For Release: Wednesday, December 19, 2007

UAW International Executive Board has taken a position of "no endorsement" at this time in the upcoming presidential primaries.

Detroit - The UAW International Executive Board has taken a position of "no endorsement" at this time in the upcoming presidential primaries.

"UAW members are vitally concerned about the future direction of our country," UAW President Ron Gettelfinger said. "We encourage our active and retired members to participate as individuals in caucuses and primaries."

"We'll have a number of candidates to choose from -- especially on the Democratic side -- who are listening and responding to the concerns of working Americans. We've heard a number of thoughtful and important proposals which would advance workers' rights, address America's health care crisis, promote U.S. manufacturing jobs and reverse our failed trade policies," said Gettelfinger.

"There's a healthy diversity of opinion among UAW members as to which candidate can most effectively challenge the special interests who want to capture our government on behalf of the wealthy and the privileged," said Gettelfinger. "UAW members will be actively involved in efforts to elect a president and members of Congress who will address the critical needs of working people."

As a result of the "no endorsement" position taken by the International Executive Board, UAW local unions, retiree chapters, Community Action Program (CAP) councils and other bodies will not be endorsing presidential candidates at this time.