United Auto Workers President Dennis Williams stated that the union is getting in touch with Tesla Inc, and plans to improve efforts to persuade U.S. consumers not to buy cars integrated in other nations, including those sold by the Detroit car manufacturers.
The UAW leader likewise used a conference with reporters to applaud President Donald Trump for calling on companies to produce more in the United States, and assuring to remodel the North American Free Trade Agreement. However Williams stated he disagreed with Trump’s order momentarily barring travel to the United States from 7 countries including Syria, Libya, Iran, Somalia, Yemen, Iraq and Sudan.
“It’s really unsafe to single out specific groups based on religious beliefs,” Williams stated. “It’s un-American.” Some UAW members were stranded overseas by the restriction before it was stayed by a federal appeals court, Williams stated.
Williams’ remarks highlight the political obstacles dealing with U.S. labor leaders as they challenge a Republican president who shares their skeptical opinions on free trade and values U.S. production, however whose policies on other problems are contrary to union principles.
“I am interested in a few of the things he’s doing,” Williams stated. “I’m extremely concerned about a few of the things he’s doing.”
Williams stated he has not met with Trump, though other union leaders have.
The UAW leader endorsed Trump’s moves to push Detroit automakers to stop delivering cars into the United States from Mexico, and said the UAW is dealing with a new advertising campaign to encourage customers not to buy foreign-made automobiles.
“If it’s not made in America, don’t buy it,” Williams informed reporters at a briefing at the union’s Detroit headquarters, reacting to a concern about General Motors’ Chevrolet Cruze hatchback, developed in Mexico, and the Buick Envision sport energy, which GM imports from China.
“Boycotts might be coming back,” he said, adding he would prefer customers purchase an automobile made by UAW workers, or a automobile developed in the United States by a foreign producer.
Concerning Tesla, Williams restated the union’s denial last week that the union had paid an employee at the car manufacturer’s Fremont, California, factory who went public with problems about safety, pay and overtime
UAW organizers are in touch with employees at Tesla, Williams said, however any formal effort by the union to organize workers will be identified by the “interest” of workers.
