Local 412 Officers and Constitutional Delegates at the 37th UAW Constitutional Convention.
(L-R) Margaret Miglia, Greg Ezyk, Scott Trotter, Derek Moczulski, Cameron Lange, John Grunalt, Jerry Witt, Tim Edmunds, Jenny Coombs, Bill Laird, Ken Mitchell, Frankie Anderson, Tom Burns, Gregg Gibbons, Charlie Wilson, Aaron Shreve and Roy Fowler.
Region 1A choir sings the national anthem to kick off the Convention.
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan gives a welcome message to the delegates of behalf of the city of Detroit. He spoke about the progress of the auto industry and the city of Detroit both rising from the ashes. “The auto industry is coming back strong, the UAW is coming back strong and the city of Detroit is coming back strong”, said Duggan during his speech to the delegates.
President Heather McGhee of Demos, a public policy organization, “It’s time for us to stand up for each other and come together.” UAW President Dennis Williams also presented Heather with the Owen Bieber social activist award.
Reverend Dr. Wendell Anthony, President of the Detroit Branch NAACP received a standing ovation during his speech, “Everybody must come to the table, and we must organize.” He continued, “Labor has come too far for you to let anybody turn you around, show me higher wages and I’ll show you a union!”
Constitutional Delegates look on as UAW President Dennis Williams begins his state of the union speech.
UAW President Dennis Williams delivers the state of the union address to close out Day 1 of the convention, starting with addressing the corruption scandal, “Those who misallocated or misused training center funds betrayed our trust.” He continued, “The UAW has zero tolerance for corruption, wrongdoing at any level of this organization and none of the misused training funds were UAW dollars or UAW funds, Period.” He concluded the address by stating, “The bottom line is that the UAW is in better shape than it was 4 years ago.”
Local 412 Delegates prepare for Day 2 of the Convention.
Vice President Cindy Estrada during resolution discussion, “I think there’s enough wealth in this country that people shouldn’t have to work a full time job and walk into the food stamp line.”
Teamsters President James Hoffa addressed the attacks coming toward labor with issues such as repeal of prevailing wage and right to work. With the Big 3 negotiations coming next year, Hoffa proclaimed, “The Teamsters union will stand with the UAW and its members”, to a standing ovation from the convention hall.
“The UAW and the NAACP have a relationship of both necessity and purpose that ensures that collective bargaining is afforded to all citizens”, said President and CEO of the NAACP Derrick Johnson.
Governor of Montana Steve Bullock spoke to the convention about focusing on bread and butter issues that matter. “We’re stronger when we stand together regardless of what we look like, where were from or the god we worship” said Bullock.
Day 3 begins
Region 1 banner proudly displayed at the convention.
Local 412 Delegate Ken Mitchell spoke in support for the resolution of Trade Polices to start Day 3 of the Constitutional Convention.
AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka started his speech by commending President Williams for his service and called him a close ally. Trumka also applauded the UAW for wins at Harvard and other college campuses around the nation that contributed to the growth of union membership.
AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka made it perfectly clear where he stands on politicians who support the labor movement, “Our movement is bigger than our institution, we don’t work for a party or a politician, they work for our agenda.”
UAW President Dennis Williams approaches the podium to give his farewell speech.
An emotional Williams said, “The power of the UAW is our actions day in and day out in unity, that is called solidarty.” He continued, “I want to tell each and everyone of you how proud I am to be a UAW member and to have been a part of it.”
Region 1 Director Chuck Hall was honored during the tribute to retiring officers for his many years of service to the membership.
Delegate Chairman Ken Mitchell casts all 31 Local 412 votes for Team Jones during the election of UAW President and slate of officials.
President Williams gives word to Gary Jones of his election as the 12th President of the UAW.
Cindy and Gary Jones embrace in prayer following his election of UAW President.
UAW President Gary Jones and wife Cindy, acknowledge the delegates of the Constitutional Convention.
Constitutional Delegates gather to vote for the next Region 1 Director.
Region 1 Assistant Director Frank Stuglin prior to his election of Region 1 Director.
Retired Region 1 Directors (L-R) Chuck Hall, Ken Terry and Joe Peters.
Duana King President of Local 155 nominates Assistant Director Frank Stuglin for the position of Region 1 Director.
Region 1 Director Frank Stuglin gives his acceptance speech following his election.
Region 1 Director Frank Stuglin thanks the delegates and his predecessors following his election of Director flanked by UAW Vice President Cindy Estrada.
Day 4 of the 37th Constitutional Convention and the results are in…
UAW President Dennis Williams swears in the new Executive Board during the installation ceremony.
Newly elected UAW President Gary Jones takes to the podium to give his acceptance speech to the Convention.
Region 1 Director Frank Stuglin acknowledges the Region 1 delegation during the presentation of officers by President Jones.
Vice President Cindy Estrada, Director of the FCA Department and Head of the UAW Women’s Department.
Secretary-Treasurer Ray Curry
Vice President Terry Dittes Director of the GM Department.
Vice President Rory Gamble Director of the Ford Department.
President Jones began his speech by quoting Sir Isaac Newton, “If I can see further, it is because I’m standing on the shoulders of giants.” He emphasized the importance of backing labor friendly candidates and supporting VCAP on the local level, “Our policies will be labor first. We will no longer be asking why our Union does not support our representatives; we will be asking why our representatives do not support our Union.” President Jones vowed to fight right to work, "We're in for a battle, a battle for the UAW and the existence of the middle class, but I'm here to fight for you. We will win!"
President Jones closed his speech by saying, “The UAW’s idea of a middle class has meant organized opposition to anti-union interests, wherever they may be. We will fight for our retirees, for our active members and for members to come. We will stand up for civil rights, for gender equality, and for families and workers everywhere. We have a history of right on our side.”
UAW President Gary Jones and his family following his first address as President of the UAW.
Reverend William Barber gives a rousing speech that brought the convention to their feet on several occasions that touched on social issues that affect us all including; labor, civil and voting rights that are all connected.
(L-R) UAW Secretary-Treasurer Ray Curry, Reverend William Barber and UAW President Gary Jones stand in solidarity following the Revs speech on equality.
Michigan Gubernatorial Candidate Gretchen Whitmer closes out the 37th UAW Constitutional Convention by saying, “I am excited to work with new President Gary Jones, and we have a lot of work to do.” Whitmer pledged to fight policies that have left Michigan roads in shambles, subjected residents to environmental threats and poisoned water, and keep Michigan drivers replacing tires and windshields because of potholes and crumbling roads. “We are in this together and when we stand together, we are unbeatable.”