UAW Region 9A Weekly Newsletter: August 8
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JOIN VCAP IN 2025
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The UAW Voluntary Community Action Program (VCAP) is our union’s member-supported political fund. Thousands of UAW members make monthly VCAP contributions to support pro-worker political initiatives and candidates who earn our members' endorsement.
Political leverage in Washington and our state capitols can strengthen our position at the bargaining table, and it can help us win victories beyond bargaining. In today’s political climate, with a resurgent and organized right-wing movement and an all-out attack on the working class by corporate greed, workers need to consider every source of leverage available to build power.
By supporting progressive legislative campaigns and candidates whose platforms support the working class, workers can gain the upper hand in our fight for dignified working conditions. A strong VCAP program means UAW members' voices can be heard to advance our own vision for the working class: fair compensation for our labor, health care and retirement security, and accessible education for all.
Region 9A members who donate monthly to VCAP will earn UAW swag, including tote bags, baseball hats, and bomber jackets! Learn more and sign up at region9a.uaw.org/vcap.
LOCAL & ORGANIZING UPDATES
ON STRIKE! ALAA Members Picketing for Fair Contracts Across NYC
The Goddard Riverside Law Project Union, Urban Justice Center Union, and CAMBA Legal Services Workers United stand united as members remain on prolonged strikes in stalled negotiations for fair contracts.
GRLPU marks one month on strike this week, with UJCU and CLSWU following next week. The strikes continue as management at all three employers refuse to engage with the unions on key bargaining demands. As New York faces an affordability crisis and attacks on due process, the over 120 striking members of GRLPU, UJCU, and CLSWU must win fair contracts to resume serving low-income New Yorkers.
Read more about what ALAA members are fighting for. For continuing strike updates and information about where you can join ALAA members on the picket line, follow @alaa2325 on Instagram.
Rally for a Fair Contract for Columbia University Staff
Tuesday, August 12 | 1 PM | W 116th & Broadway, New York, NY
Columbia support staff deserve a fair contract now! Columbia is offering 2.5% wage increases, health care cost increases, and even more unit erosion. Workers are fighting for fair raises and an increase to base wages, better health care, and a stronger union!
Join UAW Local 2110 and SEIU 1199 for a joint rally at the Columbia gates on Tuesday to make our voices heard.
Local 4100 Practice Pickets to Protect Science at Weill Cornell Medicine
Postdoctoral researchers have been bargaining with Weill Cornell Medicine for well over a year, after the bargaining unit voted with 98.8% to unionize in November 2023. WCM is holding up reaching a fair agreement by insisting on being able to reduce postdocs’ hard-won salary and benefits at a moment's notice and being able to lay workers off with minimal notice. They also refuse to match all of the benefits that Mount Sinai postdocs enjoy.
In April, postdocs voted by 92% to authorize a strike if necessary if WCM doesn't take workers’ concerns seriously. On Wednesday, hundreds of postdocs and supporters picketed to show WCM what could happen if they do not reach an agreement with us. Follow @wcmpostdocunion on Instagram for the latest updates.
Columbia University Slashes Union Jobs—Sign the Pledge Not to Scab
Since May, Columbia University management has been secretly working to eliminate graduate teaching jobs while negotiating with Student Workers of Columbia (Local 2710) for a new contract. Columbia has now eliminated almost all graduate teaching positions in the Core Curriculum, the first-year writing program, language classes, and labs in STEM.
SWC is asking fellow higher ed workers to sign the open letter pledge not to apply for these positions or circulate job advertisements, in the hope of winning some of these positions back and showing Columbia and other universities that union busting using these despicable tactics will not work. Add your name here!
More Region 9A Locals in the News
“In a July 10 open letter to Columbia administrators, higher education workers ‘in solidarity with SWC-UAW’ called the delays and external hiring ‘textbook union busting.’ Negotiation power is critical for SWC-UAW as the union fights for a new contract including protection of international students, pay raises, and increased benefits for workers and dependents—among other key issues.”
