UAW Region 9A Weekly Newsletter: April 26
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MAY DAY 2025
Join UAW Members: Rally on May Day
Thursday, May 1 | ME, NH, VT, MA, CT, NY, & PR
May Day is our day! Join UAW members across Region 9A and tens of thousands of other workers as we come together on International Workers' Day on May 1.
Workers and our communities are under attack from billionaires and politicians. We gather to celebrate our victories and to show our collective strength in this time of great need.
Here are some of the events UAW members are organizing across Region 9A:
- San Juan, PR: Día Internacional de los Trabajadores @ 8 AM
- New York, NY: ALAA Five Borough Picket @ 1 PM
- Hartford, CT: Unity March for Social and Economic Justice @ 10 AM
- Durham, NH: UNH GEU Work-In @ 10 AM
- Groton, CT: MDA Local 571 Practice Picket @ 3:30 PM
- Montpelier, VT: Workers Fight Back @ 4:30 PM
- New Haven, CT: Dignity and Justice For All @ 5 PM
- New York, NY: Kill the Cuts & Stop the Repression @ 5 PM
- Williston, VT: Stand Up for Worker and Immigrant Rights @ 5 PM
- Boston, MA: Workers Should Have Power, Not The Billionaires @ 5:30 PM
LOCAL & ORGANIZING UPDATES
WOAW’s Fight for a Fair Contract Continues
After 29 days on strike, members of the Wellesley Organized Academic Workers are heading back to the classroom after an inspiring show of collective power and unity. Bolstered by the strong showing of solidarity from the community and broader public, a supermajority of bargaining unit workers showed the College the value of their labor, their refusal to tolerate unfair labor practices, and willingness to fight for the contract they deserve.
Read WOAW’s statement on the end of the strike, and follow WOAW on Instagram to support their continuing fight for a fair contract.
UAW Rally with at Harvard Unions to Protect Workers & Non-Citizens
Sunday, April 27 | 3-4 PM | Harvard Science Center Plaza, Cambridge, MA
On Sunday, UAW members at Harvard from Harvard Undergraduate Workers Union, Harvard Graduate Students Union, and the Harvard Academic Workers are joining together with unions across campus to rally to protect all workers at Harvard, including immigrants and non-citizens. Join them at the Science Center Plaza in Cambridge!
More Region 9A Locals in the News
“I would like [museum leaders] to look at the people they’re laying off, and not just the numbers,” Local 2110 member Maureen Ahearn, who had worked at the Guggenheim since 1992 before being laid off from its archives and library services department, said. “They could have moved me to another job or decreased my salary, but there was no notice.”
- Artforum: Guggenheim Staff Picket Rashid Johnson Opening in Protest of Layoffs (Apr. 18)
“Speakers at Wednesday's rally included members, Local 259 President Brian Schneck, UAW Region 9A Director Brandon Mancilla, NYC CLC President Vincent Alvarez, and Assemblymember Claire Valdez. The message to Mercedes-Benz was loud and clear: union-busting won’t be tolerated in New York City, and these workers aren’t backing down until they win the fair contract they deserve!”
- NYC Central Labor Council: Mercedes-Benz Service Techs Rally for a Fair First Contract Outside Manhattan Dealership (Apr. 18)
“After nearly two months on strike, Alamo Drafthouse workers in New York City—members of UAW Local 2179—secured a major victory this week [and] reached an agreement that includes the full reinstatement of 70 laid-off employees at the Alamo Drafthouse's Downtown Brooklyn and Lower Manhattan locations.”
- NYC Central Labor Council: Alamo Drafthouse Workers Win 58 Day Strike (Apr. 19)
“Members of UConn-AAUP joined their colleagues in UCPEA, UConn GEU-UAW, AFSCME and CEUI to stand in solidarity against threats from the Federal Administration and the majority party in Congress.”
- New Haven Register: 'Bodies vanishing': How Trump's abrupt visa revocations have stoked fear at CT universities (Apr. 20)
“While the University tells us we’re valued workers and community members, after 500-plus days without a contract, we’re still waiting for them to show us,” said Peter Howe, a PhD candidate in Forestry Resources and member of UMGWU-UAW.
- The Maine Campus: UMS and UMGWU contract negotiations deadlock continues despite pushback (Apr. 25)
“The rally, part of a National Day of Action to defend academic freedom and advocate for higher education as a public good, was organized by a broad coalition of unions and faculty organizations including UAW Local 7902, PSC-CUNY, CFU-UAW, AAUP, NYU Researchers United, and GSOC-UAW.”
- NYC Central Labor Council: Higher Ed Unions Rally for the Right to Learn
“General Dynamics had its quarterly earnings call and, what do you know, profits are up!” Local 571 President William Louis said. “General Dynamics is crying poor to Electric Boat workers, while doling out $600 million in stock buybacks and $383 million in dividends, far less than we're demanding in these negotiations.”
