UAW Region 9A Weekly Newsletter: June 26

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LOCAL UPDATES

Local 3999: BMDA Strike Captains to Receive Maine AFL-CIO President's Award

Congratulations to the Bath Marine Draftsmen’s Association (UAW Local 3999) strike captains, who are this year’s winner of the Maine AFL-CIO’s President’s Award for stepping up to build their union and organize their co-workers during the BMDA strike in late March.

Months before their contract was set to expire, BMDA leadership put out a call to members to attend a strike captain training, and to step up as strike captains to build power and get their local strike-ready. Without hesitation, 40 members stepped up into this role.

“It was helpful that we had a pretty sizable group of very passionate people who wanted to come together,” said BMDA Strike Captain Nicole Yim, a designer at the shipyard. “We wanted to make sure that we actually showed both our membership and the company that we could come together and harness that collective power.”

Yim said strike captains were particularly inspired after watching their UAW brothers and sisters at General Dynamics Electric Boat in Connecticut fight hard and win a good contract.

“They came together and were able to get their results,” said Yim. “We realized we can do that too.” Read more about the BMDA strike, and congratulations again to our members!

Local 2325: Join the Picket Outside Neighborhood Defender Service in Harlem
Tuesday, June 30 | 1:15 - 2:15 PM | 100 Lafayette Street, New York, NY

Across the organization’s Harlem, Detroit, and Texas offices, the Neighborhood Defender Service Union (NDSU) has been in a very difficult fight with management. Members are facing extreme health insurance rollbacks, expected to accept high premiums and deductibles, with measly wage increases.

Management is trying to divide us, but we won't let them! NDSU’s contract expires on Tuesday, June 30, and we are asking our UAW siblings to show up and show out in support of our contract fight. Follow @ndsunion on Instagram for the latest updates.

Local 4100: Contract Expiration Rally at Columbia
Tuesday, June 30 | 12 PM | Haven Plaza, New York, NY

Local 4100 members who are postdoctoral researchers at Columbia have been negotiating for a third contract for nearly three months. Instead of making progress at the bargaining table, Columbia continues to deny basic rights like one year minimum appointments, sufficient time off for visa renewal, and anything more than a 2% annual raise.

While the bargaining committee continues to work for a fair deal, it's time for us to show Columbia how we feel about their offers. Join fellow UAW members for a rally on June 30 to demand a fair contract now!

COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAM (CAP)

UAW Wins Big in NYC Primary Elections—Two Members Headed to Congress

Nearly all UAW-endorsed candidates won their primary elections in New York City on Tuesday night—including not one but two UAW members who won the Democratic nomination for U.S. Congress.

Current Assembly Member Claire Valdez (Local 2110) won by 21% over her nearest opponent in New York's 7th Congressional District to represent parts of Brooklyn and Queens. Darializa Avila Chevalier (ALAA Local 2325) defeated an incumbent Congressman by 2,000 votes to win in New York's 13th District in Manhattan and the Bronx. Both are predicted to win the November general election handily, meaning UAW will be represented by two members in Congress. 

All five UAW-endorsed State Senate candidates won their races, and thirteen out of our fifteen State Assembly candidates were victorious. Of these races, UAW endorsed twelve insurgents against incumbents, ten of whom won against the odds. David Orkin, a current Local 2320 member, and Eli Northrup, a former Local 2325 member, will be on the general election ballot this fall with the support of fellow UAW members. Local 2325 member Conrad Blackburn came within eight points of unseating an incumbent Assembly Member, running a powerful grassroots campaign to show that Harlem is not for sale.

Overall, UAW had 500+ members volunteer to join canvasses, phone banks, and rallies, all on their own time. Across our efforts, our members reached over fifty thousand voters, and we made history. Our members will mobilize to get all of our endorsed candidates across the finish line in the general election this November.

