UAW Region 9A Weekly Newsletter: April 11
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LOCAL & ORGANIZING UPDATES
Billions in Profits, Cuts for Workers:
UAW Workers at Electric Boat Turn Up the Heat in Fight for Fair Contract
Tick-Tock Rally with UAW Pres. Fain
Monday, April 14 | 5 PM | Mystic Marriott, Groton, CT
More than 2,400 UAW Local 571 members at General Dynamics - Electric Boat in Groton, CT, are turning up the pressure in their fight for a fair contract—rallying on Monday to demand better wages, retirement security for all, and respect on the job.
Fresh off the expiration of their contract on April 4, these skilled workers who design submarines are sending a clear message to the company: it’s time to deliver a contract that honors their critical work. The rally marks an escalation in ongoing negotiations, as UAW members stand united around core priorities like improved pay, retirement security for all, and dignity at work.
General Dynamics, despite raking in over $13 billion in profits over the past three years, is pushing for 52% to 161% increases in weekly medical insurance costs for our members. Meanwhile, it has hired a well-known anti-union firm, employing intimidation tactics and engaging in bad faith bargaining.
Ahead of the action, the union released a new video outlining their key demands and rallied yesterday outside their workplace. All are invited to join Local 571 at the rally on Monday in Groton—find parking and shuttle information here.
NYC Alamo United Nearing 60 Days on Strike
Workers at Alamo Drafthouse have been striking for almost 60 days demanding the reinstatement of 70 coworkers who were illegally laid off by Alamo, which was recently acquired by Sony. NYC Alamo United has done a series of escalating actions including a picket at the CEO’s house in Darien, CT, where neighbors were very supportive.
This week they marched from Sony’s headquarters to Washington Square Park, making a pit stop to visit their union siblings at Cinema Village, showing the boss there—who recently earned himself a ULP—what a picket looks like. Their strike earned a shoutout from UAW President Shawn Fain in his Facebook Live address this week.
Local 259 Rally at Mercedes-Benz Manhattan
Wednesday, April 16 | 12:00 PM | 770 11th Ave, New York, NY
Rally with Local 259 members on Wednesday at Mercedes-Benz Manhattan to help them win a first contract. Tell Mercedes-Benz to stop union-busting and start bargaining with their workers in good faith, after service technicians voted to unionize last May.
Join Scabby the Rat for the rally on Wednesday. Workers at Mercedes-Benz deserve a fair contract NOW!
Local 2110 Rally Against Layoffs at the Guggenheim Museum
Wednesday, April 16 | 5:30 PM | Guggenheim Museum, New York, NY
Local 2110 members at the Guggenheim Museum Union need your support. The Museum recently laid off 14 unit members without
notice or union representation—violating our contract and refusing to bargain in good faith. Critical positions across departments were cut, while senior leadership maintained every dollar of their high salaries.
Join us on Wednesday outside Guggenheim to demand union job security and show the Museum what solidarity looks like! We’ll be distributing leaflets and buttons outside of the VIP opening reception.
Senior Researchers Win Union Election at UMass Chan in Worcester & Mt. Sinai in NYC
This week, the Coalition of Research Employees was officially certified as the union representing postdoctoral and graduate researchers at UMass Chan Medical School in Worcester, MA. Earlier this month, CORE filed with the Massachusetts Department of Labor with more than 70% support, effectively unionizing via card check. Follow CORE-UAW on Instagram for updates.
Also this week, senior researchers at Mt. Sinai voted overwhelmingly to unionize, officially forming the Researchers Organizing Committee at Sinai (ROCS-UAW). This victory follows their UAW siblings in the Sinai Postdoctoral Organizing Committee (SPOC-UAW). Follow ROCS-UAW on Twitter and Bluesky for updates.
Local 2110 Announces Union Drive at Abrams Books in NYC
On Monday, Local 2110 petitioned the NLRB to allow employees at Abrams Books to vote on unionization. Local 2110 has been organizing editors, publicists, marketers, production managers, designers, and managing editors, as well as sales, distribution, mailroom, IT, and finance staffers at the publisher.