- CT Insider: Amid contract talks, profits rise at CT-based Electric Boat's parent company (Apr. 23)
“The University cannot be trusted to investigate itself, and so we need third-party arbitration for those cases,” fifth-year Government Ph.D. student Dorothy Manevich said in February.
- Harvard Crimson: Grad Student Union To Ask for Access to Third-Party Arbitration in Title IX Cases (Apr. 25)
FROM REGION 9A
Today: Higher Ed Contract Campaign Training
Saturday, April 26 | 1-5 PM | New York, NY
Academic workers are under unprecedented attack from the Trump administration. We face threats to job funding, freedom of expression, and our international coworkers’ ability to contribute to teaching and research in this country.
Despite these grave threats, thousands of UAW Region 9A higher ed members are getting ready to take bold stands at the bargaining table to improve our working conditions and defend our university communities. Our density, thus sectoral power, in New York City and across the country is increasing. We have the opportunity to meet the moment by winning record contracts.
How? Winning will require organizing strong majorities of our colleagues to engage in collective action. Join our contract campaign training to learn directly from UAW higher ed members from across NYC who've recently organized for and won precedent-setting contracts.
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 | Bronx, 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)
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! The Connecticut AFL-CIO is also organizing lobby days on May 7 and May 20 for union members to talk to their elected representatives about this bill.
- 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 and Lobby for Paid Family & Medical Leave
Monday, April 28 | 11 AM - 2 PM | Boston, MA
On Monday, April 28, UAW members are lobbying to win paid family and medical leave for all workers in Massachusetts, including graduate workers who are currently excluded.
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, and email Dorothy Manevich at dorothy.manevich@gmail.com to join us at Monday’s lobby day or get more involved in the campaign.
NY4All Coalition Lobby Day
Tuesday, April 29 | NYC to Albany
All New Yorkers, regardless of immigration status or how long they have been in our state, want to lead open lives, participate in their communities, provide for family, and access health care without intimidation. With President Trump’s promise to tear families apart, devastated immigrant communities and plan to carry out mass deportations, it is even more crucial than ever to protect our immigrant neighbors. The New York for All Act (A3506/S2235) offers protections that help make this possible, by prohibiting state and local resources from being diverted to carry out a cruel and inhumane federal deportation agenda.
Join the NY4All Coalition for a lobby day in Albany on Tuesday, April 29, as we gather to demand the passage of the NY4All Bill to support and protect our communities. Contact Cassandra Bocanegra at cbocanegra@nyic.org with questions or to sign up.
FROM THE INTERNATIONAL UAW
Now Hiring: International Representative, UAW Education Department, Detroit, MI
The UAW Education Department is hiring an International Representative to be based in Detroit, MI. For more information and to apply, see the job posting.
Education Representatives are highly experienced staff who design and execute union education programs to build worker power and achieve social justice. They train UAW members and leaders to build powerful local unions and inspire member engagement. The Education Department trains on critical topics and issues, including collective bargaining, strikes, grievance handling, labor history, leadership development, local union administration, political education, campaign design, internal organizing, standing committee development, strategic planning, and more. The department also leads staff development efforts and training for International Union, UAW employees. Education Representatives work as part of a national team to develop curriculum and associated materials while building and executing training programs.
Workers Memorial Day
Monday, April 28 | NY, CT, MA, RI, & ME
Together on this Workers’ Memorial Day, let us ensure that our members who lost their lives due to unsafe workplaces have not died in vain. Continue to fight as the UAW has done for decades. Demand stronger contractual language and work with local, state, and federally elected officials to enact stronger workplace health and safety regulations for workplace health and safety for all workers.
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.
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
Bring Our Local 100 Brother Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia Home
Two weeks ago, the Trump Administration stated in a court filing that it had mistakenly deported Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, a union sheet metal worker and father in Maryland, to a prison in El Salvador. Both a federal judge and the Supreme Court have ordered the White House to facilitate Abrego Garcia’s return home so that he can receive due process, but the Administration is arguing that they can’t return him to the United States because he is in Salvadoran custody.
Kilmar is our union brother, and our allies in the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART) and North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU) are leading the call for his return. We are asking all union members to take action now to bring Abrego Garcia home—write to your member of Congress and demand that he be returned to the United States to receive due process.
May Day for Our Health & Lives
Thursday, May 1 | 12 PM | City Hall, New York, NY
New York City is the only place in the whole world that has large-scale, government-sanctioned 24-hour workdays. Outraged by how our city leadership is betraying working people? Let's uphold the spirit of the movement for the 8-hour workday for the protection of our health and wellbeing! Join the Coalition to Fight for Our Health & Lives this May Day to rally for our people-first demands: 1) abolish the 24-hour workday, 2) fight for quality healthcare for all, and 3) stop displacement.
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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