On Monday, May 18th, the United Auto Workers Michigan Community Action Program (CAP) will hold a Gubernatorial Candidate Forum at UAW Local 600, featuring leading candidates for Michigan’s open Governor’s seat.
During the forum, UAW members will have the opportunity to hear directly from each candidate on their priorities to support workers, and each candidate will address questions directly from UAW members on the issues that matter most to working Michiganders: a living wage, healthcare, retirement, and time off.
All leading candidates for Michigan Governor – MI Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson, former Mayor of Detroit Mike Duggan, US Congressman John James, and Perry Johnson – have been invited to participate. Benson, Swanson, and Duggan have accepted invitations.
The UAW is the largest labor union in Michigan, representing a wide range of workers across sectors, and is the top anticipated labor endorsement in this race.
WHAT: The UAW’s Michigan Community Action Program (CAP) Michigan Gubernatorial Forum
WHO: MI Gubernatorial Candidates: MI Sec. of State Jocelyn Benson, Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson, and former Mayor of Detroit Mike Duggan
WHERE: UAW Local 600, 10550 Dix Avenue, Dearborn, MI 48120
WHEN: Monday, May 18, 2026 from 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. ET
Members of the media interested in attending must RSVP HERE.
https://uaw.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/UAW-Wheel-generic-feature.jpg5761024Justin Mayhughhttps://uaw.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/uaw-logo-white-transparent-trademark-300x300.pngJustin Mayhugh2026-05-13 14:29:442026-05-13 14:29:44United Auto Workers to Host Michigan Gubernatorial Forum in Dearborn
The membership of UAW Local 2093 has voted by 98% to authorize a strike at American Axle (aka Dauch Corporation) should the company refuse to offer a fair contract. The current contract expires on May 31st.
“The membership of UAW Local 2093 and Region 1D have sent a crystal clear message to American Axle: we need a fair contract now, or we’re ready to take the next step,” said UAW Region 1D Director Steve Dawes. “We’ve waited long enough for this company to do the right thing, and we’re ready to do what it takes to win a fair deal at American Axle.”
“American Axle is a mainstay in this community, and we’re fighting to make it better by making our lives better,” said Jay Korf, a UAW Local 2093 member at American Axle. “We’re not asking to break the bank; we’re demanding our fair share after all our sacrifices and years spent building this company back up.”
In 2008, workers at American Axle took major sacrifices to save the facility from closure during the Great Recession. Many long-time workers who were making as much as $29 an hour in 2008 saw their wages slashed to $14.50. Today, eighteen years later, workers are still yet to make up all that lost ground, with wages at American Axle currently topping out at $22 an hour after a five-year progression, with inflation-adjusted wages cut in half from their pre-2008 levels.
Meanwhile, in the last decade, as a Tier 1 parts supplier to General Motors, American Axle has generated $8.4 billion in profits. Over that time, the company’s CEO has been paid $111 million, with the top five executives receiving nearly $231 million in compensation – while UAW members working at the Three Rivers plant struggle to afford basic needs, with some even forced to sleep in their cars.
https://uaw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/d4acaa76-273a-4e30-86cf-40e70f91eac1-1-scaled.jpg15642560Justin Mayhughhttps://uaw.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/uaw-logo-white-transparent-trademark-300x300.pngJustin Mayhugh2026-05-12 08:06:122026-05-13 08:16:42American Axle Workers in Three Rivers, Michigan Vote Overwhelmingly to Authorize Strike
Chedrick Greene has won the race for Michigan’s 35th State Senate District, delivering a major victory for working families and strengthening pro-worker power in the Michigan Legislature.
Union members across the region mobilized in the final weeks of the campaign, with volunteers gathering at UAW Local 699 to knock doors and speak directly with fellow union members about the importance of electing someone who understands working-class issues because they’ve lived them.
“This victory shows what happens when working-class people organize and show up,” said Steve Dawes, UAW Region 1D Director. “Union members talked to their neighbors, their coworkers, and their communities because they know Chedrick Greene will be on the side of working people in Lansing. The working class sent one of our own to the State Senate.”
Greene’s victory is expected to reinforce labor-backed priorities in the Legislature, including protecting union jobs, expanding economic opportunity, and defending collective bargaining rights.
Supporters said the result sends a clear message that the working class is a decisive force in Michigan politics.
https://uaw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/ChedrickGreene-e1778071725391.jpg9761432Justin Mayhughhttps://uaw.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/uaw-logo-white-transparent-trademark-300x300.pngJustin Mayhugh2026-05-06 07:49:222026-05-06 17:29:06Working-Class Voters Send One of Their Own to Lansing with Chedrick Greene Victory in Michigan’s 35th Senate District
Today, as working-class people take part in May Day actions around the world, UAW Local 2093 members at American Axle, or Dauch Corporation, announced plans to hold a strike authorization vote starting May 11. Results will be counted on May 12, with the chance for workers to walk out of the Three Rivers plant starting May 31 when the current contract expires.
