Region 9A News

UAW Region 9A Weekly Newsletter: March 14

Vail Kohnert-Yount
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A MESSAGE FROM THE REGION 9A DIRECTOR

Dear union siblings,

This week, the Trump administration escalated its attacks on our members and our union. In the past week, former Local 2710 member Mahmoud Khalil was illegally arrested on Columbia University’s campus and imprisoned by ICE agents targeting him for his activism against the war on Gaza. Just yesterday, Local 2710 President Grant Miner was expelled and fired one day before contract negotiations were set to open with the University as part of a mass crackdown on free speech against student workers who have protested their employer’s complicity in genocide. At the same time, the Trump administration has cut essential funding for health care and scientific research, frozen Columbia’s funding, and threatened to pull funding from 60 other universities across the country, impacting critical research, academic work, and the livelihoods of thousands of UAW members.

These are dark times for our union, our communities, and this country. Both the International UAW and UAW Region 9A have made our position clear: we stand with our members against the Trump administration’s attacks on higher education, immigrant and international workers, and our freedom of speech. The assault on First Amendment rights being jointly committed by the federal government and Columbia University are an attack on all workers who dare to protest, speak out, or exercise our freedom of association under the Constitution. All solidarity to our Local 2710 members at Columbia—please see below for how we can stand with them and stand together against these attacks.

In solidarity,
Brandon Mancilla

LOCAL & ORGANIZING UPDATES

TODAY: Emergency Rally with Student Workers of Columbia
Friday, March 14 | 1:30 PM | 615 W. 131st Street, New York, NY

SWC Emergency Rally

Columbia fired Local 2710's union president the day before contract negotiations were scheduled to begin—less than a week after allowing ICE to abduct our coworker.

Join us today to make sure they can hear us from the bargaining table! Follow @sw_columbia on Twitter and Instagram for the latest.

 

 

NYC Alamo United Strike Hits One Month: Mutual Aid Fundraiser
Sunday, March 16 | 7 PM | TV Eye, Queens, NYC

Alamo Mutual Aid Fundraiser

Today is the 28th day that NYC Alamo United members have been on strike, after Alamo’s parent company Sony enacted widespread layoffs. Join them this Sunday at TV Eye in Ridgewood, Queens, for the Alamo Mutual Aid Fundraiser!

We’re bringing you a special screening of the movie UNION (2024), plus a night of music, drinks, raffles, and community support for union labor. Doors open at 7 PM, movie starts at 7:30—don’t miss it! $10 donations at the door.

Sign the Petition: Support Local 2322’s Nonotuck Community School Teachers

Nonotuck Community School teachers petition

Sign the petition to support Local 2322’s Nonotuck Community School Teachers in Northampton, MA, in their campaign for a fair and equitable contract! The workers’ bargaining demands include:

  • Wage increases to provide teachers with a living wage in western Massachusetts.
  • Preservation of quality healthcare offered to teachers.
  • Retaining access to sick time, personal days, and other paid benefit time for probationary employees.
  • More support and professional development for teachers.
  • Protections and formal processes to keep Nonotuck Community School free of bullying and harassment.

Rallies Around the Region: WOAW at Wellesley, NYLAG Picket

WOAW rally

The Wellesley Organized Academic Workers rallied on Monday urging Wellesley College to bargain in good faith. Last week, 93% of members voted to authorize a strike, and hundreds of students showed up to support faculty in their fight for a fair contract. For the latest updates, follow @woaw.uaw on Instagram.

nylag picket

Yesterday, Local 2325 members at NYLAG held a lunchtime picket, standing in solidarity with undocumented coworkers to demand that NYLAG managements waive in-person requirements for undocumented staff, meet with the union before firing someone due to work permit issues, and stop sharing NYLAG employee information with ICE. For the latest updates, follow @abetternylag on Instagram.

Region 9A Locals in the News

“Dozens of demonstrators gathered at the Sundial on Wednesday for a rally organized by Student Workers of Columbia-United Auto Workers to condemn the University’s treatment of faculty, students, and staff following the Trump administration’s attacks on unionization, diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, federal funding, transgender inclusion, and immigration.”

  • Columbia Spectator: SWC-UAW holds rally at Sundial ahead of contract renegotiation (Mar. 11)

“Student Workers at NYU kicked off its negotiations with the university on Friday, demanding that senior leadership compensate its resident assistants by establishing a stipend to mitigate disparities in their housing and job responsibilities.”

