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Coverage of The 39th UAW Constitutional Convention

robert delpapa
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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

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A look across the convention floor.
 

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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.

 

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UAW President Shawn Fain welcomed the delegates to the Convention and introduced the next speaker Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield.
 

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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.”
 

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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.
 

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UAW Region 1 Director LaShawn English introduced several of the convention committees and recognized the members selected to serve on them.
 

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Convention delegates honored former President Ray Curry by passing a resolution to give the title of President Emeritus.

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President Emeritus Ray Curry shared his appreciation for the delegates and reflected on what it meant to spend his career serving the membership.

 

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Retired UAW Vice President Chuck Browning received the UAW Social Justice Award.

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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.

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Local 412 delegates during the first day of The 39th UAW Constitutional Convention.

 

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Detroit branch of the NAACP President Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony gave an inspiring speech to the hundreds of delegates in attendance.


Day 2

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Local 412 delegates set to begin day 2 of the Constitutional Convention.

 

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Day 2 opened with an introduction of the retired workers committee and an update from the credentials committee.

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International guests representing Unions from all over the world were introduced to the convention.

 

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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.
 

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UAW President Shawn Fain took the stage to give his keynote address the convention.

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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.
 

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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. 
 

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UAW Vice President Rich Boyer introduces a speaker to present a resolution before the convention body.
 

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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.

 

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UAW Volkswagen Chattanooga workers received the 2nd UAW Social Justice Award of the Convention.
 

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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.
 

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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
 
Day 3 of the 39th UAW Constitutional Convention is underway, with delegates proudly wearing red as part of Red Shirt Wednesday in a strong display of union solidarity.

 

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Retired Workers Advisory Council.
 

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UAW President Shawn Fain kicked off the third day of the Constitutional Convention.
 

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UAW President Fain introduced the first speaker of the day NAACP President Derrick Johnson.
 

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“The fight we are in is not against each other, the fight we are in is for working men and women across this country”, said Johnson during his address.
 

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U.S. Rep., Michigan 6th Congressional District Debbie Dingell took the stage next.

 

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Representative Dingell delivered a strong pro-union address focused on the importance of workers standing together, the rich history of the UAW, and the power of solidarity in creating change. She emphasized that the labor movement has always been driven by working people fighting collectively for dignity, fairness, and opportunity, reminding delegates that the union’s greatest strength comes from its unity. “When working people stand together, you have the power to shape the future.”
 

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UAW Vice President Laura Dickerson chaired today’s rounds of resolutions. 
“The grind day of resolutions”, featured extensive debate and discussion on resolutions, amendments, and issues some of which delegates voted to bring out of committee for consideration by the convention body.
 

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U.S. Rep., Illinois’ 1st CD Jonathan Jackson, son of the late Rev. Jesse Jackson, accepted the third UAW Social Justice Award of the convention on behalf of his father, honoring his lifelong commitment to civil rights, economic justice, and the fight for working people.

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UAW Region 1D Director Steve Dawes presided over the nomination process for candidates seeking positions on the International Executive Board.

According to the UAW Monitor’s Election Rules, IEB candidates who are nominated by the delegates and accept the nomination must be vetted by the UAW Monitor before they are officially candidates for office.

Presidential nominees:

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

Secretary-Treasurer nominees:

  • Margaret Mock
  • Brandon Campbell
  • Roc Ciers
     

Vice Presidential nominees:

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

Region 1 Director nominations:

  • LaShawn English 
  • Mark Taylor
     
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During the election for International Executive Board Trustee, Local 412 delegate Aaron Shreve casts Local 412’s votes for Stacie Loveless, who was ultimately elected to the position.
 


Day 4
 

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The final day of the Constitutional Convention began with remarks from UAW President Shawn Fain, who then introduced the convention’s first speaker, UAW backed Michigan Secretary of State and candidate for Governor, Jocelyn Benson.

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Michigan Secretary of State and gubernatorial candidate Jocelyn Benson reflected on her roots as the daughter of middle-class special education teachers and shared her pride in Michigan and its working families. “The UAW is going to be front and center as we fight, not just through November, but into 2027, into 2028.” Reaffirming her support for organized labor, she praised the strength of the UAW and reminded delegates that, “With the UAW in your corner, you can’t lose.”

 

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President Fain, greets the next speaker UAW backed Michigan U.S. Senate candidate Dr. Abdul El-Sayed.

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Michigan U.S. Senate candidate Dr. Abdul El-Sayed delivered a passionate and inspiring speech, reflecting on his roots as the son of a union activist who helped lead teachers’ strikes and his pride as a second-generation union member.

El-Sayed outlined a worker-focused vision for the future, calling for an end to corporate stock buyback programs, greater worker representation on corporate boards, and targeted tariffs to protect American industries and jobs. He also advocated for policies that would require CEOs to keep their stock holdings for a decade after leaving a company to encourage long-term growth and accountability.

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On healthcare, El-Sayed emphasized the need to reduce the burden of medical debt and championed Medicare for All, declaring that “people deserve healthcare, not bombs.”

He closed by stressing the power of collective action and solidarity, reminding delegates that, “The power of the many is greater than the power of their money.”
 

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President Fain calls up Region 4 Director Brandon Campbell to present the final Social Justice Award to a member of his Region and Local.

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Maria Medina of the Education Department received the fourth UAW Social Justice Award of the Convention. Her tireless efforts to engage and empower bilingual and multicultural members have had a lasting impact on our union. She also led the groundbreaking initiative to translate the UAW Constitution into Spanish, making it more accessible to members and marking a first in UAW history.

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412 delegates during the final day of the convention. (L-R) Rebecca Suell, Mike Bridson, Vince Parham, Brian Allen, Aaron Shreve and Steve Porter.
 

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A special recognition was presented to retiring Region 1D Director Steve Dawes in appreciation of his many years of dedicated service to the labor movement.

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UAW Vice President Laura Dickerson chairs the final rounds of resolutions and amendments.

Delegates approved funding for the Civil and Human Rights Department and the Women’s Department, and voted to divest UAW investments from Israeli bonds, along with addressing several other items of convention business.

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Delegates and union leaders closed the 39th UAW Constitutional Convention by celebrating Juneteenth and singing the labor anthem, “Solidarity Forever.”

For more information or detailed explanation on any of the amendments and/or resolutions please contact one of the elected constitutional convention delegates from our local.

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