“UAW Local 2093 members at American Axle have been loyal to their company for decades and during these negotiations we are here for our fair share.” said UAW Region 1D Director Steve Dawes. “This company is making billions every year – these workers are ready to do whatever it takes to win a record contract that’s long past due.”
Influenced by the success of the UAW’s 2023 Big Three strike at Ford, GM, and Stellantis, American Axle workers are ready to make up for nearly two decades of lost wages and benefits. UAW Local 2093 members laid out their demands in a video released earlier in March, which include: no concessions, fairer wages and profit sharing, better health care, stronger retirement, and job security.
“American Axle is a mainstay in this community, and we’re fighting to make it better by making our lives better,” said Jay Korf, a UAW Local 2093 member at American Axle. “We’re not asking to break the bank; we’re demanding our fair share after all our sacrifices and years spent building this company back up.”
In 2008, workers at American Axle took major sacrifices to save the facility from closure during the Great Recession. Many long-time workers who were making as much as $29 an hour in 2008 saw their wages slashed to $14.50. Today, eighteen years later, workers are still yet to make up all that lost ground, with wages at American Axle currently topping out at $22 an hour after a five-year progression, with inflation-adjusted wages cut in half from their pre-2008 levels.
Meanwhile, in the last decade, as a Tier 1 parts supplier to General Motors, American Axle has generated $8.4 billion in profits. Over that time, the company’s CEO has been paid $111 million, with the top five executives receiving nearly $231 million in compensation – while UAW members working at the Three Rivers plant struggle to afford basic needs, with some even forced to sleep in their cars.
https://uaw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/d4acaa76-273a-4e30-86cf-40e70f91eac1-scaled.jpg19402560Justin Mayhughhttps://uaw.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/uaw-logo-white-transparent-trademark-300x300.pngJustin Mayhugh2026-05-01 13:56:282026-05-01 13:56:28UAW Local 2093 Members at American Axle to Hold Strike Authorization Vote May 11
Xantheia “Z” Carter is recognized for her tireless service and her role in making the UAW a more inclusive, powerful force for change. Z serves as the National Advisory Chair for both the Women’s Department and TOP. She also serves as UAW Local 1811 Chairperson-Exempt, UAW Local 1811 Financial Secretary, and a Client Development Representative (Labor). Z does not just hold a seat at the table; she ensures there is room for every sister to rise alongside her.
https://uaw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Region-1D-UAW-Local-1811-HAP-Exempt-Health-Insurance.jpg526526Tiffany Weathersbeehttps://uaw.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/uaw-logo-white-transparent-trademark-300x300.pngTiffany Weathersbee2026-04-29 14:12:242026-04-29 14:14:30Making Space, Building Power: Xantheia “Z” Carter Leads the Way
For the second time in 24 hours, Michigan auto supply chain workers have voted to unionize. Workers at Ground Effects won a majority in a National Labor Relations Board election to form a union with UAW. Ground Effects produces spray-on truck bedliners, in addition to other aftermarket parts and customizations.
Workers at Ground Effects have been organizing since last year. They began their campaign to form a union due to low pay, overwork, forced overtime, management abuse, and favoritism.
Just yesterday, workers at Webasto Detroit voted by a 2-1 margin to form a union with the UAW, after organizing for 2.5 years. Today’s victory at Ground Effects underscores the desire of auto supply workers to be treated fairly and achieve the same respect and benefits enjoyed by unionized autoworkers at the assembly plants.
“Ground Effects workers just showed what courage and determination can do,” said UAW Region 1D Director Steve Dawes. “These workers stood together and stood strong against the underhanded anti-union tactics coming from the boss and their hired guns. Now, Ground Effects workers will have the right to sit with management as equals and negotiate a contract that gives them the dignity and respect they deserve.”
https://uaw.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/UAW-Wheel-Logo-Yellow-on-Blue-850x478-1.png478850Justin Mayhughhttps://uaw.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/uaw-logo-white-transparent-trademark-300x300.pngJustin Mayhugh2026-04-01 19:23:212026-04-08 12:52:35Ground Effects Workers Vote to Join the UAW
Today, with negotiations starting later this month, UAW Local 2093 members at American Axle & Manufacturing (also known as Dauch Corporation) released a video laying out demands ahead of their contract expiration on May 31.
