From the readers

Future trade unionist Aiden Ricketts, 20 months old, takes a few minutes out of his busy day to read Solidarity magazine. His parents, Amie and Steve Ricketts, live in Hamilton, Ohio. His father is a UAW Local 863 member who works at Ford Motor Co.’s Sharonville facility.

Tier-two workers are hurting, too

My UAW heart hurts every time I read Brother Bob King speak of good jobs.

A $400-plus per week difference (between my paycheck and the paychecks of thousands of people I work with) is a difficult thing to endure.

While my co-workers have a “good job,” I struggle daily trying to survive. I ask myself: Do I pay a bill, put gas in my car or grocery shop?

I don’t remember any article in Solidarity magazine that addresses the ongoing agony of tier-two UAW members.

It saddens me as I remember when equal pay was our way of being and not a “goal.” A $9-per-hour difference is nowhere near equal.

Tier-two workers are hurting, and no matter how many times the word solidarity is printed, it simply does not apply any more.

Denise Perry
UAW Local 1112
Poland, Ohio

(Editor’s note: Thanks for raising this issue, Sister Perry. The UAW has always been committed to equal pay for equal work and will continue to work on achieving this principle long term. It was one of the union’s highest priorities during the recent round of negotiations with the domestic automakers. We made progress in negotiations with the Big Three contracts, and with your support and the solidarity of our members, we will eventually achieve this goal again. For more on the recent gains for UAW entry-level workers at the domestic automakers, please see the November-December 2011 issue of Solidarity, or visit uaw.org/story/jobs-america.)

Facebook quotes from the International’s wall:

UAW supports national program for light-duty vehicle fuel efficiency uaw.org

Comments from John Kretzschmar

We’re ALL in this together. Creating a more sustainable and renewable energy policy will create jobs all over the economy. And we can leave a better world to our kids if we do.

Walker Recall Garners 300,000 Signatures in 12 Days | Center for Media and Democracy prwatch.org

The grassroots group, United Wisconsin, announced Nov. 29 that the effort to recall Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker has gathered 300,000 recall signatures in the first 12 days. Organizers have 48 more days to reach the minimum number of 540,208 certified signatures.

Comments from Chris Moore

At that rate they should reach their goal way before the 48 days. Good luck to them! I can’t wait to see Walker get his comeuppance!

Labor board approves controversial union election rule in 2-1 vote thehill.com

Brian Hayes, the board’s lone Republican member, showed up for the Dec. 1 vote after speculation he might try to torpedo it. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) voted Wednesday to move forward with portions of a controversial union election rule after the board’s lone Republican member showed up …

Comments from Ralph Lyke

Finally, working people will have a chance at fair elections in the workplace by this streamlining of the election process. In Solidarity . . .

Comments from Linda Warner Danders

A step in the right direction!

(Editor’s note: If you’d like to post a comment for possible use in Solidarity magazine, please visit the International Union, UAW, Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.)