UAW Region 9A Weekly Newsletter: May 2
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LOCAL & ORGANIZING UPDATES
Locals Across Region 9A—From San Juan to Orono—Celebrate May Day!
UAW members across Region 9A joined tens of thousands of other workers for rallies and marches on International Workers' Day on May 1. Workers and immigrants mobilized for some of the largest demonstrations for May Day in decades to reject the billionaire agenda, showing the way ahead for our fight back against corporate greed.
Watch this video from the International UAW on what’s ahead for May Day 2028.
More Region 9A Locals in the News
“Wellesley College faculty have ended their strike and returned to the classroom on Friday, April 25, with another round of contract negotiations set to begin this coming week — the final one of the spring semester.”
- Metro West Daily News: Wellesley College non-tenure faculty have ended their monthlong strike. What's next (Apr. 25)
“The strike, which started on March 27, disrupted classes and forced some students to switch to alternative courses — a mandate from university leaders that some labor experts saw as an aggressive strategy to end the faculty strike.”
- Boston Globe: Wellesley faculty end their strike, with no union contract in hand (Apr. 25)
“HAW-UAW bargaining committee member Adam Sychla, a postdoctoral researcher at Harvard Medical School, said at the rally that he had watched colleagues lose their jobs. ‘I’ve been watching some of the world’s best scientists lose their jobs,’ Sychla said. ‘My colleagues are being unjustly detained. I’ve had to take on double the workload just to keep my lab alive, and I’m applying for funding — scrambling to find funding for work that was already funded.’”
- Harvard Crimson: Campus Unions Call on Harvard to Protect International Workers at Visitas Rally (Apr. 28)
Investigators, social workers, administrative assistants, office managers, interpreters, and more staff at the Federal Defenders of New York have filed a petition with the NLRB to join ALAA Local 2325.
- National Labor Relations Board: Federal Defenders of New York (Apr. 28)
“Union leaders gathered outside of City Hall last week to condemn the Trump administration’s attacks on higher education as it withholds federal funds earmarked for university coffers, rescinds research grants and deports students.”
- The Chief: City academic unions condemn Trump's attacks on universities (May 2)
FROM REGION 9A
Apply Now for the 2025 Richard Dik Days Scholarship Program
Applications are now open for the Richard ‘Dik’ Days Scholarship! The Scholarship Fund, founded by the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists Connecticut Chapter, UAW Region 9A, and the Days family, awards three $2,000 scholarships annually to Connecticut high school and college students.
The Richard ‘Dik’ Days Scholarship Fund was created in memory of Richard Adam Days, who was a labor educator for the UAW. Prior to his retirement he was the Education & Civil Rights Director for UAW Region 9A. Learn more and apply by May 9, 2025.
Buy Your Tickets Now! UAW Yankees Night
Thursday, July 10 | 7 PM | Bronx, NY
Join your fellow UAW members in New York City to cheer on our union siblings in the MLB Players Association at Yankee Stadium! Each ticket includes a New York Yankees UAW hat.
COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAM (CAP)
Massachusetts Members Lobby for UI and PFML for All Workers, Including Grad Workers
UAW members visited the Massachusetts State House on Monday to lobby for S.747, a bill to grant equal access to unemployment insurance and paid family & medical leave for graduate workers.
Graduate workers are currently carved out of PFML and UI in Massachusetts. When our members lose jobs or need to take family or medical leave, we have no safety net. This puts our ability to pay for rent, food, and bills in jeopardy. Despite doing the same work (for less pay) as other teachers and researchers in higher ed and industry, we are denied equal protection.
“Last year I had a pregnant member come to me and ask why her PFML request was denied. I had to tell her that our work is arbitrarily carved out of this program," said Local 1596 member and Massachusetts CAP Chair Dan Rourke.
Read more and join our lobbying efforts for paid leave equity in Massachusetts.
