Transparency Through Actions and Words

Anyone in leadership should strive to be transparent in their actions and words. I firmly believe that those in official positions are servants not bosses. The things we do and say impact our membership every day, and they have a right to know what the International Executive Board is doing.

Transparency is also important when we campaign. Members have a right to know who is supporting certain candidates and why. I am very thankful for those who have pledged support and share the things I have been releasing. You should be able to get an idea of who the person is and what they support. I am very pleased with what the team at GM has accomplished over the past four years. We have new products, investment and a bright outlook for the future. There are still items we need to work on, but bargaining is a continual process that is never really done.

I am proud of the fact that I am the only candidate for Vice President that served in a lead position during the historic 2023 Contract Negotiations. Experience matters and the past four years have been an educational and rewarding experience.

We all know that bargaining on a national scale is a multifaceted process. We have the demands from our members, the companies’ proposals, labor laws that impact the contract language and then there is the added issue of the economy. Four years ago, we were fortunate that the economy favored workers. Hopefully, the economy will favor us again in 2028 so we can build on the gains we have made.

There are many things our members need, but unlike some of my esteemed colleagues seeking the office of Vice President, I am not going to make promises just to win votes. We all want to protect our active and retired members. We want to grow our movement to secure the future for ourselves and our children. This union has literally built the middle class of America through bargaining gains; gains made over decades. I pledge to you to do everything in my power to use collective bargaining to accomplish the things you need. But I will not make rash promises to you just to win a vote. To be transparent, you must be honest and open with your actions and words. Don’t let someone who has never negotiated before make promises about what they will deliver. I humbly ask for your vote and support and make you one promise: to continue to represent you each day in a manner that you can be proud of.

In solidarity,

Mike