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.

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.

Lady in fur holding a sign standing in a parking lot. Group of people standing front of a building.

The members of Circle City Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) of Kokomo, Indiana, voted 100% to join the UAW Region 2B, Local 685. Success like this is only possible when workers unite and demand that their voice is heard. Welcome to the union family.

UAW Region 4 Local 95 Unit 12 Mercy Clinic East Members thanks the community for their support and solidarity during their strike.

UAW Region 2B, Local 128 – Care Fight unit organized and voted to be UAW on June 14, 2024. Negotiations continue; November 18 marks one year since they have been in negotiations.

More than 130 workers at Mercy Clinic East including nurses, physical therapists, medical assistants and maintenance staff went on strike July 2, 2025, for better working conditions, as well as improved benefits. The health system, located in Janesville, Wisconsin, wanted to pass significant increases in costs to members that pale in comparison to the already inadequate wage increases.

A tentative agreement was reached on November 4, 2025, with no details being released yet.