NYC Rent Guidelines Board Votes to Freeze Rent for 1 Million Rent-Stabilized Units

Yesterday, New York City’s Rent Guidelines Board issued its final vote for the city’s million rent-stabilized units: no rent increase in the next lease cycle for one-year and two-year leases. This is the first rent freeze since 2020.

The board decided that “the data make clear that current economic conditions place meaningful constraints on tenants, while also showing that, in aggregate, most owners remain able to meet rising costs without experiencing comparable levels of financial distress.”

The nine-member Rent Guidelines Board, appointed by the mayor, votes every year to set the maximum allowable increase for rent-stabilized units. Though appointed by the Mayor, the Rent Guidelines Board is independent of the administration and solely controls the outcome.

Mayor Mamdani appointed six of the board’s current members, including Region 9A Director Brandon Mancilla. At the time of his appointment, Director Mancilla explained the importance of labor having representation on the board and in the decision-making process:

“In 1969, the creators of the Rent Guidelines Board understood that the labor movement played an essential role in building a New York City where all working people can live and thrive. Two of the original board appointees, Ed Cleary and Thomas Shortman, came out of labor leadership. In the 56 years since, we have only had one other representative on the board from labor leadership. Today, working people are enduring a historic cost of living crisis that makes the mission of the Rent Guidelines Board more important than ever. I will bring to the board my experience as a union rep delivering results for working people, combined with the knowledge gained representing thousands of our UAW members involved in housing law and advocacy.”

Take Action to Defend Trump's Attacks on Federal Grant Funding

On May 29, the Trump administration announced a new escalation in their attacks on the working class. Under a proposed set of federal regulations, Trump’s Office of Management and Budget would gain unprecedented control to deny or cancel more than $1 trillion in annual federal grants at any time for any reason.

If these policies are allowed to go into effect, the OMB could directly interfere and block a wide range of critical programs, including research performed by UAW members at universities as well as grants that fund disaster preparedness, workplace safety, education, legal support, child care and transportation.

These proposed policies are an attempt to wrest control of federal spending from Congress and to undermine the courts that have blocked Trump’s illegal cuts again and again. While workers face an affordability crisis and soaring prices, these policies will create further economic uncertainty, kill jobs, and stifle innovation.

UAW members can take action to stop this from happening:

1. Submit a comment by July 13 to oppose these changes using this portal.
2. On Thursday, July 2 at 3 PM ET, UAW higher education members are holding a nationwide phone bank to oppose these proposed changes and defend the independence of scientific research.

By taking these two actions, you will help defend a strong and independent scientific enterprise—and protect UAW members' jobs.

Region 9A CAP in the News

“The UAW is the labor group to watch because of their willingness to challenge these systems, and because of their ability to organize the right way,” said Eli Valentin. “It’s been potent for them and for the people that they’ve supported.”

• The City Reporter: The United Auto Workers Is New York City’s Unlikeliest Kingmaker (June 25)

““This victory is not mine, it is ours,” Valdez said at her election night party. “It belongs to UAW, and it belongs to New York City DSA. It belongs to the entire coalition that believed in this campaign and built this movement. As I look out at this crowd, I see the faces of those who build hard work into victory.”

• City & State NY: Mamdani ally Claire Valdez captures congressional seat (June 23)

“In keeping with the DSA theory of change, Claire Valdez had ground game. She drew volunteers mostly from DSA but also my union, United Auto Workers (UAW) Region 9A, which takes a more ambitious approach to elections than most, as well from rank-and-file unionists all over the city.”

• Jacobin: Socialists Won Big in NYC Last Night and Aren’t Done Winning (June 24)

“In Michigan, members of the United Auto Workers have voted to prohibit investments in Israeli bonds, becoming the first major U.S. labor union to divest from the state of Israel.”

• Democracy Now: “Not Afraid to Stand Up to Genocide”: United Auto Workers Vote to Divest from Israel (June 23)

FROM REGION 9A

Region 9A Dik Days Scholarship Committee Joins Bloomfield’s Juneteenth Parade

Every year UAW Region 9A joins the Dik Days Scholarship Committee to march in the Bloomfield Juneteenth Freedom Day Parade. On Saturday, we showed our support for the local community and the legacy of Juneteenth, as well as honored the three winners of our annual scholarship at a luncheon after the parade.

