UAW Region 9A Weekly Newsletter: April 4
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LOCAL & ORGANIZING UPDATES
WOAW Strikers Joined by UAW President Shawn Fain & AFA President Sara Nelson
Unions from around Boston—including UAW President Shawn Fain and AFA-CWA President Sara Nelson—joined the striking members of the Wellesley Organized Academic Workers (WOAW-UAW) for a solidarity rally on Tuesday.
“No matter what sector we bargain in, it’s the same issue—the bosses don’t want to share,” President Fain said. Region 9A Director Brandon Mancilla also spoke, telling the crowd, "We are here to fight for fairness and justice for all workers at Wellesley."
Fellow UAW members from Local 1596, Local 2322, Local 5118, and CORE-UAW joined the rally. Special thank you to members of the Massachusetts AFL-CIO, the Framingham-Newton Building Trades Council, Pipefitters Local 537, the Boston Teachers’ Union, IATSE, and more for joining UAW members as well. UPS drivers unionized with the Teamsters have also paused deliveries to the Mail Center for the duration of the strike. Read more about how to support WOAW on strike!
Local 571 Contract Campaign Heats Up in Connecticut—Save the Date for April 14!
The Marine Draftsmen’s Association (Local 571) at Electric Boat in Groton is ratcheting up the pressure on their employer during contract negotiations. The bargaining committee activated over 60 local shop-floor councilors to join the open bargaining process and has been keeping the membership informed through daily updates on Facebook.
Today’s update informed the membership that instead of discussing the union’s key demands for COLA, pensions for all, real profit sharing, and minimal medical increases, the company proposed creating a third tier for pensions, which the union will not accept. MDA members are now preparing to work under an expired contract while bargaining continues.
Save the date for a powerful rally and strike authorization vote with UAW President Shawn Fain in Groton on April 14! In the meantime, follow Local 571 on Facebook for the latest.
Local 3999 Shows Solidarity with Local 571’s Fight Against Corporate Greed
Region 9A Director Brandon Mancilla met with the Bath Marine Draftsmen's Association (UAW Local 3999) this week in Maine. At their membership meeting, members talked about how we fight back against corporate greed and the importance of retirement security.
The BMDA members in Bath are in strong solidarity with MDA members in Groton. MDA UAW Local 571’s fight is BMDA’s fight!
Local 259 Rally at Mercedes-Benz Manhattan
Wednesday, April 16 | 12:00 PM | 770 11th Ave, New York, NY
Rally with Local 259 members at Mercedes-Benz Manhattan to help them win a fair first contract! The service technicians voted to unionize last May, and the workers say that management has done everything it can to bust the union. Join them in solidarity on April 16.
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.
Region 9A Locals in the News
“The higher ed sector is, to me, the most exciting sector in the UAW,” UAW President Shawn Fain said. “To me, they’re one of the most integral parts and one of the most beautiful parts about our union.”
- Harvard Crimson: UAW President Urges Harvard Not to ‘Cave’ to Trump Admin at IOP Forum (Apr. 1)
“Shawn Fain, president of the United Auto Workers (UAW) union, joined Wellesley non-tenure track faculty on the Wellesley Organized Academic Workers (WOAW) picket line on April 1.”
- The Wellesley News: UAW President Shawn Fain speaks at WOAW picket line (Apr. 1)
“We’re in a climate where people who are on visas are being targeted by ICE and are facing deportation,” said Anne Brubaker, Senior Lecturer in the Writing Program. “Rather than communicating that, apart from our efforts to strike, the College has only communicated broadly about seemingly to deter or threaten people regarding their participation in the strike.”
- The Wellesley News: Striking faculty may face pay withholding and visa risks (Apr. 1)
“WOAW and the College reached tentative agreements for Union Rights and Access and Recognition for union members. However, the session did not address major proposals, such as compensation, workload and appointments and reappointment. The Union did not consider there to be enough progress made to end the strike.”