The video can be accessed and used by the media here.
In 2008, workers at American Axle took major concessions to save the facility from closure during the Great Recession. Workers are still making up lost ground from the past 18 years.
“I took a $14 an hour pay cut,” states American Axle worker Jason Buchanan in the UAW’s video released today. Many long-time workers who were making as much as $29 an hour in 2008 saw their wages cut to $14.50. Today, wages at American Axle currently top out at $22 an hour, after a five-year progression, with inflation-adjusted wages cut in half from their pre-2008 levels.
“On May 31st, our contract expires. And we expect a deal that recognizes our value. Our sacrifice. And our fair share.”
As a Tier 1 parts supplier to General Motors, American Axle has generated $2.9 billion in profits since 2022. Over that time, the company’s CEO has been paid $47.9 million, with the top five executives receiving nearly $100 million in compensation. Meanwhile, UAW members working at the Three Rivers plant struggle to afford basic needs, with some even forced to sleep in their cars.
“In 2026, it’s time to make things right at American Axle,” workers explain. “We did what we had to do to save the company. Now it’s time for the company to do what they have to do.”
Influenced by the success of the UAW’s 2023 Stand Up Strike at Ford, GM, and Stellantis, American Axle workers are ready to make up for nearly two decades of lost wages and benefits. Members’ demands include: no concessions, fairer wages and profit sharing, better health care, stronger retirement, and job security.
The full transcript from the video released by UAW Local 2093 members at American Axle can be found below:
When autoworkers saved the auto industry in 2008, it wasn’t just at the Big Three.
Here at American Axle,
We sacrificed everything.
Wages cut in half.
“I took a $14 an hour pay cut.”
Pensions frozen.
“I lost my house.”
Hundreds of jobs lost.
“I lost my healthcare.”
Plants closed.
And 18 years later
American Axle is doing great.
So why aren’t we?
On May 31st, our contract expires.
And we expect a deal that recognizes our value. Our sacrifice. And our fair share.
We supply the axels and parts that make companies like General Motors billions of dollars.
We saved this company when they were on the ropes.
American Axle made $1.6 billion in the past ten years.
The CEO got paid over $100 million dollars.
And we got screwed.
Twenty years ago, American Axle workers were making almost 30 bucks an hour.
Now we’ve got workers sleeping in their cars.
Our pensions are frozen.
Our profit-sharing is a slap in the face.
In 2026,
It’s time to make things right at American Axle
We did what we had to do to save the company.
Now it’s time for the company to do what they have to do.
We demand.
A living wage.
We demand.
Job security.
We demand.
To make things right.
We are American Axle.
And we are coming for our fair share.
https://uaw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/AmericanAxle.png7781545Justin Mayhughhttps://uaw.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/uaw-logo-white-transparent-trademark-300x300.pngJustin Mayhugh2026-03-13 12:05:192026-03-25 11:17:07NEW VIDEO: UAW Members at American Axle Lay Out Demands ahead of Contract Expiration
Thank you to our UAW family across the state who have been out there working long hours to clear the roads and keep our communities moving.
Your hard work—often done in tough, dangerous conditions—helps make travel safer for everyone, including our brothers and sisters across UAW Region 1-D.
https://uaw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/top-logo-with-boarder.jpg366368Tiffany Weathersbeehttps://uaw.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/uaw-logo-white-transparent-trademark-300x300.pngTiffany Weathersbee2026-02-23 15:35:342026-04-17 14:14:30UAW Region 1D, Local 2290 City of Portage Clear the Roads and Keep our Communities Moving
On the 89th anniversary of the UAW’s historic sit-down strike victory at General Motors in Flint, MI, the union concluded its 2026 National CAP Conference by charting the path forward for this generation’s labor movement.
The fourth and final day of the biennial conference included a White Shirt Day event to honor the sit-downers, the union’s first-ever Michigan Senate Forum, and inspirational speeches from U.S. Senators Rev. Raphael Warnock and Bernie Sanders.
The nearly 1,000 UAW members in attendance on Wednesday, clad in white shirts, began the day by watching a video commemorating the sit-down strike. At Local 651 in Flint, Region 1D held an event to honor the GM sit-downers and to remember the sacrifices made by the workers and the community.
“What those workers did in 1936–1937 took tremendous courage,” Region 1D posted on Facebook, recapping the event. “They risked everything—their jobs, their freedom, and their safety—to stand together inside those plants. They weren’t just fighting for themselves; they were fighting for generations they would never meet. Today, nearly nine decades later, we are the beneficiaries of that sacrifice.”
