The Washington Post had an op-ed today by Harold Meyerson chronicling the UAW's tremendous influence on the liberal movement in America.  For those unfamiliar with the union, it called for smaller more efficient cars long ago.  In 1949.  

The union also funded Dr. King's 1963 March on Washington and the Students for a Democratic Society. It helped fund nascent movements like the National Organization for Women and Earth Day.

Full article here [1].