David Bonior, a former Michigan congressman and Wayne State University labor professor, commented about the challenges faced by the United Auto Workers (UAW) and Alan Reuther, nephew of the late Walter Reuther, founder and former president of the modern-day UAW. Alan serves as the union's legislative director in Washington. Bonior refers to him as \"the dean of lobbyists who advocate on behalf of working people.\" \"He\'s very strategic in his thinking,\" Bonior said. \"He approaches you on the issues based on facts and rational arguments as opposed to politics.\" In Washington, the UAW is calling for assistance to stem the decline of manufacturing jobs and has sought to relieve health care costs.