Gary Busch on Global Effects of the UAW

I joined the UAW Staff in 1964. I was the research director of the International Affairs Department and worked first in Detroit in the President's office and later in Washington. My boss was Victor Reuther. The UAW had allocated some of the interest earned on the strike fund for work overseas, assisting unions in developing countries in building strong unions and in facing the challenges of the multinational corporations.

This wasn't political work and had nothing to do with governments. We taught collective bargaining; we ran courses on how to use a stopwatch to time a job when the company sent in time and motion men; we taught grievance handling and dispute resolution; we built a worldwide network of GM, Ford, Chrysler workers across the globe. They taught us, too, about their successes and negotiating tactics.

Most importantly the UAW was the key national organization active in promoting the liberation struggles in Africa. When these new leaders visited the US the UAW made their appointments for them on the Hill; they gave them a forum to promote their cause. The UAW donated tons of medicines to groups in Africa; it ran the first blue-collar Peace Corps program in Guinea; it donated printing presses and Varitype machines; and it encouraged the development of a strong labor movement as a pivotal point in national democracy.

Many in the UAW are unaware of the powerful role played by their union in building free and democratic unions across the globe. I was proud to play a small part in this. Wherever I go in Africa today I am reminded of the UAW's role. The leadership there still remembers the support of the UAW. I still carry my International Representative card (signed by Walter and Emil) and occasionally show it as proof that I am on "the right side".

The members of the union should be very proud of the legacy of the union in standing up for freedom, democracy and respect for the rights of workers all over the globe.