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UAW Members Call on Trump Administration to Save Iconic Ohio Plant from Being Offshored to China

The UAW is calling on the Trump Administration to intervene in the closure of an iconic brass instrument plant which is facing an imminent threat of offshoring to China, destroying 150 good union jobs in Ohio.

In a letter to US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, UAW President Shawn Fain, UAW Region 2B Director David Green, and UAW Local 2359 President Robert Hines call on the Administration to include brass musical instruments under the broader Section 232 tariffs on copper imports.

“Workers in Eastlake, Ohio have produced brass musical instruments for over 60 years. They have done their jobs, producing world-class products, winning a union contract with family-sustaining wages, and building the company into America’s largest in the sector. Now, it is time for the federal government to do its job, by protecting our jobs, signaling to blue-collar workers across the country that their jobs will be safe too, and penalizing companies for attempting to offshore our jobs and decimate our communities,” write the UAW leaders. “The Commerce Department has the power to immediately halt the offshoring of jobs at Conn-Selmer by making the company, and its billionaire owner, pay a price for leaving Eastlake behind. Brass musical instruments must be included as derivate products within the scope of the section 232 tariffs on copper imports.”

In January – on what was supposed to be day one of the latest contract negotiations between Conn-Selmer and UAW Local 2359 members – the last, USA-made brass instrument brand, informed workers that it is shutting down its Ohio facility and offshoring almost all its Eastlake operations overseas to China.

Decades of an Ohio mainstay and 150 good, union jobs suddenly became on the chopping block because billionaire hedge fund owner John Paulson decided to lead with corporate greed over preserving an American institution – and American manufacturing.

Read the full letter here.

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United Auto Workers to Host Michigan Gubernatorial Forum in Dearborn

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.

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American Axle Workers in Three Rivers, Michigan Vote Overwhelmingly to Authorize Strike

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.

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Michigan Science Center Workers Vote to Join the UAW

Workers at the Michigan Science Center (MI-SCI) voted 24-1 Friday to join the UAW in a National Labor Relations Board election. The new bargaining unit includes guest relations workers and educators.

MI-SCI workers approached the UAW about forming a union at their workplace due to ongoing bullying and harassment by management, scheduling issues, and lack of a voice at work. In addition, management constantly implemented new policies and programs without seeking feedback from the workers who interact with visitors every day and represent the public face of the Science Center.

“The victory at MI-SCI proves that when workers stand together, workers win,” said UAW Region 1 Director LaShawn English. “The employees at MI-SCI organized because they wanted their voices heard, their work respected, and a real seat at the table. Their courage and unity made this moment possible. Every worker deserves dignity, respect, and the opportunity to help shape their workplace. UAW Region 1 proudly stands with the workers at MI-SCI as they begin this new chapter. They believed in each other, stayed united, and they won.”

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Working-Class Voters Send One of Their Own to Lansing with Chedrick Greene Victory in Michigan’s 35th Senate District

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.

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UAW Members at CNH Racine Reach Tentative Agreement

The United Auto Workers announced today that UAW members at CNH Industrial’s Racine facility have reached a tentative agreement with the company on a new five-year contract covering approximately 300 members.

The Racine plant manufactures Case IH Magnum high-horsepower tractors and plays a critical role in agricultural equipment production in the United States.

“This tentative agreement reflects the strength and solidarity of our members in Racine,” said UAW Vice President Laura Dickerson, Ag/Imp Department Director. “Workers stood together to win meaningful wage increases, improvements in health and safety protections, stronger retirement benefits, and commitments that help secure the future of this plant and the jobs it supports.”

In addition to stronger job security language, the tentative agreement includes major economic gains for both production and skilled trades workers, including 22% general wage increases for production employees and 29% general wage increases for skilled trades employees over the life of the five-year agreement. The deal also includes significant health and safety language improvements, healthcare enhancements, and improvements to retirement benefits.

