Tag Archive for: Laura Dickerson

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UAW Executive Board Elects Laura Dickerson as Vice President to Succeed Chuck Browning

DETROIT, MI — The UAW International Executive Board has elected Region 1A Director Laura Dickerson to serve as Vice President and Director of the Ford Department, succeeding Vice President Chuck Browning, who will retire at the end of this month.

In accordance with Article 10, Section 17 of the UAW Constitution, the vacancy was filled by a majority vote of the International Executive Board. Dickerson was elected to serve in this critical role and will be sworn in when Browning officially vacates the position at the end of the month.

Dickerson currently serves as Director of UAW Region 1A and brings nearly three decades of union experience to her new role. She becomes the first African-American woman to serve as UAW Vice President, continuing a trailblazing legacy of leadership.

“Chuck Browning has set the bar for what it means to fight for working-class people,” said UAW President Shawn Fain. “He’s been one of the toughest and most effective negotiators this union has ever seen. When the bosses dug in, Chuck pushed harder. During the Stand Up Strike, he led the charge to kill tiers at Ford, win back COLA, and make the company pay up. He knew our power—and he used it. We’re going to miss his fire at the table, but we know Laura Dickerson brings that same fighting spirit. She’s tough, she’s battle-tested, and she’s grounded in the membership. The Ford Department is in good hands.”

Reflecting on his retirement, Browning said: “It’s been the honor of my life to serve the UAW membership. I cannot express strongly enough the respect and appreciation I have for our members and for those I’ve served with. I have all the confidence in the world that Laura will lead the UAW National Ford Department with strength and integrity. She will do it with the same fire and same heart that has earned her the admiration and support from those that she has served.”

Dickerson pledged to build on the department’s legacy: “I’m proud to take the baton from Chuck and lead the Ford Department at a time when UAW members are demanding more—and winning. We’re not doing business as usual anymore. We’re doing things differently, and it’s working. Our members stood up, took on the Big Three, and showed the world what union power looks like. I’m ready to build on that member-led momentum, fight for even stronger contracts, and make sure every worker has the dignity, respect, and voice they deserve. This union raised me, and I’ll keep fighting every day to raise standards for the entire working class.”

Dickerson was re-elected Director of UAW Region 1A by its membership in December 2022, after first being elected in 2021 to complete the term of Chuck Browning. She was the first African-American woman in UAW history to be elected to the International Executive Board. She was elected as a Regional Director.

A UAW member since 1997 with Local 600, Dickerson has served in elected roles at nearly every level of the union—chairperson, bargaining team member, national negotiator with Ford, staff council vice president, and more.

Chuck Browning has served as UAW Vice President and Director of the Ford Department since July 2021, following his election by the International Executive Board. His decades of leadership have spanned the National Ford Department, Region 1A, and the UAW President’s office, where he served as both Administrative and Top Administrative Assistant. He began his career at the Mazda plant in Flat Rock in 1987 as a member of Local 3000, eventually becoming Plant Chairperson. He will continue bargaining at Volkswagen.

At the 2022 UAW Constitutional Convention, members amended the union’s constitution and bylaws, voting overwhelmingly to adopt a “one member, one vote” system for choosing union leadership and updating the rules for leadership selection. Under the UAW Constitution, vacancies for the five officer positions (president, secretary-treasurer, and three vice presidents) are filled by a vote of the International Executive Board. Vacancies for regional directors are filled at special regional conventions by previously elected delegates to the Constitutional Convention. Per the Consent decree, the Monitor will vet Laura Dickerson prior to being sworn in.

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UAW President Shawn Fain Rallies with Detroit Members Behind Rev. Kinloch for Detroit Mayor

In Detroit, UAW members and their families stand ready to knock doors, make calls, and turn out strong for the mayor’s race

Media must RSVP by Friday, June 6 at 5 p.m. ET: UAW.us/KinlochLaunchMedia


DETROIT—UAW members from Detroit will rally with President Shawn Fain and Rev. Solomon Kinloch—the union’s endorsed candidate for mayor and a former UAW Local 235 member. In May, the UAW endorsed Rev. Kinloch, a proud son of a UAW family, for his lifelong advocacy for working people and bold vision for an inclusive Detroit. Regions 1 and 1A, which cover the city, will lead a major turnout push to help elect him.

