This week the House and Senate are expected to take up legislation to make emergency bridge loans available to the domestic auto companies.

Without this emergency assistance, GM and Chrysler could run out of cash and be forced to cease operations in the very near future. This would trigger the collapse of suppliers, which in turn would bring down Ford.  

This would result in catastrophic consequences for UAW active and retired members and for the entire nation. Three million workers would lose their jobs and a million retirees would face losses in their pension and health care benefits. Thousands of other businesses would go out of business. Revenues to federal, state and local governments would drop sharply and the entire nation would be dragged into a longer, deeper recession.

Congress can avoid these dire consequences. It can also ensure that the companies are on a path to restructure their operations so they can build advanced, more fuel-efficient vehicles and be viable in the future.

The UAW and our allies are mounting an all-out campaign to urge Congress to act this week to pass this legislation. We need to generate grass-roots pressure on Representatives and Senators right away. Call them, toll free, by dialing (877) 331-1223.

Or, use the sample letter below to e-mail them. 

We encourage you to edit the e-mail to express your own concerns about your job security, retirement benefits, and the impact on your community.  Personal messages are more effective in reaching out to your elected representatives.