UAW Region 9A Weekly Newsletter: September 11
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REMEMBERING 9/11 & HONORING LABOR DAY
From the International UAW on the 25th Anniversary of September 11, 2001
The members of the UAW remember and mourn the workers, first responders, and all those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. We honor their memory by recognizing the courage and solidarity of working people who, in a moment of unimaginable tragedy, stepped forward to help one another. We reject violence, hatred, racism, and religious bigotry in all forms.
In memory of those we lost, we recommit ourselves to building a more just society: one where working people stand united. To our community in New York City and elsewhere whose lives were forever changed by the tragic events of that day, we send extra love and support today—our strength, as always, is in our solidarity.
Region 9A Members Join Together in Solidarity for Labor Day 2026
UAW members across Region 9A joined together with tens of thousands of other workers to celebrate the solidarity and resilience of the working class this Labor Day. In New York City and Boston, members marched in annual parades hosted by the NYC CLC and GBLC. Members also joined the Connecticut AFL-CIO’s annual Labor Day breakfast, the Western Mass Area Labor Federation’s holiday cookout, and Local 6950’s contra dance in Orono, Maine.
LOCAL UPDATES
Local 1596: Coolidge Corner Theatre Union Votes to Ratify First Contract
Congratulations to Local 1596 members at Coolidge Corner Theatre for ratifying their first union contract! Members have been bargaining for over two years, after being voluntarily recognized in 2024, and voted to authorize a strike in March.
“Two weeks ago, the Foundation offered a new draft of the contract…and last week our members voted yes to enact it!” the union wrote. “We will be electing stewards ASAP and continuing our mission to create a better Coolidge for the workers and for you. Thank you for your support!”
Follow @cctunion on Instagram for more updates.
GEU-UNH: Rally for Fair Pay After 731 Days of Bargaining
Thursday, September 17 | 12:30 - 2 PM | UNH Campus, Durham, NH
UNH Graduate Employees United teach classes, run labs, conduct R1 research, and keep the University of New Hampshire moving! Our members deserve more than the 41% of a living wage paid to us that would let us actually afford to live where we work. But instead, while UNH administrators get lavish raises, we get nothing.
Join GEU-UNH for a rally this Thursday to make it impossible for UNH to ignore our demands for FAIR PAY and a CONTRACT NOW. Bring yourself, bring a friend, and bring your outside voice! Signs are provided, poverty wages are not. UNH Grad Workers and allies, let’s show up and show UNH what solidarity really looks like.
Local 4100: Member Leader Spotlighted for Advocacy to Protect Scientific Funding
Nature magazine profiled Local 4100 member leader Stefano Cataldi’s work with the UAW to advocate for better working conditions and defend funding for scientific research against attacks by the Trump administration.
“Many colleagues, particularly those working on HIV research or public-health issues affecting minority communities, have seen their projects shut down and public data sets disappear,” Stefano explained. “I couldn’t stand by and watch it happen, so I decided to act.”
Read more about Local 4100’s advocacy in the workplace and beyond in Nature.
Local 1596: Stand with Teaching & Research Assistants at UMass Lowell
Graduate teaching assistants and research assistants at UMass Lowell are fighting for livable stipends, better protections, and a fair contract. Our power comes from the support of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members.
The Graduate Employee Organization (GEO) at UMass Lowell has created a solidarity network to send you campaign updates and information about future actions. Please share your contact information and/or message of support here.
More Region 9A Locals in the News
“A string of recent victories suggests book workers want to address what some see as subpar labor conditions in the industry. [...] In the ’80s and ’90s, ‘there were unions in a lot of publishing companies, but what devastated them were all the mergers and acquisitions, and all the perturbations that publishing constantly undergoes,’ says UAW Local 2110 president Olga Brudastova, who oversees the HarperCollins and Catapult unions.”
- Publishers Weekly: Publishing’s ‘Hot Labor Summer’ (August 21)
COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAM (CAP)
Region 9A CAP in the News: The UAW Wave Has Hit Our Shores
The Nation wrote about the UAW’s strategy to remake American politics for the working class, starting here in Region 9A.
“If the victories of Valdez, Avila Chevalier, and Lander can be seen as validating the mayor’s agenda, they also point to the growing political might of the UAW in New York City,” the article read. “In addition to the victories of the congressional candidates it endorsed, 15 of the union’s candidates for the State Assembly won their primaries along with all five of its State Senate candidates. In 10 of these races, the insurgent candidates unseated incumbents. According to the UAW, more than 500 members canvassed, rallied, and phone-banked to reach more than 50,000 voters.”
“When our members decide to do something,” said Region 9A Director Brandon Mancilla, “we throw down.” Read more in The Nation.
