I retired from a supplier and was a member of the UAW. We were making peanuts compared to what the Big 3 are making. Probably about 50% or less of what they were making when benefits are taken into consideration. We were making those wages so parts could be sold to the Big 3 at a cheaper price and therefore the Big 3 could pay their workers more. The UAW wants to showcase what the Big 3 make and don't give a squat about what the suppliers make. The only thing that the UAW did for us is to hold us down. We were making more in 2007 than what the same workers at the same plant are making today. We had to take a huge cut in pay and benefits just to keep our job.
Check into the FBI investigation that is going on now about the UAW leaders. The UAW is corrupt to the core and I'm sure that most others are too. There was proven corruption from our local leaders but nothing was ever done about it.