Toledo union journal. [volume] (Toledo, Ohio) 1942-current, 1951-04-06
Regional
Views
BY Richard T. Gosser
International Vice President
UAW-CIO

those who attack relentlessly, accusing us of
dictatoriaI methods should take the time and visit
this invitation to one man in Toledo who never
tires in abusing and our union.
Well, I don't know if anyone took at my
word not, but sure hope they did, For if ever
there great gathering of spirited people,
people with strong convictions and with plenty of
courage to voice those convictions-certanly such
a gathering is our convention. Out of the 1900
delegates there are any number who will take sides
every issue that hits the floor of convention
And is to the eternal credit of union; its great
and democratic traditions and to the leadership Of
President Reuther that opportunity is given to those
who care to voice their opinions-however popular
or unpopular-before this great gathering.
IN THE UAw-CIO we say that democracy, If it
is to endure, must live and must be dynamic. We
say that don't believe in pious phrasemongering
about democracy To do that without sincerely be-
Ieving and practicing democracy would be fraud
upon democracy itself And whatever our enemies
may say about us-and they certainly say plenty
they cannot accuse us of being fraudulent when it
to democratic action. We say that we believe
in the plainest possible language and we practice
what we say we believe in.
THE OUTSTANDING achievement of our con-
vention so far-as this is written Wednesday morn
ing-is the decision to raise dues from the
present $3.50 per month to $3.50 per month. Be
of petty political considerations quite few
OF our delegates were opposed to raising our dues.
They opposed it not because they did not feel that
our union needs the additional revenue to do the
job that lays ahead OF but because they wanted
to play politics with this question After all it il
always popular with those of our members who do
not understand the fundamental stakes involved to
oppose paying increased dues These delegates
these local leaders, mere handful from Toledo
thought that they could become popular heroes by
advocating the continued financial starvation of
information union.
But the top leadership of our union did not
hesitate to take this unpopular issue before the
convention. It not only not hesitated but told the
tiOnt hat he is vOfo n
dence confidence in the leadership. The top
officers and board Misunderstanding through
President Reuther and Secretary Treasurer Macy
told the delegates that if you believe in lead
ership, vote for the dues increase and so give US
the tools with which to carry great work"
The convention, by overwhelming vote, demon
srated it's faith in this leadership by increasing the
dues as proposed by the administration.
SINCE THE MILWAUKEE convention our un-
ion has come long way. In Milwaukee we said
wanted pensions insurance and medical programs
for membership to be paid for by the employ
ers. Today, just 20 months later, a million
UAWCIO members are covered by these programs.
True these programs are not as liberal as we would
like to have then the pensions not high enough
especially in view of current runaway prices, but
it is ga good beginning, good foundation to build
on" We say out to get $500 month pen
siOnS and shall do 50. In most of plants the
medical programs are paid jointly by the workers
and the employers. Only in relatively few in
stances do find where the employer pays the
entire bill Well, before get through with that
program the employer will have to foot the bill all
the way. The employer makes every provision to
provide for his mechanical equipment. We believe
that the human machine should at least be treat
ed in similar fashion.
Another great goal set by this convention of ours
is the looming fight for the guaranteed annual
wage know that there people who think that
this is just another fantastic dream to be
realized But these people wrong. They have
no faith in membership and in the leadership
of our union. We have accomplished many "im-
possible task in the past and shall accomplish
this one. All we need is the united and steadfast
support of membership and nothing stop us.
And know that shall get just such loyal
and steadfast support from rank and file.
s COULD GO ON and on, writing about this
great union of ours, but space does not permit.
simply want to close by saving that I am truly