- Columbia Spectator: ‘Textbook union busting’: As SWC-UAW negotiations stall, Columbia replaces grad student teaching positions with external recruits (August 5)
FROM REGION 9A
New York City’s Labor Movement is United in Opposition to Attacks on Our Communities
Region 9A joined 1199 SEIU, 32BJ SEIU, CWA District 1, Hotel & Gaming Trades Council, New York State Nurses Association, and PSC/CUNY—together representing over 400,000 New York City union members—in issuing the following statement in solidarity with immigrant workers:
New York City’s labor movement is united in sounding the alarm about the Department of Homeland Security’s plan to “flood the zone” to intimidate, harass and racially profile immigrants across our city. We are deeply disturbed by ICE’s escalating tactics of targeting immigrants at courthouses, denying residents’ due process and civil rights, raiding workplaces, and firing munitions at protestors. These unlawful intimidation tactics have no place in New York City and will make our city less safe.
Like many generations of New Yorkers before them, our members have come from all over the globe to seek a better life for themselves and their families. They leave their homes before dawn every day to care for the sick, provide essential services and build skyscrapers. They are the engine of our businesses and our prosperity. Many have come fleeing violence, exploitation, and political instability to feel safe. Targeting them and their families—including by ripping away legal status—harms all of us. ICE’s actions in courts, workplaces and neighborhoods are not in the service of protecting New Yorkers. Instead, they aim to stoke fear and division. We call on all of our elected leaders to protect and defend working New Yorkers and keep our communities free of fear.
Workforce Training Center Launches Fall LSAT Prep Course for Members & Families
The UAW Region 9A Workforce Training Center is excited to release the course offering for the second half of 2025. LSAT Prep for UAW Members was an extremely popular course in the first half of the year, and we are happy to bring the course to UAW members once again.
This 8-week intensive LSAT prep course is intended for members and their families who plan to attend law school. When offered by for-profit institutions, these courses can cost students $2,000 or more—but through the Workforce Training Center, you will have the opportunity to take this course for free with other UAW members. Learn more and register today!
Save the Date: Labor Day Celebrations in Boston, New York City, & Connecticut
Monday, September 1 | 9:30 AM | Boston, MA
Monday, September 1 | 10 AM - 3 PM | TBD, CT
Saturday, September 6 in New York, NY
On Monday, September 1, the Greater Boston Labor Council is hosting Boston’s first ever Labor Day parade at 9:30 AM on the Boston Common. If interested in joining a UAW contingent marching in Boston, please reach out to Vail Kohnert-Yount at vkohnertyount@uaw.net.
Also on Monday, September 1, Connecticut for All is hosting a Labor Day Canvass and Picnic, with more details to come.
The New York City Central Labor Council is hosting NYC’s annual Labor Day parade on Saturday, September 6. Save the date to join the UAW contingent marching in NYC starting at 10 AM.
COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAM (CAP)
UAW Applauds MA DRIVE Initiative to Invest in Lifesaving Research & Union Jobs
The DRIVE initiative will ensure continued investment in critical lifesaving research remains in Massachusetts. With over 100,000 members in higher education nationally, UAW knows firsthand how essential research funding is under attack from the federal government. In an attempt to make institutions capitulate to Trump’s demands, the federal government is pursuing short-sighted cuts that undermine the very fabric of higher education and research as we know it.
With thousands of members across nine institutions in Massachusetts including the University of Massachusetts, Harvard University, Boston University, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Wellesley College, and Northeastern University, the UAW appreciates the DRIVE initiative’s $200 million commitment as an investment in union jobs, innovative research, and our collective future. We applaud Governor Maura Healey for this critical investment and call on other Governors across the United States to heed her call and introduce similar programs.
Massachusetts CAP Stands with Texas Electeds Fighting Antidemocratic Redistricting
UAW Region 9A is proud to stand in solidarity with our siblings in UAW Region 8 to protect their voting rights as they are under attack by partisan gerrymandering. On the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, Texas state legislators invited Massachusetts CAP members to join their press conference at the Massachusetts State House about their struggle for democracy.
These elected representatives are taking a last resort step to stop an outrageous mid-decade partisan gerrymander. Special thank you to UAW Region 9A-endorsed state legislators including Massachusetts State Sen. Lydia Edwards (a former Local 2320 member) and New York State Rep. Gabriella Romero for joining.