Organizers behind the Abrams union drive cited the publisher’s history of low wages as one essential reason for wanting to unionize. While entry-level salaries for employees at the Big Five publishing houses have topped $50,000/year since a major strike by Local 2110 members at HarperCollins in 2023, entry-level salaries at Abrams remain stuck at $40,000/year. Organizers also cited a lack of job security and the need for greater transparency in the Abrams workplace as reasons to unionize.
Read more in Publishers Weekly, and follow the Abrams Union on Instagram for the latest.
UAW Local 376 Colt/CZ Members Ratify a New Three-Year Contract
Congratulations to UAW Local 376 Colt/CZ members at the West Hartford facility for winning a new three-year collective bargaining agreement. Members approved the tentative agreement on April 2, with an overwhelming 96% in favor.
Colt/CZ members won 4.0% for the first year of the agreement and 4.5% for each additional year of the contract. They also won improvement in the 401K contribution from the current 3% match to an additional 1% match per each year of the contract, becoming a 6% match by the end of the agreement. Other economic improvements included issues related to health and safety, as well as other non-economic improvements like attendance point system contract language.
MFJ Union Fights Back Against Attacks on Legal Advocacy
The MFJ Union, a chapter of ALAA Local 2325 representing staff at nonprofit legal services provider Mobilization for Justice, issued a statement calling for the resignation or removal of MFJ Board of Directors members from law firms that have capitulated to the Trump Administration's assault on the rule of law. Read the full statement here.
ALAA Screening of Union Documentary
Thursday, April 24 | 5:30 - 8:30 PM | Zoom or New York, NY
The Association of Legal Advocates and Attorneys’ Black and POC Caucuses are hosting a free in-person film screening of Union, the 2024 documentary on the formation of the Amazon Labor Union (ALU), followed by a Q&A session with three ALU organizers.
After the screening, we will be joined by three Black and POC organizers from ALU for a Q&A session. Angie Maldonado (former ALU Vice President), Sultana Hossain (ALU Recording Secretary), and Jordan Flowers (ALU Co-founder) who will share their unique perspectives on the struggle to unionize, ALU’s recent national holiday strike, navigating racism, sexism and ableism as workers of color, and the current moment for ALU.
This event is open to all, and you must book a ticket to attend. You may also sign up to join on Zoom starting at 7:45 PM for the Q&A portion only. If you have any questions or concerns please reach out to us at hcraig@alaa.org and jhoneidyjavier@gmail.com.
More Region 9A Locals in the News
“Once again, the College showed that it’s less concerned about ending the strike with a fair contact than it is with breaking the strike through any means possible.”
- The Wellesley News: Region 9A, UPS deliveries disrupted, others unaffected as strike continues (Apr. 5)
“WOAW is fighting to keep a four-course workload, while the college is insisting on a five-course workload proposal. [...] WOAW is also bargaining to increase salaries for the non-tenure track faculty, whose starting salaries were frozen at $55,000 from 2008 to 2020. The union is also asking for ‘just cause’ to be required if any union members would be terminated.”
- Boston.com: More than 100 Wellesley non-tenure track faculty are on strike (Apr. 7)
“Dozens of demonstrators gathered at the Sundial on April 2 for a picket organized by Student Workers of Columbia-United Auto Workers to demand open bargaining.”
- Columbia Spectator: SWC-UAW pickets amid allegations of University interference with open bargaining (Apr. 9)
FROM REGION 9A
Thousands of UAW Members Turn Out for Kill the Cuts Rallies
Hundreds of UAW Region 9A members in New York City and Boston joined thousands across the country on Tuesday for Kill the Cuts, a national day of action to raise awareness and fight back against the Trump administration’s devastating attacks on research, health, and higher education.
