Unite All Workers for Democracy (UAWD) is a grassroots movement of UAW activists united in the common goal of advocating for structural change within our union.
We believe the rank-and-file must be the highest authority in the UAW — whether at the Conventions, the bargaining table, or on the shop floors of our workplaces across the country.
We believe in a transparent leadership who will work in the best interests of and are held accountable to the membership of the UAW.
We believe the rank-and-file of the UAW must be educated, organized, and militant if we are to be successful against transnational, multi-billion dollar corporations.
We believe that new policies and innovative strategies must be implemented in order for the union to carry out the bold vision laid out in the UAW Constitution.
We are UAWD.
UAWD Steering Committee
Asar Amen-Ra UAW Local 869
Chris Budnick UAW Local 862
Mike Cannon UAW Retiree
Sean Crawford UAW Local 598
Mike DiGiuseppe UAW Local 259
Frank Hammer UAW Retiree
Scott Houldieson UAW Local 551
Jessie Kelly UAW Local 160
Justin Mayhugh UAW Local 31
Brian Schneck Local 259
Travis Watkins UAW Local 167
Is UAWD a union?
No. UAWD is a member-led movement for reform within the UAW, very much ike TDU within the Teamsters.
What kind of reforms does UAWD advocate for?
The kind that will allow the membership to have greater control over the union. These reforms include —
One Member One Vote
Our Constitution states that the membership is the highest authority within our union. Thus, UAWD believes that UAW members should have the right to directly elect our International leadership. We believe One Member, One Vote is a much more democratic system of voting as opposed to the delegate system that has allowed one party to retain control of the UAW for over 70 years.
Transparency
UAW members should be given an accounting of how our dues dollars are spent. This reform is no different than requiring our government to let citizens see how their tax dollars are being spent. Every dues-paying member of our union should have the ability to access the financial figures of the UAW.
Fight For Better Contracts
UAW members have seen a steady decline in their standard of living over the last four decades. Hundreds of good-paying union jobs have been outsourced by the corporations. This is partly because of the strategy of cooperation with the companies implemented by the Administration Caucus. We believe the only way workers can win is by taking on their employers, and ending the failed partnership strategy.
Better Organizing
Workers aren’t interested in joining a union that wants to play nice with the boss. We must organize worker power — whether it’s on the shop floor, in the office, or the classroom.
Community Order
UAWD advocates for building working class coalitions through participation in community activities that empower ourselves and our neighbors to have a better standard of living by protecting workers from corporate exploitation. Cooperation should be with our working class neighbors — not with corporate executives.