39 Elected Officials Sign Letter in Support of Urban Justice Center Workers on Strike
This week, New York politicians representing workers at the Urban Justice Center signed a letter of support for their strike addressed to UJC management. 39 elected officials—18 City Council members, 8 State Senators, 11 Assembly Members, the NYC Comptroller, and the Brooklyn Borough President—added their names.
“Sustaining UJC’s essential work requires dignified working conditions and fair pay for staff,” they wrote. “We, the undersigned, ask that UJC implement the UJC Union’s demands for more equitable pay, including a wage floor not below $60,000. We believe that the UJC Union’s demands—including contract provisions like enforceable caseload caps, stronger worker protections, and an end to harmful restructuring practices that end union protections—are not only reasonable but should be minimum guarantees for UJC staff to continue their necessary and important work.”
Region 9A CAP in the News
“Zohran’s campaign focused on making New York City more affordable, with promises to freeze rent for one million rent-stabilized apartments (yes, the mayor can do that), make buses fast and free, institute universal childcare, and build affordable housing. He received endorsements from important unions such as AFSCME District Council 37, representing city workers, and the UAW, though most unions supported his opponent, former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who had the backing of the same billionaires funding Donald Trump.”
- Labor Notes: Zohran’s New York City Primary Win Shows People Are Ready to Organize (August 4)
“Hundreds of protesters gathered at Grand Army Plaza in Park Slope on Aug. 3 to for the Families Stand Up for Gaza rally calling for for an immediate opening of humanitarian corridors, a U.S. arms embargo on Israel, and an end to American military aid — part of growing pressure from progressive groups amid the war in Gaza. [...] The rally was organized by Jewish Voice for Peace-NYC, UAW Region 9A, the New York City Democratic Socialists of America, and Brooklyn Families for Palestine.”
- Brooklyn Paper: Hundreds rally at Grand Army Plaza to call for humanitarian aid in Gaza (August 5)
“New York City’s labor movement is united in sounding the alarm about the Department of Homeland Security’s plan to ‘flood the zone’ to intimidate, harass and racially profile immigrants across our city. We are deeply disturbed by ICE’s escalating tactics of targeting immigrants at courthouses, denying residents’ due process and civil rights, raiding workplaces, and firing munitions at protestors. These unlawful intimidation tactics have no place in New York City and will make our city less safe.”
- Harlem World: New York City’s Labor Movement Is United In Opposition To Attacks On Their Communities (August 6)
“The UAW remains one of [Zohran’s] strongest supporters heading into the general election, where Adams and Cuomo are running on independent ballot lines. Its initially risky endorsement would never have happened without an organized and energized movement among the rank and file, as well as leadership willing to listen and be led. It’s no coincidence that one of New York City’s most small-d democratic major unions was also the first to endorse the surprise winner.”
- Labor Notes, by Sam Feldman (Local 2325): Why the UAW Endorsed Zohran When Other New York City Unions Held Back (August 7)
FROM THE INTERNATIONAL UAW
UAW Higher Education Postdoc and Researcher Sub-Council Meeting
Thursday, August 14 | 12 PM ET | Zoom
The next meeting of the UAW Higher Education Postdoc and Researcher Sub-Council will take place over Zoom. All UAW members who are postdocs and researchers are welcome to attend as well as those who are organizing for recognition or a first contract—please register to attend.
Join the Higher Ed Labor United Coalition’s Upcoming Meetings
The UAW is part of Higher Education Labor United, a national organization founded in 2021 to unite workers throughout U.S. higher education. HELU brings together unions that represent staff, student workers, adjunct, contingent, and tenured faculty, postdocs, university health system workers, and others to create and pursue a unified vision for higher education and to add our strength to a reinvigorated U.S. labor movement. Higher ed members are invited to join HELU’s upcoming meetings:
- HELU Open House
Thursday, August 14 | 6 PM ET | Zoom - Library Workers Organizing Meeting & Strategy Session
Wednesday, August 20 | 7 PM ET | Zoom
Attend Contract Enforcement, Member Mobilization, & Local Union Officers Institutes
Region 9A locals are encouraged to send members to the Contract Enforcement Boot Camp, Member Mobilization Institute, and Local Union Officers Institute happening this September and October in Black Lake, Michigan.
