UAW Region 9A Weekly Newsletter: May 9
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LOCAL & ORGANIZING UPDATES
Tick Tock at Electric Boat: MDA Local 571 Approaches Strike Deadline of May 18
Last Friday, MDA Local 571 went back to the bargaining table just one day after a powerful May Day rally, where they announced a strike deadline of May 18. Management at Electric Boat knows the strike threat is real because of the hundreds of members who keep turning out in red, the overwhelming YES vote, the workplace actions, and the media coverage. Our pressure is working.
From the past week:
- Watch today’s bargaining update from MDA bargaining committee member Tom Clancy.
- Read our members’ stories about why they're fighting for a fair contract: “No COLA in our last contract, inflation up 24% since 2020—we’re falling behind every year.”
- Watch a solidarity message to MDA from Kenny Dellinger from UAW Local 5286, who talks about how the membership’s involvement gave their bargaining committee the power to end tiers and win both profit-sharing and COLA at Daimler Truck last year.
The membership and the public are lining up against EB’s greed and unfairness. We are winning the argument—and we have the momentum. UAW members have seen the same scare tactics before at the Big Three, Daimler, Cornell, and Rolls-Royce. Every one of those campaigns won record contracts because the members stayed strong and kept building pressure. Let’s stay strong and support our UAW siblings at MDA in their fight!
Rally with Northeastern Grad Workers Outside Commencement
Sunday, May 11 | 1:30 PM | Kenmore Station & Fenway Park, Boston, MA
In response to the Northeastern University administration's "final offer" of what would be the worst graduate union contract in the country, the Graduate Employees of Northeastern University (GENU-UAW) will be picketing at Northeastern’s commencement on Sunday at Fenway Park to stand up for our rights, show the administration that they cannot treat workers in this way, and to make graduates and their families aware of the administration’s actions. Bring friends and coworkers!
Locals 2320 & 2377 Represent Region 9A at Bargaining Boot Camp in Black Lake
Members of NOLSW Local 2320 and Local 2377 represented Region 9A at this week’s Bargaining Boot Camp in Black Lake, Michigan. With sessions on advanced mock bargaining, drafting bargaining proposals, building powerful contract campaigns, and more, members are learning from each others’ campaigns to win justice and record contracts.
For more information on how to join upcoming UAW trainings and conferences on bargaining and more, visit region9a.uaw.org/education.
More Region 9A Locals in the News
“‘The company does not value us. They don’t know what we bring to the table. But they sure as hell will real soon, starting May 19,’ UAW Local 571 President William Louis told several hundred members at a rally Thursday afternoon outside Electric Boat’s main offices in Groton.”
- CT Post: Electric Boat union sets strike deadline if new deal isn’t reached (May 1)
“Now, UAW leaders have set a deadline of midnight on May 19 to reach an agreement. If a deal is not made by then, the marine drafters will go on strike—an option that they authorized last month. It would be their first strike since the early 1980s.”
Norwalk Hour: What to know about possible strike at Connecticut submarine manufacturer Electric Boat (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 Lobby Day for the Safe Communities Act
Monday, May 12 | 11 AM - 2 PM | Boston, MA
UAW members have a powerful opportunity to make our voices heard in support of the Safe Communities Act at the Massachusetts State House. This bill is vital for immigrant communities and aligns with our values as union members committed to justice, dignity, and solidarity. We will meet at 11 AM for a brief lobby training and run through the bill before walking to the State House together to meet with state legislators.
Why are we fighting for the Safe Communities Act? The SCA is designed to:
- Prevent police and courts from inquiring about immigration status unless required by law, ensuring that all individuals can seek help without fear of deportation.
- Protect individuals' rights during ICE interrogations by requiring written consent before any questioning, allowing them to refuse or have legal representation present.
- End local agreements that deputize law enforcement to act as federal immigration agents, preventing the misuse of public safety resources for immigration enforcement.
- Ensure law enforcement agencies incorporate these guidelines into their training programs and provide oversight to maintain accountability.
Please RSVP if you plan to join. Feel free to share this information with your coworkers—all UAW members are welcome to join! No prior lobbying experience is necessary.
NYC CAP Endorses Candidates for Comptroller, City Council, and More
This week, UAW Region 9A’s New York City Area CAP Council endorsed candidates for City Council in advance of the Democratic primary elections coming up on June 24.