“Planned layoffs at the Brooklyn Museum will be avoided under a deal struck between labor unions [UAW Local 2110 and DC 37) and museum leadership on Sunday, but at least some employees will still have to leave their positions. The museum will offer voluntary separation or retirement packages to unionized workers who had been slated to be laid off.”

  • Brownstoner: Brooklyn Museum Layoffs Avoided With Union Deal for 'Separation Packages' (Mar. 12)

“The University expelled Grant Miner, president of the Student Workers of Columbia-United Auto Workers, UAW announced in a Thursday news release. ‘Columbia fired our union president the day before we start bargaining—less than a week after allowing ICE to abduct our coworker,’ SWC-UAW wrote in a Thursday post on X.”

  • Columbia Spectator: Columbia expels Student Workers of Columbia-United Auto Workers President, union says (Mar. 13)

FROM REGION 9A

UAW Job Opening: Hiring for Servicing Representative in Region 9A

UAW Region 9A is hiring a Servicing Representative to be based in New York City or New England. Servicing Representatives are highly experienced staff who work with local unions to build worker power and represent workers in collective bargaining, as well as participate in developing our union’s programs to organize and achieve social justice. Staff in these positions also support new organizing drives and coalition-building with other unions and social justice organizations.

The UAW is dedicated to promoting a diverse and inclusive work environment. We believe that our collective strength is amplified when all voices are represented. Women and people of color are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more and apply to the position—candidates are encouraged to apply by March 31.

2025 Summer Brigade

Apply Now for the 2025 UAW Region 9A Summer Brigade

Applications are now open for the UAW Region 9A Summer Brigade! The Summer Brigade is a 5-week full-time intensive training program for Region 9A members which will prepare you to become effective labor educators and organizers in your local unions.

As part of the UAW Education Department’s Fellowship Program, participants will receive formal labor studies education at the City University of New York School of Labor & Urban Studies and training on the Education Department’s national curriculum guidelines and standards. Upon completion of the fellowship, participants will be certified as Local Union Discussion Leaders (LUDLs) and are able to conduct UAW education programs at locals and Black Lake with International resources, in coordination with the education representative.

Learn more and apply by March 31.

Join the UAW Region 9A Chaplaincy Program

A message from UAW Local 2377 President & Region 9A Chaplaincy Coordinator Renford Whynes:

This year, we strive to expand our chaplaincy program within Region 9A. The UAW Chaplaincy program, despite its name, is a nondenominational, multifaith program that supports our union's commitment to serve and care for our membership, especially those that are facing moments of need or crisis.

Through the chaplaincy, the UAW has introduced programs to support our membership, such as the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and the Employee Support Services Program (ESSP).  Likewise, the chaplain is meant to be a dedicated trade unionist in good standing who also supports the precepts and policies of UAW. The chaplain is trained to educate our membership on the history of the labor movement and help develop and maintain an intelligent and dignified membership.

The chaplain engages in legislative, political, educational, civic, welfare, and other activities, such as the joint interest of the membership of this organization by improving social and economic conditions.  The chaplain is a minister trained to assist workers in many areas of physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs. The chaplain in the workplace has an exceptional understanding of social issues facing the working class. The chaplain does not impose their beliefs on others or seek to persuade workers to accept their religious or political beliefs.

If you know a member of your local who would be a great candidate to join the chaplaincy program, we would love to speak to them and give them more information. We are open to all faiths and backgrounds. Please reach out via email at whynes@sbcglobal.net.

Apply Now for the 2025 Richard Dik Days Scholarship Program

days_scholarship_title_photo.png

Applications are now open for the Richard ‘Dik’ Days Scholarship! The Scholarship Fund, founded by the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists Connecticut Chapter, UAW Region 9A, and the Days family, awards three $2,000 scholarships annually to Connecticut high school and college students.

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. Learn more and apply by May 9, 2025.

Unelected billionaire Elon Musk is waging an assault on federal agencies, the public services they provide, and the workers who make them run. But federal workers are organizing and standing up to defend our public services and democracy. Please join them at 26 Federal Plaza from 12 pm to 1 pm, as they demand to be put back to work for the public.

Region 9A Rank-and-File Assembly
Monday, March 31 | 7 PM | Zoom

Region 9A Rank-and-File Assembly

The UAW Region 9A Rank-and-File Assembly is intended to be a region-wide organizing space led by rank-and-file members of our region, and members from every unit, local, and sector are welcome and encouraged to join. All members are invited to the next RFA meeting on Monday, March 31.

 

COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAM (CAP)

UAW Action Guide: Don't Let Billionaires Cut Social Security, Medicaid, and Medicare

UAW Action Guide

Every American has the right to one day enjoy the dignity of a stable and secure retirement. Social Security is a fundamental American value that ensures working people receive the benefits we have earned when we need them most.