Study Contemporary Labor Issues at CUNY with UAW Members
June 24 - July 24 | Register by April 15 | New York, NY
UAW Region 9A is entering a partnership with the City University of New York School of Labor & Urban Studies to offer an intensive 12 session, month-long joint undergraduate/graduate labor studies course for UAW members in Contemporary Labor Issues (LABR 302/LABR 699) from late June to July. This exciting course is offered in person only and will include classroom and fieldwork to explore the current state of the labor movement.
All members are invited to register for the course by April 15, 2025. After signing up, we will follow up with you to complete enrollment with CUNY.
Apply Now for the 2025 Richard Dik Days Scholarship Program
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.
UAW Yankees Night
Thursday, July 10 | Brooklyn, NY
Join your fellow UAW members in New York City to cheer on our union siblings in the MLB Players Association at Yankee Stadium! Each ticket includes a New York Yankees UAW hat.
COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAM (CAP)
UAW Action Guide: Auto Tariffs and the Fight to End Free Trade
Our broken trade system screws American workers, consumers, and taxpayers—and it screws Mexican auto workers too. The truth is that free trade isn’t free. It’s been a disaster for working people everywhere.
This is about people’s lives, not chaotic, abstract economic policy, with auto tariffs as just one piece of the puzzle. The real fight is still ahead: any job that comes back into the United States needs to be a GOOD, high quality, union job. We need union rights, a secure retirement with Social Security expanded and strengthened, healthcare including Medicare and Medicaid, and our rights protected on and off the job. Read more about the UAW’s position on tariffs and trade in the latest Action Guide.
Connecticut & Massachusetts: Take Action for Unemployment for Striking Workers
Labor law favors employers and corporate CEOs over workers when it comes to bargaining a contract. But a proposal to allow workers to access unemployment insurance after they have been on strike for a certain period of time will help restore balance to collective bargaining.
In Connecticut, legislation allowing striking workers to access unemployment insurance is working its way through the General Assembly, but Governor Lamont is already threatening to veto it. Email Governor Lamont now and ask him to stop siding with powerful employers and stand with working people!
Similar legislation has been proposed in Massachusetts, allowing employees forced to strike to be eligible for unemployment benefits after 30 days of being on the picket line, standardizing the benefits eligibility of workers engaged in labor disputes. Ask your legislators to support S.1319 & H.2168 today!
Massachusetts: Share Your Story for Paid Family & Medical Leave
Our union is joining with other graduate worker unions across Massachusetts to win paid family and medical leave and unemployment benefits for all of us. When we face job loss, encounter major medical issues, or become parents and caretakers, we do not have equitable access to the benefits guaranteed to other workers in our state because of an explicit exclusion we are seeking to eliminate. If this bill passes, student workers would be eligible for up to 26 weeks of paid family and medical leave annually. Read more about the MA PFML law.
To help us pass this law, legislators will need to hear from you in meetings and in hearings! Fill out this form to tell us your story. We also need people to join our campaign by attending our strategy meetings and helping us execute this statewide campaign. If you want to get more involved, email Dorothy Manevich at dorothy.manevich@gmail.com.
New York: Rally for Dignity Not Detention
Thursday, April 17 | 6 PM | Foley Square, New York, NY
The Dignity Not Detention coalition will rally together as part of Detention Watch Network's Communities Not Cages National Day of Action.
Join Dignity Not Detention advocates, allies, and impacted New Yorkers to demand that New York legislators do everything they can to stop the expansion of detention facilities and end mass detention nationwide. New York State Assemblymembers and Senators must act boldly and pass the Dignity Not Detention Act (A4181/S316) and New York for All (A3506 /S.2235) now—no excuses!
Let's show the federal government that New York will take a stand. We will NOT conspire with ICE to make our neighbors disappear or to separate families. It's time for New York to invest in communities, not cages.
New York: Federal Unionists Network Save Our Services Rally
Thursday, April 17 | 6 PM | Foley Square, New York, NY
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 at 26 Federal Plaza from 1 pm to 2 pm, as they demand to be put back to work for the public.
