation, Recreation and Consumer Affairs departments, and the Chaplaincy Program.

In August 2004, with Rapson’s leadership, the UAW began building a duplex housing unit for the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) National Home for Children in Eaton Rapids, Mich.

Pelosi: UAW can lead the way
(6-14-06)

The UAW can be on the forefront of the fight to renew the U.S. auto industry by helping to lead the way to energy independence, House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi told delegates via satellite.

“We must expand the resources dedicated to development and deployment of new, American-made, fuel-efficient technologies and their key components, including hybrid and fuel-cell cars,” said Pelosi, a California representative. “Not only will we save an industry for our country, but you will be promoting our national security, protecting our environment, and preserving American jobs.”

Pelosi said it makes sense for the UAW to lead the way because the union has always been on the forefront of change.

“Just as you did for the Civil Rights Act, and the Fair Housing Act, you are doing now for this year’s reauthorization of the Voting Rights Act. Reauthorizing the Voting Rights Act will strengthen and renew the expiring provisions of the Act for another 25 years.”

UAW Taps New Bargainers
(The Car Connection  6-19-06)

Gettelfinger outlines goals
(The Detroit Free Press  6-16-06)

UAW picks Rapson for key talks
(The Flint Journal  6-16-06)

UAW sees growth past blue collar
(USA Today  6-16-06)

UNION LEADERSHIP RESTRUCTURING: 3 named to key UAW executive posts  (The Detroit Free Press  6-16-06)

Gettelfinger wins 2nd term at helm of UAW
(The Chicago Tribune  6-15-06)

UAW CONVENTION: Optimism in tough times
(The Detroit Free Press 6-13-06)

UAW to Begin Drive to Recruit New Workers
(The Associated Press  6-13-06)

UAW Chief Warns of Changes Ahead
(The Associated Press  6-13-06)

UAW: No giving up! Gettelfinger to fight, but says change is required
(The Detroit News  6-13-06)

UAW chief tells automakers to focus on buyers
(USA Today 6-13-06)

UAW boss: The worst is upon us
(The Detroit Free Press 6-12-06)

Gettelfinger's bind: Do more with less
(The Detroit Free Press 6-12-06)