Retirees, disabled workers, and survivors have relied on the program’s dependable payments for almost 90 years. For millions, programs like Social Security, Medicaid, and Medicare are the difference between stability and poverty.

Now, UAW Members and Retirees’ hard-earned Social Security, Medicare, and even Medicaid benefits are under attack by the Trump administration and Republicans in Congress. Use this UAW Action Guide and share with your fellow members to fight back!

Join the AFL-CIO to Defeat the Anti-Immigrant “No Bailouts for Sanctuary Cities” Act

Tell Congress: Vote No on HR 32

The No Bailout for Sanctuary Cities Act is about scaring communities into adopting extremist anti-immigrant, anti-worker policies and cutting essential programs for working families—all to pay for billionaire tax cuts.

This bill would force cities and states to choose between facilitating mass deportations or losing otherwise unrelated funding that benefits all residents. Federal funds that could be stripped from state and local governments under this bill include: emergency Medicaid, emergency disaster relief, public health assistance, school lunches, Women Infants and Children (WIC) program, Violence Against Women Act grants, and Department of Transportation grants. This would hurt all of us as well as lead to massive job losses.

Tell your member of Congress to vote NO on H.R. 32.

March to Stop the Cuts
Saturday, March 15 | 11 AM - 2 PM | Foley Square, NYC

March to Stop the Cuts

Right-wing politicians in Washington are moving forward with devastating proposals to cut two trillion dollars from Medicaid, Medicare, SNAP, Public Education, and the Enforcement of Workers' Rights to fund a massive tax giveaway to the wealthy and corporations.

Enough with unelected billionaires being given free rein to shut down vital services of millions of Americans for their own ends. No cuts to working people to fund tax breaks for billionaires! Please join us in Foley Square between Lafayette, Worth and Centre Streets, Manhattan.

Connecticut AFL-CIO Labor Town Halls with Members of Congress

Next week, the Connecticut AFL-CIO is hosting labor town halls with Connecticut’s Congressional delegation. These town halls are open to all union leaders and rank-and-file members, and registration is required in advance.

Weekly Phone Zaps for Dignity Not Detention
Tuesdays | 1-2 PM | Online

Dignity Not Detention Phone Zaps

The Dignity Not Detention campaign has weekly phone zaps to New York state legislators on Tuesdays at 1 PM. You can register in advance here. These phone calls are highly effective in targeting legislators to endorse and co-sponsor this legislation.

Want to get more involved with the campaign to pass Dignity Not Detention? Sign up for the lobby day on April 2!

Connecticut For All Democracy School Training
Saturday, March 15 | 10 AM - 2 PM | Middletown, CT

CT for All Democracy School flyer

The Connecticut For All coalition is hosting a democracy school training on escalation in strategy and practice. Member leaders will join us to learn from other coalition partners about their escalation tactics in the workplace and in the community and align our plans to win a budget that works for us!

 

 

 

NYC Climate Justice Mayoral Forum
Monday, March 31 | 6:30 PM | CUNY Law School, Long Island City, NY

Climate Justice Mayoral Forum

Global temperatures are on the rise, and NYC will likely experience stronger and more dangerous climate disasters. Now more than ever, we need our City's leaders to pass bold climate legislation, fight fossil fuel interests, and prioritize climate and environmental justice.

As the 2025 mayoral race picks up, we want to ensure that NYC's future Mayor prioritizes climate as a key issue for our city's future! Join a coalition of labor, community, faith, environmental justice, and climate organizations—including UAW Region 9A—to find out more about NYC mayoral candidates' climate and environmental justice plans to protect the most vulnerable communities and ensure NYC is adequately prepared to face a changing climate.

Know Your Rights Resources for NYC

If you or anyone you know is arrested by ICE and lived in any of NYC’s five boroughs, Long Island, or Westchester at the time of ICE arrest, please know they will likely be eligible for free legal representation via the New York Immigrant Family Unity Project (NYIFUP), which is the deportation defense program run by The Bronx Defenders, Brooklyn Defender Services, and The Legal Aid Society. In the event of an ICE arrest, email nyifupintake@bronxdefenders.org with the arrested person’s name, A# (if you know it), and residency at time of arrest.

