UAW Local 686 (Lockport, NY) Audio-Visual Material

International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America, better known as the United Automobile Workers (UAW), is an American labor union that represents workers in the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada. Originally founded as part of the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) in the 1930's. While Walter Reuther was president (1946-1970) it was very politically active. The UAW was well known for getting high wages and pensions for the auto workers, but, had trouble getting the foregin car auto plants to join. After the 1970's the membership declined, blamed in part by the increase in automation, decrease in labor and the increase in Globalization. Now the UAW represents workers in industries from autos and auto parts to health care and casino gambling, as well as higher education. The union is headquartered in Detroit, Michigan and has approximately 390,000 active members and more than 600,000 retired members, belonging to 750 local unions.