“Our UAW endorsed candidates are labor champions and fighters for the working class,” said Jane Fox, UAW Local 2325 member and chair of the NYC Area CAP Council. “They walk our picket lines, stand up for free speech, fight back against corporate greed, and make sure New York families can not only survive in this city, but thrive.”
In addition to UAW’s earlier endorsement of three candidates for mayor—Jessica Ramos, Zohran Mamdani, and Brad Lander—the members of our CAP Council representing all UAW local unions across the New York City area voted to endorse these candidates, who include three former UAW members: Harvey Epstein, Andrea Gordillo, and Shaun Abreu.
UAW Canvass for Zohran Mamdani for NYC Mayor
Saturday, May 10 | 11 AM - 2 PM | South Bronx, NY
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. RSVP in advance and get a UAW for Zohran union-printed t-shirt!
Day of Action with UAW & Brad Lander for NYC
Saturday, May 24 | 10 AM - 1 PM | Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn, NY
Join UAW and Brad Lander for NYC for a day of action at Grand Army Plaza! Sign up to join our team as we talk to voters about Brad’s vision for a safer, more affordable, and better-run City. We will be talking to people in high foot traffic areas and asking them if they support Brad’s key policy proposals on housing, subways, and workers’ rights. This is your opportunity to be the campaign and build support for Brad. If you have never done an event like this before, don’t worry, we always run a training beforehand and pair you up with a partner if you come alone.
Save the Date: Press Conference with NYC Mayoral Candidates Against Cuomo
Wednesday, May 21 | 10:30 AM | City Hall Park, New York, NY
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.
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 a lobby day on 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!
FROM THE INTERNATIONAL UAW
Phone Bank to Save the NIH
Tuesday, May 13 | 3 PM ET | Zoom
Last Friday, the Trump Administration proposed major budget cuts to the NSF and NIH, two of the largest public funders of biomedical research in the world. These cuts will set back scientific research by decades, delaying and potentially eliminating life-saving research into new clinical and therapeutic applications. Beyond the long term effects, it will be personally devastating to the livelihoods and careers of tens of thousands of workers who perform federally funded research.
Right now, we have a critical window in which to act! Senators Warren, Padilla, and Tillis as well as Representatives Ocasio-Cortez and Carson have begun circulating sign-on letters in Congress to support federal research funding. On May 13 at 12pm PT/3pm ET, academic workers across the country are organizing to call on as many Senators and Representatives as possible, particularly from historically “red” districts, to support federally funded research by signing onto these letters. Register here to join the phonebank. A short training and talking points will be provided at the start of the phonebank.
This is an inflection point in the history of the US investment in research, science, and education. You (yes you!) can make a difference right now, both by joining us on the 13th and by passing this information on. In particular, we need to make sure that calls come from Institutions of Higher Education in red states. If you have friends, colleagues, or collaborators in any of the institutions listed in the RSVP form, make sure to send this information along!
UAW Inaugural Higher Education Council Meeting
June 21-22 | Register by June 9 | Pico Rivera, CA
We are experiencing an unprecedented attack on higher education from the federal government. From funding cuts to attacks on free speech and DEI programming, to mass cancellations of student visas, our members have faced the brunt of the administration’s attacks on universities. It’s time we come together for a weekend of strategizing and skill refining to make sure we’re in alignment for a militant response in the summer and fall.
Please join us June 21-22 at the UAW Region 6 office in Pico Rivera, CA, for the inaugural meeting of the UAW Higher Education Council. Local unions are responsible for electing delegates and covering travel and accommodation. Anyone planning to attend the council meeting must complete the registration form by Monday, June 9.
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
June 22 - 27 | Register by May 30 | Onaway, MI
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
July 20 - 25 | Register by June 6 | Onaway, MI
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.
2025 UAW International Women's Conference
August 17 - 22 | St. Pete Beach, FL
Save the date for this year’s UAW Women’s Conference, to be held in St. Pete Beach, Florida. Help spread the word on Facebook and Instagram!
Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance 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.
NAACP 116th National Convention
July 12 - 16 | Charlotte, NC
The NAACP National Convention is an empowering and immersive experience held each year to celebrate our community's collective power. The Convention attracts innovative change-makers, thought-leaders, entrepreneurs, scholars, entertainers, influencers, and creatives to network and exchange ideas.
LCLAA 25th National Membership Convention
July 28 - August 2 | Atlanta, GA
The Labor Council for Latin American Advancement 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.
A. Philip Randolph Institute’s 54th Annual National Educational Conference
August 6 - 10 | Chicago, IL
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 and power through action—we were built for this!”
