Staff at Space in Portland, Maine are joining the UAW/TOP that represents workers at cultural organizations, the staff and management announced Friday.

Space staff members will join the United Auto Workers Local 2110 Technical, Office, and Professional Union, in Region 9A which includes represented workers in museums, cultural institutions, publishing and education. Twenty-one full and part-time employees of the nonprofit organization will be represented, including administrative and event staff, according to a release from Space.

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.

A vital member of UAW Region 1A, Local Union 6000, Yvettia Smith is a State of Michigan employee and serves as Chief Steward. In a local that represents thousands of state workers across diverse departments, Yvettia’s role is essential. She stands as the first line of defense for workers’ rights, ensuring that contracts are upheld and that the women and men who keep Michigan running are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.

Jenn DeLongis is a member of The Philadelphia Public Defenders in Region 9, local 5502. She serves as a Trustee on the local Executive Board and works as an Assistant Public Defender, bringing compassion, strength, and unwavering dedication to the work.
This Women’s History month, we celebrate her commitment, her voice, and the powerful impact she makes in both the courtroom and our union.
Under the direction of UAW Region 8 Director Tim Smith, UAW Region 8 Education Representative David “Shaggy” Firkins facilitated an intensive two-day grievance training and was accompanied by UAW Region 8 Servicing Representative Tom Williams.
UAW members from Locals 2926, 3058, and a representative from Local 862 Nurses unit participated in the training focused on Grievance Handling and Understanding Grievances on 4/14 and 4/15/2026.
The training brought together stewards and members committed to strengthening their ability to effectively represent their brothers and sisters on the shop floor. The sessions provided both foundational knowledge and practical tools necessary to identify, investigate, and process grievances with confidence and accuracy.
Participants engaged in detailed discussions on:
  •    Identifying contract violations
  •    Understanding the grievance procedure
  •    Proper documentation and investigation techniques
  •    Building strong, fact-based cases
  •    Communicating effectively with management
The true strength of the training was the stewards in attendance. Their engagement, willingness to learn, and commitment to standing up for their fellow members demonstrated exactly what solidarity looks like in action. From asking tough questions to working through real-life scenarios, these stewards showed they are ready to take on the responsibility of enforcing the contract and protecting workers’ rights on the shop floor.
Having representation from multiple locals—including UAW Locals 2926 and 3058, along with participation from Local 862 Nurses unit helped foster collaboration and the sharing of experiences across different shops and industries.
This training reflects the ongoing commitment of the UAW to equip its members with the knowledge and tools necessary to protect the contract and stand in solidarity on the job.

Since unionizing in 2024, employees at Nitehawk Cinema’s Prospect Park branch have been bargaining for a first contract that would improve working conditions, hourly pay, and healthcare benefits; concerns that management has yet to address.

On March 13, Nitehawk workers and employees gathered in front of the theater’s Prospect Park location to demand attention to the contract, which workers argue has been at a standstill for almost two years due to stalling and bad-faith negotiating on the part of the owners.

Nitehawk Prospect Park is represented by Local 2179 of the United Auto Workers, which also represents workers at Alamo Drafthouse and Cinema Village. These local cinemas have been part of the surge in unionizing over similar workplace concerns in local movie theaters within the past couple of years.

Enrique Casiano is a local registered nurse, union leader, and organizer. As a Chairperson for UAW 95, Enrique helped to lead the 2025 Mercy Health East Clinic Strike. Enrique also recently ran for Wisconsin’s 1st Congressional District with the aim of improving the power of labor by strengthening unions and guaranteeing healthcare as a right.

Lorain County Commissioners are putting residents at risk by prolonging the Job & Family Services workers’ strike. The ball is in your court, Commissioners. Get back to the table, negotiate a fair contract, and settle the strike!