- The Wellesley News: April 1st Bargaining Session between WOAW and the College (Apr. 3)
“They’re trying to hold up the students as a bargaining chip to pressure them into not striking. It’s appalling, and I’m ashamed to go here … No other institution of higher education has pulled the student credit hours into the negotiation in this way.”
- BU Daily Free Press: ‘I’m ashamed to go here’: Wellesley non-tenure faculty strike continues, students voice support (Apr. 1)
“In a letter sent last week to the university's president and co-chair of the board of trustees that listed 10 demands, three United Auto Workers locals implored Columbia's leadership to protect students and reinstate workers that have been expelled and terminated.”
- The Chief: Columbia unions unite against Trump, university management (Apr. 4)
“The University of Maine paused new financial offers to graduate students for the 2025-26 academic year on March 27, and is facing criticism from graduate workers who feel the decision amounts to a hiring freeze and increases pressure on a workforce that has been negotiating a union contract for more than 500 days.”
- The Maine Campus: After 500 days without a contract, University of Maine graduate workers push back on funding freeze (Mar. 31)
FROM REGION 9A
Unions Fighting for Free Speech & Against Deportations
On Tuesday, UAW Region 9A joined labor unions across Boston to stand up with Rumeysa Ozturk, a member of SEIU 509, and all students and workers illegally detained by ICE and DHS. These attacks on our rights to free speech and protest are an attack on the entire labor movement and everyone struggling for a better life.
“At this moment when the law is literally either being weaponized against us or being ignored where we thought it used to protect us, the only solution we’re going to have left is organizing and realizing the power we have as workers,” Director Mancilla told Labor on the Line.
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.
Veterans Council Meeting
Friday, April 11 | 10 AM | East Hartford, CT & Zoom
All members are welcome to join monthly meetings of the Region 9A Veterans Council. For more information, contact Region 9A Servicing Representative Mike Holmes at mholmes@uaw.net.
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)
Nationwide Hands Off Rallies, Cosponsored by UAW
Saturday, April 5 | Find a rally near you
Donald Trump and Elon Musk think this country belongs to them. We are fighting back! They're taking everything they can get their hands on—our health care, our data, our jobs, our services—and daring the world to stop them. This is a crisis, and the time to act is now. On Saturday, we're taking to the streets to fight back with a clear message: Hands off!
This mass mobilization day, cosponsored by UAW, is our message to the world that we do not consent to the destruction of our government and our economy for the benefit of Trump and his billionaire allies. Alongside Americans across the country, we are marching, rallying, and protesting to demand a stop the chaos and build an opposition movement against the looting of our country.
A core principle behind all Hands Off! events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values. Hands Off rallies are happening in all 50 states—find and join a rally near you at HandsOff2025.com.
Kill the Cuts National Day of Action
Tuesday, April 8 | Boston, MA & New York, NY
By cutting funds to lifesaving research and medical care, the Trump administration is abandoning families who are suffering and costing taxpayers billions of dollars. These cuts are dangerous to our health, and dangerous to our economy.
On Tuesday, workers across the country are standing up and demanding NO cuts to education and life-saving research. Join fellow UAW members in New York, Boston, and other cities across the country to say #KillTheCuts!
UAW Action Guide: Stop the Cuts to Our Veterans Hard-Earned Benefits
The Trump administration plans to cut over 80,000 employees from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Cuts to the VA staffing will greatly endanger veterans’ access to benefits and healthcare, including thousands of UAW members. Trump and billionaire Elon Musk have already fired thousands of veterans in the federal workforce, hurting UAW veterans and their families.
Use this UAW Action Guide to contact your representatives to say stop the cuts and stand up for our veterans. Share with your fellow members to fight back!
Take Action for Dignity Not Detention
The Dignity Not Detention Act aims to end the state's contracts with ICE, which currently allow ICE to use county jails to detain immigrant New Yorkers. By drastically reducing the number of detention facilities in the state, the legislation seeks to eliminate the practice of profiting from inhumane detention in New York and help protect immigrants from being separated from their families and communities.