Connecticut: AFL-CIO Path to Power Political Candidate Training
Saturday, April 12 | 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM | IBEW Local 90, Wallingford, CT
Have you thought about running for public office? The Connecticut AFL-CIO and the Area Labor Federations, in partnership with the national AFL-CIO, are hosting our Path to Power Political Candidate Training. This training is designed to equip union members with the knowledge and skills needed to run for office and make a difference in our communities. Our Path to Power training will guide you through the entire process – including determining if you can win, developing a campaign message and stump speech, running a field program, fundraising, and more. The training is free for union members.
Connecticut: Labor Town Hall with Connecticut Representative Jahana Hayes
Thursday, April 14 | 5:30 PM | AFSCME Council 4, New Britain, CT
The Connecticut AFL-CIO is organizing this town hall for union members to engage with Rep. Hayes to discuss key federal issues affecting you and your union. Working people and retirees are facing federal cuts to Veterans Affairs, defense spending, Social Security, Medicare & Medicaid, the Department of Education, proposals to eliminate OSHA, and much more. You'll have the opportunity to ask questions and learn how we can work together to fight for better wages, benefits, and workplace protections. Due to limited capacity, registration is required.
Call Your Rep: Restore Federal Workers’ Bargaining Rights Now
Reps. Jared Golden (D-Maine) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) just introduced a bipartisan bill in Congress that would nullify Trump’s executive order stripping the right to collectively bargain from hundreds of thousands of federal employees.
Every member of Congress—Democrat or Republican—should be willing to take a stand in support of our fundamental rights by backing this critical legislation. Will you make a call asking your representatives to support the Protect America’s Workforce Act?
FROM THE INTERNATIONAL UAW
UAW President Shawn Fain Talks Tariffs, Trade, and Trump on Facebook Live
Last night, UAW President Shawn Fain addressed the membership and the public on Facebook Live, talking about the political moment we find ourselves in, our union's position on tariffs and trade, and the attacks we are facing from the Trump administration. Watch a recording on UAW's Facebook or YouTube accounts.
UAW Hotline for Immigration Legal Counsel & Emergencies
UAW members in higher education are facing escalating anti-immigrant actions from the Trump administration, including visa revocations and ICE activity in and around campuses. Our union has set up a hotline to quickly refer members facing an immigration emergency to legal resources. In the event that a member is experiencing an unexpected change in immigration status or any other immigration-related emergency, they may call this number to be connected with legal counsel: 888-416-2110. Please share this information with your fellow members.
UAW Higher Education Department Launches New Website
The UAW’s Higher Education Department launched a new website at uaw.org/highereducation, featuring upcoming actions, positions, and resources for our locals and members working in higher ed. Check out the website for a map of UAW’s higher ed workplaces, a list of contract wins, and more.
Higher Education Virtual Council Meeting
Wednesday, April 16 | 7 PM | Zoom
From funding cuts to attacks on free speech, our union has been busy fighting back against Trump’s assault on higher education. Our next opportunity to discuss these attacks and strategize our response will be at the Higher Education Council virtual meeting in April.
At our April meeting, we’ll hear about legislative changes affecting higher education workers, and the ways our members have been fighting back. We’ll also preview the new UAW Higher Education website and get your input on programming our first in-person meeting from June 21-22 in Pico Rivera, California.
2025 UAW Local Union Officers Institute
June 8 - 13 | Onaway, MI
The UAW Education Department Local Union Officers institute will offer broad training for local union officers to learn their roles and responsibilities as leaders of a fighting union. New and seasoned officers alike will find this conference beneficial, and all will walk away with greater clarity about the expectations of their role. This institute will provide local union officers with a clear understanding of their administrative responsibilities. Role-specific training will be provided for local union presidents, vice presidents, recording secretaries, and financial secretaries.