All three conferences are powerful and affordable ways to get members trained and involved in our union. We especially encourage locals to send members who have never been to Black Lake previously. For each of these conferences, the registration cost covering both housing and food is only $75 per member, and flight costs will be reimbursed to the local minus $75 and a processing fee. We also have lost time subsidies available for locals who need additional support.
Members are encouraged to contact your local leadership to sign up. Please don’t hesitate to Region 9A Education Representative Alexi Shalom with questions at ashalom@uaw.net.
SOLIDARITY REQUESTS
Maine AFL-CIO Summer Institute
Wednesday & Thursday, August 13-14 | Orono, ME
The Summer Institute is a project of the Maine AFL-CIO and the Bureau of Labor Education. The Summer Institute has been a long-standing tradition of bringing union members together to meet each other, learn new skills, and build our power! This Summer Institute is a place for union members to learn about important issues, to share valuable skills, and to get to know one another. Over the course of the Institute, you’ll take part in workshops, general discussions, and planning for the future work of unions in Maine.
Labor Notes Workshop on Race and Labor
Thursdays, Thursdays, August 14, 21, 28 | 7:30 - 9:30 PM | online
How do we talk about race in our unions, especially when masked ICE agents are barging into our workplaces? How do we counter the divisions among our coworkers that billionaires and politicians are sowing for their own gain? And what can you say to union siblings who aren’t convinced racial justice has anything to do with union politics, or that punishing immigrant workers actually hurts the whole labor movement? This online workshop addresses how class and race are linked, tracing back the origins of “race” as an invention of the ruling class to divide workers. We'll talk about practical next steps to move to strategies of unity.
Celebrate Labor Day in Maine
Sunday, August 31 & Monday, September 1 | Portland, Brewer, & Skowhegan, ME
The Central, Eastern, and Southern Maine Labor Councils are hosting Labor Day celebrations across the state. Join them for breakfast and barbeques in Portland, Brewer, and Skowhegan on Labor Day weekend.
New Hampshire AFL-CIO Labor Day Breakfast
Monday, September 1 | 8 AM | Manchester, NH
Labor Day is just around the corner—and so is the New Hampshire AFL-CIO’s annual Labor Day Breakfast at the DoubleTree Armory Ballroom in Manchester. This is more than just a breakfast. It’s a celebration of the victories, sacrifices, and solidarity of working people who have fought for fair wages, safe workplaces, and the rights we enjoy today—including the weekend itself. All sponsorship proceeds support the NH AFL-CIO PAC fund and the ongoing fight against anti-worker legislation like so-called “Right-to-Work.”
Take Action to Support Empowering the App-Based Workers Act in Connecticut
Connecticut Drivers United is proud to announce that Senator Chris Murphy is championing federal legislation called the Empowering App-Based Workers Act that would guarantee drivers at least 75% of each passenger’s fare. That’s money that pays rent, pays groceries, and stays in Connecticut, for the people who actually do the work. Please send a letter to Senator Blumenthal and ask him to join his colleague and support drivers.
WILL Empower 2025 Edna Berger Award Nomination
WILL Empower is awarding the 2025 Edna Berger Young Courageous Leader Award ($15,000) to a leader who is leading for transformation. WILL Empower celebrates cisgender and transgender women, gender expansive and gender non-conforming leaders who reside and work in North America and who are actively involved in worker justice movements. Learn more about Edna Berger and the Berger-Marks Legacy.
Do you know a young (age 30 and under) courageous leader who demonstrates a commitment to worker, racial, and gender justice? Tell us about them. They should be affiliated with unions, worker centers, community-based organizations, or other justice-seeking organizations where worker well-being is central. Their work and accomplishments must demonstrate a willingness to confront power and exclusive institutional practices for greater equity. Nominate a leader who inspires you using this form!
UPCOMING EVENTS
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 Contract Enforcement Boot Camp
September 7-12 | Onaway, MI
2025 UAW Membership Mobilization Institute
September 28 - October 3 | Onaway, MI
2025 UAW Local Union Officers Institute
October 5 - 10 | Onaway, MI