Labor Organizer Jane McAlevey on UAW's Astounding Victory in VW Tennessee & Her Fight Against Cancer

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Democracy Now! speaks with the celebrated labor organizer and writer Jane McAlevey about the historic victory for Volkswagen employees at a Chattanooga, Tennessee, factory who voted overwhelmingly to join the United Auto Workers union. The plant will become the first foreign-owned car factory in the South to unionize. "This win wasn't just a win - it was what we would call a beatdown," says McAlevey, who says the UAW's recent success is a result of direct democracy and smart, strategic organizing that could lead to the unionizing of Mercedes workers in Alabama. "It'll be a massive change in the U.S. South." We also speak with McAlevey about her terminal cancer diagnosis and why she's "going to fight until the last dying minute, because that's what American workers deserve."
Fifty-six years ago today, hundreds of students at Columbia University in New York started a revolt on campus, occupying school buildings and disrupting class to protest the school's ties to the Vietnam War and racism in New York. Democracy Now! co-host Juan González, who participated in the 1968 protests when hundreds of students were injured by police and arrested, speaks about the rebellion and how it compares to Columbia's crackdown on pro-Palestinian protesters occupying campus today. "What really strikes me about this response is the total flouting of any kind of democratic process by the current administration compared to what happened in 1968," says González. "These students are protesting a genocide that is occurring before the eyes of the entire world and that is being funded by U.S. arms. And if anyone has the right to rebel and to stand up against injustice, these students do."
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[@jimnickola7196]

God, bless you, Jane McAlevey. Thank you for all you do.

[@bobbydennis8333]

There is no God.

[@zombiehampster1397]

My heart goes out to Mrs. McAlevey. Her tenacity is incredible. Happy for what's going on with the UAW, the whole thing is just inspiring.

[@pamdemonia]

As a female union worker (IBEW) with a recent cancer diagnosis, although not as dire as Ms. McAlevey's, my heart goes out to her two fold! She's such a lion, and we need more of them in this country! I'll be holding her in the light for us all.

[@picassofriend3289]

Inspired, I am by Jane McAlelevey ❤sending you Love Light and Positive Vibrations. Thank you Amy and Juan and everyone @ DemocracyNOW🔥❤️✊🏾

[@TomT-bo1yr]

Wonderful woman! Many blessings for your hard work for the common man 💗

[@AdrickElven]

Her perspective on the mission of labor progress is crystal clear. Her resolve is unshakeable. She embodies the spirit of the labor movement. Never looking back and never resting. God bless you Jane and thank you for your amazing life of impactful work

[@naejannol]

jane mcalevey is a force of intensity and bigheartedness. even in the darkest times she's standing up for us all. thank you jane. you are loved.

[@DLFfitness1]

What a brave lady. Setting the example in so many areas of life.

[@MrTwenty20video]

🙏 Jane ❤ Thank you for your work.

[@deadmanprodinc]

It is clear Ms. McAlevey has deep rooted convictions and is a very persistent woman and what an honorable way to spend your working life, thank you from a 51 year member of the Teamsters Union. Yourself and Mr. Fein have given the union movement a long awaited and much needed lift in North America, all while the world is watching. Very sad news about your health.....bless you. Much love and peace from Canada.

[@celestialtreetarot4260]

Jane McAlevey is a miracle. So glad she got out of hospice. I hope she makes a breakthrough with her health

[@kevinwilliams1768]

excellent interview . Blessing to Jane Mc Alevey

[@mocitydon9325]

Thank you so much for your work and commitment Jane McAlevey. A true hero 🥹

[@cyclonasaurusrex1525]

So fucking proud of the workers!!!

[@user-el3bw8ck2i]

A prayer for Jane Mc Alevey, may you live many more years ! ❤

[@Adamhowell1985]

Wow amazing thank you so much ❤

[@flyingsquirrel111]

Omg I had no idea Jane has cancer! What a strong and inspiring force for good. I hope her last years are full of love.

[@janapender4989]

Thank you Jane and Amy❤

[@brandonmec32]

She’s wonderful

[@ZoaZoaZoa343]

Oh. THIS WOMAN.❤❤❤❤❤You FIGHT if you want.❤❤

[@cowsandpigsmaketheearthwar1471]

PRAYERS AND LOVE FOR JANE GOD SHOULD HAVE BLESSED YOU WITH HEALTH

[@stuartreed37]

Sending Jane so much love. Thank you for your work. Love and peace.

[@totonow6955]

I love you Jane.

[@LucilleGrandchamp]

Solidarity forever ❤

[@deathlytree434]

Thank you for doing what youve done and what you continue to do 🦇

[@NoThatRyan]

Auto workers in Greensboro, Nc, near me are expected to strike if they can't reach a fair xontract soon. Glad to see the working class in the South finally come around to the concept of collective bargaining.

