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Our Economy is Broken. The UAW is Showing Us How to Fix It

Richard Trumka
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A decade ago, General Motors was on the verge of collapse. Facing down an earth-shattering financial crisis, tens of thousands of UAW members agreed to help save an American icon — and the economy along with it.

Autoworkers took on personal financial sacrifices, conceding contract victories that had taken years to secure. Working harder and longer for less, they ultimately carried GM out of bankruptcy and into a period of record-breaking profits.

Over the past three years, GM has pocketed $35 billion in North America alone, allowing CEO Mary Barra to claim her seat as the world’s highest-paid auto executive. After years of sacrifice, GM workers were ready to claim their share of that success.

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