UAW Region 9A Weekly Newsletter: May 16
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!
Download this newsletter as a PDF.
LOCAL & ORGANIZING UPDATES
TODAY: MDA-UAW Local 571 Final Countdown Rally
Friday, May 16 | 5 PM | Ocean Beach Park, New London, CT
Join us for the Final Countdown Rally at Ocean Beach Park on Friday! This is our final chance before the May 18 strike deadline to show Electric Boat management that we’re serious about winning the contract we deserve.
We are demanding a contract that includes COLA, profit sharing, and real retirement security. Free music, bounce house, and food trucks will be provided—bring family, friends, and fellow UAW members.
SUNDAY: MDA-UAW Strike Deadline Announcement on Facebook Live
Sunday, May 18 | 10 PM | Facebook Live
Join UAW members, leaders, and Local 571 President Bill Louis for a big announcement on MDA’s strike deadline of May 18. Members have given General Dynamics a deadline to reach a deal by Sunday night, and now they have a simple choice.
On the Facebook Live, we will either be announcing that we have a deal, or we will be announcing that we are on strike and our members will be shutting Electric Boat down. In the meantime, UAW-MDA members are strike-ready! Over 1,200 members—half the bargaining unit—signed up for picket duty in just a single day.
Watch live on Facebook, YouTube, or X. The choice is theirs! And the clock is ticking.
HAW-UAW Member Trapped in Immigration Detention Shares Story in New York Times
Kseniia Petrova was a scientist conducting anti-aging research at Harvard Medical School before being unjustly detained by ICE in February. Like many other researchers at Harvard, she is a member of the Harvard Academic Workers-UAW, which is currently fighting to win their first contract.
Kseniia shared her story in Tuesday’s New York Times, where she wrote: “My colleagues, many of whom are, like me, foreign scientists, are terrified of being detained or having their visa status revoked.”
Connecticut Shop Stewards Level Up in Grievance Handling
Shop stewards from Locals 376, 379, and 405 (Aramark, Colt, CRT, Cummins, and Triumph) joined a three-day training on grievance handling this week in Hartford.
These stewards, experienced and brand new, worked together to identify the essentials of contract enforcement, investigation, writing grievances, presenting and arguing a grievance, and mobilizing members in an issue campaign to confront the boss on the shop floor.
Connecticut for All Rally for Freedom and Funding with Local 6950
Monday May 19 | 6 PM | Betsy Paterson Square, Storrs, CT
Communities across the state are in dire need of funding for important public services like healthcare, public K-12 education, public higher education, and policies that care for us in this crisis. We know that in order to respond to federal threats against our people and public services the governor must declare a state of emergency, suspend the guardrails and raise revenue.
We’re asking Governor Lamont: whose side are you on? Will you side with Elon Musk and Trump with terrorizing our communities and making the working class pay the price (or) will you side with us to tax your wealthy friends, suspend the fiscal guardrails, and protect our communities?
More Region 9A Locals in the News
“The University refused to meet with Student Workers of Columbia-United Auto Workers President Grant Miner on April 25 for a scheduled bargaining session for the union’s upcoming contract. Columbia expelled Miner on March 13.”
- Columbia Spectator: ‘They see us as little kids’: University refuses to bargain with SWC-UAW over presence of expelled union president (May 8)
“GENU-UAW said that its bargaining committee received an email from the university ‘threatening’ to claim impasse if the union does not accept its final package offer, which fueled the union’s decision to picket at commencement.”
- The Huntington News: ‘Boston is a union town’: Northeastern graduate student worker union pickets outside undergraduate commencement (May 11)
“After 17 months at the bargaining table, the future of negotiations remains unclear. In the May 5 statement posted to its website, GENU-UAW said if adopted as is, the university’s proposed contract would be ‘the worst grad worker union contract in the nation’ and that it plans to picket at Northeastern’s undergraduate commencement ceremony May 11.”
- The Huntington News: Graduate workers’ union to reject final package proposal from Northeastern (May 11)
“Speakers from several of the unions, such as the CFU-UAW, emphasized the significance of May Day and highlighted the importance of unions to continue to put pressure on and bargain with NYU to win a fair contract.”
- Fight Back News: NYU students rally for immigrant rights and workers’ rights on May Day (May 6)
“The University’s non-tenure-track faculty unionized last spring and have consistently pushed for an end to time caps, which limit their appointments to two, three, or eight years depending on the position. Harvard negotiators have repeatedly rejected a proposed moratorium on the policy until the union’s first contract is ratified.”