Both Senator Rev. Warnock and Senator Sanders addressed the massive political division seen all across the country in the current moment but also shared a message of hope and of a better possible future based in working-class solidarity.
“We all feel that there is something broken in the covenant with the American people,” Warnock passionately told attendees. “It’s as if the whole country has a low-grade fever. And we all feel it regardless of our politics. We may not agree on how to fix it, but we all feel it. And the question is how we can find our way to wholeness again… I submit to you, that you ought to keep on organizing, and keep on fighting, and keep on standing up. Do not give in to those who say, ‘put your trust in me.’ Put our trust in each other, and together, we win!”
Sanders asked UAW members to imagine living in an America that lived up to its promise and ideals. “Brothers and sisters, in this momentous, unprecedented moment in American history, let us stand together!” Sanders told the crowd. “Let us show the world what a great country like ours can be and let us fight for the country that you and I know we can become!”
Region 1A Director Mark DePaoli and Region 1 Director LaShawn English, speaking before the Michigan Senate Forum, shared a positive vision for the UAW and the country moving forward, but one that must be fought for.
“These are difficult times, there’s no doubt about that,” Region 1A Director Mark DePaoli told delegates. “And I understand the fear and uncertainty that so many Americans feel in this moment. But I also see this as a great opportunity. An opportunity for us to lead the way forward for the working class. It’s on us to make it happen. So, let’s get to work.”
“In the union, we learn that unless we have each other’s backs, the boss will pick us apart,” Region 1 Director LaShawn English said. “Unless we fight for fair pay and benefits, we will be stuck with poverty wages. Unless we fight to be treated like human beings, we will be treated like we’re no different than a machine there to make the corporation money. So, we fight.”
UAW members, joined by the International Executive Board and Senator Sanders, ended proceedings by singing the iconic labor tune, “Solidarity Forever.”
For more information on this year’s event, visit UAW.org/CAP2026.
*Thank you to all UAW members who contributed photos during the conference. Individual credits in the photo caption.
U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders addresses attendees at the 2026 UAW National CAP Conference in Washington, D.C., on February 11, 2026. Photo courtesy of Brian Hedger.
Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens during the union’s first-ever Michigan Senate Forum on the final day of the 2026 UAW National CAP Conference in Washington, D.C., on February 11, 2026.
Michigan Senator Mallory McMorrow speaks during the union’s first-ever Michigan Senate Forum on the final day of the 2026 UAW National CAP Conference in Washington, D.C., on February 11, 2026.
A UAW member asked Michigan Senate candidates a question during the union’s first-ever Michigan Senate Forum on the final day of the 2026 National CAP Conference in Washington, D.C., on February 11, 2026.
A UAW member asked Michigan Senate candidates a question during the union’s first-ever Michigan Senate Forum on the final day of the 2026 National CAP Conference in Washington, D.C., on February 11, 2026.
U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock addresses attendees during day 4 of the 2026 UAW National CAP Conference in Washington, D.C., on February 11, 2026. Photo courtesy of Brian Hedger.
A UAW member asked Michigan Senate candidates a question during the union’s first-ever Michigan Senate Forum on the final day of the 2026 National CAP Conference in Washington, D.C., on February 11, 2026.
UAW President Shawn Fain introduces U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders on the final day of the 2026 National CAP Conference in Washington, D.C., on February 11, 2026.
The UAW, joined by U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, concludes its 2026 National CAP Conference by singing the iconic labor song, “Solidarity Forever.” Photo courtesy of Local 2250 member Shana Shaw.
Dr. Adbul El-Sayed during the union’s first-ever Michigan Senate Forum on the final day of the 2026 UAW National CAP Conference in Washington, D.C., on February 11, 2026.
U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock addresses attendees during day 4 of the 2026 UAW National CAP Conference in Washington, D.C., on February 11, 2026. Photo courtesy of Brian Hedger.
U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock addresses attendees during day 4 of the 2026 UAW National CAP Conference in Washington, D.C., on February 11, 2026. Photo courtesy of Brian Hedger.
A UAW member asked Michigan Senate candidates a question during the union’s first-ever Michigan Senate Forum on the final day of the 2026 National CAP Conference in Washington, D.C., on February 11, 2026.
A UAW member asked Michigan Senate candidates a question during the union’s first-ever Michigan Senate Forum on the final day of the 2026 National CAP Conference in Washington, D.C., on February 11, 2026.
U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders addresses attendees at the 2026 UAW National CAP Conference in Washington, D.C., on February 11, 2026. Photo courtesy of Brian Hedger.
A UAW member asked Michigan Senate candidates a question during the union’s first-ever Michigan Senate Forum on the final day of the 2026 National CAP Conference in Washington, D.C., on February 11, 2026.
