The United Auto Workers Union Endorses Obama

[Hope And Change]

For Release: Monday, August 18, 2008

Statement of UAW President Ron Gettelfinger, Re: Obama, McCain and the U.S. auto industry

DETROIT -- UAW President Ron Gettelfinger released the following statement today regarding the policies of
Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. John McCain towards the U.S. auto industry:

"When it comes to supporting the U.S. auto industry and the U.S. manufacturing sector, the choice in this election could not be clearer.

"Sen. Barack Obama is taking action to support American workers and American companies. As a senator, he is supporting our effort to fund the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Incentive Program (ATVMIP), which will help automakers build the cars of the future here in the United States. And as president, Obama has pledged $4 billion in investment and low-interest credit for America's auto companies to help them re-tool facilities to build the next generation of fuel-efficient vehicles in the U.S.

"Sen. John McCain, judging by his campaign statements while in Michigan, is content to rely on the failed policies of President Bush, which have resulted in the loss of millions of good-paying manufacturing jobs. In a newspaper article published today, McCain claims he will open overseas markets to U.S. goods -- but he has supported all of the flawed trade agreements negotiated by President Bush, which have led to the largest trade deficits in U.S. history.

"First, McCain said NAFTA was a good idea; then he said jobs are not coming back to Michigan. And now he has slammed the door on any real support for the domestic auto industry. Senator McCain is offering 'prizes,' which will not bring any jobs or production to Michigan or anywhere else, while Senator Obama is offering real solutions.

"Our industry is adapting and focused on building advanced technology vehicles that will free us from our dependence on foreign oil while creating good-paying American jobs. Barack Obama is committed to making these changes happen; John McCain has nothing to offer but more of the same -- which means more lost jobs."


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