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The United Auto Workers Union (UWA) was founded in 1935. Francis Dillion was appointed president of this union, and Homer Martin as Vice President. This union was formed of members that work in industries including autos and auto parts, and health care. In 1936, the union held its first conference in South Bend, Indiana.
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When the 1940s came, so did World War II. During this time period, the UAW designed aircrafts to help the military in their battle. Also, the UAW pushed for equal pay in reward for equal work, since most women had their own jobs to attend to while the men set out to war.
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During the 1950s, average wages in the auto industry doubled to almost $6,000 a year. The UAW organized in other sectors, such as agricultural manufacturing during this time frame. Walter Reuther, the current president of the UAW at this time, had a goal to provide a better life for workers and communities. He also turned to negotiating benefits such as health care and pensions from employers with hopes that the auto industry would support more government-funded social benefits.
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The 60s were the decade of civil rights, and the UAW had a prominent role in it. They did many things to support this era, such as sending money to bail the Freedom Riders out of jail, giving Martin Luther King Jr. office space in the union's headquarters, and making financial contributions to the 1963 freedom rights march in Washington, D.C., where Reuther was one of six speakers there.
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When the civil rights era ended, there was still a lot to be done in the auto industry. In 1970, Reuther wanted to build an education center for workers to learn about present day issues, and how they could build a better world. Unfortunately though, he died in an airplane crash that same year. However, the UAW continued to push forward, and by the end of the 70s, they had reached 1.5 million members.
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The 80s was a time where modern technology was starting to take shape. However, it also brought union busts. In 1981, the UAW and Chrysler were forced to reopen a contract to avoid bankruptcy. In total, Chrysler workers gave up over $1 billion in wages.
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In the 2000s, the world faced an event known as the auto crisis. Reliance on large trucks and SUVs made smaller vehicles vulnerable when gas prices spiked.