The tentative agreement will now be presented to the membership for review and ratification voting.

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UAW Local 2093 Members at American Axle to Hold Strike Authorization Vote May 11

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.

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UAW Members at Major Defense and Aerospace Producer Woodward MPC in Illinois Announce Strike Authorization Vote

Over 800 workers for Woodward MPC in Niles, Illinois, will take a strike authorization vote after the company has illegally refused to bargain for months, signaling a potential work stoppage at a key producer of defense and aerospace equipment in the Chicagoland area.

“I’ve got a message for the company: Woodward, the clock is running out,” said UAW President Shawn Fain, rallying today with Woodward MPC workers. “We will be holding a strike authorization vote. Woodward has a choice to make: This company can either negotiate a fair contract for the workers who make this place run. Or the workers will shut shit down, with the full backing of the UAW International Union.”

“We’ve got a company that has been given billions in taxpayer dollars through federal contracts and state subsidies, while the workers who pay the taxes can’t get a damn raise,” said UAW Region 4 Director Brandon Campbell. “Is that justice? Hell no. What we are asking for at Woodward is really simple. When you make billions off of your workers, pay them what they’re worth. Let them have basic time off. Make the progression fair, and get back to the negotiating table.”

“Woodward is offering our members a thirteen cent raise at a time when the company is making record profits,” said Jose Tapia, Woodward worker and President of UAW Local 5101. “That is what they offered, and then they refused to bargain. So, before this company decided to break the law and walk away from the table altogether, they told us what they think of us. Because they think they can offer us nothing. Break the law. And we’ll take it. We are here to show them exactly how wrong they are.”

Woodward workers voted to affiliate with the UAW last fall. Since then, the company has committed over three dozen unfair labor practices, including total refusal to negotiate with the union. Workers are fighting for industry-leading wages, fair progression, time off, and job security.

Woodward has made over $1.7 billion in profits since 2020, and has paid its CEO over $30 million in that timeframe, while workers struggle to make ends meet. The over 800 workers are members of UAW Local 5101.

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Amid Slashed Services and Striking Workers, Six-Figure Salary Administration Positions in Lorain County Triple Since 2021

The number of administration positions earning $100,000 or more in salary at Lorain County has tripled since 2021, according to recently released Lorain County Auditor data. As reported by the County Auditor payroll data released this year, the number of administrative positions at Lorain County earning over six-figures spiked from 55 in 2021 to 174 in 2025 – with the $20.3 million spent on these six-figure payrolls representing nearly a quarter of the County’s entire $89 million operating budget last year alone.

The added positions at these high payouts – which do not figure in health care coverage, pension contributions, or paid time off accruals – are surging as County Commissioners slash public services, claiming an $11 million budget deficit, and refuse to bargain with workers on strike at Job and Family Services over a $1 per hour supplemental wage increase aimed at addressing a severe retention and service crisis. Meanwhile, as these administrative payrolls ballooned, County Commissioners have directed $67 million in County capital funds to a controversial “Megasite” economic development project.

“The County Commissioners have blown up the budget on six-figure administrative salaries but won’t resolve a strike with the frontline workers who actually deliver services,” said UAW Local 2192 Chairperson Gina Jones, a case worker on strike at JFS. “We know we have the community on our side in our outrage at the County’s mismanaged priorities and refusal to settle for $1 per hour.”

The cost to settle the JFS strike, a $1 per hour supplemental wage increase that Commissioners have refused to negotiate, would total approximately $299,520 annually. That figure represents less than 1.5% of what the County spent on six-figure administrative salaries in 2025. The growth in administrative wages between 2024 and 2025 alone – approximately $2.6 million – is nearly nine times the cost of settling the JFS strike.

All salary figures are drawn from Lorain County Auditor payroll data released in 2026. Figures reflect base payments only and do not include benefits.

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American Axle Workers in Three Rivers, Michigan Vote Overwhelmingly to Authorize Strike

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