UAW leader: 'We won't surrender'
Tuesday, June 13, 2006 7:34 AM PDT
By Associated Press
Printable version
E-mail this articleLAS VEGAS (AP) -- United Auto Workers President Ron Gettelfinger on Monday challenged his union to battle against corporations that declare bankruptcy and export jobs and he singled out the Bush administration as a major political foe.
In his speech to hundreds of delegates at the UAW's 34th convention at the MGM Grand Hotel, Gettelfinger also warned of difficult times ahead as the union fights to preserve a middle-class lifestyle won over the past 70 years.
Gettelfinger said some people in management and some industry analysts believe the UAW is not up to the fight.
"They think we've run out of gas intellectually and emotionally, that we've lost our will, our creativity and our nerve. Some even question our solidarity. We'll, we've got news for them!" he said to a cheering crowd.
"We're not going to surrender. We're not going to lower our sights, give up our dreams or give up our fight for a better world for our children and grandchildren," he said to a standing ovation.
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