New York: UAW Applauds NYC Mayor’s Office of Worker Power
UAW Region 9A enthusiastically supports the creation of the Mayor’s Office of Worker Power in New York City. The UAW has been advocating for the development of this office since the early days of the Mamdani administration. We look forward to working with the first-of-its-kind office to creatively use the city's resources to support working people.
We are especially excited that Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Deputy Mayor Julie Su have trusted our UAW brother Tony Perlstein to lead the office as its Director. Tony has dedicated his life to promoting worker organizing, from his decade as a member and leader in the International Longshoremen’s Association to his efforts building up rank-and-file power at numerous organizations and unions, most recently at UAW. He is the right organizer for the job. Read more about the new office.
New York: UAW Endorses Former Member Tish James for Reelection as Attorney General
UAW is proud to unanimously endorse Letitia James for reelection as New York Attorney General. AG James, a former member of ALAA Local 2325, has stood on picket lines with members in Regions 9 and 9A—most recently at Neighborhood Defender Services in Harlem this summer.
We know we can count on Tish James to not only answer our call, but to have our members' backs when our livelihoods are on the line. She stands with us out of solidarity and because she was one of us.
We look forward to another four years of AG James knowing our state is in strong hands to guide us forward!
FROM REGION 9A
Now Hiring: Bookkeeper in Hartford & Secretary I in Puerto Rico
UAW Region 9A is now hiring for two clerical staff positions: a Bookkeeper based in Hartford, Connecticut, and a Secretary I in Carolina, Puerto Rico.
Our bookkeeper provides financial and administrative support for regional operations, including maintaining vendor documentation, financial spreadsheets, expenditure records, and internal databases. Responsibilities include preparing, coding, and processing payment requests; tracking and reconciling regional expenditures and staff expenses; processing V-CAP contributions; compiling and analyzing financial reports; and coordinating CAP-related payments. The role also involves frequent communication with local unions and members, maintaining accurate records across multiple funds and programs, and providing administrative backup to secretarial staff.
Our Secretary I provides high-level administrative support for Region 9A’s Subregional office in Carolina, Puerto Rico, serving as a liaison between leadership, staff, members, community partners, and affiliated organizations. Responsibilities include coordinating office operations, meetings, travel, conferences, communications and expenses; preparing, proofreading, and formatting documents and publications; responding to member and staff inquiries; and providing Spanish-English translation and interpretation as needed.
Interested candidates can learn more and submit applications via Indeed. Both positions are represented by OPEIU.
Three Roads Music & Book Tour
Wednesday, September 16 | 6:30 PM | SEIU 32BJ, 26 West Street, Boston, MA 02111
Join Boston area unions to celebrate the release of Three Roads: Labor, Music, Ecology, the powerful autobiography of longtime labor leader and Labor Network for Sustainability Founder Joe Uehlein.
This special event for the national book and music tour will bring together movement leaders, organizers, and music lovers for an evening of stories and songs from a lifetime spent fighting for workers, the environment, and a better world. Blending live music with reflections from the frontlines of labor and climate activism, Uehlein will share how the “three roads” of labor, music, and ecology have shaped his journey and the movements he helped build. Come celebrate the launch and join us for a powerful evening of music and solidarity!
Save the Date: UAW Region 9A Veterans Council Dinner Dance
Saturday, November 7 | Holiday Inn, New London, CT
Please save the date for the Region 9A Veterans Council's 27th Annual Dinner Dance! This year’s event will be held in a new location: the Holiday Inn in New London, Connecticut.
FROM THE INTERNATIONAL UAW
Now Hiring: UAW Women’s Department International Representative
The mission of the UAW Women’s Department is to work to alleviate the inequities created by race and class while continuing to address gender injustice as it relates to discrimination in hiring, pay, promotion, training, seniority protection, and retention in the workplace.
The mission is realized through the four core objectives identified within the Women’s Issues Resolution that was adopted at the 38th Constitutional Convention. The four key objectives are to (1) increase gender equity, (2) advocate for gender-based justice, (3) increase equity in politics, and (4) combat gender-based violence.
This role involves working closely with the UAW Women's Department Administrative Assistant to set department priorities, support the needs of the UAW membership and leadership, and support department objectives. UAW members are invited to apply on Indeed.
Happening Now: 2026 UAW International Officer Elections
This fall, UAW members are voting 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 have now been mailed and must be received by October 5, 2026 in order to be counted. If you have not yet received your ballot, please call the UAW Monitor ASAP at 855-433-8683 to request that a new one be mailed. 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
On Strike! Support UNITE HERE Local 26 & Teamsters Local 25 at Encore Casino
All hands on deck for UNITE HERE Local 26 and Teamsters Local 25 members, who are now on strike at Encore Boston Harbor in Everett, Massachusetts! Workers are fighting for the new and fair contracts they deserve. Labor allies are being asked to know before you go to Encore after September 4—before eating, meeting, greeting or gambling at the property. Get the latest solidarity updates from Local 26.
