Retirees

Our structure gives UAW retirees a special place in their union. The following sections explain our retiree structure.
 

Regional Retired Workers Council

Regional Retired Workers Councils provide a chance for retiree delegates from different locals to come together to learn about changing situations and issues that affect everyone.

The UAW has 11 regional retiree councils -- one in each geographic region of the UAW. The regional councils are made up of delegates from all of the chapters and area councils in each region.
 

International Retired Workers Advisory Council

The 26-member International Retired Workers Advisory Council helps guide the work of the UAW Retired Workers Department.

Each regional council elects a member to the Advisory Council. In addition, there are four elected regional area members and 11 appointed members-at-large.

Elected members of the Advisory Council are automatic delegates with voice and vote at the UAW Constitutional Convention.

The International Executive Board consults with representatives of the International Retired Workers Advisory Council concerning retired workers programs and policies and such other matters that affect the welfare of retired members.
 

UAW Retired Workers Department

At the 1957 UAW Convention, the UAW Program for Older and Retired Workers and Other Citizens was created. The International Retired Workers Fund was established and a number of Local Unions set up Standing Committees for Retiree Programs. In addition, each Regional Director designated at least one international staff representative to work on retiree programs.

Today these International Representatives assigned to the UAW Retired Workers
Department assist each region and drop-in center in the administration and funding of retiree programs. They are also very active in the political arena, especially on issues that affect our growing number of retirees. The International Representatives also attend various chapter and area council meetings to educate and communicate with retired members on current issues and also sit on various boards and committees as well as the UAW Retired Workers International Advisory Council