United Automobile Workers Endorse Gretchen Whitmer for Governor

Michigan’s Largest Union Unites Labor Movement behind Whitmer

DETROIT, MICHIGAN — Today, the 400,000-member strong United Automobile Workers, the union that built the middle class in Michigan and our proud tradition of good jobs and economic opportunity, announced their support for Gretchen Whitmer for Governor.

The endorsement from Michigan’s largest union brings together fifteen statewide labor organizations representing more than 860,000 workers and retirees behind Whitmer’s fight for the Michigan we deserve, to rebuild the middle class, fix our roads and create good-paying jobs.

“Each day UAW members in Michigan go to work needing a champion, like Gretchen Whitmer, in the Governor’s office that will protect their safety, protect their jobs, protect their economic security and strengthen their schools, communities and public services,” said Dennis Williams, President of the UAW. “Gretchen Whitmer is the best choice for UAW members and their families, because she understands that every UAW job, every UAW contract and every UAW product and service lifts our Michigan economy. Gretchen Whitmer will work with the UAW to unite and build a better Michigan as our next Governor.”

Whitmer is a mom, union member, former prosecutor and lawmaker who knows how to get things done.

“Michigan workers created the middle class and put the world on wheels, so it’s time they had a governor who will fix the roads and fight for working people,” said Whitmer. “The UAW paved the way for workers and their families to rise up and demand better wages, good health care, and the right to retire in dignity. I’m proud to have them in my corner because with Michigan’s workers by my side, our momentum is unstoppable. Together, we’re going to win back our state for working families, fix our roads, create good-paying jobs, and protect health care.” 

Whitmer has been on the front lines fighting for working people in Michigan. When Governor Snyder locked the people out to pass dangerous “right to work” legislation, Whitmer threw open the doors of the Capitol and led the opposition from inside her office.

As Senate Democratic Leader, Whitmer brokered the deal to expand Medicaid in Michigan, and now more than 680,000 Michiganders have coverage who didn’t before. Decades earlier, the UAW was pivotal in passing landmark Medicaid and Medicare legislation.

Because of the UAW, workers could get paid health care through their jobs for themselves and their families, for the first time. For the first time, hard work meant you could get ahead.

The United Auto Workers is the largest labor union in Michigan and represents more than 400,000 workers in auto, aircraft and agricultural implement manufacturing.

Whitmer was one of the first candidates for governor in the entire country endorsed by EMILY’s List, and they are committed to leveraging their national fundraising network to ensure that Gretchen has whatever it takes to win this race. She is also supported by the Progressive Women’s Alliance and locally by MI List.

Whitmer is also endorsed by organizations representing more than 860,000 Michigan workers, including: 

• the United Auto Workers;
• the Michigan Education Association
• the Michigan Construction and Building Trades Council;
• the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights;
• the Michigan State Utility Workers Council;
• the Michigan Pipe Trades Association;
• the Michigan Joint Council of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union;
• United Food and Commercial Workers Locals 876 and 951;
• Communications Workers of America District 4;
• Iron Workers Local 25;
• the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Joint Council #43;
• the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 1M;
• the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Michigan State Conference;
• the Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union;
• AFSCME Council 25

Whitmer is also being supported by current and former elected officials including:

• U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-MI09) of Royal Oak;
• U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee (D-MI05) of Flint Township;
• U.S. Rep. Brenda Lawrence (D-MI14) of Southfield;
• U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI12) of Dearborn
• former Michigan Governor James Blanchard;
• former Michigan Attorney General Frank J. Kelley;
• Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan;
• Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy:
• Wayne County Executive Warren Evans;
• Wayne County Sheriff Benny Napoleon;
• Lansing Mayor Andy Schor

Whitmer is also being supported by 32 members of the Michigan Legislature, including: Assistant Democratic Senate Leader Steve Bieda (Warren); Democratic Senate Floor Leader Morris Hood III (Detroit); Associate President Pro Tempore Hoon-Yung Hopgood (Taylor); Assistant Democratic Senate Caucus Chair Vincent Gregory (Lathrup Village); Senate Democratic Whip Curtis Hertel (East Lansing); Senator Rebekah Warren (Ann Arbor); Democratic House Leader Sam Singh (East Lansing);Democratic House Floor Leader Christine Greig (Farmington Hills), Assistant Democratic House Whip Erika Geiss (Taylor), Representative Fred Durhal (Detroit), Representative Sherry Gay-Dagnogo (Detroit), Representative Leslie Love (Detroit), Representative Robert Kosowski (Westland), Representative Kevin Hertel (St. Clair Shores), Representative Kristy Pagan (Canton), Representative Robert Wittenberg (Huntington Woods), Representative Patrick Green (Warren), Representative Tim Greimel (Auburn Hills), Representative Jeremy Moss (Southfield),  Representative Pam Faris (Clio), Representative Phil Phelps (Flint), Representative Tim Sneller (Burton), Representative Donna Lasinski (D-Scio Township), Representative Ronnie Peterson (Ypsilanti), Representative Jon Hoadley (Kalamazoo), Representative Tom Cochran (Mason), Representative David LaGrand (Grand Rapids), Representative Winnie Brinks (Grand Rapids), Representative Terry Sabo (Muskegon),Representative Sara Cambensy (Marquette), and Representative Scott Dianda (Calumet).