Congress and the Treasury Department handed out billions to keep banks solvent with no strings attached, even shrugging off obscene bonuses out of "respect for the sanctity of contracts."

Yet the same Treasury officials insist that help to the auto industry requires workers to tear up their contracts, give up pay and retirement security. 

The United Auto Workers union is deeply involved in the complicated restructuring negotiations with Chrysler (deal pending a vote) and General Motors, but the administration must hear from all of us that we want a plan that gives priority to workers, retirees and long-term fairness and sustainability. 

The US Auto industry is essential for our economy and a successful middle class, but it must also shift towards more ecologically friendly products and production.  The Obama Auto Task Force has insisted on a restructuring plan for Chrysler by the end of April, and for General Motors by the end of May.

Tell Obama's task force to stand up for workers and retirees. 

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

As your auto task force works through the restructuring of Chrysler and General Motors, it is imperative that we come to a plan that prioritizes the needs of workers and retirees -- the people that made the cars, but not the management decisions. Executives and shareholders made their profits and the decisions that led to the current problems.

A revitalized, economically fair and ecologically friendly auto industry must be part of the economic future of America. The good jobs negotiated in the auto and other manufacturing sectors built the middle class -- including the tens of thousands of related businesses.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
April 28, 2009