FROM THE INTERNATIONAL UAW

From the International UAW

  • Press Release: In Shocking Move, Columbia University Fires Union President One Day Before Contract Negotiations Begin, in Further Crackdown on Free Speech
  • Statement from UAW President Shawn Fain Condemning Attacks on Higher Education
  • New Video: Mack Trucks Workers Speak Out Against Broken Trade Laws That Kill Jobs for Corporate Profit

Save the Date: Higher Education Council Meeting
June 21-22, 2025 | Pico Rivera, CA

In 2024, recognizing the importance and growth of our higher ed membership in the UAW, the International Executive Board voted to establish a National Higher Education Council, as well as a department to support the work of our higher ed locals. There are over 100,000 higher ed workers who have either joined our union or are organizing to do so.

More and more higher ed workers are refusing to accept the status quo and are organizing for a voice in their workplaces. At the same time, higher ed workers—and all workers—face severe threats from the incoming Trump administration. The new Higher Education Council will be an important space to coordinate, share tactics and make national strategies at this critical time.

The UAW Higher Education Council will meet virtually in April 2025 and then hold its first in-person meeting on June 21-22, 2025, at the UAW Region 6 office in Pico Rivera, California. Each bargaining unit will elect delegates to this meeting based on membership size. For more information, see the call letter.

SOLIDARITY REQUESTS

Federal Unionists Network Let Us Work Rally
Friday, March 14 | 12 PM | Federal Plaza, New York City

Unelected billionaire Elon Musk is waging an assault on federal agencies, the public services they provide, and the workers who make them run. But federal workers are organizing and standing up to defend our public services and democracy. Please join them on Friday at 26 Federal Plaza, from 12 pm to 1 pm, as they demand to be put back to work for the public.

Massachusetts AFL-CIO Dropkick Murphys Union Night Fundraiser
Friday, March 14 | MGM Music Hall, Boston, MA

Tickets for the 2025 Dropkick Murphys Fundraising Concert are now on sale. Tickets are $65 each and include a special pre-show performance as well as a custom concert t-shirt. Tickets can be purchased online. A percentage of ticket sales will be donated to the Massachusetts AFL-CIO Steven A. Tolman Addiction Fund, and additional contributions are appreciated.

Rally and Vigil to Stand Up for Migrant Fishing Workers' Rights
Monday, March 17 | 4:30 - 6:00 PM | Boston, MA

Migrant fishers in Taiwan's distant-water fishing industry, many from Indonesia, face routine deaths, injuries, and disappearances, all stemming from the blatant disregard for the safety and labor rights of the fishers who make its profits. They go on trips of 6 months and longer with no way to communicate with their families or report injury and abuse while the corporations plunder the ocean. They fish the tuna in the cans that many of us buy on a regular basis.

On March 17, these migrant fishers are taking their fight directly to the Boston Seafood Expo, demanding that the seafood industry take immediate action to address this extreme abuse. It's time for the industry to prioritize the health and safety of fishers and uphold their labor rights. Enough is enough! Together we can use our power as unions, community allies and consumers in the U.S. to stand with these workers who are organizing against all odds.

Labor Notes Educators Workshop: Organizing to Protect Immigrant Rights & Public Education
Tuesday, March 18 | 7:30 - 9 PM | Online

The Trump Administration has made it crystal clear that it wants to destroy the U.S. education system by exerting control through fear and attacks on both educators and students.

We want to use this workshop as an opportunity to come together as organizers and dig into specific actions we can take, not only to fight and defend against the attacks, but to take control of what education can be in the U.S.

Specifically, we’ll hear two examples of how educators are preparing for and organizing against these attacks in the area of Trump’s anti-immigrant agenda, and then we’ll start planning how we can start building the fight in our backyards.

Federal Unionists Network Let Us Work Rally
Friday, March 19 | 12 PM | Federal Plaza, New York City

Unelected billionaire Elon Musk is waging an assault on federal agencies, the public services they provide, and the workers who make them run. But federal workers are organizing and standing up to defend our public services and democracy. Please join them at 26 Federal Plaza from 12 pm to 1 pm, as they demand to be put back to work for the public.

Boston Teachers Union Rally Outside State of the City
Wednesday, March 19 | 5 - 7 PM | MGM Music Hall, Boston, MA

BTU is calling on all educators, families, students, community allies to join us next Wednesday outside the State of the City event (MGM Music Hall Fenway)!

As we've shared throughout the last year of negotiating sessions (and since August on an expired contract!), BTU members will not settle without movement on supporting students with special needs (Inclusion Done Right!) and wages that reflect the arduous work of educators throughout this city— most especially bringing a living wage to our lowest paid workers, paraprofessionals. Now is the time to win a contract and unite for the fights ahead— join us in solidarity!

