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Member Delegates Represent Region 9A at 39th UAW Constitutional Convention

UAW Region 9A
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This week, nearly a thousand delegates from every region of the UAW came together in Detroit for our union’s 39th Constitutional Convention. At this convention, member delegates from each local union have the opportunity to amend our Constitution, pass resolutions, and nominate candidates to run for officer positions on the International Executive Board.

This week, our delegates voted on a number of important issues, including the decision to maintain our dues at the current rate (2.5 hours per month) in order to build a historic $1.3 billion strike fund. Delegates also voted to increase strike pay to $550 per week and invest $100 million in new organizing.

Other highlights from convention include:

  • Expanding the definition of retiree status to ensure that our retired members are eligible to vote in UAW elections.
  • Establishing the Local Union Communication Association (LUCA) and Health & Safety as standing committees in the Constitution.
  • Divesting UAW funds from Israeli bonds, following in the footsteps of the UAW's historic divestment from South African bonds in 1978.
  • Ensuring that the UAW Constitution will be published in Spanish and English, following the first-ever Spanish translation of our UAW Constitution earlier this year.

Thank you to all of our convention delegates for your service to strengthen our union. Special thank you to the members who represented our region in roles at this Convention:

  • Sharon Russo, Retirees Council
  • Arnold Knittel, Local 2377, Veterans Advisory Council Color Guard
  • Kaitlin Murtha, Local 4100, Rules Committee
  • Kathy Melish, Local 1596, Credentials Committee
  • Rene Casiano, Local 2110, Resolutions Committee
  • Mike DiGiuseppe, Local 259, Constitutional Committee
  • Katie Doman, Local 2325, Member Advisory Committee on Ethics
  • Brian Gagnon, Local 571, Local Union Communication Association
  • Justin Blanchard, Local 3942, Sergeant-at-Arms
  • Andrew Stando, Local 2179, Sergeant-at-Arms
  • Luis Perez, Local 1850, Timekeeper
  • Alex McVeagh, Local 2324, Timekeeper

Region 9A Director Brandon Mancilla was elected by acclamation, as there were no other nominees, to serve another four-year term as regional director. "It has been the honor of my life to serve our membership and build our union's power alongside all of you," he said. "In the next four years, we will get into even more fights for the future of the working class."

Read more about this year's Constitutional Convention, and see the full list of candidates who accepted nominations for International Executive Board officer positions in advance of this fall's election.