The Community Action Program of the UAW (CAP) is the union’s non-partisan political arm. It is a department of the International Union.

It isn’t a political party and it isn’t tied to a political party. It endorses candidates, on the basis of their records and their stance on issues that affect working Americans. Over the years, CAP Councils have endorsed Democrats, Republicans and Independents.

Local and regional political endorsements are made by the UAW’s 160 CAP Councils or by other union bodies acting upon CAP Council recommendations. CAP Councils are made up of rank-and-file union members and retirees.

The UAW’s International Executive Board makes the union’s endorsement for president and vice-president following a secret ballot recommendation from each of the nation’s UAW locals.

There is a CAP Council working on political issues and candidate research at every level of the UAW and for every level of government in every area of the country where UAW members and retirees work and live.

Why Is Labor Involved in Politics?
Political attacks on labor unions are nothing new. Every time the U.S. Congress or a state legislature opens a new session, a flood of bills intended to restrict the rights and protections of working Americans, and their labor unions is introduced. Often the source of the proposed legislation is industrial, and business organizations interested in undermining unions and workers’ pay and benefits.

When working men and women help elect friendly candidates, passage of these anti-worker bills is less likely.

Workers have learned through bitter experience that there is a powerful link between the bread box and the ballot box. Gains won at the bargaining table and through sacrifice on the picket line can be wiped out by the hostile actions of political leaders, state legislatures and Congress.

UAW-CAP meetings are held at UAW Local 2000 union hall, 3151 Abbe Road, Sheffield Village, Ohio 44054 on the first Thursday of each month at 5:30 PM. Come out and see what we do!

If you are interested in donating to UAW-CAP,  please print and complete the form below and take to your HR department at your workplace to let them know you’d like to begin deductions. Thanks for your interest.