​Brothers and Sisters,

I want to thank all of you for your support and for the overwhelming approval for our new contract. The members of this union are the highest authority in our union, and you have spoken. No contract can go in effect without the approval of this membership.  I also want to thank my bargaining committee for their hard work and dedication to achieve a great contract for the membership. I would also like to thank our new Financial Secretary Tammi Love for making sure your bargaining committee had what we needed during this set of negotiations.

This contract improves every bargaining unit employee’s life because of higher wages, no cuts in health care benefits, more time off, Profit Sharing and cost of living. There were no take aways in this agreement. This was only possible because we stood together in Solidarity. Brothers and Sisters, I have been in this union since our first contract was negotiated.  This is a record contract for our membership.   

We are currently proofing the contract to send to the printer. This procedure is when both parties proof read what we negotiated to correct any mistakes before sending it to the printer. This procedure is done after every set of negotiations.

As we move forward as a local union, we will continue to train the next generation of union members to carry on with our union’s agenda. Fighting for better way of life for our membership and continue to standup for what is morally right.  

If you want to get more involved in your union, we have numerous standing committees you can join.  Just click on the standing committees link on our UAW 5285 website.  Check to see which committee you would be interesting in joining.

 We should always want to give back to the community. That is why we are currently working with Holy Angles in Belmont, NC., Churches, surrounding community organizations and our local school’s system.

Our Annual Labor Day Parade is Monday, September 2, 2024. Our UAW Local 5285 Color Guard will have the honor to lead the Labor Day Parade. We will have a picnic after the parade. Free food for everyone and games for kids. UAW 5285 is also sponsoring the Labor Walk Saturday, October 12, 2024. I encourage you to join us.

I am so proud of what we have accomplished together as a local union.

In closing I want to thank you for allowing me to serve you as your president. It is truly an honor and a privilege.

Remember, we win only when we stand together in solidarity.

 

In Solidarity,

Ricky McDowell

President/Shop Chair

UAW Local 5285