By: Alex Ortiz

“From the Ballot Box to the Bread box” – If you haven’t heard that before, then you need to pay attention. We already see what is going on with the cost of groceries, housing and fuel prices just to start. It matters who you elect to represent your interests.

The UAW represents many people from different backgrounds all across the country. We are working class people and we must elect people who will represent not just the UAW, but all working people. If you are a billionaire, you don’t need any help. You have already benefitted from the system. The working class needs a tax cut – not billionaires. Make the rich pay their fair share!

We, as a Union, endorse candidates who have shown that they represent ideals that benefit us in the working class. This past month, the Greater Flint CAP Council interviewed many candidates from the area who asked for our support. Many of the candidates acknowledge that a UAW endorsement is beneficial for their campaigns and sought us out. Just as many candidates have shown up to our joint council meetings to address the body, they filled out lengthy questionnaires and sat down for interviews with the CAP executive board. The interviews were lengthy and thorough.

We have endorsed some candidates prior to the primaries, and some were deferred. Please understand that it is important to identify those people who will support us and our membership to know that we have done the homework. It is still your decision to vote for your candidate of choice. However, too many of our members vote against their own interests, and then wonder why our Union doesn’t have more power.

Everyone who is eligible for the Special Attrition Plan (SAP) for General Motors employees should have been notified. GM has also emailed notifications and links to the electronic forms. If you do not use email or have access, please speak with a Benefit Rep. I need to stress again that the company will be determining retirement dates.

Memorial Day is already upon us and thankfully the weather has finally warmed up. The unofficial start of summer is always a time for celebration, but let’s take a moment to remember all of those who served and those who gave all while fighting for our country.

Our Veterans Committee is extremely active and keeps us informed of the events taking place at the Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, MI. If you are a veteran, I encourage you to become a delegate and become a member of the committee.

Elected delegates and Joint Council member should keep an eye out for standing committee sign-ups if you would like to be on a committee. If you’d like to be on a committee and you are not a delegate, please talk to your Unit Chairperson.

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