We the undersigned retired members who are in good standing in our great UAW stand in full support of the The Ray Curry Solidarity Team. Ray leads a diverse Team that is representative of our UAW. The Curry Solidarity Team understands Auto, Aerospace, Ag Imp, Heavy Truck, IPS, TOP, Higher Education, Gaming and every other sector within our Union. This is a Team that is working for all of us every day and will continue to do so after the election.

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Much has been said about retirees in the discussions around the upcoming election. As retirees we understand these comments more than anyone. Our years equate to experience and that gives our group a unique perspective on many of the issues being discussed.

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We support the ruling that retirees are ineligible to run for International Executive Board positions. That has been a long-standing position of our Union and was recently upheld by the Court. Granted, retirees are a valuable support system for our Locals and the International Union. However, we are not a part of the bargaining unit and that removes us from participating and understanding the day-to-day issues faced by active members.

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We understand the legal limitations on what can be accomplished at the bargaining table for non-active members. We know Ray Curry and his Team will do everything in their power in regards to protecting and building upon our pensions.

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We are also aware that members of the Curry Team are experienced when it comes to representing our interest on the VEBA’s that were created during the downturns in various industries to protect our health care. Ray Curry currently leads the UAW Trustees on the Auto VEBA’s and appoints UAW Trustees to the other VEBA’s when vacancies occur. We know the critical role that the UAW Trustees play in insuring that our VEBA benefits will be secure. This is of the utmost importance to us and we have continued confidence in The Curry Solidarity Team to be there for us.

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Retirees understand the role Social Security and Medicare play in our financial security. We have witnessed, and we know, The Curry Solidarity Team has the experience and connections in Washington to secure and enhance those benefits.

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We join with The Curry Solidarity Team in establishing the goal to abolish tiers and grow job security for our active members. We understand the importance of solidarity through equitable compensation. After all, many of us have relatives still working across various employer sectors represented by our Union. We know Ray Curry, after being in Office since July 1, 2021, and members of his Team have already been successful in making progress during negotiations in this area.
 

Lastly, it is important that we have leaders who will represent us with honesty, integrity and experience. That is exactly what we are getting with the entire Curry Solidarity Team. They have conducted themselves with transparency and integrity throughout their campaign. Wild accusations, outlandish promises and ridiculous graphics by some of their opposition only demean the name of the UAW and further tarnishes our reputation in the eyes of our communities. We have already suffered embarrassment at the hands of the guilty who were prosecuted. Ray Curry’s Team understands their responsibility and they are committed to carrying the UAW name forward every day with dignity and honor.

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It is for these reasons the UAW Retirees support and stand with the entire Curry Solidarity Team. We encourage you to support Ray’s Team too. Thank you!

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In Solidarity!