UAW Region 9A Weekly Newsletter: August 14
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LOCAL UPDATES
Delegates Represent Region 9A at Veterans, Women’s, & TOP Conferences
Thank you to our members from Locals 2320, 2377, 405, 571, 2121, 2110, and 1596 who served as delegates to this week’s UAW Veterans Conference in Black Lake and the UAW Women’s & TOP Conference in Houston! All year long, our Region 9A Veterans Council and Women’s Committee meet regularly to advance causes serving veterans and women in our region.
Local 7902: NYU Adjuncts & Elected Allies Turn Up the Heat for Paid Family Leave
Adjunct faculty at NYU campaigning to win paid family leave received support last week in the form of a letter signed by 34 NYC lawmakers who wrote that the added benefit would help both academic workers and students at the university. Council Member Tiffany Cabán, who led the letter, also penned an op-ed calling on NYU to do right by its adjuncts.
David Palmer, the adjunct faculty union’s unit chair, said that without the paid leave, faculty are forced to choose between their positions at the university and caring for sick family members, bonding with their newborns or stepping in when a family member in the military is deployed abroad. “These are decisions that adjunct faculty face on a regular basis,” he said.
Under a state law enacted in 2016, eligible part-time and full-time workers in New York are guaranteed up to 12 weeks of job protected paid family leave while being paid two-thirds of their standard wage. But several categories of workers are excluded from benefit, including most academic workers, religious employees like ministers or rabbis, and golf caddies.
Since it was first passed, the law has been expanded to cover more workers and United Auto Workers Local 7902 that represents the NYU adjunct faculty has pushed for a bill that would expand the paid family leave benefits to cover academic workers. But efforts to expand the legislation to cover the adjunct faculty have so far been unsuccessful.
In the meantime, NYU's academic workers have been pushing for around a year to secure a side letter to their ongoing collective bargaining agreement with the university that would grant around 3,000 adjunct faculty paid family leave. The union delivered a letter of its own last year to university leadership calling for the benefit and 1,100 adjunct faculty members have since signed a petition in support of the move.
“For NYU the cost would be minimal,” Palmer explained. “It's just about the will to do this.”
In the news:
- City & State NY: Opinion: NYU must provide paid family leave for all (August 7)
- The Chief: Electeds back NYU adjunct faculty’s push for paid family leave (August 11)
Local 7650: UMaine Grad Workers Protest Policy Changes Without Union Input
During the Maine AFL-CIO’s Summer Institute last Thursday, union members from across the state joined members of the University of Maine Graduate Student Union for a powerful action to call out management on a multitude of issues facing their members.
The group marched to the university president's office to deliver a letter and more than 50 member testimonials articulating issues of concern on payroll practices and health care benefits that university administrators have been unilaterally implementing without input from the union. The president's office was packed with graduate student members and allies as they read their letter aloud and made their points demanding inclusion on decision making at the university.
The bargaining unit is more than 900 members strong and achieved their first collective bargaining agreement in December 2025. Follow @umaine_gradworkers on Instagram for the latest updates!
More Region 9A Locals in the News
“A year after voting to unionize, part-time tour guides and educators at the Emily Dickinson Museum…are in the midst of negotiating their first contract. The 20 employees of the museum last summer voted to form EDM-UAW Local 2110, to improve both their work conditions and pay and enhance the experience for those touring the museum. They’ve been trying to reach a deal through a negotiating committee since last October.”
- Daily Hampshire Gazette: Emily Dickinson Museum tour guides negotiate first union contract a year after Amherst vote (August 8)
“Tour guides at The Emily Dickinson Museum in Amherst formed a union, EDM-UAW Local 2110, in the summer of 2025 to pursue sustainable improvements for our guests and ourselves. Our bargaining committee is negotiating our first contract with museum management and Amherst College and we would appreciate community support.”
- Mass Live: A union cause in poet Emily Dickinson’s house (August 10)
COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAM (CAP)
Massachusetts CAP Announces Primary Endorsements, Including 5 UAW Members
UAW Region 9A’s Massachusetts CAP Council voted to endorse 14 candidates for the Massachusetts State Legislature, adding to our previous endorsement of Ed Markey for U.S. Senate and Tram Nguyen for U.S. Congress in advance of the Democratic primary on September 1.
We are proud that four of these 14 candidates—John Drinkwater, Evan MacKay, Ben Ewen-Campen, and Tom Hendrickson—are current or former UAW members. Our CAP Council will work to elect them to join other UAW members currently serving in the Massachusetts legislature including Representative Nguyen, Senator Jamie Eldridge, and Senator Lydia Edwards.
Read more about our endorsed candidates, and see below for opportunities to get involved in supporting them.