WHO: UAW President Shawn Fain, Rev. Solomon Kinloch, UAW Region 1 Director LaShawn English, UAW Region 1A Director Laura Dickerson and hundreds of UAW members

WHAT: Rally celebrating the UAW’s endorsement of Rev. Kinloch for Detroit mayor

WHERE: UAW Solidarity House, 8000 E. Jefferson, Detroit, MI 48214

WHEN: Saturday, June 7 at 10:00 a.m.

The UAW firmly stands with Rev. Kinloch’s campaign message: as Detroit has made a comeback, far too many working-class families are still left behind.

Rev. Kinloch shares the UAW’s understanding that the revival of the city means nothing if it doesn’t reach everyone. He has stood in solidarity with UAW members time and again—including walking the picket line with UAW Local 900 members and feeding strikers and their families during their recent strike—proving that he doesn’t just talk about economic justice; he lives it.

The UAW is the largest union in Michigan with over 350,000 active and retired members. In the City of Detroit, UAW members and their household family members are over 120,000 strong. The UAW is ready to be a difference-maker in this election, with members of both the union and Rev. Kinloch’s church ready to knock doors, make calls, and turn out in force in Detroit’s mayor’s race.

Media must RSVP by Friday, June 6 at 5 p.m. ET: UAW.us/KinlochLaunchMedia

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UAW Endorses Rev. Solomon Kinloch Jr. for Mayor of Detroit

Detroit, MI — The United Auto Workers have endorsed Rev. Solomon Kinloch Jr. for Mayor of Detroit. A longtime advocate for working-class people, Kinloch possesses not only a bold vision for an inclusive Detroit but also deep union roots — as a former member of UAW Local 235 and the son of a proud UAW family.

As Detroit has made a comeback, far too many working-class families have still been left behind. Rev. Kinloch understands that the revival of the city means nothing if it doesn’t reach everyone. He has stood in solidarity with UAW members time and again — including walking the picket line with UAW Local 900 members and feeding strikers and their families during their recent strike — proving that he doesn’t just talk about economic justice; he lives it.

“In this election, Detroit needs a champion who will fight for the working class and build a city that works for everyone — not just the few,” said UAW President Shawn Fain. “Rev. Kinloch has the heart, the vision, and the moral leadership to deliver for working people.”

“He’s one of us,” said UAW Region 1 Director LaShawn English. “He knows what it means to punch a clock, stand shoulder to shoulder with your brothers and sisters, and demand dignity on the job.”

“UAW members in Region 1A know that solidarity isn’t just a slogan for Solomon Kinloch — it’s how he lives,” said UAW Region 1A Director Laura Dickerson. “When our members were on strike and needed assistance, he didn’t hesitate. He showed up. He lifted us up. Having been a UAW member himself, he understands the power of standing together.”

The UAW is the largest union in Michigan with over 350,000 active and retired members. In the City of Detroit, UAW members and their household family members are over 120,000 strong. The UAW is ready to be a difference-maker in this election. Following a launch event later this spring, UAW members will knock doors, make calls, and turn out in force to elect Rev. Kinloch.

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UAW Members at Detroit Axle Ratify Contract

REDFORD, MI — UAW members at Detroit Axle voted by 84% on Saturday to ratify a new collective bargaining agreement with Daimler Truck of North America. The contract covers more than 400 workers at Daimler Trucks’ Detroit Axle facility in Redford, which builds axles and transmissions.

The agreement secures profit-sharing and Cost-of-Living (COLA) benefits for the first time at Detroit Axle. Additionally, the agreement will raise wages for some workers by as much as 50% through the life of the agreement.

“I would like to congratulate the hardworking membership and bargaining committee at Detroit Axle on this major win. This agreement brings long overdue financial gains for our membership at Detroit Axle,” said Laura Dickerson, UAW Region 1A Director. “UAW members in Region 1A are showing that corporate greed is no match for working people. When we stand together, we win!”

