The UAW is here to try to increase their dues paying members. A UAW official stated, “If we don’t organize these transnationals, I don’t think there’s a long-term future for the UAW, I really don’t.” We know the UAW’s wide margins of defeat in recent elections at other automakers were further setbacks in the UAW’s efforts to grow their membership.
The UAW is a business. UAW revenues, estimated at $290 million annually, come primarily from their members. Because membership has declined from 1.5 million to a little over 400,000 in the last 30+ years, they need new members. Their campaign is an attempt to convince Honda associates of the value and quality of their representation. Union dues vary, but the price is typically a full 2 1⁄2 hours of pay per month – which equals the majority of one week’s worth of work annually.
The UAW is paying union organizers to come here to recruit Honda associates. The organizers, who operate much like salespeople, will make claims, raise issues and offer promises. Their claims may be directed at individuals and may be inaccurate. Each associate must evaluate the UAW’s individual claims and promises against Honda’s record and the UAW’s record.
While a union can make promises, its ability to deliver on those promises depends on collective bargaining. The bargaining process can have a variety of outcomes, none of which is guaranteed. Some things can go up, some things stay the same, and other things can go down through the bargaining process. One thing the UAW cannot promise is job security. Their record clearly shows work stoppages due to strikes and even plant closures.
Freedom of speech is a fundamental principle that applies in any union campaign. Associates who are supportive – or not supportive – of the union’s efforts may distribute literature at Honda locations. Non-Honda associates are not permitted to distribute literature on Honda property. They can distribute material on public property subject to local safety laws or online.
Since Honda associates are the best and most secure workforce in the auto industry, it’s easy to see why the UAW would want the steady income from our associates. It is well documented that the UAW is suffering, after losing more than 70% of its dues paying members to layoffs, retirements and plant closings in the past 30+ years.
This campaign will last as long as the UAW wants it to last. While this type of activity can be disruptive, it is permissible within the bounds of U.S. labor law.
We have built our success together, with unequaled job security, by working together as one Honda team. We ask associates to do two things: know the facts and respect each other. Associates are not only encouraged – you are permitted by law – to ask questions about a claim made by the UAW or about information provided by the union. Your leaders and other management members are available to talk with you about UAW activity or any other questions you have.