Ever Been to Onaway, Michigan?

Ever been to Onaway, Michigan? Don't feel bad neither have 95% of the UAW members. Onaway, Michigan is in the Northern tip of Michigan, a stone's throw (across Lake Huron) from Canada.

What's in Onaway you ask?

Why the $33 million dollar lakeside Walter and May Reuther Family Education Center and Black Lake Golf Club that the UAW owns on behalf of its members. Surely, you've vacationed there! Or at least went to a UAW convention there or maybe a Local meeting? No? Huh, that's strange. I just figured since it had lost (and is still losing) an estimated $23 million over the past five years, that perhaps you had visited there or played a round or two of golf. I hear the $6.4 million dollar, award-winning course has only $2 locker rental for UAW members (the public pays $5). See the advantages you are missing?

"The Family Education Center was the dream of former UAW President Walter P. Reuther who built it as a retreat for workers and their families that would give them a deeper understanding of the UAW and the union movement away from the routine of their daily lives." (from blacklakegolf.com)

Try this for a deeper understanding, the UAW says that it covers the cost from the interest it earns on its strike fund but the reality is that with the $23 million in losses they had to make heavy loans to keep the retreat afloat. So don't go on strike until at least 2015...

"It's their member's money that they're spending on this thing," said Justin Wilson, managing director of the Center for Union Facts. Other critics call it a resort for union leaders that wastes money from union dues.

The UAW says it sends workers there to "learn, experience unionism and commit to labor's cause," according to their website.

In fact, the UAW website says: "Youngsters ages 12-15 will enjoy union involvement workshops, golf, swimming and gym games." But you had better hurry, because the UAW is about to unload the entire thing--It's For Sale.

"UAW officials say the recession and shrinking membership are behind the expected sale of it lakeside retreat in Northern Michigan." (from wilx.com AP report)

So expect a refund on your hard-earned dues money any day now and use it to enroll your "youngsters" in summer camp somewhere else. Be sure to ask the camp director about the "union involvement" workshops across from Archery and Basketweaving...