UAW International Executive Board Will Make No Recommendation In Democratic Presidential Primaries

DETROIT, Nov. 7, 2003 -- The UAW International Executive Board, meeting in St. Louis yesterday, has taken the position of "no recommendation" in the Democratic presidential primaries. The "no recommendation" position frees up the UAW's 11 regions to work through their respective Community Action Program (CAP) structures to endorse the candidate of their choice, or not endorse.

"UAW members -- and all of America's working families -- urgently need a strong alternative to the failed policies of the Bush-Cheney administration," said UAW President Ron Gettelfinger.

"Fortunately, a number of Democratic presidential candidates offer thoughtful, progressive approaches on health care, fair trade, workers' rights, education and other issues of vital concern to working families," Gettelfinger continued. "There is a healthy diversity of opinion among UAW members as to which Democratic candidate can mount the strongest challenge to George W. Bush. We will encourage our members and their families to fully participate in the caucuses and primaries by working with their regional director and through their regional CAP Council to support the candidate of their choice."