Boycott Starbucks! Solidarity with Starbucks Workers United
For nearly five years, Starbucks baristas have been fighting for what every worker deserves: better pay, enough hours to make ends meet, safe staffing, and a fair union contract. More than 12,000 baristas have organized with Starbucks Workers United, winning more than 700 union elections nationwide. But instead of finalizing a fair first contract, Starbucks stonewalls at bargaining while workers fight for the basics they need to survive. Union baristas are fed up with Starbucks’ unchecked corporate greed, so they’re calling on all supporters to Boycott Starbucks until workers win a fair union contract. Sign the pledge!
Labor Notes Secrets of a Successful Organizer Hudson Valley Training
Sunday, September 13 | 10 AM - 6 PM | Poughkeepsie, NY
The bosses and billionaires are still attacking worker rights, the public good, and the well-being of our communities. Are you ready to fight back where you work, and in your community? Strengthen your organizing skills with Labor Notes' step-by-step guide to building power on the job. Join us for an in-person "Secrets of a Successful Organizer" training this September in Hudson Valley, New York!
Association of Legislative Employees (ALE) Rally
Tuesday, September 15 | 12 PM | City Hall, New York, NY
The Association of Legislative Employees (ALE) is the independent union representing New York City Council staff and the largest legislative staff union in the country. ALE already has a contract covering Council Member aides and finance analysts, and we are now bargaining for fair contracts for workers in the Council’s Legislative Division and other central staff titles. A key issue is equity: supervisors overseeing the division received raises of approximately 20%, and we’re asking the Council to make a similar investment in its rank-and-file staff. Stand with us as we rally for a fair contract!
Freedom for Fishers Campaign Launch Event
Thursday, September 17 | 9 AM ET | Zoom
Over the past three years, Forum Silaturahmi Pelaut Indonesia – Pingtung Migrant Fishers Union (FOSPI-PMFU) and Global Labor Justice (GLJ) have documented extensive cases of forced labor and severe labor rights violations involving fishers working in a major U.S. seafood brand’s supply chain. FOSPI-PMFU and GLJ invite you the public launch of the Freedom for Fishers Campaign, a campaign demanding that this seafood brand take responsibility for forced labor in its supply chain and negotiate with FOSPI-PMFU to enter into a binding agreement to guarantee fishers’ fundamental labor rights. At the event, we will reveal the U.S. seafood brand tied to forced labor cases documented in the report and hear testimony from fishers and union leaders.
Western Mass Area Labor Federation Introductory Stewards Training
Saturday, September 19 | 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM | West Springfield, MA
Union stewards are the first line of defense for union members! Learn the basics of being a union steward from fellow union members in the Area Labor Federation’s introductory training. Explore key topics like Weingarten rights, Just Cause principles, fighting grievances, and more! Over the course of the day-long training we will cover: an organizing approach to addressing workplace issues and building union power; Weingarten rights and other legal protections for union stewards and workers; filing information requests and investigating potential grievances; just cause principles and writing a strong grievance; and more.
Connecticut Working Families Party Kickball & BBQ Fundraiser
Sunday, September 20 | 2 - 6 PM ET | Manchester, CT
Join the Connectcut Working Families Party’s annual Kicking Ass for the Working-Class Kickball & Barbecue fundraiser at Wickham Park in Manchester! You'll join WFP activists, members, leaders, elected officials, and champions, for some delicious food, drinks, and some real kickball action. The vibes are family and kid friendly, with casual attire and comfy shoes. Burgers, hotdogs, drinks, and desserts will be provided, with gluten-free and plant-based options available. An optional tournament takes place in the middle of the event—folks can either join a team or cheer folks on. Restrooms and parking available on site. Suggested donation is $50 per adult. All are welcome! Funds go to canvassing, communications, and organizing work to help elect Working Families champions into office this November.
Fighting for the Future of Higher Education: Labor Organizing, Bargaining, & Policy Advocacy in the Age of EdTech and AI
October 23 - 24 | Chicago, IL
Higher Ed Labor United and our partners in UIC United Faculty AFT Local 6456 are hosting a day-long deep dive into Higher Education, EdTech, and AI. This workshop is aimed at: understanding and producing contract language that protects workers; strategizing together to create a national organizing model against the technoligarchy; creating legislative frameworks locals can take to their state legislatures and Congress; and deepening workers’ understanding of the issue.
UPCOMING EVENTS
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
UAW Education Committees Institute
October 18-26 | Register by September 14 | Onaway, MI
Region 9A Veterans Council Dinner Dance
Saturday, November 7 | New London, CT