By: Anthony Davis

Greetings Brothers and Sisters,

Summer is finally here! As always, it seems like we wait forever for the warm weather to arrive. Now that the sunshine is here and many of us are out enjoying the nice weather with the windows down, sunglasses on, and the music playing, please remember our friends on two wheels. Motorcycle traffic increases significantly during the summer months, so please remember to Look Twice – Save a Life.

The UAW will be conducting a mail-in secret ballot election for the UAW International Executive Board (IEB). All members in good standing as of September 30, 2026, will be eligible to vote. Ballots will be mailed to eligible members in late August and must be returned by the deadline in early October, when ballot tabulation and vote counting will take place. If you have recently moved or changed your mailing address, please make sure your information is up to date. You can update your address by visiting local659.net.

On Saturday, June 6th, we held our 4th Annual Get Youth Outdoors Day, and what an incredible day it was! Words really can’t describe how successful this event has become. It was amazing to see so many kids and families spending the day outdoors, learning new skills, and making memories together.

The event featured fishing, kayaking, the BB gun trailer, and numerous other outdoor activities. We welcomed approximately 675 attendees throughout the day and gave away 400 fishing poles before noon. Last year, I said the event would be bigger and better, and I think it’s safe to say we accomplished exactly that.

Events like this don’t happen without a lot of help behind the scenes. I want to personally thank every volunteer who gave their time and energy to make this day possible. Whether you helped with planning, setup, registration, activities, or cleanup, your efforts were greatly appreciated. I’d also like to thank the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance and Genesee County Parks for their continued partnership and support. Their dedication has played a huge role in helping this event grow year after year.

June 19th marks Juneteenth, a day that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. The holiday recognizes June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced that enslaved people were free – more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation had been issued. Juneteenth serves as an important reminder of our nation’s history, the struggles endured by so many, and the progress that has been made through perseverance and unity. It is a day to reflect on the values of freedom, equality, and the opportunity while recognizing that the work of building a more just society continues. As union members, we understand the importance of standing together, fighting for fairness, and ensuring that every worker is treated with dignity and respect. These principles remain at the heart of both the labor movement and the significance of Juneteenth.

I hope all the dads out there had a wonderful Father’s Day and had the opportunity to spend some quality time with their families. I know I certainly did. This year, I spent the day with my daughter. We enjoyed lunch together and played a round of putt-putt golf. Time with our children goes by far too quickly, and days like that remind me how important it is to slow down and enjoy those moments whenever we can.

As we celebrate Independence Day, let’s remember the significance of the holiday. The Fourth of July marks the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and our nation’s birth as an independent country. Whether you’re attending a parade, enjoying a barbecue, watching fireworks, or simply spending time with family and friends, I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend.

Please remember to celebrate responsibly and keep safety in mind, especially around fireworks and while traveling. A little extra caution can help ensure everyone makes it home safely.

The Recreation Committee UAW Local 659 Annual Tigers game will be Sunday, August 30, 2026. Deadline for tickets will be Friday, August 7, 2026. Seats are limited to 100. For more information, see the flyer in the Searchlight postings.

Please note that our Joint Council meetings are canceled for both July and August.

I hope everyone enjoys the rest of the summer. Take some time to relax, spend time with family and friends, and enjoy the warm weather while it lasts. Before we know it, the kids will be heading back to school, and we’ll be talking about football season and cooler temperatures.

Remember, no matter who you are or where you come from, we are all in this together!