UAW Region 9A Weekly Newsletter: August 7
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LOCAL UPDATES
Local 2325: Bronx Defenders & Neighborhood Defenders Unions Strike to Win TAs
Last night, the Bronx Defenders Union announced it reached a tentative agreement with management to end their nine-day strike. BXD Union won new standards across the board, 3% COLA, and unlocked new retirement contribution levels from the employer.
After a seven-day walkout at their offices in Harlem, the Bronx, Michigan, and Texas, members at Neighborhood Defender Service won a tentative agreement earlier this week to end the first strike in their organization's history. “This contract was won by every single member who stood strong in the face of adversity, by every member who said they deserve better,” the union wrote. “Management showed their true colors, but we showed them what true power looks like.”
CFR also reached a tentative agreement earlier this week averting another potential strike in the sector.
In the news:
- Queens Daily Eagle: Tensions flare as public defender strike heads into second week (August 4)
- Law360: Neighborhood Defender Service Of Harlem Union Ends Strike (August 4)
- AMNY: Bronx public defenders have been on strike for ten days. How is it impacting courts and clients? (August 5)
Local 2110: Eric Carle Museum Workers Petition to Unionize with UAW
Workers at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art are petitioning the National Labor Relations Board for a vote to join UAW Local 2110.
Staff members cite low wages, health and safety conditions, lack of promotional opportunities, and greater job security as reasons for unionizing. The unit will include all full and part time staff of the Museum including staff in Collections, Development, Marketing, the Bookshop, Education, and Guest Services.
“Staff have raised crucial concerns about safety issues, under-staffing and other conditions that interfere with our ability to do our jobs but we are often brushed aside," said Sarah Demarest, a Guest Services Associate. "Right now, without a union, we have no effective means of addressing our concerns. The Museum needs to hear our viewpoint on these things and with a union, they will.”
"We all care about the Museum, but I want our hours and working conditions to be sustainable so that staff can continue doing the jobs that we love,” said Jessica Blasko, Assistant Retail Manager. “We are dedicated to our work and proud of our collective contribution to the museum’s success. Unionizing is an important next step to ensure that our contribution is recognized and that the future of our work is protected.”
The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art is just the latest in a growing movement of museum workers to organize with Local 2110. Follow @ericcarlemuseumunion on Instagram for the latest updates!
In the news:
- Hyperallergic: Eric Carle Museum Workers Push for Union Vote (August 3)
- Daily Hampshire Gazette: Workers at Eric Carle Museum petition to form a union (August 3)
- Publishers Weekly: Eric Carle Museum Staff Seek Union Vote (August 4)
COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAM (CAP)
Connecticut: CT Drivers United Boycott Action
Saturday, August 8 | 10 AM - 7 PM | New Haven Green, New Haven, CT
Support Connecticut Drivers United, an organization of rideshare and delivery drivers demanding better pay and worker protections for their members across the state.
Volunteers are needed on Saturday for an action flyering local businesses and drivers across New Haven to boycott the apps—sign up to help out!
Maine: Local Union Kick-Off Training for Troy Jackson for Senate
Wednesday, August 19 | 1 - 3:30 PM | UA 716, Augusta, ME (or Zoom)
Join the Maine AFL-CIO and fellow unions to strategize together about how to ensure Troy Jackson and our other labor-endorsed candidates win statewide on November 3.
The agenda will include the state of the races, our strategy and plan to win, Jackson vs. Collins messaging, and more.
New York: Picket for the Delivery Protection Act
Thursday, August 13 | 12 - 1:30 PM | City Hall Gates, New York, NY
In New York, Amazon’s delivery operations have created dangerous streets and unsafe conditions for workers. But because they hire fake subcontractors to handle the risks of last-mile delivery—the last leg of the process that gets a package to your door—their hands are clean.
UAW Region 9A and other unions have called on the City Council to put the Delivery Protection Act to a vote! With 32 City Council co-sponsors we have the momentum to pass this bill and force Amazon to hire their employees directly so workers can win stronger accountability and job protections.
Massachusetts: Phone Bank for UAW Member Tram Nguyen
Every Wednesday in August | 5:30 - 7 PM | Online
Join fellow UAW members to phone bank for UAW Local 2320 member Tram Nguyen for U.S. Congress! Before being elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives in 2018, Rep. Nguyen joined UAW Local 2320 when she was a legal aid attorney at Greater Boston Legal Services.
She was endorsed by the Massachusetts CAP Council in November, and UAW members are excited to work to elect her to Congress based on her record fighting for issues affecting working people. Join us!