The Dignity Not Detention campaign has weekly phone zaps to New York state legislators on Tuesdays at 1 PM. These phone calls are highly effective in targeting legislators to endorse and co-sponsor this legislation. The campaign will also hold a letter writing event on Monday, April 7, at 7 PM on Zoom.
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.
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?
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.
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.
FROM THE INTERNATIONAL UAW
UAW Sues Trump Administration Over Terminated NIH Grants
The UAW and public health groups representing thousands of researchers and scientists sued the Trump administration Wednesday over actions that led to the termination of research grants funded by the National Institutes of Health.
Along with the American Public Health Association, Ibis Reproductive Health, and other researchers, the UAW said in a complaint filed in the US District Court for the District of Massachusetts that the NIH unlawfully issued a series of directives that resulted in terminated grants that were no longer in line with the Trump administration’s priorities. Read more from Bloomberg Law and the ACLU.
UAW Women's Department Features Region 9A Members for Women's History Month
To honor Women's History Month, the UAW Women's Department featured testimonials from two Region 9A member leaders reflecting on this year's theme: "Resilient Women: From Suffrage to Power."
Nadya Lucero, a member of UAW Local 2325 at New Immigrant Community Empowerment (NICE) in New York City, talked about getting her inspiration to fight injustice from Dolores Huerta’s tireless fight for workers’ rights.
Francis Suárez, a member of UAW Local 2396 which represents school cafeteria workers in Puerto Rico, talked about the rights of working women as well as the rights of Puerto Ricans to a voice and vote.
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-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
March on Washington to Free Mahmoud, Rumeysa, and Student Activists
Saturday, April 5 | 1 PM | Washington, DC (buses from NY, MA, CT)
This Saturday, union members are mobilizing to Washington, DC, to demand the freedom of Mahmoud Khalil, Rumeysa Ozturk, and all student activists who have been unjustly taken by ICE. These attacks on international students and workers are a clear attempt to scare people from taking collective action and exercising their rights. In doing so, they threaten the ability for all working people to fight against injustice and for a better future. But we won’t back down and be scared into silence. Last year, the labor movement stood up against the genocide in Palestine and against attacks on free speech related to Palestine. This is another moment to stand on the right side of history.
Massachusetts Union Member Candidate School
Saturday, April 5 | 10 AM - 2 PM | Ironworkers Local 7, Boston, MA
Are you thinking about running? Come learn from fellow union members who have successfully run for public office in Massachusetts! Lunch is provided.
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!
Labor Network for Sustainability Power to Hold Pensions Accountable Workshop
Thursday, April 10 | 8 PM ET | Online
What can we do when our funds say they recognize the risks of climate change, labor conditions, inequity, etc., and make general statements or commitments—but don’t show how they put statements into practice? What do we do when they aren't transparent with the fund's workers and retirees? You don’t have to be stuck just hoping funds walk their talk. You have the very real levers to pull with your pension fund to push for transparency and accountability! Let’s uncover what power you can wield and the ways to organize our influence.
The Labor Network for Sustainability is hosting this workshop in order to provide tools that unions and members can use to hold their fund managers to be (1) accountable and (2) transparent about toxic investment risk. Facilitated by Danielle Fox, Climate Finance Action, and Jay O'Neal, Sunrise Project, and a special guest who will share a case study of this work from their own experience with CALPERS public pension fund in California.
National Immigration Project Two-Day Training for Community Defenders
April 10 & 11 | Zoom
Join the National Immigration Project on April 10 and 11 for our spring community defender training, “Rights and Resistance: Protecting Your Communities and Responding to Immigration Raids.” This two-day training is designed to equip organizers, advocates, and impacted community members with the knowledge to navigate and respond to immigration enforcement in their communities. Register here!
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 organising 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.
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.
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
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
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