SOLIDARITY REQUESTS
Hands Off Worcester Mothers Protest
Sunday, May 11 | 2-4 PM | Worcester Common, MA
Join us for an emergency protest against ICE’s abduction of a Worcester mother and resident with the assistance of Worcester Police, and to demand our leaders here in Massachusetts to protect our community from ICE.
Join IAM Local 1746 on Strike in East Hartford & Middletown
On Sunday, 3,000 Pratt & Whitney machinists from IAM Local 1746 in East Hartford and Local 700 in Middletown voted overwhelmingly to reject management's last best offer and authorize a strike that began on Monday. Management's last, best, and final offer provided inadequate wage increases, weakened retirement benefits, rising health insurance costs, and a lack of job security commitments.
Join the members of IAM Locals 700 and 1746 as they maintain 24-hour picket lines in Middletown and East Hartford to fight for a fair contract. Picket lines will be running 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Come out when you can, bring some food, and walk the line.
Solidarity Action for Asian Garment Workers
Tuesday, May 13 | 5-6 PM | Reebok HQ, 25 Drydock Ave, Boston
Union garment workers from Nike’s supply chain are rising up across Asia to demand higher wages and increased human rights protections! Join our solidarity action next Tuesday as we bring the voices of workers to the Nike-sponsored Footwear Distributors and Retailers Association Conference. We will be delivering a letter with worker demands to the conference organizers during their happy hour event! Come out in your union gear and make sure that the footwear industry can't ignore workers' demands. RSVP to russdavis@comcast.net.
Fight the Heist is a campaign that brings together 25 garment worker unions from India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Cambodia and Bangladesh, through the Asia Floor Wage Alliance and Global Labor Justice. After Asian garment workers, who are mostly women and internal migrants, faced an unprecedented human rights crisis as their wages and hours were slashed during the COVID pandemic; the decided to speak up and fight back. Read more about the campaign in Teen Vogue and Sourcing Journal.
Backus Federation of Nurses Picket
Thursday, May 15 | 6 AM - 12 PM | Backus Hospital, 326 Washington Street, Norwich, CT
When health care workers are outside, something is wrong inside! Make a commitment to stand with nurses at Backus Hospital in our ongoing struggle for safe staffing, dignity in our workplace, and family-sustaining wages. Our contract expired, and we are nowhere near reaching an agreement. Join us at an informational picket starting at 6 AM with a rally at 8 AM as we face the mega corporation that is Hartford Healthcare. Can’t join? Sign our petition in support!
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.
Save the Date: NYC Queer Liberation March
Sunday, June 29 | 11 AM | NYC AIDS Memorial
As the results of the 2024 election have made clear that America’s LGBTQIA2S+ communities are under the greatest threat from the federal government we have experienced since the 1969 Stonewall uprising, The Reclaim Pride Coalition has announced that the theme for this year’s 7th annual Queer Liberation March on Sunday, June 29, will be: Resist! Reclaim! Rejoice!
The March will assemble at 11 AM at the NYC AIDS Memorial and St. Vincent’s Triangle Park (7th Avenue between Greenwich and West 12th Streets) and march north to Lenape Circle, dispersing into Central Park. Learn more and sign up to volunteer at queermarch.org.
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.
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.
UPCOMING EVENTS
UAW Education Committees Conference
May 18-23 | Black Lake, MI
Coalition of Black Trade Unionists Convention
May 20-26 | Orlando, FL
38th Annual UAW Chaplaincy Conference
June 1-6 | Onaway, MI
2025 UAW EAP Conference
June 1-6 | Onaway, MI
2025 UAW Local Union Officers Institute
June 8 - 13 | Onaway, MI
Higher Education Council Meeting
June 21-22 | Pico Rivera, CA
2025 UAW-LUCA Communications Conference
June 22 - 27 | Onaway, MI
APALA 18th Biennial Convention
June 26 - 29 | Los Angeles, CA
UAW Night at the Yankees
July 10 | New York, NY
NAACP 116th National Convention
July 12 - 16 | Charlotte, NC
UAW Family Scholarship
July 20 - 25 | Onaway, MI
LCLAA 25th National Membership Convention
July 28 - August 2 | Atlanta, GA
APRI 54th Annual National Educational Conference
August 6 - 10 | Chicago, IL
UAW Veterans Conference
August 10 - 15, 2025 | Onaway, MI
2025 UAW International Women's Conference
August 17 - 22 | St. Pete Beach, FL
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