Remarks of Dan Maloney, President, UAW Local 1097 on Workers Memorial Day 2009

(Rochester & Genesee Valley Area Labor Federation)

Good afternoon, I’m Dan Maloney – President of UAW Local 1097.  Thank you for coming here today to our Workers Memorial Ceremony to honor those killed or injured on the job. 

Ever since the “Regan Revolution” of the early 80’s we’ve witnessed the growing influence of corporations into Government at all levels.

These corporations don’t care about the health and safety of workers – they only care about making a profit at all costs.

Do you remember the movie “Wall Street?”  The character played by Michael Douglas said, “Greed is Good!”

That is all that these corporate types care about – lining their own pockets.

They have No Patriotism!  If moving a factory from America to a third world country creates a bigger profit – do it!

Corporations don’t worry about the devastating economic impact “off shoring jobs” has on America – they don’t worry about the loss of tax base that pays for our military, schools, police, firefighters, etc. The loss of manufacturing base and the ability to build the latest tanks, planes, and weapon systems that keep our nation secure.  Just make more money! 

Corporations don’t care about health and safety standards. Regulations are a cost of doing business – buy a politician or two and you can deregulate! 

Corporations have no morals or ethics.  If 9, 10, 11 year old children are forced to work in inhumane conditions in a third world nation, acting as a supplier to American Corporations; as long as you don’t get caught – go for it!  More profits!

How did political conservatives pair up with Christian Conservatives?  I know politics makes strange bedfellows, but that is a marriage made in Hell.

It’s been a long time since I went to Sunday school but my pastor said, “Greed is a sin” (I believe he read it out of the Bible).

It seems sometimes the only force fighting back against the immoral corruption of our Government by greedy corporations is the strength of our Unions. So remember, by helping to pass the Employee Free Choice Act we are really fighting for a stronger, safer, more economically viable America.

I am proud to be a Patriot and Union member – help build a stronger America by building stronger Unions. Please call your representatives in Congress and urge them to do the right thing and make America safer.  Pass the Employee Free Choice Act.