Saturn contract, elections stir UAW convention debate

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ANAHEIM, Calif.—The United Auto Workers (UAW) met here June 1-6 for its 28th Constitutional Convention. As in the past few years, the union was once again meeting in the face of many serious problems. Plant closings, loss of jobs in remaining plants, new technology, and the increased tensions between the union and the Democratic Party were just a few of the problems that the 2000-plus delegates attempted to confront.

A large number of resolutions were passed during the week dealing with topics both domestic and foreign. None, however, pointed to any new course for the union, either politically or on the trade-union front.

The resolution on domestic politics, for example, reaffirmed the UAW's reliance on the Democratic Party. It was passed with no debate and only a handful of delegates actually voting or even listening to the resolution.

The international affairs resolution, in a section on Nicaragua, attempted to take an "even-handed" approach by condemning both the Sandinistas' "attacks" against trade unions and the press, and U.S. aid to the contras.

For seven months leading up to the convention the union opposition, centered largely in locals among the Big Three auto makers in Michigan, Ohio, and other Midwestern states, held a number of planning meetings to decide on a united course of action at the convention.

Is Saturn the pattern?

The opposition delegates agreed to support a resolution that would strengthen the union constitution against any further Saturn-type contracts. Last year, the UAW signed a contract with General Motors to produce the new Saturn small-car venture. The contract includes drastic slashes in work rules and wages.

By far the most important debate occurred on the subject of the Saturn contract and on the related issue of "whipsawing" by the auto makers. "Whipsawing" refers to the practice of pitting one local against another by threatening to close a plant if it refuses to make concessions, sending the work to another plant.

For a time during the debate it appeared that the international leadership was on the run. A large majority of the delegates longtime incumbent, came to the convention in deep trouble. His assistant director, Jerry Tucker, had announced his candidacy for Worley's position and amassed a huge amount of support among many young, Black, and women members in some of the largest locals in the region. Tucker was fired from his union post after he announced his intention to run against Worley.

Tucker's New Directions Movement, which issued a report in March calling for STRIKE Chrysler workers demanded wage parity with more aggressive organizing activity, has criticized the international leadership for its "failure to work with our local unions."

Delegates pledged to Tucker's campaign held a slight edge as the convention began. International officers from Bieber on down canvassed the Region 5 delegates for Worley during the three days leading up to the vote.

When the dust finally settled on Wednesday afternoon, Worley emerged the winner by a vote of 324.577 to 324.416 for Ford and GM 1985. Tucker! [Each local has a certain number of votes, based on membership, which can result in fractional votes.] On Thursday Tucker filed a challenge to the credentials of delegates from two small Region 5 locals who voted for Worley, citing irregularities. Although President Bieber responded by urging the delegates to approve the auditor's report to seat the regional directors, Bieber's motion was soundly defeated by voice vote.

The leadership was stunned. Not knowing what else to do, SecretaryTreasurer Majerus stepped to the mike and announced that the vote would be taken again because "not enough delegates voted." He was hooted down. A pro-Worley delegate then urged that the vote be taken again because "many delegates didn't know what they were voting for." The delegates proved him wrong by hooting him down.

Bieber then asked for a motion to approve the report with the exception of the results from Region 5. He said the Region 5 results would be sent to the credentials committee, which would report its findings later. This motion passed.

On the last day of the convention, however, Bieber announced to the delegates that the chairperson had made a mistake in allowing the delegates to vote on the auditor's report. He cited the proceedings of the 1980 convention to back his point.

A quick check of past proceedings proved Bieber wrong. The delegates had always been allowed to vote to approve regional elections. However, the remaining delegates -concerned about wrapping the convention up and going home--narrowly approved a motion to end debate.

In short, Tucker's challenge was effect -ively buried by a bureaucratic maneuver.

In response to a question about Jerry Tucker's status and options in the union, Bieber replied that Tucker was "separated from the Region 5 payroll" and that Tucker could take his complaints "outside the union," that is, to the courts.

Despite Bieber's "victories," many op -position supporters expressed satisfaction with the convention. Victor Reuther said it had been a long time since he had seen so much stirring among the rank and file. It will take a lot more stirrings, though, to put this great union back on the right track.

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