U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock addresses attendees during day 4 of the 2026 UAW National CAP Conference in Washington, D.C., on February 11, 2026. Photo courtesy of Brian Hedger.
UAW Region 1A Director Mark DePaoli speaks before the union’s first-ever Michigan Senate Forum on the final day of the 2026 National CAP Conference in Washington, D.C., on February 11, 2026.
UAW Region 1 Director LaShawn English speaks before the union’s first-ever Michigan Senate Forum on the final day of the 2026 National CAP Conference in Washington, D.C., on February 11, 2026.
A UAW member asked Michigan Senate candidates a question during the union’s first-ever Michigan Senate Forum on the final day of the 2026 National CAP Conference in Washington, D.C., on February 11, 2026.
A UAW member asks candidates a question during the union’s first-ever Michigan Senate Forum on the final day of the 2026 National CAP Conference in Washington, D.C., on February 11, 2026.
A UAW member asked Michigan Senate candidates a question during the union’s first-ever Michigan Senate Forum on the final day of the 2026 National CAP Conference in Washington, D.C., on February 11, 2026.
UAW Region 9A Director Brandon Mancilla speaks during the final day of the 2026 National CAP Conference in Washington, D.C., on February 11, 2026.
The UAW members and elected leaders conclude the 2026 National CAP Conference in Washington, D.C., on February 11, 2026.
U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders addresses attendees at the 2026 UAW National CAP Conference in Washington, D.C., on February 11, 2026. Photo courtesy of Brian Hedger.
U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders addresses attendees at the 2026 UAW National CAP Conference in Washington, D.C., on February 11, 2026. Photo courtesy of Brian Hedger.
UAW Local 933 and Region 2B member Neal Jameson introduces Senator Rev. Raphael Warnock on the final day of the 2026 National CAP Conference in Washington, D.C., on February 11, 2026.
Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens, Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, and Michigan Senator Mallory McMorrow during the union’s first-ever Michigan Senate Forum on the final day of the 2026 UAW National CAP Conference in Washington, D.C., on February 11, 2026.
Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens, Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, and Michigan Senator Mallory McMorrow during the union’s first-ever Michigan Senate Forum on the final day of the 2026 UAW National CAP Conference in Washington, D.C., on February 11, 2026.
Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens, Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, and Michigan Senator Mallory McMorrow during the union’s first-ever Michigan Senate Forum on the final day of the 2026 UAW National CAP Conference in Washington, D.C., on February 11, 2026.
https://uaw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/f9bf01d6-cffa-4c04-b2ac-6474f89b8081-scaled.jpg14262560Justin Mayhughhttps://uaw.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/uaw-logo-white-transparent-trademark-300x300.pngJustin Mayhugh2026-02-12 10:10:012026-04-24 08:59:09UAW Concludes 2026 National CAP Conference with Message of Hope and Working Class Solidarity
UAW members took the union’s working-class agenda to Capitol Hill on Tuesday, lobbying political leaders to support legislation advancing the union’s four core issues.
Delegates from each of the UAW’s nine regions met with their respective elected representatives to share their personal stories and to push for pro-worker policies, including affordable healthcare, protecting and expanding worker rights to freely organize, shorter work weeks and improved paid leave, and real retirement security for every American.
On Tuesday evening, UAW Secretary-Treasurer Margaret Mock welcomed attendees to the Congressional & Movement Allies Reception, reminding UAW members that it’s on all of us to fight for a better tomorrow.
“If there’s one thing that’s been made absolutely clear over the last forty years, it’s that billionaires and corporations will never use their influence and power over our government to make life better for everyday Americans,” Mock told attendees. “Only WE can do that. It is our time to lead and to stand up to the oppressive forces we are seeing today… to give people inspiration, hope, and the belief that, if we stand together and fight, we can ensure our country works for working people.”
The final day of the 2026 National CAP Conference will convene at 9 am tomorrow and will feature U.S. Senator Rev. Raphael Warnock (GA), a Michigan Senate Forum at 10 am, followed by U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (VT). All three events will be livestreamed on UAW YouTube, X, and Facebook.
For more information on this year’s event, visit UAW.org/CAP2026.
https://uaw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/f600ed3d-d42c-4e88-a081-6b55b16d5789-1-scaled-e1770750513562.jpg17702450Justin Mayhughhttps://uaw.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/uaw-logo-white-transparent-trademark-300x300.pngJustin Mayhugh2026-02-10 20:53:012026-04-24 08:59:12UAW Members Take Working Class Agenda to Capitol Hill on Day 3 of 2026 National CAP Conference
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