[@cwkronenberg9838]

Saludos Jane McAlevey !! & Thnx to Amy for covering this historic development.

[@pensivelyrebelling]

I’m so sorry to hear Jane has multiple myeloma. I lost my mother-in-law to MM 8 years ago. I hope she gets to live without pain and doing the things she loves. She’s done amazing work to make the world better.

[@user-zl9sh9mz6h]

Workers MUST own and control the means of production. Wage slavery IS slavery.

[@Praisethesunson]

She has given her life to the class struggle on behalf of the workers of the world. McAlevey is a true hero to the working class.

[@tonymaiullo2674]

Bring It On 🎉Juan Gonzalez ❤

[@whoscares]

I was thinking before I heard her diagnosis “She seems amazing” now I see even more she is a beautiful soul that is authentically her with a heart of gold.

[@IKE5021]

Not to be disrespectful, but Jane is a badass! She's an inspiration

[@RelaxedSun.]

What a women so inspiring, even at deaths door she fights for the things she'll never experience herself. Modern American hero!!!

[@trishthompson1533]

Jane! ❤❤❤

[@DaMaLoJo]

"I'm going to fight until the last dying minute because that's what American workers deserve." Chills. I can't fathom her strength and dedication. She's a true hero.

[@cyberpunkalphamale]

One of my heroes.

[@molochfrolics8443]

Omg do a part 3 also❤❤❤

[@chrissharrard4200]

Standin' on a corner Suitcase in my hand Jack's in his corset, Jane is in her vest And me I'm in a rock 'n' roll band. Huh. Riding a Stutz Bearcat, Jim Ya know, those were different times All the poets studied rules of verse And those ladies they rolled their eyes Sweet Jane Sweet Jane Sweet Jane Now Jack, he is a banker And Jane, she's a clerk And both of them save their monies When they get home from work Sittin down by the fire Ooo, the radio does play The classical music there, Jim The March of the Wooden Soldiers *All you protest kids* You can hear Jack say Sweet Jane Sweet Jane Sweet Jane Some people, they like to go out dancing And other peoples, they have to work, just watch me now And there's even some evil mothers Well they're gonna tell you that everything is just dirt You know that, women, never really faint And that villains always blink their eyes, woo And that, you know, children are the only ones who blush And that, life is just to die And, everyone who ever had a heart They wouldn't turn around and break it And anyone who ever played a part Oh wouldn't turn around and hate it Sweet Jane Sweet Jane Sweet Jane Heavenly wine and roses Seems to whisper to her when he smiles Heavenly wine and roses Seems to whisper to her when she smiles La lala lala la, la lala lala la Sweet Jane Sweet Jane Sweet Jane

[@yourturn777]

🎉👊🏼✊🏼

[@TMash-de9po]

Amy's jacket. Huge crush.

[@MrPhotodoc]

The vote wasn't necessarily against the company as much as it was against the Governor and the media. Now they need to get rid of the corrupt officials who run their state. Vote Blue!

[@stuartreed37]

Dems hate labor, they're our enemies too, both corrupt wings of the Oligarchs duopoly party. We need a labor party but in the meantime the only pro worker party in the US is the Greens.

[@brocklanders6969]

Blue = filthy corrupt officials.

[@aniseswallowtailbutterfly882]

❤❤❤❤

[@philbarone4603]

For what it’s worth, my father-in-law worked for GM for a few decades in Dayton, Ohio and all the factories closed down there. He blamed the unions. That’s part one of my post. The second part is a question. Why should a person with just a high school diploma or less make more than someone with with a college ? If the unions are raising the factories prices so high that they have to leave the US then what’s the point? Admittedly Ignorant in NY, Phil

[@troy3423]

They don't have to leave the US, they choose to. Why shouldn't peoples wages keep up with inflation? That will never happen without a union. With corporate profits at record highs, why can't companies pay their employees more, degree or otherwise?

[@philbarone4603]

@@troy3423 i understand they choose to buy why do they? And yes, it sickens me to see CEOs getting gigantic bonuses and salaries but if paying folks more money causing the factories to leave? Not to mention that folks with college degrees have huge student loan debt and no, I don’t think someone without advanced education should make $50 an hour.

[@brocklanders6969]

No Phil, you speak from knowledge and experience. Unions are company killers.

[@dannydenison6253]

❤

[@margethatcher7042]

Here in Peoria the shopping centers are built on empty UAW halls.