New York City Mayoral Race Volunteer Opportunities
Looking to get involved to elect UAW’s endorsed candidates for New York City Mayor? Find an opportunity near you:
- On Wednesday, May 21, at 10:30 AM at City Hall Park, UAW Region 9A is teaming up with Region 9 for a press conference with our endorsed mayoral candidates setting the record straight on why Andrew Cuomo is bad for labor. Featuring Wence Valentin, former president of Local 774 in Tonawanda, and Dan Maloney, president of Local 1097 in Rochester, we will highlight how UAW won unemployment for striking workers in 2019—but when General Motors went on a six-week strike that same year, then-Governor Cuomo not only refused to visit their picket line, he also refused to sign the bill.
- On Saturday, May 10, from 11 AM to 2 PM, join UAW Region 9A members and Region 9A Director Brandon Mancilla for a canvass kickoff for Zohran Mamdani in the South Bronx. Learn how to have positive conversations with New Yorkers about freezing the rent, free and fast buses, universal childcare, fighting for a $30 minimum wage, strengthening labor standards, and more.
- On Sunday, May 4, from 5 to 9 PM, Zohran Mamdani is having a major campaign rally at Brooklyn Steel. Tickets are free, and sign up here for special reserved skip-the-line tickets for UAW members.
- Later in May, we will host a UAW for Brad Lander canvass kickoff at the Prospect Park Greenmarket.
- Local 259 will be featured in Jessica Ramos’s forthcoming five-borough tour.
Connecticut & Massachusetts: Take Action for Unemployment for Striking Workers
Labor law favors employers and corporate CEOs over workers when it comes to bargaining a contract. But a proposal to allow workers to access unemployment insurance after they have been on strike for a certain period of time will help restore balance to collective bargaining.
- In Connecticut, legislation allowing striking workers to access unemployment insurance is working its way through the General Assembly, but Governor Lamont is already threatening to veto it. Email Governor Lamont now and ask him to stop siding with powerful employers and stand with working people! The Connecticut AFL-CIO is also organizing lobby days on May 7 and May 20 for union members to talk to their elected representatives about this bill.
- Similar legislation has been proposed in Massachusetts, allowing employees forced to strike to be eligible for unemployment benefits after 30 days of being on the picket line, standardizing the benefits eligibility of workers engaged in labor disputes. Ask your legislators to support S.1319 & H.2168 today!
New York: Federal Unionists Network Save Our Services Rally
Wednesday, May 7 | 12 PM | 26 Federal Plaza, NYC
Unelected billionaire Elon Musk is waging an assault on federal agencies, the public services they provide, and the workers who make them run. But federal workers are organizing and standing up to defend our public services and democracy. Please join at 26 Federal Plaza from 1 pm to 2 pm, as they demand to be put back to work for the public.
FROM THE INTERNATIONAL UAW
UAW Supports Mexican Auto Workers & Organizing Efforts
The UAW stands in solidarity with SINTTIA and the workers at General Motors’ San Luis Potosí plant as they exercise their freedom to form and join a union, free from coercion or interference. We applaud SINTTIA’s official filing to represent GM employees in San Luis Potosí. SINTTIA’s leadership offers a real opportunity to restore democratic representation and win meaningful improvements for autoworkers.
SINTTIA’s record in Silao—where it won double-digit raises and inspired gains across GM Mexico—shows the power of independent unionism. But that power is now under threat. We are alarmed by credible reports of GM management colluding with a protection union to block SINTTIA, including misuse of personal data and illegal on-the-job campaigning. These violations of labor rights and USMCA trade rules must not stand.
Read a May Day message from UAW President Shawn Fain to Mexican auto workers.
Now Hiring: International Representative, UAW Education Department, Detroit, MI
The UAW Education Department is hiring an International Representative to be based in Detroit, MI. For more information and to apply, see the job posting.
