DETROIT — United Auto Workers President Ron Gettelfinger says
the
union will continue to fight for federal card-check legislation that
would make it easier for workers to organize.
In his last speech
after eight years as president, Gettelfinger also urged
members to back
union-friendly candidates in the November election.
Gettelfinger
got a warm ovation from thousands of union members
gathered in Detroit
for the UAW's quadrennial convention. Members elect
a new president
later this week.
Gettelfinger acknowledged that UAW members made
big sacrifices in their latest contract talks. But
he said they
preserved the union despite the bankruptcies of General
Motors and
Chrysler.
He also says the U.S. auto industry is on the upswing
again.