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 for Canvass & Fireside Chat for Evan MacKay
Saturday, August 15 | 12 - 2 PM | Cambridge Common Park, Cambridge, MA
Claire Valdez, a member of UAW Local 2110 and the Democratic Congressional nominee for NY-7, has endorsed fellow UAW sibling Evan MacKay in their race to represent the 25th Middlesex in the Massachusetts State House.
Two years ago, Claire was there for our movement, canvassing during GOTV weekend alongside volunteers in Cambridge. 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.
We’re honored to have Claire back in Cambridge again to help Evan bring it home. Join us this Saturday, August 15, for a joint megacanvass with Evan and Claire!
After the canvass, all are invited to a fireside chat on Saturday evening at 6 PM with Claire and Evan, moderated by Deb Gesualdo, Vice President of the Massachusetts Teachers Association. We will discuss the important lessons learned in labor organizing and how we can continue to build this powerful movement, followed by light refreshments.
More in Massachusetts: Canvass with Labor for UAW-Endorsed Candidates
Labor Walk for Johnnie McKnight with Western Mass ALF, MTA, & WFP
Saturday, August 15 | 11:30 AM | 1015 Wilbraham Road, Springfield, MA
Canvass with Act on Mass for Alison Leary
Sunday, August 16 | 1 - 4:30 PM | Newton/Waltham, MA
Labor Canvass for Will Mbah with the Massachusetts Nurses Association
Sunday, August 16 | 1 - 4 PM | Marshall Street Playground, Somerville, MA
Standout for Will Mbah at the Mystic Valley Voters Forum
Wednesday, August 19 | 5:30 - 6:30 PM | Medford Public Library, Medford, 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 | Boston Public Library Allston Branch, Boston, MA
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.
UAW Joins Amazon Teamsters to Picket New York City Hall for Delivery Protection Act
UAW members joined Amazon Teamsters and their allies for an informational picket on Thursday outside of New York City Hall to call for the passage of the Delivery Protection Act. The action came just three days after the Teamsters held a massive rally in support of the bill, which secured the endorsement of both New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani and a supermajority of the New York City Council.
“UAW Region 9A is proud to stand with Teamsters Local 804, Amazon Teamsters, and the entire union, along with our legislative allies like bill sponsor Tiffany Cabán and Mayor Mamdani in calling on the City Council to pass the Delivery Protection Act,” said Brandon Mancilla, Director of UAW Region 9A. “Today, New York City can make a choice to side with working New Yorkers over billionaire Bezos. The UAW will always stand on the side of the working class against corporate greed, and with 34 sponsors and the mayor’s support we call on this bill to heard, because these workers should not have to wait any longer!”
FROM REGION 9A
Join UAW Members for Labor Day 2026
Labor Day is our day! Join UAW members across Region 9A and tens of thousands of other workers as we come together on Labor Day. Here are some of the events UAW members are participating in across our region.
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.
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.
FROM THE INTERNATIONAL UAW
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.
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. The latest issue of Solidarity Magazine features information about all candidates. More information about the upcoming elections is available at uawmonitor.com/elections, and you can watch recordings of all the candidate forums on YouTube.
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.
SOLIDARITY REQUESTS
Join Connecticut’s New Pride at Work Chapter
We are excited to announce that we are establishing a Pride At Work chapter in Connecticut! Pride At Work is an AFL-CIO constituency group that brings together LGBTQIA+ union members and allies to strengthen solidarity, advocate for equality, and build power in our workplaces. All are welcome! Whether you are an LGBTQIA+ union member, an ally, or a nonunion worker interested in learning more about the labor movement, we encourage you to get involved.
Please fill out the form to indicate your interest in joining the chapter. Any information you share will remain confidential and will only be accessible to the chapter organizers. Additionally, the National Pride At Work is hosting a 101 virtual training on Sunday, August 23, at 7 PM. The session will cover the organization's history, structure, resources, campaigns, and how to join or start a chapter. Click here to register for the training.
SEIU Local 509 Rally for a Fair Raise for Family Child Care Providers
Tuesday, August 18 | 11 AM | State House, Boston, MA
Over the last two years, family child care providers have only received a 1.5% raise in rates. Many are struggling to keep their programs open. Join us in telling Governor Healey to fund the early education rate reserve, give family child care providers a fair raise, and ensure they can continue to provide the quality care that working families rely on.
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!
Union Hiring Hall
- Connecticut AFL-CIO | Legislative Director | Rocky Hill, CT
- International UAW | Temporary Graphic Designer | Remote
UPCOMING EVENTS
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 | 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 | Register by August 31 | Onaway, MI
Region 9A Veterans Council Dinner Dance
Saturday, November 7 | New London, CT