Letter to New York TimesĀ  8/1/22

by Richard Gibson

 

August 1 2022

 

Re: UAW Hurt By Scandals Weighs Leadership Change

 

As one of five or six people who fought to form what is now the largest UAW local (local 6000, state workers, not auto) I have a special interest in the union--as a dissident. Like nearly every US union, the UAW long ago declared the union is a "partner in production" with the auto bosses, when in reality this is a contradictory relationship. That false theory then allows the UAW bosses to sell the pacified labor of the ranks to the Big Bosses, in exchange for forced dues income, off which the UAW bosses live very, very well. That deceit underlay the subsequent corruption, simply stealing millions. The fundamental double-dealing hasn't changed. Until the entire framework of the UAW is upended, it will remain a tragic scam.

 

Dr Rich Gibson

Emeritus Professor San Diego State University