The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston is laying off 33 employees amid a growing $13 million budget deficit, triggering renewed tensions with its unionized workforce and raising concerns about the impact of cuts on curatorial and scholarly positions. Please see Sarah Cascone ArtNet News Article dated January 30, 2026 for additional information.
Black Women’s stories are rooted in authentic lived experiences, real stories of leadership, organizing, and collective power.
This month, we are amplifying the stories and voices of bold, black leaders within the UAW labor movement, both past and present. Starting with International UAW Secretary-Treasurer Margaret Mock.
Born for a life of service, as demonstrated by her entire UAW career, her need to make a difference and represent the constituency has always been at the forefront of her drive to serve. Her journey began at the (then-Chrysler) Detroit Axle Plant (Local 961) in 1994, where she served on multiple committees before being elected Treasurer, and then Financial Secretary. She served as a member of the Bargaining Committee, and as a three-time elected Committeeperson, with the third term serving as Shop Chair. She was an elected delegate to the Constitutional Convention for the Marysville Axle Plant. As a Health & Safety Representative, she fought hard for the membership, filing OSHA charges that placed the company into the Severe Violators Enforcement Program.
As an experienced financial officer and a fierce protector of the interests of UAW members, she ran for the office of International UAW Secretary-Treasurer. In 2022, she made history when the membership elected her to the office of UAW Secretary-Treasurer in the first direct election for the International Executive Board. Her assignments include directing the: Accounting, Auditing, Auto/Labor Leader Insurance and Internal Audit, Benefits/Pensions, Facilities, IT, Investments, Membership, Purchasing, Strike Assistance, Travel and Events, Union Building Corp, Women’s, and the Technical, Office, and Professional (TOP) Departments.
#BlackHistoryMonth #UAWWomen
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WORKERS AT LORAIN COUNTY JOBS AND FAMILY SERVICES SET FEBRUARY 18 STRIKE DEADLINE AFTER COUNTY FAILS TO OFFER FAIR DEAL
After authorizing a strike earlier this year by 86%, on Tuesday, UAW Local 2192 members at Lorain County Job and Family Services announced a February 18 strike deadline for the County to agree to a fair deal for the 144 workers. Workers who administer Ohio Works First, SNAP, Medicaid, childcare assistance, child support referrals, and other essential public services are demanding fairer wages that bring their pay up to the County average that would address staffing shortages, recruitment and excessively high turnover challenges.
“Lorain County has misplaced priorities,” said Candace MacIntosh, a JFS Investigator. “They’re bringing in six-figure salaried positions while claiming to have no funds for fair wages at our agency — an agency our community depends on. I just came back from maternity leave and have to keep my newborn son off the County healthcare because it’s far too expensive. Instead, he is on Medicaid, the same program we administer. We’re authorizing benefits for other people while struggling ourselves.”
During the current union contract, workers like Candace MacIntosh saw a 50% increase in health care premiums. JFS workers are also paid less than other county agencies – as the County claims there’s not enough funding for the employees to earn a livable wage. Meanwhile, they have enough money in the budget to increase the number of six-figure salary management positions by 142% over five years – from 65 upper management positions to 157 roles making over $100,000. In the same period, the workforce has experienced 65% turnover due to being underpaid and overworked.
“Lorain County Commissioners are letting JFS workers fall behind,” said UAW Region 2B Director Dave Green. “Workers are skipping their bills and dropping their health care — it ain’t right. Meanwhile, the County is hiring dozens of upper management positions and giving them six figure salaries. So where are Lorain County’s priorities? They’re in the toilet. All we’ve heard are crickets from their side. They aren’t bringing anything back to the table and are forcing our hand. So, we’re gonna play that hand — and we are gonna win, because we’re stronger together.”
Lorain County JFS employees have been working with an expired union contract since September 2025. UAW Local 2192 members have met with the County over several bargaining sessions until reaching an impasse in December, when a fact-finding hearing was conducted by a neutral, state-mandated dispute resolution process.
In January, the County voted down the fact-finder report’s findings. By rejecting the fact-finding process – which is uncommon – and failing to offer a new proposal in return, the County is leaving county workers with no option but to strike by February 18 as a last resort.
Congratulations to the members and leadership of UAW Local 889 on the ratification of your new local agreement.
UAW Region 2B Director Dave Green rallies Local 2192 workers outside of Lorain County Jobs and Family Services.
Region 9A Director Brandon Mancilla and Local 2325 supports the emergency rally for striking CAMBA IT Department workers.
CAMBA just announced plans to eliminate its entire IT departments, which would include workers who have been on strike for over eight weeks. This is blatant retaliation against workers who organized for dignity, fair pay, and a voice on the job.
Staff at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City are officially unionized. The newly unionized group, represent members across 50 departments of the Manhattan Institution and will become a part of UAW Region 9A, Local 2110. Please see Isa Farfan’s Hyperallergic Article dated January 16, 2026 to read more.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art staff voted to unionize with a 76% majority in a National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to become members of UAW Region 9A, Local 2110. The ballot count was 542 Yes and 172 No.
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.
As Job and Family Services Continue Months-Long Strike, UAW Local 2192 Members at Lorain County Children Services Ratify New Contract, Breaking County “Pattern”
Nurses at Ford Chicago Assembly Persevere, Vote to Join UAW
Member Mobilization Institute Postponed