Who’s interests are union officials representing?

Whose interests are union officials representing?  I previously posted some remarks by former Service Employees International Union president Andy Stern.  Here’s UAW President Bob King to auto industry leaders:

“The UAW of the 21st century must be fundamentally and radically different from the UAW of the 20th century.”

“The UAW’s attitude towards business is one of respect for the challenges they face.  We respect not only the employers with whom we have relationships, but we also have enormous respect for the transnational companies who have built factories in the United States. We welcome you as partners and colleagues in the industry. We appreciate the fact that you are providing good jobs here. We admire many of your good policies and practices, including the focus on continuous improvement, quality and productivity.”

“We must engage constructively and creatively with the realities of globalization.”

“The best way to deliver shareholder value, is to partner with the UAW on quality, productivity, attendance, employee morale, and the overall goal of providing the best product at the best price to the customer. In today’s extremely intense competitive global marketplace, I guarantee that employers with UAW partnerships are going to outperform non-union employers in every key measurable!”

How does this play out in the real world?

UAW members again defied Detroit union chiefs who had negotiated wage cuts and expected the 650 Indianapolis autoworkers to vote today on a new contract with a potential buyer.

Instead, Local 23 officials opposed the head office, known as the UAW International, and refused Sunday to schedule a vote on the new measure. It would lower the base wage to $15.50 per hour from the current $29 per hour for production workers.

“We pay the International to represent us, not commit fraud and work against us,” said Gregory Clark, Local 23 bargaining chairman.