“We were prepared to use every tool in the toolbox to win this contract. We were informed, wore red shirts on Wednesdays to show our unity, and ultimately voted 99% to authorize a strike,” said Mike Stack, a second shift skilled trades worker at Detroit Axle. “Daimler knew they had to do right by the people who make their profits day in and day out.”

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UAW Members at Detroit Axle Vote 99% in Favor of Authorizing Strike

DETROIT, MI — On Wednesday, January 15th, over 400 Daimler Truck North America workers at Detroit Axle voted by a resounding 99% to authorize a strike if necessary.

“This overwhelming vote shows we are no longer content with the crumbs from Daimler’s pie,” said Zachary Harper, a committeeperson at Detroit Axle. “This vote makes it plain: we are united – and when we fight together, we win. Tick Tock.”

The vote at Detroit Axle comes after major victories for other UAW members at Daimler Truck. In 2024, UAW members at Freightliner Trucks, Western Star Trucks, and Thomas Built Buses won major gains, including raises of more than 25%, and the introduction of profit-sharing and Cost-of-Living (COLA) for the first time at Daimler.

“Since 2020, Daimler has seen over $17 billion in profits”, said Laura Dickerson, UAW Region 1A Director. “Daimler can afford to provide UAW members at Detroit Axle what every worker deserves: pay that keeps up with inflation, a safe workplace, and a secure retirement. If it takes a fight to win that, our members are ready.”

Detroit Axle workers join other UAW members standing up to corporate greed. Currently, more than 4,000 members at Volkswagen are campaigning for a first contract in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

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UAW President Shawn Fain to Join Members at Trenton Engine Rally, Call On Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares to Keep The Promise

TRENTON, MI — UAW members will rally at the UAW Local 372 union hall to call on Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares to honor the union contract and Keep The Promise to maintain product and investment commitments in Belvidere, Illinois and across the country.

WHO: UAW President Shawn Fain and UAW Region 1A Director Laura Dickerson
WHAT: Rally at Trenton Engine to Make Stellantis Keep The Promise
WHERE: UAW Local 372, 4571 Division St, Trenton, MI 48183
WHEN: Wednesday, Oct. 23, at 3:00pm

UAW members and supporters will highlight Stellantis’ refusal to follow through on the $19 billion in product and investment commitments made during the 2023 Stand Up Strike. These promises include reopening the Belvidere Assembly Plant in Illinois and building the next generation Dodge Durango in Detroit—both crucial agreements that Stellantis is now trying to backtrack on.

UAW locals representing tens of thousands of Stellantis workers have filed grievances with the company over their failure to Keep the Promise made in contract negotiations. Once the grievance procedure is exhausted under the national contract, the union may authorize a strike.

As Stellantis has filed frivolous lawsuits and robocalled members in a desperate effort to block the union’s actions, three UAW locals have already passed strike authorization votes, with more locals preparing to follow. The union’s grievance process, initiated due to Stellantis’ failure to reopen Belvidere and invest in future production, is moving forward. If grievances remain unresolved, a strike at one or more Stellantis facilities could begin within weeks.

In a new video released last week, UAW President Shawn Fain directly addresses Stellantis members, urging them to stand up and fight for their jobs and futures by going to ShitcanCarlos.com to sign a strike authorization pledge.

For more information on the fight to make Stellantis Keep The Promise, visit UAW.org/KeepThePromise

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Kamala Harris and Tim Walz Meet with UAW Members, Leaders, at UAW Local 900 in Wayne, Michigan

WAYNE, MI – Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz joined UAW members and leaders at UAW Local 900’s union hall in Wayne, Michigan, to discuss the issues that matter to working class people in this election. 

Local 900 represents thousands of members at Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant, one of the three original Stand Up Strike locals that walked out on September 15, 2023. These members were the leading edge of a strike that brought Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis to the bargaining table and agree to record contracts for 150,000 Big Three autoworkers. 

“I am so deeply honored as a lifelong supporter of union labor, for Tim and I to have the endorsement of the UAW,” Vice President Kamala Harris said. “When you know what you stand for, you know what to fight for. We stand for the people. We stand for the dignity of work. We stand for justice. We stand for equality. And we will fight for all of it.” 

