I hope everyone had a wonderful Fourth of July, and all were able to spend some quality time with family and friends. Whether you traveled, fired up the grill, or simply enjoyed a few days off, I hope you had the opportunity to relax and recharge. Summer always seems to fly by, so be sure to enjoy every minute of it, and most importantly…stay safe.

Greetings Brothers and Sisters,

Before I get into the convention recap, I want to say how incredibly proud I was of the delegates who represented our Local at the 39th UAW Constitutional Convention in Detroit.

Throughout the week, every resolution was carefully reviewed and debated before a vote was taken. We didn’t always agree on every issue, but we listened to one another, respected different opinions, and had honest conversations. When those discussions were over, we stood and voted for or against each resolution with one goal in mind – doing what we believed was best for the members of our Local.

That is what solidarity looks like!

Our members entrusted us to represent them, and I truly believe we honored that responsibility. I could not have been more proud to stand beside our delegates throughout the week.

One Voice. One Union!

From the moment the convention opened, you could feel the energy in the room. Thousands of UAW Members from across the country gathered in Detroit under the theme “Our Generation’s Defining Moment.” Although we all come from different workplaces and different states, we were united by one common purpose to fight for the rights, dignity, and economic security of working people.

We heard inspiring remarks from AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler, Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield, and Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony. Each speaker reminded us that corporations and billionaires would rather see workers divided because they know there’s strength in unity. Our job is to continue proving them wrong.

Delegates immediately got down to business approving important constitutional amendments designed to strengthen our Union for generations to come.

It was especially meaningful to honor former UAW President Ray Curry by naming him President Emeritus and to see retired Vice President Chuck Browning receive the UAW Social Justice Award for his lifelong commitment to fighting for working families. Seeing one of our own recognized on the convention floor was a proud moment.

The first day reminded all of us that when we organize, we win, and when we stand united, we cannot be divided.

Day two focused on preparing our Union for the future.

President Shawn Fain challenged every delegate by reminding us that the decisions made during this convention would shape our Union for generations to come. Those weren’t just words; they were a reminder of the responsibility each delegate carried.

Delegates voted to increase strike pay to $550 per week, invest $100 million into organizing and bargaining initiatives, strengthen our strike fund, and continue building toward May Day 2028. We also voted to keep dues at 2.5 hours per month while raising the strike fund threshold from $850 million to $1.3 billion.

These were not just financial decisions. They were investments in every current member and every future member who may one day need the strength of this Union standing behind them. A stronger strike fund means a stronger bargaining position and demonstrates our commitment to protecting working families.

One of the day’s most inspiring moments was recognizing Volkswagen workers in Chattanooga with the UAW Social Justice Award after their decade-long fight to organize and win a historic first contract. Their perseverance is proof that when workers stay united and refuse to give up, they can accomplish extraordinary things.

Day three showcased what makes the UAW different – our democracy in action. Delegates from across the Union nominated candidates for International Office, pending review by the UAW Monitor…

International Officer Nominations

UAW PRESIDENT:

• Rich Boyer
• Shawn Fain
• Tricia Geiger
• Brian Keller
• Will Lehman
• Greg Moone

VICE PRESIDENT:

• Mike Booth
• Laura Dickerson
• Rachael Dickinson
• Eric Fleming
• Kevin Gotinsky
• Kisha Richardson
• Ryan Hiestand
• Matt Slade
• Tony Totty
• Mike Turner
• Robert Wright

SECRETARY-TREASURER:

• Brandon Campbell
• Roc Ciers
• Margaret Mock

Region 1D delegates also met separately to nominate candidates for
REGION 1D DIRECTOR:

• Scott Zuckschwerdt
• David Pillsbury
• Tony Mann

The nomination process is one of the foundations of our Union’s democracy, giving delegates the opportunity to help shape the future leadership of our International Union.

We also heard powerful messages from NAACP President Derrick Johnson and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell. Both reminded us that protecting workers’ rights and protecting our democracy go hand in hand.

Another memorable moment was honoring the life and legacy of the late Rev. Jesse Jackson with the UAW Social Justice Award. His lifelong commitment to bringing working people together reminds us that our Union is strongest when we stand shoulder to shoulder, regardless of where we work or what we do.

Delegates also elected Sister Stacie Loveless of Local 838 as an International Trustee for a 12-year term.

The final day of the convention brought our work to a close, but it also reminded us that the real work begins when we return home.

Delegates approved additional funding for the Civil and Human Rights Department and the Women’s Department, voted to divest UAW investments from Israeli bonds, and adopted resolutions that reflect our Union’s commitment to solidarity, justice and accountability.

One of the highlights of the convention was honoring UAW Local 1248 member Maria Medina with the UAW Social Justice Award. Her leadership in translating the UAW Constitution into Spanish – for the first time in our Union’s history – has opened the door for more members to fully participate in our Union democracy and better understand their rights on the job.

Delegates also recognized the retirement of Region 1D Director Steve Dawes and thanked him for his decades of dedicated service and unwavering commitment to UAW members.

As the convention came to an end, I left Detroit feeling proud – not only of our delegation, but of our entire Union. There were disagreements, difficult conversations, and important decisions, but throughout the week, delegates remained committed to doing what they believed was best for the membership.

I returned home more convinced than ever that when working people stand together, there is nothing we cannot accomplish. The work continues, and together we will meet this defining moment.

Don’t forget that the Recreation Committee’s annual Detroit Tigers game is scheduled for Sunday, August 30, 2026. The deadline to purchase tickets is Friday, August 7, 2026. Seating is limited to the first 100 participants. If you are interested in attending, be sure to get your tickets early. Additional information can be found on page 5 of the Searchlight and here.

There will be no Joint Council meeting in August, so I encourage everyone to enjoy the reminder of the summer. Spend time with your families, enjoy the warm weather, and take advantage of the time to relax and recharge.

Thank you for everything you do each and every day. Your dedication, hard work, and solidarity continue to make our Local stronger. It is an honor to serve as your President, and I appreciate the trust you place in me to represent our membership.

Enjoy the rest of your summer, stay safe, and we’ll see everyone back at our next Joint Council meeting on September 13, 2026.

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