It’s all happening in Taylor, where local United Auto Workers (UAW) leaders from Wayne County regions gathered to back their favorite horse in the Democratic primary race. They’re turning their support over to Detroit City Councilwoman Mary Waters, favoring her over U.S. Rep. Shri Thanedar of Detroit.
Speaking up for their choice, Laura Dickerson, director of UAW Region 1A—which encompasses most of Wayne County—said, “We’re endorsing Waters because we need someone who can do the work. Our folks are expressing their disappointment with the current representation and that’s why we’re putting our weight behind Waters.”
Dickerson added, “She has a proven track record. We trust her because she’s always had our backs. Whether we were on strike or negotiating terms, she was right there with us, because she’s been a part of our union and several others.”
The UAW bosses of Region 1, the area covering eastern Wayne County, reiterated their ‘total support’ for Waters. They confirmed that their members had “voted overwhelmingly” to put their faith in her.
Waters, a stirrer of the past in the state representative role, expressed her gratitude for the endorsement and raised concerns about the current state of District 13. “I’m part of the UAW family, and my ties go all the way back to my time at Blue Cross Blue Shield,” she expressed. “They trust that I’ll fight for the rights of the people—something that’s been missing for a long time.”
Waters felt truly humbled by the clear endorsement, given recent attempts by the opposition to ‘confuse’ voters about his UAW support. Referring to the mailers sent by Thanedar’s campaign featuring him with UAW members on strike, she said, “It feels great to clear the air, as the other guy has been trying to mislead people.”
Thanedar took a diplomatic stand, saying, “I’ll always stand by labor and workers, endorsement or no endorsement. I’ve always been proud to stand with workers on the picket line, sponsor the PRO Act, introduce laws that make strike benefits tax-free, and I’m proud to tell my constituents that I’ll always be there for American workers.”
Both English and Dickerson revealed their individual preferences for Kamala Harris for President after Joe Biden stepped out of the race. While the UAW formally backed Biden, they have yet to lend official support to Harris. However, Union President Shawn Fain slammed the Republican nominee in a recent speech to members of the American Federation of Teachers.
Expressing her personal sentiments, Dickerson said, “As a Black woman and a fellow sorority sister, I fully, utterly, absolutely support Kamala Harris.”
