Detroit Diesel, a manufacturer of diesel engines and axles in Detroit, has announced the addition of a third shift, the recall of laid-off workers, and the hiring of dozens more, in response to strategic tariff pressures.
In October, after months of lobbying, the federal government imposed a 25 percent tariff on heavy truck imports to prevent further offshoring and drive investment in the US heavy truck industry. The move is the latest win for UAW members in the union’s fight for reshoring and reinvesting in good union jobs.
“Strategic, targeted tariffs are an important tool in the toolbox to undo the damage of our free trade disaster and bring back good union jobs to the U.S.,” said UAW President Shawn Fain. “Companies like Detroit Diesel, and their parent company Daimler Truck North America, need to step up to reinvest in the workers who make the product and stop laying off American workers while making billions in profit. We applaud this first step in the right direction.”
“Detroit Diesel UAW members build a high-quality product that makes this company billions, and it’s only right that this company would invest right here in Michigan and recognize that success,” said UAW Region 1A Director Mark DePaoli. “We congratulate our members who are coming off of layoff and all those who will join our union with the creation of these new jobs.”
In 2025, workers from the Detroit Diesel Axle unit voted by 99 percent to ratify a new contract that won profit-sharing and cost-of-living adjustments for the first time after authorizing a strike.
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 Mayhugh2026-03-11 11:05:002026-03-25 11:16:18After UAW Tariff Push, Detroit Diesel to Add Third Shift, Hire More, and Recall Laid Off Workers
After Conn-Selmer formally announced its decision to offshore 150 good union jobs to China at a long-time legacy Ohio company, workers are rallying community support to save the Eastlake plant from closure tentatively scheduled for June 30.
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.
This comes one year after Conn-Selmer owner John Paulson – billionaire and close adviser to President Trump – engaged in a media campaign in support of tariffs specifically to bring factory work back to the USA from China. All the while, his company was secretly building an offshoring facility in China.
Decades of an Ohio mainstay and hundreds of 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.
Conn-Selmer informed UAW Local 2359 members that its “doomsday” would tentatively be June 30, 2026 – but workers are fighting back to save the Eastlake plant.
ADD YOUR NAME to send a message to The White House: President Trump can intervene and make good on his commitment to stop American companies from shipping jobs to China. This is an opportunity for the administration to stand with American workers.
https://uaw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/conn_selmer_banner.png9382500Justin Mayhughhttps://uaw.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/uaw-logo-white-transparent-trademark-300x300.pngJustin Mayhugh2026-02-24 17:04:022026-03-25 11:17:44Sign the Petition: Save Conn-Selmer Eastlake!
They are being denied a living wage, and the Lorain County Commissioners have raised the insurance cost by 50%. With this insurance hike members on a family plan pay over 500 dollars a month in premium contributions.
https://uaw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/UAW-Dark-Blue-White-LOGO-PNG-1-scaled.png25602560Stephanie Thorntonhttps://uaw.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/uaw-logo-white-transparent-trademark-300x300.pngStephanie Thornton2026-02-24 11:25:502026-02-24 11:25:50UAW Region 2B, Local 2192 Lorain County Workers Strike for Fair Contract
https://uaw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/top-logo-with-boarder.jpg366368Stephanie Thorntonhttps://uaw.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/uaw-logo-white-transparent-trademark-300x300.pngStephanie Thornton2026-02-23 15:31:132026-03-25 11:31:10UAW Region 2B, Local 2192 Lorain County Jobs and Family Services (JFS) workers strike
In a historic victory, Volkswagen workers have voted by 96 percent to ratify their first union contract. The deal locks in 20 percent wage increases, healthcare cost reductions, job security guarantees, an enforceable grievance procedure, and much more. The ratification vote caps a years-long campaign by Volkswagen Chattanooga autoworkers to join the UAW and win a better life with a union contract.
Members of the press are invited to use b-rolland photosfrom ratification.
“Volkswagen workers have moved yet another mountain,” said UAW President Shawn Fain. “From having the courage to stand up and form their union, to having the backbone to authorize a strike and hold out for a contract that honors their worth, VW workers are leading the way for the entire labor movement and non-union autoworkers everywhere. Welcome to the UAW family.”
The over 3,000 Volkswagen workers in Chattanooga voted overwhelmingly to join the UAW in April of 2024. In October of 2025, after more than a year of negotiations, workers voted to authorize a strike in order to win a fair contract. In early February, they reached a tentative agreement with the company, which has now been ratified.
