President UAW local 887

Joe Padilla 

June 4, 2020

Brothers and Sisters,

Covid-19 has impacted and changed our lives. I pray you and your families continue to be safe during these trying times. I thank the in-plant representatives for their due diligence in your facilities, Boeing and Rocketdyne. They continue to make sure the companies provide safe places for you to work. We want you to come to work and go home to your families as you arrived, safely and in good health.

I want to discuss the tragic murder of George Floyd and others at the hands of police officers. When is it ok for a citizen of the United States to be murdered by the police who have been sworn to protect and serve?  Why is ok to racial profile people of color? Our justice system must work for all of us, not just the rich and powerful. We must hold all the officers involved accountable for their actions and inactions. We must not accept this as the norm. We must push for changes in our justice system and in our communities. Just as the UAW International has removed bad actors in our leadership and has placed checks and balances and reforms, police must do the same. Not all officers are the problem. We must make sure training is provided to officers and mutual respect is given.

I agree with the peaceful protests and love seeing diversity and youth in the crowds. I truly hope the dialogue continues and we listen, really hear and fix the issues.  We can no longer remain silent as these injustices continue. Please don’t let the small group of opportunist and antagonist looters hijack the true message that is being displayed from coast to coast. Black Lives Matter, I for one can’t image how hard it is to be a black person in America. Having to look over your shoulder and being judged by the color of your skin. Having a preconceived stereo type placed upon you. Having a fear your child may encounter prejudice or may end up injured or as a # hashtag, I have taken a hard look at myself and realized, I have not been listening as closely as I should have. I must not sit on the sideline and be complacent. We all can no longer be sitting on the sidelines and let others fight these injustices.

We all need to be more involved in our local politics. We must vote and let our voices be heard. Every election is important, Local, State and Federal Elections impact our lives and we should not get complacent. Every election is important. People have died for the right to vote. As a UAW Union member under our UAW Constitution it is a requirement you vote. I would like to see some of our members run for local and state offices. Who better to represent working families other than a Union member.

In Solidarity

Joe Padilla

Joe Padilla, President

UAW Local 887