Juan Castillo on the Wrong Track

From: MM001 1/24/10

Support for Republicans
Juan has stated in one of his newsletters his admiration for Ronald Reagan. Juan has posted a video at his website of a Ronald Reagan speech extolling the virtues of the group Project Economic Justice. Don’t let the name fool you. One of the main goals of this pro-corporate front group is to lower wages by replacing wages with stock options. That’s the same as investing in one stock which does not allow for diversification. Any financial planner will tell you that “putting all your eggs in one basket” is a recipe for disaster.

The video referenced:
http://autoworkersnews.webs.com/apps/videos/videos/show/4010758-reagan-praises-walter-reuther-project-economic-justice-

Never Criticize Toyota
It’s Toyota that made the decision to shut down NUMMI. It’s Toyota that decided to stop TEMA audits when we are the plant with the lowest defects. It’s Toyota that owns ½ the shares of this privately held corporation that we call NUMMI. It’s Toyota that has $56 billion in cash as of July 2009 which they can use just a fraction of that to buy MLC’s (formerly GM) share of NUMMI, but they decided against. But instead, Juan is engaging in what amounts to union busting by attacking union finances and our dues payments and giving Toyota a free ride.

Attacking Dues Payments and Union Finances
One of the main elements of union busting tactics and right-wing attacks is to de-fund their opponents. Attacking union dues is a move to de-fund the UAW which effectively dismantles the union. Union dues is how the UAW is funded. It is a small pittance to pay for in exchange for what we are getting. We are making $30/hr because of the union contract which the bargaining committee has fought for. Keep in mind that during the last contract talks, the company was asking for some major concessions. If there is no union, you would not be getting the type of paychecks you are getting.