There's been an important breakthrough in the United Auto Workers Union (UAW). A referendum of all active and retired UAW members has endorsed moving to a direct election system (one-member-one-vote) for electing the International President and other top officers. Over 140,000 ballots were mailed in, and one-member-one-vote passed by a crushing 63.7%, despite opposition by the entrenched leadership “Administration Caucus” that has run the union for decades.

The campaign for direct elections was spearheaded by Unite All Workers for Democracy (uawd.org), a new rank-and-file organization of UAW members.

This was not the first attempt by the rank and file to force democracy on the UAW hierarchy. However this time the UAW leadership agreed to the membership referendum in a consent decree to resolve federal corruption charges. In all, 12 top UAW leaders have been charged and jailed, including two former International Presidents of the union.

Phil Taylor and Tony Leah discussed the connections between lack of democracy in the union, collaboration with corporations and concession bargaining, and corruption. The victory of one member one vote opens the way for a more militant, working class oriented leadership that can challenge two-tier agreements. The recent victory of the Teamsters United slate, also possible because of a one member one vote system, is another encouraging sign.

Leah pointed out the relevance of this major breakthrough to members of UNIFOR in Canada. UNIFOR President Jerry Dias has announced he won’t be running for reelection next summer, and that the leadership are “having discussions about the best replacement”. According to Leah, UNIFOR members are the ones who should be having those discussions. Many UNIFOR members will be inspired by the UAW developments and push for the same democratic reforms here.

In addition, the issue of COVID and unions was discussed. Tony and Phil pointed to the significance of the election of a new leader for Toronto Transit workers. The incumbent leader who had made himself an obstacle to vaccinations for all TTC workers only received 9 percent of the vote. This outcome should give pause to those like Max Blumenthal of the “Grayzone,” who have been spreading the myth that rank-and-file workers are resisting the campaign for vaccinations for all workers.

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Growing Democratization of UAW sets example for Canada

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Discussing the renewed assault on Gaza by Israel, and the great news that the UAW are calling for a ceasefire.

Biden Backs Israel's Brutal Assault on Gaza

Shawn Fain, UAW leader, stands with Congresswoman and Palestinian-American Rashida Tlaib Calling for Gaza ceasefire and justice for Palestine.

UAW leader stands with Gaza

Major union leaders have called for ceasefire and Palestinian rights,
but the CLC & AFL-CIO are silent. Why?

Major union leaders call for ceasefire

Commentary on Canadian labour, the leadership of countries such as Syria and Yemen, the unfolding tragedy in Gaza, and the struggle against imperialism. With Robin Philpot.

Gaza, Syria, Yemen, and the struggle against imperialism

Phil talks with Sandra Farias about the coming general strike in Argentina.

Argentine Workers Begin Resistance to Milei

American diplomats represent the problem, not the solution on Gaza.


Phil Taylor and Phil Conlon discuss the current situation in West Asia: the U.S. arsonist is claiming to be the fireman. If there is to be a durable solution, it has to involve other great powers and neighboring states.
But the US is determined to assert its role as the "indispensable" hegemon.

It's important not to learn about the region "upside-down" by listening to U.S. media. Phil and Phil also discuss Israel's abuse of the term "right to defend itself."

They also talk about the dangerous emerging discrimination against students from China. This is xenophobic, and is adding to the poisonous trend targeting Chinese-Canadians.

America's crooked game in Gaza

From Pakistan and Iran to Yemen, the resistance to US-Israel is changing the modern world.

Resistance to US and Israel is changing the modern world

From Pakistan to Yemen

A union is obligated to represent all its members, a case in point goes to the Labour Board.

An interview with Tony Leah.

A Union is Obligated

South Africa made its case against Israel at the ICJ. Now, Canada and other nations must follow with actions to protect the people of Gaza.

Recorded January 29, 2024.

South Africa made its case against Israel

Brendan interviews Prof. Yaser Haddara at McMaster University about the academic boycott campaign. It was kicked off by Solidarity for Palestinian Human Rights on Tuesday, March 5, with a rally and march of hundreds of MAC students, profs, campus workers, and community members to demand that the university cut its ties with at least two universities in Israel, which profit from the system of Israeli apartheid.

Unusual Sources

Academic Boycott Campaign at McMaster

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Growing Democratization of UAW sets example for Canada

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