- Harvard Crimson: Non-Tenure-Track Faculty Rally Against Time Caps, Interrupt FAS Meeting (May 7)
“Contract negotiations continued this week between submarine manufacturer General Dynamics Electric Boat and the union that represents the company's marine drafters, but it remains uncertain if they will be able to hammer out an agreement that would avert a potential strike next week.”
CT Insider: Electric Boat and marine drafters' union hold more talks ahead of Sunday strike decision (May 15)
FROM REGION 9A
Save the Date: Announcing Region 9A Summer School!
Friday, July 25 & Saturday, July 26 | New York, NY
Over the last year, attacks on collective bargaining, civil liberties, the social safety net, and working class communities have only escalated, but UAW members are fighting back and leading the way. In Region 9A and across the country, rank-and-file union members are waging historic strikes and winning record contracts, leading movements to oppose war and injustice, defending immigrant communities, and challenging their bosses on the shop floor. Every day we are battling to win justice in the face of repression and retaliation, but we have a world to win for the working class.
All members are invited to join us Friday, July 25, and Saturday, July 26 for two days of political education, cultural programs, panels, forums, workshops, skillshares, and other events that will help build our working class power as a union. This conference is an excellent opportunity to meet your fellow UAW members across sectors and share strategies to win!
International Solidarity with Tesla & Amazon Organizers Across Borders
Region 9A Director Brandon Mancilla spoke at the Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung’s Strike Conference in Berlin representing the UAW. He gave a plenary speech on the reform efforts within the UAW, the Stand Up Strike, and the importance of international solidarity for winning a strong contract at Volkswagen.
Later, he spoke on a panel with German Tesla and Amazon organizers about the different experiences and challenges to new organizing in the U.S. and Germany. During the conference, Brandon also met with TVStud members trying to win a contract for undergraduate student workers across the country. They were excited to hear about the explosion of higher education organizing in the U.S. and wanted to share stories about their own fights.
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)
NYC CAP Endorses Candidates for Comptroller & Brooklyn Borough President
In addition to our previous endorsements for NYC Mayor and Council, UAW Region 9A’s New York City Area CAP Council endorsed Justin Brannan for Comptroller and Antonio Reynoso for Brooklyn Borough President. Both Brannan and Reynoso joined Local 2110 members on the picket line to protest layoffs at the Brooklyn Museum earlier this year.
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!
Local 2320 Members Lobby to Protect Immigrant Communities in Massachusetts
Local 2320 members visited the Massachusetts State House this week to lobby for the Safe Communities Act, introduced by former Local 2320 member Senator Jamie Eldridge.
This bill is vital for immigrant communities by protecting individual rights during ICE interrogations, ending local agreements that deputize law enforcement to act as federal immigration agents, and prevent police and courts from inquiring about immigration status unless required by law.
Region 9A CAP in the News
“Justin Brannan has shown up for our members time and again,” said Brandon Mancilla, director of UAW Region 9A. “From standing with striking workers to fighting for universal childcare and funding for city services, Justin has made it clear that he shares our values and will be a fierce advocate for working people as comptroller. Right now, we need leaders who won’t back down from a fight—and that’s he’s the right choice to safeguard the city’s finances and make sure the budget benefits New York's workers."
- City & State: UAW Region 9A backs Justin Brannan for comptroller (May 13)
“Unions representing workers in New York celebrated provisions in the state budget, unveiled last week, that will raise unemployment insurance for New Yorkers.”
- The Chief: State budget includes unemployment boost (May 16)
FROM THE INTERNATIONAL UAW
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.
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.
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 Civil & Human Rights Conference
August 24 - 29 | Onaway, MI
The 39th Annual UAW Civil and Human Rights Conference is August 24 - 29 at the Walter and May Reuther Family Education Center. This year's theme is Defending…Demanding…Justice… We are the Defenders of Justice.”
SOLIDARITY REQUESTS
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.
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.
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
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
2025 UAW Civil & Human Rights Conference
August 24 - 29 | Onaway, MI
2025 UAW Local Union Officers Institute
October 5 - 10 | Onaway, MI
Thanks for reading this week's newsletter! We hope you find the information contained herein valuable. If so, please share our subscription link! We love to highlight local unions and members—send your stories HERE!