[@DougGrinbergs]

4:43 has media been ignoring the fact that foreign manufacturers' U.S. plants their only non-union factories in the world? 8:59 cancer, hospice

[@ulehlud9027]

Great news. The world has treated the American South like a third world country for long enough. The U.S. car makers send their factories to Mexico. European and Japan send their factories to the American South. It's good jobs for people who need them. Now, it will hopefully be better jobs for people who need them.

[@Christian-ip3vz]

❤❤❤

[@rosee.2431]

✊️🇺🇸

[@brocklanders6969]

The UAW was only able to do these via card-check, not proper private voting. I'm sure there was no pressure applied to the employee during the process...lol.

[@nurlindafsihotang49]

Minimum wage evaluation and adjustment YEARLY. Gooddangit, even paid sick leave, we have it in poor 3rd world country!!!!! The hell USAn worker dont have THAT!?

[@emiliobello2538]

Can you discuss We Grown Now?

[@PauloAdriano-zo2ng]

Please explain. 🤔

[@emiliobello2538]

@@PauloAdriano-zo2ng the movie about black kids. That’s what I mean

[@PauloAdriano-zo2ng]

@@emiliobello2538 Thanks and how does this movie relate to auto-workers in the Southern U.S.? 🤔

[@ggttuuxx]

It is good that the workers have organized and have coordination to negotiate. But some organizers promote and rely on an unhealthy level of animosity against the employers. That would end up destroying everyone's future. Please please use a professional, coordination tone, and dispense with any unconstructive animosity.

[@menudobucket9837]

When companies in other countries are cutting costs by moving their operations to America, it speaks to what low wages are being paid in America. This latest win for unions is good news, but shouldn’t make the labor force complacent about the efforts management will assuredly be considering to roll back the progress this news represents.

[@cowsandpigsmaketheearthwar1471]

If my industry was unionized, I would be retired with a pension Instead, I have no pension no savings and I can work until I drop dead

[@paulwellman1030]

Would like to hear Jane tell why Biden hates train unions and appears to be OK with Auto Unions. Strange fellow.

[@AHMADSAEED-rx5bp]

Free Jammu and Kashmir Insha Allah Jammu and Kashmir Issue exists on the UNO charter today also

[@MichaelSharpBLACKDRUMMIKE]

UNIONIZE WALMART!

[@user-ez1lq2hn9v]

الو

[@cowsandpigsmaketheearthwar1471]

Medicare for all End rapacious health insurance companies Government laboratories should produce our medication Those companies are rapacious as well Medicine and medication should not be for profit

[@TEBOHOVICTOR-lp8ml]

H😮🎉

[@user-qt6wp1ur5f]

Great, as if cars are not expensive enough already.

[@allshour436]

With vw too expensive to make in Germany. And better china ev vehicles waiting to be imported. This is a little late

[@NoThatRyan]

Better by what standard? Making some claims there without supporting them with evidence, chief. Also, there are still 19 active Volkswagon Group factories in Germany.

[@1611_KJV]

Rom 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Rom 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; Psalms 9:17 The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God. Acts 8:37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Rom 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. Corinthians 15:3-4 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. ' ' ' ... ... ... ..

[@tanyalake9152]

51 comments on this video but, over 200 comments on previous/recent "dn" videos.

[@tanyalake9152]

"This presentation *focuses on* the *myriad ways* in which the *powers-that-be* in the *United States have been systematically dumbing down Americans* as a society *for a very long time - all by meticulously calculated design."* - *ARTICLE* - *"The Dumbing Down of America - By Design".*

[@tanyalake9152]

*"Add* the *outright lies spewing forth nonstop from* the *government* and *mainstream media* as *state sponsored propaganda* and *mind control* and the *oligarchs have absolute control over* a *deluded, impotent* and *hopelessly oblivious population. With* the *homogenizing effects* of *mass media* these days *possessing* a *global outreach* that is *unprecedented* in *recorded human history* and *people on this planet fast become programmed sheeple* and *unthinking automatons under complete power* and *control of* the *oligarchs.* - *"The Dumbing Down of America - By Design".*

[@user-vx8fx1yw1d]

This is terrible news for the consumer once again. Higher car prices for louzy automobiles. Do not buy new cars ever! I'm not paying higher prices because they want higher wages, let the auto workers buy the cars.

[@adbenkunkus]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@bobbydennis8333]

Updated: 🗞️📰 “Been that way for 30 years.” - U.S. Justice Department on the lack of Human Rights in Oklahoma County Jail, 2020 “Makes me feel human again after this place.” - Oklahoma City Art Museum review after life in the local shelters (20+ years in the making), 2024 “It is said that no one truly knows a nation until one has been inside its jails. A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but its lowest ones.” - Nelson Mandela 🥂🥂