Massachusetts: Join Claire Valdez to Canvass for Evan MacKay
Saturday, August 15 | 12 - 2 PM | Cambridge Common Park, Cambridge, MA
We are incredibly grateful for the endorsement of the Democratic Congressional nominee for NY-7, my fellow UAW sibling running for office, Claire Valdez.
Two years ago, Claire was there for our movement, canvassing during GOTV weekend alongside volunteers here in Cambridge, and we’re proud to have supported Claire in her election earlier this summer. As a former UAW leader, she knows how to take on the boss—even when they’re backed by a powerful political establishment—and win.
As we saw last night, democratic socialists are winning across the country. Our campaign is part of a nationwide movement, and we know that it will take all of us, everywhere, to win a better world together. To build a Massachusetts that welcomes and empowers all of our neighbors.
We’re honored to have Claire back here again to help us bring it home. Join us next Saturday, August 15, for a joint canvass with Evan and Claire!
Massachusetts: Canvass with Labor for More UAW-Endorsed Candidates
Working Families Party Welcome Event in Lowell with Lorena Betts & Tara Hong
Friday, August 7 | 6 - 8 PM | Gary’s Restaurant, Lowell, MA
Watertown Canvass with Mayor Michelle Wu
Saturday, August 8 | 11:45 AM | 1 Main Street, Watertown, MA
Labor Walk for Johnnie McKnight with Western Mass ALF, MTA, & WFP
Saturday, August 15 | 11:30 AM | 1015 Wilbraham Road, Springfield, MA
Save the Date: Worcester WFP Phone Bank for Lorena Betts & Tara Hong
Thursday, August 20
Save the Date: Massachusetts AFL-CIO Labor Walk for John Drinkwater
Saturday, August 22 | 9 AM | 120 Stedman Street, Lowell, MA
WFP & MTA Canvass with Daniel Lander
Saturday, August 22 | 10 AM - 12 PM | Allston Branch of the Boston Public Library, Boston, MA
Region 9A CAP in the News
“Daniel Lander is the progressive, pro-labor fighter that Suffolk and Middlesex needs. He showed up on the picket line when over 2,000 of our UAW siblings and over 4,000 healthcare workers at MGB were on strike while his opponent didn’t bother. We need a state senator that will back our unions, challenge the cost of living crisis, and stand up to Massachusetts’ broken legislature. As a resident and labor organizer of the district, I am confident that Daniel is up to the task,” said Brianna Fougere, steward in UAW Local 2324 and member of the UAW’s political council in Massachusetts.
- Watertown News: Northeast UAW Endorses State Senate Candidate (July 30)
FROM REGION 9A
UAW Higher Education Department Webinar on F-1/J-1 Policy
Thursday, August 13 | 3 PM ET | Online
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently announced that it was eliminating the Duration of Status policy for F-1 and J-1 visas as of September 15, 2026. This discriminatory policy change will cause disruptions to international students and scholars and will further complicate the visa renewal process. When this was proposed in 2025 by the Trump Administration, tens of thousands of organizations and individuals submitted comments in opposition including the International UAW and hundreds of UAW members. We are also currently exploring options to join legal challenges.
On Thursday, August 13, the UAW Higher Education Department is hosting a webinar to discuss how international workers can navigate the new F-1/J-1 policy and how we can continue organizing against these attacks. Attorney Fuji Wittenburg from Wittenburg Immigration Law will join us to share updates and answer questions. When you fill out the RSVP form, you can add questions for Fuji to address. All are welcome, please spread the word.
Last Chance! Apply to the 2026-2027 UAW Education Fellowship
October 2026 - May 2027 | Apply by August 10
The UAW International Education Department is excited to announce the 2026-2027 Fellowship Program. The Fellowship is an intensive work-study program designed to develop dedicated UAW members into strong leaders and effective union educators. Graduates of the Fellowship join our roster of Local Union Discussion Leaders (LUDLs), serving as activists in their local union education committees while also being available to assist our regional and national education programs.
The 2026-2027 Fellows will participate in an intensive training program that consists of a mix of in-person and virtual touchpoints from October 2026 through May 2027. This program requires a serious commitment from the Fellows to complete assignments at home, in addition to attending the scheduled touchpoint sessions. Bilingual Spanish/English speakers are strongly encouraged to apply. Members will apply by completing the online application by August 10, 2026.
FROM THE INTERNATIONAL UAW
LUCA Presents: Labor Day and May Day 2028 - Building Power for the Working Class
Tuesday, August 11 | 6:30 - 7:30 PM | Online
Labor Day is more than a long weekend; it's an opportunity to reflect on the history of workers' struggles in the United States and how those struggles have been remembered and commemorated over time. Join us as we explore the origins of Labor Day, its complex relationship to the labor movement, why its history still matters today, and how LUCA communicators can use Labor Day to educate members and share stories that connect past organizing to today's fights.
