Mona Copeland on Carrying UAW History Forward

The UAW represents so many things for so many people. People have forgotten over the course of the years the struggles, dangers, and difficulties of organizing labor in the workforce. Labor has always and continues to be a voice for the working people. Although we are always depicted as being greedy, ignorant, and lazy this does not even describe us. We come from a rich history of fighters who sacrificed time, lives, and money to make the working conditions of workers better and communities fit to raise children. We have supported political parties that supported workers issues.

We have fought for those to weak to fight for themselves. In addition, the UAW brought issues concerning women to forefront to be openly discussed by the masses. The UAW supports Veterans who not only fought on the battlegrounds for democracy but also fought on the picket lines beside union workers, when government forgot about their needs. There are so many things that I can say about the UAW that would contradict what those who have never belonged to a union shop would have to say.

Belonging to such an organization is extraordinary. The strength, knowledge, and courage that you draw from your family (because that’s what we are) is out of this world. Labor is under attack and as the baby boomers are departing we must prepare those left behind with not only words of wisdom but plans of action.

Mona Copeland
UAW Local 1248