President’s Report
Diversity Conference - October 15, 2002
Troy Clark, GM Group Vice President of Manufacturing and Labor Relations
America has a similar make up, as many places in the world. The big difference between us and them is our Uniformity of Beliefs. For example: "The Stars and Stripes".
Diversity is a key element in our corporation. Today it is good for us as individuals, as a workforce, as a corporation, and a nation. Just because you don’t look like me, that’s okay. It only means we are different.
This country is a living tribute to diversity. We are the most diverse country, and we are the most prosperous. We must recognize our employee’s and listen to their ideas. Everyone is responsible for their actions. We support inclusion and tolerance for everyone’s common values.
Zero Tolerance: On these issues, it is our obligation.
Dick Shoemaker, UAW International Vice President
Diversity
We must provide the avenue to allow our people to participate to the fullest. Let us all commit the entire UAW, GM, and Delphi workplaces as the model for the industry.
The Economy
Diversity and the economy are interconnected. I tend to look at how things effect the people and not the bottom line. Even though both are very important and must both be looked at. There are 2.6 workers for every job available in the United States today.
Unemployment is up by two million jobs. One million since a year ago last summer. In 2001, 1.4 million Americans have slipped into poverty; $18,104 for a family of four. Poverty rates for African Americans and Latinos are twice the rate of the national average. Think about how many people and families have lost their jobs, and the problems that will arise because of it. The cost of a war with Iraq will cost $150 to $200 billion, not to mention the cost in human life and the loss those families will endure as their family members are taken away from them. Starting war is like starting strikes. Any fool can start one, and it’s very difficult to stop one.
Ron Hughes, Director, UAW Civil Rights Department
The International Union agrees with the corporation’s position on diversity, and that includes "zero tolerance". Diversity means that everyone is going to be included. Things will only change when we all set down and decide that we will change and make it happen.
Things to Ponder
What are you going to start doing that you are not doing now?
What are you going to stop doing?
What is it you are going to keep doing that if you do, will pay off in a big way?
Don Southwell
President
Local 730, U.A.W.