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. Brother Days was a rigorous trade unionist, political activist and community advocate. As a labor educator, Dik worked endlessly to educate union and non-union workers, their families and young adults on labor history, the contributions of organized labor in the workplace and the rights of workers. He was a member of the UAW for over 40 years, a charter member of the National Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, and a six term member of the Bloomfield Town Council. Brother Days had an impact on many lives and helped those he touched to better understand their role in the Union and the communities in which we serve.

Fighting Back Against the Attacks on DACA & TPS

The Trump administration continues to escalate its attacks on immigrant workers, accelerating its efforts to strip many workers of their existing status under the law.

Yesterday, the Supreme Court ruled that the Trump administration can terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 350,000 Haitians and Syrians already living here in the United States—jeopardizing the future status of 1 million additional TPS holders across the country.

In addition, workers with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status, which provides work authorization and temporary protection from deportation for people who arrived in the United States as children, are facing ongoing delays in the processing of renewal applications. These delays have caused some workers to lose their work authorization.

UAW Region 9A stands with our members, our families, and our communities who are affected by these racist and dehumanizing policies. As a reminder, UAW has set up a hotline to quickly connect members experiencing an unexpected change in immigration status or any other immigration-related emergency with legal counsel: 888-416-2110.

Here are several steps we can take to support members affected by these policies: 

1. Advocate with employers to provide unpaid leaves of absence rather than terminate workers whose employment authorization has lapsed due to renewal delays—contact us for more information.
2. Engage congressional representatives and constituent services staff to assist with inquiries to DHS regarding delayed applications—contact us for more information.
3. Help connect members with immigration screenings or legal consultations, beginning with the UAW hotline, to explore other possible pathways to work authorization or immigration relief.
4. Review model contract language, know your rights materials, and other resources available here to be prepared for potential immigration enforcement actions.

FROM THE INTERNATIONAL UAW

Happy Pride Month!

June is LGBTQIA2S+ Pride Month! The International UAW honors those who continue the fight for equality and stand for dignity and fairness in the workplace.

Union contracts are our strongest shield against discrimination. Let’s build a world where everyone thrives—solidarity makes change possible!

Save the Date: UAW Women’s & TOP Conference
August 9 - 14 | Houston, TX

UAW members are bringing the heat, the power, and the purpose to Houston, Texas from August 9-14, 2026 at the Marriott Marquis Houston!

This year, we are fusing the incredible strength of our Women’s Committees with the vital expertise of our Technical, Office, and Professional (TOP) members. Prepare yourself for an unforgettable week packed with high-energy workshops, major leadership building, and the kind of sisterhood and solidarity that fuels the labor movement.

Registration Now Open: UAW Civil & Human Rights Conference
August 23 - 28 | Onaway, MI

The dates for the 40th Annual UAW Civil and Human Rights Conference are August 23-28 at the Walter and May Reuther Family Education Center. The theme for this year is “Our Legacy, Our Fight, Our Generation’s Defining Moment: Celebrating Our 40th Civil and Human Rights Conference.” See the call letter for more information.

Registration Now Open: UAW Standing Committees & EAP Institute
October 4 - 9 | Onaway, MI

Building and strengthening local union Standing Committees and Employee Assistance Programs will be the focus of this week-long training to be held at the Walter and May Reuther UAW Family Education Center in Onaway, MI.

The Standing Committees Institute explores the direct link between strong local union standing committees and the collective power of our union, equipping standing committee members, other interested members, and local leaders to build and bolster their committees.

The EAP track provides EAP representatives, local leaders, and other interested members with the training, resource connections, and fellowship needed to negotiate and build a new local program or strengthen and support an existing one.