“This victory shows what happens when workers stand up and refuse to be ignored. We didn’t just win better wages and raise standards at our plant — we forced respect onto the table and got it all in writing,” said Yogi Peoples, a Bargaining Committee member from Assembly. “Our victory here at Volkswagen should send a message to autoworkers everywhere: don’t let management divide you. When workers fight together – united and unafraid — we can beat the odds and win!”
“Southern autoworkers are standing up, and I expect many more to follow Volkswagen’s lead,” said UAW Region 8 Director Tim Smith. “Workers are done being left behind, and VW is just the first step towards justice for autoworkers everywhere. Who are we? U-A-W!”
Volkswagen workers in Chattanooga voted 3-to-1 to join the UAW in 2024, with support from the Volkswagen Works Council and IG Metall. Soon after the victory, workers elected a 20-member negotiating committee made up of their peers. After months of negotiations, the contract marks a breakthrough for nonunion autoworkers and manufacturing workers across the South. The agreement ensures that Volkswagen workers have a legally binding, enforceable contract guaranteeing fair pay, more affordable healthcare, safer working conditions, and clear protections against favoritism.
The details of the agreement are available at UAW.org/VW.
https://uaw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/DSC07175-scaled.jpg14762560Justin Mayhughhttps://uaw.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/uaw-logo-white-transparent-trademark-300x300.pngJustin Mayhugh2026-02-19 20:53:362026-03-25 11:19:58Volkswagen Workers Make History, Ratify First Union Contract at Major Southern Auto Plant
The UAW mourns the passing of Rev. Jesse Jackson, a leader who never wavered in his commitment to working people and the labor movement, and whose bond with the United Auto Workers spanned decades of shared struggle for justice.
In 2023, we had the honor of welcoming Reverend Jackson to UAW Local 551 in Chicago to rally with hundreds of autoworkers during the Stand Up Strike. His leadership and solidarity in that moment reflected a lifetime of commitment to the cause of the working class, and the cause of humanity.
Throughout his life, Reverend Jackson knew exactly which side he was on: that of the working class. He spoke out against the hollowing out of manufacturing in the United States and the damage done to communities when jobs were shipped overseas, calling for fair trade deals that put workers first. He carried that conviction across the globe, traveling to South Africa to investigate the firing of 700 Black workers from a Ford Motor Co. plant in 1979 and helping to lead the international movement to end apartheid. In 2010, he joined UAW President Bob King on a multi-city tour calling for jobs, justice, and peace, a message he embraced across decades of work. He stood with workers in the streets from Detroit to cities nationwide, demanding industrial policies that create jobs, enforce workers’ and civil rights, and put people before profit.
Rev. Jackson’s life’s work grew from roots deep in the intertwined traditions of civil rights, labor organizing, anti-apartheid activism, and the global peace movement — all grounded in the same belief: that dignity, fairness, and opportunity belong to all of humanity.
May we honor him not only in memory, but in action.
https://uaw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/dk_bleJesseJacksonMarchonWashington198821-scaled.png17052560Justin Mayhughhttps://uaw.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/uaw-logo-white-transparent-trademark-300x300.pngJustin Mayhugh2026-02-17 17:25:402026-02-17 17:30:57UAW Statement on the Passing of Rev. Jesse Jackson
With two days to go before a February 18 strike deadline, UAW President Shawn Fain and Region 2B Director David Green joined UAW Local 2192 members at Lorain County Jobs and Family Services in making preparations to walk off the job on Wednesday morning if County Commissioners continue to refuse to agree to a fair contract.
“The workforce crisis at Lorain County Jobs and Family Services is a public service crisis,” said UAW President Shawn Fain. “Today, the UAW is standing up for strong public services that Lorain County residents depend on. An agency that can’t keep staff because they can’t afford to eat lunch or have their children on their healthcare plan – that’s an agency in crisis.”
Around 150 UAW Local 2192 members at Jobs and Family Services in Lorain County provide critical frontline public services – including child welfare support and public benefits administration – to some of the county’s most vulnerable residents. Despite the essential nature of this work, the workforce is facing severe economic and staffing instability. JFS management and the Lorain County Commissioners have refused to offer a fair contract after months of negotiations.
In the last five years, turnover has reached crisis levels at JFS. That’s while County Commissions have increased healthcare costs for workers by 50%, as average wages remain less than at Jobs and Family Services in other Counties across Ohio.
