From: "RHODNEY WARD, (812) 855-4334W/336-4829H" <ROWARD%IUBACS.bitnet@UMCVMB.missouri.edu>
Subject:      UAW New Directions Movement, Part 3 of 3
Followup-To: alt.activism.d
Originator: daemon@pencil.cs.missouri.edu
Organization: University of Missouri
Resent-From: "Rich Winkel" <MATHRICH@UMCVMB.missouri.edu>
Date: Tue, 7 Apr 1992 22:23:39 GMT

This is part three of a three part post on the UAW New Directions
Movement. - Rhodney Ward

-----------------------------------------------------------------
(3 of 3)

                        Victor G. Reuther
                     Washington, D.C. 20016

Dear Friends of Union Democracy,

     The UAW Movement for New Directions has created a historic and
overdue political opportunity for all UAW members, the choice of
someone to lead our union other than Owen Bieber, the handpicked
representative of the priviledged few.  This affects the entire
U.S. labor movement.

     With Jerry Tucker's presidential candidacy and the important
issues he represents, we are challenging the lack of democracy in
our union and the company-minded policies of those currently at the
top.  I strongly urged the national NDM to adopt this strategy.
And I urged Jerry to run.  Until we give the membership a way to
vote against what they don't like, people will not see the
possibilities for change.

     In Jerry Tucker we have one of the finest leaders and most
capable people ever produced in the UAW.  I have stated many times
that, for me, Jerry has filled the personal void left by the death
of my brothers, Walter and Roy.  Jerry has so many of the same
skills and tendencies.  He is a great strategist, a fine speaker,
at home both on the shop floor and in meetings with national and
world figures.  And yet he's sensitive to the needs and feelings of
others.  There is no question in my mind, he is the person to lead
today's UAW.

     Despite the correctness of our cause, the strength of our
issues, and the superiority of our candidate, this, as you well
know, is a monumental undertaking.  But look at the amazing victory
of Ron Carey in the Teamsters Union.  In the beginning, Carey was
given no chance of winning the Teamster presidency, then the rank
and file took charge.

     Our rank and file is fed up with the current leadership.  By
running delegate slates committed to full voting rights, standing
up for the workers and not the companies, and for Jerry's candidacy
-- a victory every bit as stunning as Ron Carey's can be won in the
UAW this year.

     I have lived a life few could imagine.  I was there when the
UAW saw courageously born.  I watched it mature and serve our
members and this nation's higher purposes.  I have sadly seen it
sink to unprecedented levels of undemocratic behavior and corporate
collusion.  But I have faith that it can be saved, and the Movement
for New Directions is the answer.  Your help would be greatly
appreciated.


                                   In Solidarity,
                                   Victor G. Reuther

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Please send donations of any size to either address:


New Directions                Campaign to Elect Jerry Tucker
PO Box 6876                   PO Box 23358
St. Louis, MO 63144           St. Louis, MO 63156
                              (314) 531-8549

-Rhodney Ward
 roward@ucs.indiana.edu
 roward@iubacs.bitnet