Education Representatives are highly experienced staff who design and execute union education programs to build worker power and achieve social justice. They train UAW members and leaders to build powerful local unions and inspire member engagement. The Education Department trains on critical topics and issues, including collective bargaining, strikes, grievance handling, labor history, leadership development, local union administration, political education, campaign design, internal organizing, standing committee development, strategic planning, and more. The department also leads staff development efforts and training for International Union, UAW employees. Education Representatives work as part of a national team to develop curriculum and associated materials while building and executing training programs.
UAW Hotline for Immigration Legal Counsel & Emergencies
UAW members in higher education are facing escalating anti-immigrant actions from the Trump administration, including visa revocations and ICE activity in and around campuses. Our union has set up a hotline to quickly refer members facing an immigration emergency to legal resources. In the event that a member is experiencing an unexpected change in immigration status or any other immigration-related emergency, they may call this number to be connected with legal counsel: 888-416-2110. Please share this information with your fellow members.
2025 UAW Local Union Officers Institute
June 8-13 | Register by May 12 | Onaway, MI
The UAW Education Department Local Union Officers institute will offer broad training for local union officers to learn their roles and responsibilities as leaders of a fighting union. New and seasoned officers alike will find this conference beneficial, and all will walk away with greater clarity about the expectations of their role. This institute will provide local union officers with a clear understanding of their administrative responsibilities. Role-specific training will be provided for local union presidents, vice presidents, recording secretaries, and financial secretaries.
2025 UAW-LUCA Communications Conference
We are thrilled to announce the theme for this year’s conference: Family Re-UNION: Refocus – Reignite – Reengage! This dynamic gathering is designed specifically for labor communicators, emphasizing the critical role labor communications play in building strong, effective unions. This year’s conference will provide participants with the tools and skills required to enhance local communication efforts while offering valuable opportunities to network and strengthen connections. Together, we’ll explore strategies to educate members, inspire action, and advance the cause of labor with renewed energy and focus. Join us for an exciting educational experience that will empower you to refocus on your mission, reignite your passion, and reengage your union family. Let’s come together to build a brighter future for labor!
2025 UAW Family Scholarship
Registration is open to apply for the 2025 UAW Family Scholarship! For more than 45 years, the Family Education Center has been where UAW members and their families come together for an experience combining education and recreation. It’s a place to learn about our union, unlock ideas, and build new friendships with other UAW families. This one-week summer experience will give you and your family a spirit guaranteed to strengthen your understanding and appreciation of our union. If interested, please complete your registration no later than June 6.
APALA 18th Biennial Convention
June 26 - 29 | Los Angeles, CA
The APALA Convention is held every two years in accordance with the APALA constitution. The Convention is the highest governing body of APALA. It is where we discuss, debate, and decide important policy and programmatic priorities for the organization. It is also a space where union members, community activists, and allies develop skills to strengthen our chapters and build power for the labor movement and our communities.
LCLAA 25th National Membership Convention
July 28 - August 2 | Atlanta, GA
The Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA) will host its 25th National Convention in Atlanta, Georgia, from July 28 to August 2, 2025. This year’s theme, "United We Stand: Construyendo Puentes, Rompiendo Barreras y Protegiendo Nuestro Legado," reflects the critical moment we find ourselves in as a community and as a movement.
APRI 54th Annual National Educational Conference
In a time where unions and the right to organize is under fire, we are reminded of the words of our Co-founder, Bayard Rustin, “The proof that one truly believes is in action.”
This year we are celebrating our organizational milestones through ACTION that clearly shows that we will not back down and that we will continue to FIGHT! Therefore, our theme for this Conference is; “USING OUR STRENGTH & POWER THRU ACTION…WE WERE BUILT FOR THIS!”
SOLIDARITY REQUESTS
Bring Our Local 100 Brother Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia Home
Two weeks ago, the Trump Administration stated in a court filing that it had mistakenly deported Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, a union sheet metal worker and father in Maryland, to a prison in El Salvador. Both a federal judge and the Supreme Court have ordered the White House to facilitate Abrego Garcia’s return home so that he can receive due process, but the Administration is arguing that they can’t return him to the United States because he is in Salvadoran custody.
