A UAW victory could mean major benefits for the labor movement

Independent labor voice Tom Buffenbarger, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the United Autoworkers negotiations with the Big Three Automakers in Detroit. Buffenbarger also discussed the potential government shutdown, and also shared his memories of the Steelworkers Tom Conway following his tragic passing.

The UAW is in a fight with the Big Three Automakers in Detroit. Workers are trying to negotiate with a group who doesn’t understand where the workers are coming from, Buffenbarger said. The losses workers took in the aftermath of the pandemic are worth the fight, and without the impact of the current strike, Buffenbarger isn’t sure the employers would consider the workers' demands. If the UAW can earn a significant win in negotiations, it will impact the future of the entire labor movement, he said.

It is challenging to believe Congress wants to shut down the government and deprive federal employees of their work and ability to make a wage, Buffenbarger said. A government shutdown will significantly impact the economy. The focus should be on providing stable jobs and a stable infrastructure. Shutting down the government for political reasons should be illegal and is unacceptable, and more needs to be done to prevent this from happening, Buffenbarger said.

Buffenbarger met Tom Conway for the first time at a competition between the United Steelworkers and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers to organize Armco Steel in Middletown, Ohio. The Steelworkers and Conway had attempted to organize Armco Steel in the past. After some time, Armco sought affiliation with the Machinists, but due to the Steelworkers' previous attempts, they were forced to hold a National Labor Relations Board-sanctioned union vote. Buffenbarger continued with the results of the vote and the interaction between Conway and himself throughout the campaign and how their relationship evolved.

To hear more from Buffenbarger, please click the play button above.