Tag: Region 1

Call to Action: Support Striking Blue Cross Blue Shield Workers

Dear UAW Brothers, Sisters, and Supporters:  UAW Locals 1781, 2145, 2256, and 2500, along with Regions 1, 1A, and 1D are reaching out to you because we are facing significant challenges in negotiating a fair contract with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. BCBSM has refused to accept our demands and is outsourcing our work to third parties. This endangers our livelihoods and collective bargaining strength. We urge all supporters to contact BCBSM via the list below. Request to speak with a UAW Customer Service Representative immediately. Protest to the company for outsourcing our work, their unfair wages, and refusing ... Read more

VIDEO: Blue Cross Blue Shield Workers Continue Holding the Line for Fair Contract, Call for Support

Over 1,000 workers at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan continue to strike against the company as they demand a new contract that addresses numerous issues, including job outsourcing, wage disparities, and unfair labor practices. Workers walked off the job on September 13 after company negotiators refused to take their demands seriously. “Over the years, we have lost so much work,” said Local 1781 President, Tina Gates. “They’ve taken our work and given it to outside contractors. At one point we were over 4,000, 5,000 people (in the union) across the state. Now we have 1,300 people. So, we’re tired ... Read more

Over 1,000 Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Workers Walk Out on Strike

UAW Local Union 1781 (Region 1), UAW Local Union 2500 (Region 1), UAW Local Union 2145 (Region 1D) and UAW Local Union 2256 (Region 1D), entered into negotiations with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan earlier this summer. Their objective: to secure job stability and equitable pay for all dedicated union members who tirelessly provide customer service for the healthcare giant. We provide essential service to retirees Medicare Advantage members, the general public and federal employees. These services include and are not limited to pre-authorization, claim support, explanation of benefits, billing, customer call centers, and provider services. Our primary goal was ... Read more

UAW Holding Major Rally Sunday in Metro Detroit for a Big Three Contract that Lifts Standards for Autoworkers and Every Worker

We’re holding a major rally on Sunday, Aug. 20 at 3 p.m. EST at UAW Region 1 for a strong Big Three contract. And you don’t have to live in Metro Detroit to attend. We’ll be livestreaming the rally on Facebook and YouTube. WHAT: Solidarity Sunday – Rally for a Strong Big 3 Contract with UAW President Shawn Fain, Region 1 Director LaShawn English, U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens and More  WHEN: Sun., Aug. 20, 3 p.m. – Doors Open at 2:30 p.m. WHERE: Region 1 Pavilion, 27800 George Merrelli Dr., Warren, MI Sunday’s rally will take place just 25 days before our contract with the Big Three expires on ... Read more

UAW Kicks Off Negotiations with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network

Around 1,400 UAW members at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network are demanding economic justice as contract negotiations kicked off on July 11, 2023, at the VisTaTech Center on the campus of Schoolcraft College in Livonia, Michigan. Workers are fighting back against stagnant wages, a prolonged wage progression, outsourcing, lack of job security, and insufficient training. The UAW represents four bargaining units at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan: Local Union 1781 (Region 1), Local Union 2500 (Region 1), Local Union 2145 (Region 1D) and Local Union 2256 (Region 1D). The UAW represents two bargaining units ... Read more

Michigan Right to Work Repeal Celebration

Supporters of labor in Michigan celebrated the recent repeal of Right to Work at the Ellison Brewery in Lansing on May 1st. Governor Gretchen Whitmer spoke to those in attendance, including UAW Region 1 Director, LaShawn English, Local 602 President Mike Huerta, as well as numerous UAW members, about the importance of continuing to expand worker rights in the state. Michigan became the first state to repeal Right to Work since Indiana did so in 1965.

UAW Mourns the Passing of Former Region 1 Director Ken Terry

The UAW International Executive Board is saddened by the passing today of our brother and former UAW Region 1 Director Ken Terry. “Today we lost a champion of worker rights,” says UAW President Ray Curry.  “Ken Terry was an activist, organizer, leader and fighter for UAW’s active and retired members.  He was kind, thoughtful and always put the interests of members, their families, and their communities first.” Ken Terry joined the UAW as a member of Local 189 in 1963 at the Udylite Corporation, where he was a fabricator and field installer. Instilled with a personal sense of social justice, ... Read more

Workers at Dakkota Integrated Systems say 100% UAW Yes!

When 100% of the workers voting to form their union say UAW YES, that says something.  It is exactly what happened at Dakkota Integrated Systems in Hazel Park, Michigan, on August 19. “Frank Stuglin was our regional director at the time, and he reached out to our local with a contact from Dakkota, one of our suppliers,” said Eric Graham, President of Local 140.  “We immediately went to work with the contact to build an organizing committee and build a plan.” For the new organizing committee, it was key to get support.  “Whenever we had questions, we had a strong ... Read more

2022 National CAP Conference: Day 3 Highlights

Region 4 members meet with Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) The morning gets busy Day three of the National Cap Conference began as the delegates attended Regional breakfasts to plan their lobby day.  Among elected officials who also shared breakfast with UAW delegates were Senator Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI 8th),  Debbie Dingell (D-MI 12th) and Rashida Tlaib (D-MI 13th) among others. While CAP Conference Delegates planned their day, the National Veterans Advisory Council met to discuss issues affecting our many UAW members who have served in the military.  President Curry – himself an Army veteran – addressed them at ... Read more

ZF INTERNATIONAL MARYSVILLE EMPLOYEES STRIKE FOR RECOGNITION

Detroit – Workers at ZF International Marysville went on strike for recognition Thursday morning, after the company reneged on a neutrality agreement to recognize a majority sign up for their union. The location had employed Stellantis LLC workers at the ZF International Plant in Marysville. ZF Marysville workers have clearly indicated they expect to join the UAW as current UAW Stellantis members move to other Stellantis locations. A majority of the ZF workers have signed up to join the union, but ZF did not accept voluntary recognition. “It is unconscionable that the company would choose to put workers through delay ... Read more