Kilmar is our union brother, and our allies in the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART) and North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU) are leading the call for his return. We are asking all union members to take action now to bring Abrego Garcia home—write to your member of Congress and demand that he be returned to the United States to receive due process.
Greater Boston LCLAA Chapter Meeting
Thursday, May 8 | 5:30 PM | Zoom
Join Greater Boston LCLAA at our next monthly meeting that will allow us to continue conversations on what is currently happening to workers in our communities as well as learn about opportunities to plug in and support campaigns and actions that strengthen our solidarity. This year, more than ever, we need to show our elected leaders from Boston to Massachusetts to DC that we will fight back against any policies which seek to intimidate workers, put fear in our communities or seek to disenfranchise anyone in the working class.
Cornell Strategic Corporate Research Summer School
June 22-27, 2025 | Ithaca, NY | Apply by May 1
The AFL-CIO and Cornell University are sponsoring a Strategic Corporate Research Summer School on June 22-27, 2025. The application deadline is May 1. The course is designed for students and others who want to make corporations accountable by working as researchers in unions and social change organizations. The course offers a regular track and an advanced track with an additional research and writing requirement. It is open to individuals applying on their own and to individuals sponsored by unions and other organizations. For more info, visit the course website.
EWOC Conference Registration Open: Unite & Win
June 27–29 | Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
EWOC is hosting its first-ever organizing conference. Registration is now open until Friday, May 16. This conference will bring together 250 EWOC volunteers, workers, union leaders, and local organizers for a weekend of training, discussion, and movement building focused on new workplace organizing. EWOC is the only project that any non-unionized worker, anywhere in the country, can reach out to and immediately receive workplace organizing support and training. We’re excited and honored to lead this conference. Scholarships are available through a reimbursement basis. You’ll be able to request a scholarship application when you register. If you cannot pay upfront, please email conference@workerorganizing.org. You can find more information about the conference on our website. Feel free to reach out to conference@workerorganizing.org with any remaining questions.
Fundamentals of Workplace Organizing: an EWOC Training on How to Unite and Win
Saturdays, July 12 - August 2 | 4 - 5:30 PM
In four 90-minute weekly sessions, you will learn how to approach your co-workers, build a team of organizers among them, and develop a campaign. You will meet other workers who are organizing and learn helpful tools, practices, and principles for winning workplace improvements and getting a democratic voice over your working conditions. We also welcome those who are interested in joining EWOC as a volunteer and supporting other organizing workers! Space is limited to 120 participants, so register here today!
UCLA Strategic Labor Research Conference
August 8-10, 2025 | Apply by May 16 | UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
Hosted by the UCLA Labor Studies Program, the UCLA Strategic Labor Research Conference is an annual event that includes over 20 workshops on applied skills and discussions about strategic campaigns designed for new and experienced labor and allied researchers. Dynamic keynote speakers and a variety of exciting training sessions will help strengthen and add new skills to your research repertoires. Come join California’s labor movement researchers in discussions about the future of research and organizing!
We are now accepting applications for the 2025 Strategic Labor Research Conference. The application portal will be open until May 16 and accepted applicants will be notified by June 3. The cost to attend the conference is $125 for California residents and $200 for out of state attendees.
UPCOMING EVENTS
UAW Bargaining Boot Camp Conference
UAW Education Committees Conference
Coalition of Black Trade Unionists Convention
38th Annual UAW Chaplaincy Conference
2025 UAW EAP Conference
2025 UAW Local Union Officers Institute
Higher Education Council Meeting
2025 UAW-LUCA Communications Conference
APALA 18th Biennial Convention
June 26 - 29 | Los Angeles, CA
UAW Night at the Yankees
UAW Family Scholarship
LCLAA 25th National Membership Convention
July 28 - August 2 | Atlanta, GA
APRI 54th Annual National Educational Conference
UAW Veterans Conference
August 10 - 15, 2025 | Onaway, MI
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