2025 UAW-LUCA Communications Conference
June 22 - 27 | Onaway, MI
We are thrilled to announce the theme for this year’s conference: Family Re-UNION: Refocus – Reignite – Reengage! This dynamic gathering is designed specifically for labor communicators, emphasizing the critical role labor communications play in building strong, effective unions. This year’s conference will provide participants with the tools and skills required to enhance local communication efforts while offering valuable opportunities to network and strengthen connections. Together, we’ll explore strategies to educate members, inspire action, and advance the cause of labor with renewed energy and focus. Join us for an exciting educational experience that will empower you to refocus on your mission, reignite your passion, and reengage your union family. Let’s come together to build a brighter future for labor!
2025 UAW Family Scholarship
July 20 - 25 | Onaway, MI
Registration is open to apply for the 2025 UAW Family Scholarship! For more than 45 years, the Family Education Center has been where UAW members and their families come together for an experience combining education and recreation. It’s a place to learn about our union, unlock ideas, and build new friendships with other UAW families. This one-week summer experience will give you and your family a spirit guaranteed to strengthen your understanding and appreciation of our union. If interested, please complete your registration no later than June 6.
SOLIDARITY REQUESTS
Dockworkers in Solidarity: Organising Lessons from Workers Taking Action for Palestine
Wednesday, April 16 | 1:30 PM | Zoom
In a powerful act of solidarity, the Swedish Dockworkers' Union made a landmark decision to enforce a blockade on handling military equipment destined for or originating from Israel. This bold action, supported by 68% of the union’s membership through a direct vote, provides important organizing lessons to workers interested in building support for Palestine in our unions. The National Labor Network for Ceasefire is hosting a webinar where we’ll discuss how dockworkers and trade unionists around the world can unite to strengthen support for workers taking action. We’ll also address how to support workers who take action, ensuring they are protected from retaliation.
National Day of Action for Higher Education Rally & Speak-Out
Thursday, April 17 | 12 PM | UVM Howe Library, Burlington, VT
Join faculty, students, and staff in standing against the far-right’s assault on higher education. We take action: for education as a civil right, for the freedom to teach and learn, in defense of union power and worker autonomy, and for the right to dissent.
UNITE HERE Connecticut Cafeteria Workers Solidarity Rally
Saturday, April 19 | 12 PM | Hartford, CT
Join college and corporate cafeteria workers across Connecticut as we rally and march to call on our elected officials to stand up for workers. As we begin negotiating new contracts, we are fighting for unemployment insurance for striking workers and state money to fund our colleges. Email your lawmakers to support Senate Bill 8 for unemployment for strikers, and join us at our solidarity rally on April 19!
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. For more info, visit the course website.
UCLA Strategic Labor Research Conference
August 8-10, 2025 | Apply by May 16 | UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
Hosted by the UCLA Labor Studies Program, the UCLA Strategic Labor Research Conference is an annual event that includes over 20 workshops on applied skills and discussions about strategic campaigns designed for new and experienced labor and allied researchers.
Dynamic keynote speakers and a variety of exciting training sessions will help strengthen and add new skills to your research repertoires. Come join California’s labor movement researchers in discussions about the future of research and organizing!
We are now accepting applications for the 2025 Strategic Labor Research Conference. The application portal will be open until May 16 and accepted applicants will be notified by June 3. The cost to attend the conference is $125 for California residents and $200 for out of state attendees
UPCOMING EVENTS
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
2025 UAW EAP Conference
June 1-6 | Onaway, MI
2025 UAW Local Union Officers Institute
June 8 - 13 | Onaway, MI
Higher Education Council Meeting
June 21-22 | Pico Rivera, CA
2025 UAW-LUCA Communications Conference
June 22 - 27 | Onaway, MI
UAW Night at the Yankees
July 10 | New York, NY
UAW Family Scholarship
July 20 - 25 | Onaway, MI
UAW Veterans Conference
August 10 - 15, 2025 | Onaway, MI
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