NYCHRP Campaign Launch: Stop U.S. War Crimes in the Philippines
Saturday, March 22 | 3-5 PM | ALAA Office, 50 Broadway, NYC

This campaign launch will shed light on the Balikatan Exercises and other violations of Philippine sovereignty, featuring guest speakers who have witnessed these atrocities firsthand. We’ll also present our campaign rollout, including street flyering, political education, and upcoming protests. Food will be provided.

Labor Notes Troublemakers School in New York City
Saturday, March 29 | 9 AM - 3:30 PM | New Design High School, New York, NY

In less than two months, union activists from across NYC and beyond will get together to strategize, share skills, and learn ways to organize to win. Sharpen your union skills. Share strategies. Become a more educated troublemaker! Join hundreds of labor activists for this one-day conference with workshops including beating apathy, assertive grievance handling, running effective meetings, new organizing, first contracts, and more. Registration is $40 and includes lunch.

Just Transitions Summit: How Can We Fight the Climate Crisis and Achieve Economic and Social Justice?
April 3-5 | University of Southern Maine, Portland, ME

The urgency of the climate crisis has sparked movements calling for the immediate shut down of polluting industries such as coal plants, pipelines, and refineries while promoting green infrastructure and electric vehicles, thus ushering in a new, “green economy.” Proponents of the “green economy” often discuss public health and Earth’s future, while overlooking workers and communities affected by these transitions.  The concept of a "just transition" seeks to ensure workers' livelihoods and community well-being during these shifts to a new economy, but its meaning is widely debated.

Does a just transition simply consist of a “superfund for workers” or is it also a chance to undo oppression of marginalized groups who have historically borne the brunt of environmental injustice? How do we not only protect the livelihoods of workers currently employed in polluting industries, but also ensure that new Green Jobs are Union Jobs that give workers power in the workplace? How do we protect communities from “green washing” of exploitative business practices? This Summit will create space to examine and debate these questions from diverse perspectives.

Mass Alliance Grassroots Campaign Trainings
April 5-6, Holyoke, MA | June 7-8, Lowell, MA

Mass Alliance's signature Grassroots Campaign Training, is a comprehensive two-day bootcamp that will teach you all you need to know to run and win a grassroots campaign for public office including mailers, GOTV planning, fundraising, messaging, social media, and more. Learn more and apply!

Cornell Strategic Corporate Research Summer School
June 22-27, 2025 | Ithaca, NY | Apply by May 1

The AFL-CIO and Cornell University are sponsoring a Strategic Corporate Research Summer School on June 22-27, 2025. The application deadline is May 1. The course is designed for students and others who want to make corporations accountable by working as researchers in unions and social change organizations. The course offers a regular track and an advanced track with an additional research and writing requirement. It is open to individuals applying on their own and to individuals sponsored by unions and other organizations. Scholarships are available to non-sponsored individuals who qualify. Inquire if interested in obtaining course credit. For more info, email scrsummer@cornell.edu or visit the course website.

2025 Coalition of Black Trade Unionists Convention
May 20-26, 2025 | Lake Buena Vista, Florida

The 54th International Convention of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) will be held May 20-26, 2025, in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. The theme for this year’s CBTU Convention is “Preserving and Building on Our Legacy: Unbought, Unbowed, Unstoppable.”

For additional information on the Convention program schedule and to download registration material, visit convention.cbtu.info. Please note that 2025 CBTU dues must be paid by mid-April to register as a delegate. If interested in attending, contact your local union.

National Center for the Study of Collective Bargaining in Higher Education Conference
March 23-25, 2025 | New York, NY

The National Center for the Study of Collective Bargaining in Higher Education and the Professions, Hunter College, City University of New York will hold its 52nd annual national conference on March 23-25, 2025 in New York City with the theme Unity in Defense of Higher Education and Collective Bargaining. See the conference schedule and register online. Contact Alexi Shalom at ashalom@uaw.net for discounted registration rates: $80 for adjuncts and $55 for student workers.

Union Hiring Hall

UPCOMING EVENTS

2025 UAW Women in Leadership Conference
April 3 - 6, 2025 | Ottawa, IL

2025 UAW Health & Safety Conference
April 27 - May 2 | Black Lake, MI

UAW Bargaining Boot Camp Conference
May 4-9 | Black Lake, MI

UAW Education Committees Conference
May 18-23 | Black Lake, MI

Coalition of Black Trade Unionists Convention
May 20-26 | Orlando, FL

38th Annual UAW Chaplaincy Conference
June 1-6 | Onaway, MI

Higher Education Council Meeting
June 21-22 | Pico Rivera, CA

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