DETROIT — UAW President Shawn Fain struck a defiant tone in his inaugural handle to members on the primary day of the union’s particular bargaining conference, laying the groundwork for doubtlessly contentious contract talks with the Detroit 3 automakers this yr.
“We’re right here to return collectively to prepared ourselves for the struggle in opposition to the one and solely true enemy: multibillion greenback firms and employers who refuse to provide our members their fair proportion,” Fain stated to members. “It is a new day within the UAW.”
Fain was sworn in because the UAW’s fifth president in 5 years a day earlier than the conference opened following a protracted, contentious election.
He defeated incumbent President Ray Curry by fewer than 500 votes. Because the depend neared an finish, Curry filed a protest alleging widespread disenfranchisement.
Fain has promised a extra aggressive strategy to bargaining with the Detroit 3 this fall. The union is anticipated to combat for higher wages and advantages in addition to extra job commitments.
Throughout his speech Monday, Fain quoted Martin Luther King Jr. and stated the union is stronger than ever.
“Now we have the self-discipline we have to manage higher than ever earlier than,” Fain stated. “Now we have the understanding we have to regain the belief of the membership. Now we have the group that, if united in a standard aim, we can’t be defeated. Now we have the desire to sacrifice for the higher good, together with on the picket line.”
Fain stated the UAW deliberate to combat to realize what it misplaced throughout the Nice Recession, when the automakers requested for concessions to stay afloat financially.
“Our members have very excessive expectations, and rightfully so,” Fain stated. “They demanded equality of sacrifice from us. Right now we demand equality of beneficial properties for our membership.”