“Thank you for the privilege of walking the picket line with you last year and thank you for allowing us to lift up our voices,” Governor Tim Walz told UAW members in attendance. “The work that you did didn’t just benefit UAW workers – it benefited all workers. So, I couldn’t be prouder to be on this stage and couldn’t be prouder to stand with the UAW.” 

“At the end of the day, we all know that we rise and fall together,” Local 900 President Dwayne Walker said. “And that’s why we need to be involved in this process. It’s now or never. We may never have this chance again. We need to be together, and we have to be proactive.”

“We wanted to let Vice President Harris know we got her back,” Region 1A Director Laura Dickerson said. “We’re proud that she stopped by to see us here in Wayne, Michigan. We know she’s with us because she understands that all UAW members want is to make an honest living, feed our families, and put our kids through college.” 

“I’m very proud, on behalf of the UAW, to welcome Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz to our house – to labor’s house,” UAW President Shawn Fain said. “This election is about a choice, about whether we continue forward or whether we go backward. This is a ‘which side are you on moment,’ and the choice cannot be any clearer.” 

The UAW International Executive Board voted to endorse Kamala Harris last week, citing her record of standing with the UAW and working class people, opposing anti-worker trade deals, and taking on corporate greed.  

On Wednesday, thousands of UAW members joined tens of thousands of Michiganders in welcoming the Harris-Walz ticket to the state, building a movement to win for the working class in November and beyond. 

Photo of Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz at the UAW Local 900 union hall in Wayne, MI on August 8, 2024.
Photo of Vice President Kamala Harris at the UAW Local 900 union hall in Wayne, MI, on August 8, 2024.
Photo of Vice President Kamala Harris at the UAW Local 900 union hall in Wayne, MI, on August 8, 2024.
Photo of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz at the UAW Local 900 union hall in Wayne, MI, on August 8, 2024.
Photo of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz speaking at the UAW Local 900 union hall on August 8, 2024.
Photo of Vice President Kamala Harris at the UAW Local 900 union hall in Wayne, MI, on August 8, 2024.
Photo of UAW members at the Local 900 union hall in Wayne, MI, to meet with Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Waltz on August 8, 2024.
Photo of UAW members at the Local 900 union hall in Wayne, MI, to meet with Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Waltz on August 8, 2024.
Photo of UAW Region 1A Director Laura Dickerson (far left) and UAW President Shawn Fain (middle, blue shirt) addressing the media at the Local 900 union hall in Wayne, MI, during Vice President Kamala Harris and Tim Walz's visit on August 8, 2024.
Photo of UAW members at the Local 900 union hall in Wayne, MI, to meet with Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Waltz on August 8, 2024.
Photo of UAW members at the Local 900 union hall in Wayne, MI, to meet with Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Waltz on August 8, 2024.
Photo of UAW members at the Local 900 union hall in Wayne, MI, to meet with Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Waltz on August 8, 2024.
Photo of UAW members at the Local 900 union hall in Wayne, MI, to meet with Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Waltz on August 8, 2024.
Photo of UAW members at the Local 900 union hall in Wayne, MI, to meet with Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Waltz on August 8, 2024.
Photo of Vice President Kamala Harris shaking hands with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as UAW President Shawn Fain looks on.
Photo of UAW members at the Local 900 union hall in Wayne, MI, to meet with Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Waltz on August 8, 2024.
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Warehouse Employees at DP World Vote to Join UAW with Supermajority Support

Trenton, Michigan — The forklift operators and material handlers at Syncreon/DP World voted by a supermajority on Wednesday, March 13, to become the newest members of UAW Local 372 in UAW Region 1A. The 110 warehouse employees of DP World ship automotive parts all over the world out of the Trenton Engine North Plant in Trenton, Michigan.

“With a union, we will become a stronger workforce. We’ll have a stronger culture, better working conditions and workplace,” said Byron Cannon, a second shift forklift operator.

“Organizing a union helps us with being heard and making the best decisions for us,” said Jazmine Williams, a material handler. “We need better pay, more vacation days and mental health days. We all need to take a stand together as one and make everything count.”