Save the (New) Date: UAW Health & Safety Conference
October 11 - 16 | Onaway, MI

“Defining Health and Safety for Future Generations” begin with workplace safety as a fundamental right and a core part of strong collective bargaining agreements. Effective Contracts create safer job sites, and this conference will equip members with the knowledge and skills to negotiate and enforce strong health and safety protections along with methods to identify and mitigate hazards. The conference aims to strengthen the bonds of solidarity among UAW members by providing training, motivation, and a call to action to demand safe worksites. Visit the new UAW Health and Safety Department website at uaw.org/health-safety. 

Update Your Membership Records with the International UAW

The International UAW is committed to improving our member records. This effort is led by the UAW Membership Department. Maintaining accurate member records allows the UAW to effectively represent and communicate with active and retired members, provide relevant educational and training opportunities, better allocate resources, deliver targeted support, and facilitate International and local union elections.

Please take a moment to enter your contact information by completing the quick online form available at myinfo.uaw.org. Updating your mailing address now will help ensure that you receive a ballot to vote in the 2026 UAW International Officer Election, as well as other important communications and union updates in a timely manner. Download a flyer to share with your fellow members.

SOLIDARITY REQUESTS

Mass-Care Strategy and Working Conference: Path to Medicare for All in Massachusetts
Saturday, July 18 | 10 AM - 4 PM | Clark University, Worcester, MA

The health insurance crisis is deepening, and inequality in health care is growing. All manner of gimmicks and tweaks to “improve” the present private insurance offerings are being discussed, but none of them will correct the enormous burden on union members, workers, and our families with our present system of private health insurance. Premiums are skyrocketing and coverage is decreasing.

We know the solution is some version of single payer as outlined in the legislation “Medicare for All in Massachusetts” (H1405 and S860), a solution which would bring huge financial and health care benefits and relief to all residents of MA. A solution which would enable the state to address critical health care needs for our communities: affordability and access, primary care physician shortages, and equity driven care that serves all residents.

At 1:30pm the afternoon of the conference there will be a labor sector meeting.  As an employer-based system, unions have a special role to play in health insurance and health care. We negotiate contracts that provide health insurance to our members and administer health and welfare funds. Unions represent over 100,000 health care workers in MA.

Maine AFL-CIO Summer Institute 2026
August 5-6 | Orono, ME
We have an exciting program in the works for this year's Labor Summer Institute on August 5-6, 2026 at the University of Maine in Orono! Labor Summer Institute is a two-day event for union members to learn and share skills and information important to building our labor movement. The Summer Institute is held at the University of Maine with the Bureau of Labor Education & Scontras Labor Center. Stay tuned for more details on registration and hotel rates. FMI: Sarah, sarah@maineaflcio.org or 207-356-7322.

Union Hiring Hall

• Massachusetts Working Families Party | Organizing Director | MA
• Ranking Member Bernie Sanders’ office of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee | Paid Internships (Fall 2026) | Washington, DC
• Laborers' Local 79 | Senior Strategic Researcher | New York, NY
• Community Labor United | Senior Researcher | Boston, MA
• Community Labor United | Organizing Director | Boston, MA
• Community Labor United | Development Director | Boston, MA
• NY United for Child Care | Director of Organizing and Campaigns | New York, NY

UPCOMING EVENTS

Family Scholarship at Black Lake
July 12-16 | Onaway, MI

UAW Women’s & TOP Conference
August 9 - 14 | Houston, TX

UAW Veterans Conference
August 9-14 | Onaway, MI

UAW Civil & Human Rights Conference
August 23 - 28 | Onaway, MI

UAW Bargaining & Contract Enforcement Bootcamp
September 20 - 25 | Onaway, MI

UAW Member Mobilization Institute
September 27 - October 2 | Onaway, MI

UAW Standing Committees & Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Institute
October 4 - 9 | Onaway, MI

UAW Health & Safety Conference
October 11 - 16 | Onaway, MI

Region 9A Veterans Council Dinner Dance
Saturday, November 7 | New London, CT