The United Auto Workers (UAW) has expressed support for a new legislative package proposed by Michigan House Democrats. The package, labeled as a “May Day” initiative, is introduced in honor of International Workers’ Day and aims to enhance workers’ rights in Michigan. According to the UAW, this initiative represents a significant step in advancing protections for workers against corporate practices that may undermine their interests.
On this matter, UAW President Shawn Fain commented, “For too long, corporations have hoarded the wealth the working class creates.” He further emphasized that the Michigan House Democrats’ proposal is a move towards countering corporate greed by introducing necessary protections for workers. Fain urged all state legislators to take a stance, stating, “Every lawmaker in the state needs to pick a side: the corporate class or the working class.”
The legislative package includes measures addressing “captive audience meetings,” which are sessions where employers require employees to attend anti-union discussions during organizational campaigns. The UAW has identified over a dozen companies in southeast Michigan that have conducted such meetings since 2023, highlighting cases like Webasto’s $1.3 million campaign against unionization as evidence of the need for reform.
Fain noted the importance of political actions following election campaigns, asserting, “Politicians love to visit union halls during election season. But the real test is what you do once you’re in office.” The UAW has called on the Michigan Legislature and Governor Gretchen Whitmer to choose a side and support the proposed legislative package.
Jason Peek, a member of UAW Local 602, expressed approval for the legislative push, remarking, “One of the bills would make sure bosses can’t just fire someone without a good reason,” highlighting the lack of such protections for non-union workers in Michigan.
Furthermore, JJ Jewell of UAW Local 228 underscored the importance of related legislation, noting, “May Day 2025 means we are three years from May Day 2028, where a lot of our contracts, including at the Big Three, are lined up to expire.”
Earlier this year, the UAW outlined its priorities for legislative actions in Lansing. The organization aims to secure strong wages and labor protections, enhance healthcare access, promote retirement security, and advocate for a work-life balance that benefits workers.
The UAW emphasizes its commitment to mobilizing its members to push for these priorities and calls for a legislative body that prioritizes worker interests over corporate ones.
