the Voice of
The Communist League of Revolutionary Workers–Internationalist
“The emancipation of the working class will only be achieved by the working class itself.”
— Karl Marx
Mar 9, 2009
The following leaflet was distributed and signed by over 150 workers from the Ford Dearborn Truck Plant and other units of UAW Local 600. Another leaflet making many of the same points was distributed and signed by over 20 skilled trades workers. The vote at the Truck Plant was 698 no, 394 yes.
We say “Vote No!”
We refuse to let them insult our intelligence!
They tell us that we should give concessions because Mulally is taking a pay cut. Mulally could work for free and he’s already made more money than we will ever see in a hundred lifetimes.
We refuse to let them take $12,000 or more away from our families!
According to the UAW 2007 Contract Highlights, those two performance bonuses would have added up to $4,960. The 2 Christmas bonuses would be $1,200. The 99 cents in COLA taken back will add up to about $5,000 over 2 ½ years. Additional COLA money will be lost, based on how fast prices go up. SUB will be reduced because of the lost COLA.
We refuse to let them invade our privacy!
They want to force us to get doctor’s exams and treatment programs. How dare these millionaire executives with their personal trainers tell us how to take care of our health. Give us their money and we would be a lot healthier.
We refuse to listen to their lies about concessions saving jobs!
We’ve been told this lie over and over. No more! Taking money out of our pockets will mean that fewer cars and trucks are sold. Concessions mean more layoffs.
We refuse to let them take away our chance to retire!
They want to fund the VEBA with company stock. They want to change the rules, so that retirees could now be forced to pay more for health care, starting on January 1, 2010. This is proof that they know the VEBA will run out of money. What will be left for current workers? Do they think we should have to work until we die?
We refuse all these other concessions!
Laid off workers forced to move anywhere in the country. You can’t turn down any job offer without losing all pay and benefits. The company could change our work schedule as often as they want. SUB weeks reduced. Overtime rules changed to cheat us out of overtime pay, like working 12 hours a day, with no overtime paid.
If we let them take things from us that we’ve had for 40 or 50 years, do you really think they’ll give them back? No, they’ll be back next year to take more concessions.
We refuse to continue this race to the bottom!
It’s time to draw the line!
(signed) Over 150 Local 600 workers and retirees