Coverage of The 39th UAW Constitutional Convention
The 39th UAW Constitutional Convention theme, “Our Generation’s Defining Moment,” reminds us that we are living through an important time for our union. This moment comes 90 years after the generation that built the UAW faced its own defining challenges.
Back in 1936, when the UAW held its Constitutional Convention, the union had only about 27,000 members and was still fighting to establish itself. Even with those obstacles, those early members and delegates helped pave the way for the historic Sit-Down Strike later that year. Their determination changed the auto industry, strengthened the labor movement, and helped create opportunities for working families across America.
Today, we have our own opportunity to make a lasting impact. Since the 2022 Constitutional Convention, the UAW has achieved major victories through the Stand Up Strike, eliminated unfair tier systems at workplaces like Daimler Truck, and expanded important protections such as COLA into new sectors, including higher education.
Members across all areas of our union—including IPS, Aerospace, Agricultural Implement, Technical, Office & Professional, and Gaming—have fought hard and achieved meaningful gains. We’ve organized new workplaces like Volkswagen, secured strong contracts, and welcomed thousands of new members into the UAW family.
These accomplishments have made our union stronger and better prepared to take on corporate greed, stand up for workers, and continue improving the lives of our members and working people everywhere.
Day 1
A look across the convention floor.
AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler opened the convention with remarks focused on the importance of organizing, solidarity, and collective action. She emphasized the need for workers to stand together in the face of corporate greed and highlighted growing concerns about anti-union rhetoric, the influence of figures such as Elon Musk, and the impact of increasing automation on working people.
UAW President Shawn Fain welcomed the delegates to the Convention and introduced the next speaker Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield.
Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield welcomed all the delegates to Detroit and voiced her support for the UAW. “We need the UAW now more than ever. To continue to fight corporate greed, provide pathways to the middle class, and demand dignity for an honest day’s work. The time to organize and fight is now.”
UAW Secretary-Treasurer Margaret Mock introduced the convention’s subcommittees. Delegates then began debating the proposed convention rules. Following an extensive discussion, the rules were ultimately adopted as recommended by the Rules Committee.
UAW Region 1 Director LaShawn English introduced several of the convention committees and recognized the members selected to serve on them.
Convention delegates honored former President Ray Curry by passing a resolution to give the title of President Emeritus.
President Emeritus Ray Curry shared his appreciation for the delegates and reflected on what it meant to spend his career serving the membership.
Retired UAW Vice President Chuck Browning received the UAW Social Justice Award.
Delegates voted to pass several constitutional amendments, from the establishment of Health & Safety standing committees, to enshrining our UAW Veterans Department in our UAW Constitution.
Local 412 delegates during the first day of The 39th UAW Constitutional Convention.
Detroit branch of the NAACP President Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony gave an inspiring speech to the hundreds of delegates in attendance.
Day 2
Local 412 delegates set to begin day 2 of the Constitutional Convention.
Day 2 opened with an introduction of the retired workers committee and an update from the credentials committee.
International guests representing Unions from all over the world were introduced to the convention.
The opening speaker of Day 2 was Atle Høie General Secretary of IndustriALL Global Union. “International solidarity is the only thing that can beat multi-national companies,” said Høie during his speech.
UAW President Shawn Fain took the stage to give his keynote address the convention.
President Fain addressed convention delegates, highlighting the major gains and challenges our union has faced in recent years. He emphasized that improvements in wages, benefits, and working conditions were achieved through the strength and solidarity of union members.
A key focus of his speech was the impact of corporate greed, as companies continue to earn record profits while many working families face rising costs and economic uncertainty. He stressed that workers deserve a fair share of the wealth they help create and that unions must continue to fight for economic justice.
President Fain also spoke about the road ahead, calling MayDay28 a defining moment not only for the UAW but for working people across the nation. He urged members to stay united, organized, and engaged as we continue the fight for fairness, dignity, and a stronger future for all workers.
UAW Vice President Laura Dickerson presented the first rounds of resolutions to the floor. Elected delegates throughout the day heard and debated resolutions and amendments, passing votes to commit to a culture of aggressive organizing, build for May Day 2028, and strengthen our political voice. The body voted to raise strike pay to $550 per week, grow the strike fund, and commit $100 million to fund special organizing and bargaining initiatives.
Fresh off a historic victory as the first Southern autoworkers outside the Big Three to join the UAW and ratify a union contract, the Volkswagen Chattanooga workers were introduced to the convention and received a standing ovation from the delegates.
UAW Volkswagen Chattanooga workers received the 2nd UAW Social Justice Award of the Convention.
SEIU President April Verrett addressed the convention with a passionate message on union solidarity, highlighting the strength of workers standing together to confront attacks on labor rights and collective bargaining.
Mike Morrison, Director of the Organizing and Bargaining Strategies Department, outlined the union’s evolving approach to organizing and contract negotiations. Using the campaign against Daimler Truck as an example, he explained how coordinated planning and strategic bargaining can strengthen the union’s position and help secure gains for workers across a variety of industries.
Day 3