A Documentary Film
Nash’s Journey: From El Barrio to Union Victory
Shortly after the movie “Norma Rae” was released in 1979, a similar story was playing out in downtown Chicago in the 1980s. Ignacio “Nash” Castañeda, a Chicano from El Paso, Texas, took on a million-dollar corporation— Greyhound Bus Lines. He started working at the company in the 1960s and rose through the ranks to become one of the first Latino union presidents of the United Auto Workers, Local 2144, representing hundreds of Greyhound workers. In 1986, he championed the fight for pension justice on behalf of 19,000 employees across the country after the company tried to change the contract and keep them from withdrawing their funds. After a seven-year legal battle, they won!
Germany 1958-1963.
After high school, Nash and a few friends enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served three years of active duty in Germany and two more years in the reserves. He worked in the tank division as an engineer in the 23rd Armour Engineer Battalion, and later served as a redeployment clerk. Nash is known as a Cold War veteran. He was dishonorably discharged on Dec. 31, 1963. He says the military served him well, training him to be an independent thinker and team leader. This training was later reflected in his union activity.
Unions in Chicago historically lent financial support to political candidates, especially in the 1980s. The United Auto Workers were no exception. With Nash Castaneda's support, members of UAW 2144 marched in solidarity, attended rallies, worked in phone banks, and eventually helped four Latino Aldermen get elected to office in the city of Chicago. They also helped other candidates of color get elected to office throughout the Midwest region.
Political Power
UNION VICTORY
The legal battle reached a historic climax when Nash and UAW Local 2144 successfully held Greyhound accountable. Despite the corporation's attempt to dissolve and vanish with the retirement savings of thousands, the union’s relentless litigation forced a total recovery of the stolen funds. This triumphant victory restored financial security to the workers, proving that organized labor can defeat corporate giants. A landmark win for justice and the American worker!
Help Fund the Documentary
You can contact Laura and Ninette Sosa about this worthy project via email, or make a contribution at the project’s Zeffy page.