Aron's Car Story

When was the last time you bought a new car? [Editorial Commentary by Aron Reina, Lead Field Organizer]:

Working for the Area Labor Federation has been a wonderful privilege - one which I hope to continue for some time to come. Though it's only been a handful of months since I started, I've had the opportunity to meet a great many people, including friends from the United Auto Workers (UAW Local 1097). As they've explained it to me, though my former car was made in Canada, and purchased locally, approximately 15 jobs in the US were continued through my purchase. That didn't sound horrible until Eric Martin (UAW 1097 Vice President) explained that had I purchased a car from the UAW list that number would be closer to 100 jobs!

Through many jokes, odd looks and explanations that I "didn't have a car payment", my friends came to know me, and my Canadian born Toyota Corolla. Much to their enjoyment, a wiring problem manifested outside the Carpenters Local 85 Hall, only to re-appear directly in front of the New York State United Teachers building only an hour later....as my good friends from the Rochester Labor Council (UAW 1097 President, Dan Maloney included) appeared for our monthly executive committee meeting. [The picture of my Corolla on the tow truck is courtesy of gleeful Tim Barbeto, Teamsters 118]

Within days I made a trip to Hoselton Chrysler/Jeep to "look around". Sales Consultant, Jake Vallee, was more than happy to help - and did exactly that! Within hours, Jake and I had test driven, reviewed safety features, tested the speaker system (loudly!), and identified the features that mattered to me as a consumer. When leaving my deposit on a new Jeep Compass (to be picked up only two days later), Jake mentioned his wife was expecting. As fate would have it, she delivered an hour before my scheduled pickup time (Congrats, Jake!). Stepping in to help, Gina Perticone and Mike Lynn were courteous and knowledgeable. I now have a wonderful new SUV (30mpg), a great sales staff to speak with when I need them, and the knowledge that my most recent purchase had a greater impact on my community than my last.

To my union friends, my Jeep Compass is amazing. And, according to Dan Maloney, my gearbox was made in Syracuse! To my non-union friends, know what you're buying. It could be the difference between 15 families....or 100.

[Originally published in The Mobilizer, April 13, 2007]