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What does it really mean to have a voice in your workplace? The extraordinary global crisis that we are all facing has put this into sharp focus. And at the forefront of this pandemic are essential workers -- those front line employees in hospitals, grocery stores, transportation industries, security and firefighters, warehouses, construction sites and more. For those who are union members with a collective bargaining agreement, their voices are heard. The power of union representation allows them to demand safety improvements, have a say in their workplace, their schedules and so much more. In short, they have a voice that is heard, something that non-union workers lack.

My Sisters and Brothers, In my message today, I’d like to talk a little more personally about this extraordinary time in our history and the resilience of my UAW family. I have been with this union for more than 40 years, starting out in the plant as a young man. Like most of us, I have never seen anything like what we’re facing today and could never have anticipated living through times like these. I know that so many of you, like me, have lost loved ones and are grieving those losses. And I know you worry everyday about your families, your communities and what the coming weeks will mean for us all.

“Members of the Auto Coronavirus Task Force have been working daily on best practices for the health and safety of UAW Ford, General Motors and FCA members. This evening President Gamble talked with principles from all three companies. These talks are fluid and ongoing to ensure safe protocols are followed when the companies reopen...

Detroit - The UAW International Board Tuesday announced the influential unions’ endorsement of former Vice President Joe Biden for President of the United States. “In these dangerous and difficult times, the country needs a president who will demonstrate clear, stable leadership, less partisan acrimony and more balance to the rights and protections of working Americans,” said Rory Gamble, President of the UAW. “UAW Members need a federal government that ensures that members have both a good job to go to, and that they come home to their families at night having earned a fair day's wage in a safe and secure place.”

Debby Hollis doesn’t make a big fuss about things. She just acts. That is exactly what she did when she signed on to make Ventec critical care ventilators capable of supporting patients fighting COVID-19. “I don’t like to get into a panic about things. I just do what is needed,” says the Local 292 member. “There was no question that I would do this. I feel like it is my obligation as a union member and as an employee.”

My Sisters and Brothers, In today’s message, I’d like to once again thank all of my UAW family for everything you’re doing to help keep our communities and our nation safe. We have so many stories of UAW members stepping up in so many different ways to help out. Members going back into plants to make critically needed personal protective equipment and ventilators, members setting up mask-making operations in their homes, local food banks, volunteering to assist neighbors — helping out in every way you can think of.