“We would like to welcome our new brothers and sisters from Syncreon/DP World to the UAW and Local 372,” said UAW Local 372 President Dave Gerbi. “This was not an easy battle, but you prevailed and did not listen to management’s anti-union rhetoric. Your voice was heard when you voted YES FOR UNION, and now you will have a voice and seat at the table to negotiate a fair contract for all workers. Congratulations again, and we look forward to standing side by side with you!”

“This is a true testament of solidarity,” said Region 1A Director Laura Dickerson. “These members were part of an existing Stellantis plant that used to house 700 members who were laid off. The organizers of Region 1A and leadership of Local 372 started this campaign and didn’t stop until they prevailed. This is a great day for the Local and our Region. The members wanted a voice and they got it. I welcome all of our new members to Region 1A.”

These Syncreon/DP World workers are the latest workers in a growing movement of unorganized workers standing up to join the UAW for a better life.

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A Message from Laura Dickerson, TOP Department/Region 1A Director

As the first African American woman in the history of the UAW to be elected to the International Executive Board, I come before you with immense gratitude and a deep sense of responsibility.

My journey to this historic achievement has been guided by the wisdom and support of incredible mentors like Liz Jackson, Dottie Jones, and Eunice Stokes. Their unwavering belief in me and their commitment to lifting as they climbed have shaped my path and instilled in me the importance of paying it forward.

Today, as I reflect on my journey, I am humbled. Deeply humbled to be surrounded by incredible women who are making a difference in Michigan and across America. Together, we possess the power to lead and affect change in every sector we engage in. But let us never forget that our successes are built upon the foundation laid by those who came before us. It is our duty to honor their legacies by extending a hand to lift others as we continue to climb higher.

In recent years, we have seen a notable increase in women assuming leadership positions. In Michigan we elected women to the positions of Governor, Attorney General, and Secretary of State. These women serve as shining examples of what can be achieved when barriers are broken, and progress is fostered.

However, our work is far from finished. We must persist in sharing information, encouraging one another, and empowering our fellow sisters. Women from all walks of life recognize that an uneven playing field will never yield equality or justice. It falls upon us to raise our voices and double down on our efforts to promote fairness in our institution as well as others that we belong to.

I urge each of you to engage with your local standing committees, participate in women’s organizations supported by this International Union, and become politically active. Remember, a woman’s place is in her union, advocating for the rights and well-being of all workers. I encourage to find your seat at the table.

Together, let us continue to drive progress, champion equality, and stand in solidarity with one another on the journey towards a more just and equitable future.

In solidarity,
Laura Dickerson
TOP Department Director,
Region 1A Director

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“We Stood Together”: Workers at Auto Supplier GNS North America Vote to Join UAW Local 900, Region 1A

The 100 workers at GNS North America in Canton, Michigan voted to join UAW Local 900, Region 1A on February 20th. These workers make hot stamping and conventional stamped parts for GM, Tesla, and Stellantis. This includes structural parts, roof enforcements, bumper components, B-pillars, and door beams.

“My coworkers, the VOCs, and I wanted to form and start a Union. We felt a change was much needed,” said Weld Operator, Gwendolyn Green. “I am very honored and excited to be a part of this group and most of all a part of the UAW once again.”

“Although the organizing process has been very rewarding; it was exhausting. Being under management’s microscope throughout the campaign and not knowing what new union busting tactics they would throw at us the next day,” said Laser Automation Technician, Roberto Garcia. “In spite of the company’s efforts to suppress our Union, we stood together in the face of adversity, supported each other, rallied others and ultimately, got the win! Looking forward to the much-needed change and a brighter future for all of us at GNS.”

Weld Automation Technician, Brian Herbst said, “Forming a union now gives us workers a voice that will be heard.”

“We welcome the GNS workers to the UAW and Local 900,” said UAW Local 900 President Dwayne Walker. “UAW Local 900 has a long tradition of standing with workers and the community to make people’s lives better. Congratulations on this hard-fought win!”

Region 1A Director, Laura Dickerson said, “We’re very excited to have the members of GNS as part of Local 900 and Region 1A. Workers are exercising their rights and making sure their voices are heard.”

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