April 2023

It is great to finally see the start of Spring! It seemed like we had more snow in February and March than we did in November and December. Hopefully we can put the snow shovels away for the year finally!

I want to thank our Civil Rights Committee for an outstanding “taste of Black History” event that was held in February. We had a packed house with standing room only and the speakers, food and entertainment were fantastic! Great job Robert Wade and the entire committee!

In March, Local 602 Women’s committee held their International Women’s Day program “Petals and Progression”. I didn’t recognize the union hall when I walked in! It was great to hear from the March of Dimes Interim CEO Kathryn Johnson, UAW International Women’s Dept. Assistant Director Ashley Lewis and Senator Sarah Anthony. What a great program and celebration for International Women’s Day thank you 602 Women’s Committee!

UAW Local 602 elected delegates, Retiree Chair, Shop Chair and I just returned from the UAW International Special Bargaining Convention. During the Convention we heard from John Deere workers and what they went through during their 5 week-long strike. We also heard from CASE/New Holland workers as they described what they went through during their 260 day long strike. These stories were often emotional and familiar from our 40 day long strike back in 2019. The message was clear, we autoworkers need to be ready for anything during a contract year let us not get caught unprepared.

With the International leadership election finished and the UAW International Special Bargaining Convention over our local will now turn our attention to local elections. Please keep on eye open for election postings on our in-plant notice boards, local 602 website, social media and in this issue of the Lansing Labor News for more details.

Please remember that the Local 602 Union Meeting has been moved to May 7th so we can spend Mother’s day weekend with family. They make our days brighter, their smiles melt our hearts, and their love is second to nothing. Mothers have a special place in our lives, so this is a special day for everyone. Thank you to all Mothers and I hope everyone is able to celebrate Mother’s day with family.

In Solidarity,

Mike Huerta