Understanding Labor Day also helps illuminate the significance of May Day. While Labor Day became the official U.S. workers' holiday, May Day emerged as the international day of worker solidarity rooted in the struggle for the eight-hour day and the Haymarket movement. As we prepare for May Day 2028, we can use Labor Day as a bridge to that broader history—highlighting that workers' power has always depended on solidarity across industries, communities, and borders. May Day 2028 is an opportunity to build on that legacy and strengthen a global movement for the working class.
Upcoming UAW International Officer Elections in 2026
This fall, UAW members will vote by mail in the 2026 UAW International Officer Election for International President, International Secretary-Treasurer, three International Vice Presidents, and nine Regional Director positions. More information about the upcoming elections is available at uawmonitor.com/elections.
Ballots will begin to be mailed on or about August 21, 2026, and must be received by October 5, 2026 in order to be counted. All UAW members in good standing as of September 30, 2026, are eligible to vote in the 2026 election, including members who are part-time workers, reinstated members, and retired members.
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.
Hiring: UAW International Communications Department Seeking Graphic Designer
The UAW International’s Communications Department is seeking a Temporary Graphic Designer (six months). The ideal candidate has experience with publication layouts, social media graphics and flyers, and digital newsletters/HTML. For more information and to apply, see the job posting.
SOLIDARITY REQUESTS
SEIU 32BJ Fall Semester Kickoff Rally at Tufts University
Thursday, September 3 | 3:30 PM | 175 Packard Ave, Medford, MA
From spring semester until now, 100 members of 32BJ SEIU in Tufts' facilities department have been bargaining for a fair union contract. The university has not answered calls from campus allies, community groups, and elected officials to agree to the fair contract that these workers and their families deserve. Come show these administrators the deep community, labor, and student support for Tufts' facilities department workers!
Western Mass Area Labor Federation Labor Day Cookout
Sunday, September 6 | 1 - 4:30 PM | Nonotuck Park, Easthampton, MA
Celebrate together with your union siblings this Labor Day weekend at the WMALF Labor Day Cookout! Expect food, family games, and opportunities to learn about the work unions and our allies are doing around Western Mass.
Greater Boston Labor Council’s Second Annual Labor Day Parade
Monday, September 7 | 10 AM kickoff | Downtown Boston, MA
Join Boston’s 2nd Annual Labor Day Parade! This Labor Day, the Greater Boston Labor Council is marching for fairness, justice, and workers rights with Boston’s 2026 Labor Day Parade – and YOU are invited to march with us. The Parade will start at Boston Common and end at Copley Square with a BBQ lunch and inspiring speaking and entertainment program.
New Hampshire AFL-CIO Labor Day Breakfast
Monday, September 7 | 9 AM | DoubleTree Hotel, Manchester, NH
As the New Hampshire AFL-CIO’s largest annual gathering, the Labor Day Breakfast brings together union members, labor leaders, elected officials, community partners, and allies from across the state to celebrate everything working people have accomplished and prepare for the fights ahead. We are thrilled to announce that champion of working families and friend of New Hampshire Congressman Ro Khanna will once again join us as our special guest speaker! Our breakfast is a celebration of the sacrifices, victories, and solidarity of New Hampshire workers and working families across our nation.
NYC Central Labor Council Labor Day Rally & March
Tuesday, September 8 | 4:30 PM | Liberty Street, between Church & Broadway
This September marks the return of NYC’s Labor Day mobilization. In 2025, 100,000 marchers gathered on Fifth Avenue to show the might of the NYC labor movement. While this year looks different, we will still join together in solidarity and in support of our fellow workers.
Union Hiring Hall
- Connecticut AFL-CIO | Legislative Director | Rocky Hill, CT
- International UAW | Temporary Graphic Designer | Remote
UPCOMING EVENTS
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 | Register by August 7 | Onaway, MI
UAW Bargaining & Contract Enforcement Bootcamp
September 20-25 | Register by August 10 | Onaway, MI
UAW Member Mobilization Institute
September 27 - October 2 (new date) | Register by August 17 | Onaway, MI
UAW Standing Committees & Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Institute
October 4-9 | Register by August 24 | Onaway, MI
UAW Health & Safety Conference
October 11-16 (new date) | Register by August 31 | Onaway, MI
Region 9A Veterans Council Dinner Dance
Saturday, November 7 | New London, CT