“UAW Local 2192 has been ready and remains ready to negotiate and settle this contract immediately,” said UAW Region 2B Director Dave Green. “But right now, the County is giving workers – and the public – zero options. Resolving this crisis matters to every family in Lorain County because when workers can’t afford to stay on staff to do the critical work at Jobs and Family Servies, public services simply can’t function.”
The current conditions have created a crisis for the JFS workforce with many facing harsh financial hardships. And while the workers struggle to make ends meet, the County adds dozens of administrative positions that earn six-figure salaries.
“We are prepared to reach a fair agreement that stabilizes our workforce at Lorain County Jobs and Family Services and protects critical public services,” said UAW Local 2192 Chairperson Gina Jones. “But right now, we have JFS workers putting their children on Medicaid, skipping meals, or relying on food banks because they can’t afford the County’s health plan – the same people who administer public assistance programs to others in need. That’s why UAW Local 2192 members are unified and ready to strike on February 18 unless the County changes its position.”
UAW Local 2192 members at JFS remain ready to negotiate in good faith to reach a fair agreement for the people of Lorain County. In the meantime – as no proposal on the table or any willingness from the County to reach a deal that addresses turnover, retention, and service collapse – workers will maintain a deadline of February 18 when they will launch strike lines outside the JFS building at 42485 North Ridge Road beginning 6:30 a.m. sharp.
https://uaw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/f83833f3-b3c3-47f4-94f6-cf594e85eba5-e1771272937611.jpg10582048Justin Mayhughhttps://uaw.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/uaw-logo-white-transparent-trademark-300x300.pngJustin Mayhugh2026-02-16 17:18:412026-03-25 11:17:45UAW President Shawn Fain Joins Lorain County Jobs and Family Services Workers Preparing for February 18 Strike Deadline
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.
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.
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, 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.
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 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.
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.
The UAW members and elected leaders conclude 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 9A Director Brandon Mancilla speaks during 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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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 10:10:012026-03-25 11:17:08UAW Concludes 2026 National CAP Conference with Message of Hope and Working Class Solidarity
On Wednesday, workers at BlueOval SK delivered a petition with over 1,000 signatures to the company’s corporate offices in Elizabethtown, demanding that Ford Motor Company recognize the union – and meet with the workers to negotiate over the future of the site.
In August, workers voted in favor of unionizing the joint venture in Kentucky. The company spent months fighting to undermine the results of the NLRB election until December – just before Christmas – when they informed over 1,600 workers that their jobs would be terminated on February 14. Meanwhile, the NLRB ruled against the company’s challenges to the vote, determining that the union at BlueOval SK be certified and recognized by the company.
“It’s time for Ford to do the right thing by BlueOval SK workers, recognize the union, and sit down to negotiate the future of Glendale,” said the UAW’s Ford Department Vice President Laura Dickerson. “As a legacy UAW company for over eighty years, this is a disappointing choice from Ford. Our union is going to stand up and fight for the more than 1,600 livelihoods this company is upending without any second thought.”
“We voted for a union at BlueOval SK because we wanted to have a voice,” saidBrittany Diprisco, a Quality Operator in Cell Assembly at the plant. “That fight hasn’t changed. This is still about coming together with our coworkers to have a say in our future.”
“Despite this company fighting hard to undermine the results of the workers’ union election, when it was all said and done, the Board ruled in our favor,” said UAW Region 8 Director Tim Smith. “These workers are UAW members – end of story. It’s time for Ford to meet with us to negotiate the future of this plant in Glendale. Who are we? U-A-W!”
With over $250 million in state subsidies alone, workers and community supporters are calling on Ford to live up to the promise of good, stable jobs made when Kentucky agreed to give them taxpayer money to build the Glendale facility.
Photos and videos from today’s petition delivery are available for use by the media 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 Mayhugh2026-02-11 15:28:112026-03-25 11:19:59After Enduring Months of Union-Busting Tactics to Undermine NLRB Vote, BlueOval SK Workers Deliver Petition Demanding Ford Recognize UAW and Negotiate Future of Glendale
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 20:53:012026-03-25 11:22:37UAW Members Take Working Class Agenda to Capitol Hill on Day 3 of 2026 National CAP Conference
Ground Effects Workers Vote to Join the UAW
Webasto Detroit Workers Vote to Join the UAW
UAW President Shawn Fain to Rally with American Axle Workers in Michigan Ahead of May Contract Expiration