By: Alex Ortiz

I just returned from the White Shirt Day Celebration at UAW Local 651. Every year that I have attended this event, I have learned something new about our UAW history and the sacrifices our earliest members endured.

The remaining Locals form the original Sit-Down plants also celebrate White Shirt Day here in Flint, but our Region 1D Director Steve Dawes has promoted our UAW history to make sure that the entire UAW knows about their history as well.

Last year’s celebration included the Directors from Region 1 and 1A. This year’s celebration, fortunately or unfortunately, occurred during the UAW’s National CAP Conference in Washington, D.C. Because of this conflict, Director Dawes left early to be back in Flint to honor those who paved the way for the middle class and put food on my grandparent’s tables, my parent’s table, and my family’s table.

We have some members who don’t understand that the companies we work for don’t willingly give us our wages and benefits. We have to fight for them!

There was a presentation featuring the Sit-Down Strikers and the Women’s Brigade at the National CAP Conference. Attendees, who were from all over the country and from many different sectors of our great Union, learned about one of the great milestones in the UAW’s history.

I also attended the CAP Conference in D. C., and listened to International UAW President Shawn Fain layout our Union’s priorities. Our priorities for the working class will be wages, healthcare, retirement, and time off.

Now, there are many details to each of these four priorities, too many to cover here. Simply put, we must improve conditions for every worker in every industry. But we need help from our elected leaders.

IUAW President Fain stated that if politicians wanted our endorsement, then they had better support us once they get elected. When they talk the talk, they must walk the walk.

Many of the proceedings are available to view on the UAW’s YouTube account. Just search “2026 UAW National CAP Conference.” The UAW invited four of the candidates for Michigan Senate. Three Democrats and one Republican were invited to speak to the CAP delegates. It is also on YouTube for your viewing pleasure.

February is Black History Month, a time to focus on the contributions that African Americans have made to our nation, as well as the sacrifices they have endured. Unfortunately, the struggle for equality continues.

Last February, I wrote that our country is fast moving toward fascism and it has only become worse in the past year. Please pay attention to what is going on around you and view news sources from multiple places.

The importance of celebrating Black History Month is more important than ever, because there is a concerted effort to whitewash American history. Speak up for what is fair, just and right. If the current administration refuses to abide by the United States Constitution, we are no longer America, we are just another banana republic.

I am aware that many members are receiving their papers later compared to previous months. We do not know the reason for this, but are looking to see if there is anything we can do to improve the timliness.

Your UAW Local 659 Facebook page and website always have the most updated information about postings and Searchlight articles. Also, check your in-plant Union boards for additional postings.