Tag Archive for: Shawn Fain

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UAW Announces Results of Special Election in Region 1A

Detroit—The UAW has announced the results of an election held today in UAW Region 1A to fill the vacancy created when former Regional Director Laura Dickerson was elected UAW Vice President.

Delegates at a special regional convention elected UAW Local 600 1st Vice President Mark DePaoli to serve as the next Regional Director of UAW Region 1A, which covers thousands of active and retired UAW members across southeast Michigan.

“Laura Dickerson has been a dedicated leader and now brings her experience and commitment to our members in the Ford Department,” said UAW President Shawn Fain. “We welcome Mark DePaoli to the International Executive Board and look forward to his leadership in Region 1A.”

DePaoli said, “I am honored to serve the members of Region 1A and to continue building our union’s strength in the workplace and our communities. Together, we will stand up for justice, fairness, and a better future for the working class.”

While the union has moved to a system of regular direct elections for its International Executive Board, mid-term vacancies at the regional level are filled by a vote of delegates, as outlined in the UAW constitution.

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UAW Marks 90th Anniversary with New Video Highlighting Legacy of Struggle and Victory

Detroit, MI – This year, the United Auto Workers (UAW) celebrates its 90th anniversary. Founded in 1935, the UAW has been at the forefront of the labor movement, winning historic gains for working people and standing at the center of major struggles for civil rights, social justice, and economic fairness.

To mark the occasion, the union has released a new video highlighting the UAW’s nine decades of bold action—from the Flint Sit-Down Strike of 1936 to the Stand Up Strike of 2023 and beyond. The video lifts up the UAW’s proud tradition of fighting for fair wages, strong benefits, dignity on the job, and broader social and political change that has improved the lives of all working-class Americans.

“Our members have always understood that our fight is bigger than any one contract or workplace,” said UAW President Shawn Fain. “For 90 years, the UAW has taken on billionaires and corporate power, and we’ve raised the standards for the entire working class. Our mission remains to fight the bosses, build worker power, and win a better world for working people.”

The full video is available here.

UAW 90th Anniversary Video Script

They said it couldn’t be done. But in 1935, autoworkers came together to form the United Auto Workers. Just a year later, they took bold action and changed American history when they launched the 1936 Flint sit-down strike. For 44 days, they refused to leave the GM plants until their voices were heard. Their actions set off a wave of strikes nationwide, igniting a new industrial labor movement.

From those first bold strikes to the Stand-Up Strike of 2023, the UAW has never stopped fighting. We won what no one thought possible: good wages, health care, pensions, a voice on the job, and dignity at work. We didn’t just raise the floor for autoworkers—we raised the bar for working-class Americans.

And we didn’t stop at the workplace. We marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Detroit’s Walk to Freedom, helped organize the March on Washington, and stood with him in Memphis in 1968. We fought alongside Nelson Mandela and the people of South Africa—pushing for sanctions against apartheid when others stayed silent. And we’ve stayed true to these same principles — whether in South Africa, Palestine, or beyond.

We stood with César Chávez and the United Farm Workers, joined the fight for women’s rights, and defended immigrant workers. We backed the G.I. Bill for returning veterans, helped pass the Occupational Safety and Health Act, and fought for the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts.

When trade deals like NAFTA threatened our jobs, we sounded the alarm, and we have remained vigilant in fighting to protect our communities and our jobs. When the auto industry was on the brink in 2009, we sacrificed to save it—and then fought to win back what was ours. 

Today, as billionaires try to take more and make us settle for less, the UAW is on the rise again: We’re organizing higher education, battery plants, and new sectors of the economy. Winning record contracts at Ford, General Motors, Stellantis, Daimler Truck, Cornell University, and more. And proving—once again—that nothing moves without workers.

Ninety years in, our fight is far from over. But our spirit? Unbreakable. UAW. A fighting spirit. Since 1935.

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UAW Statement on New York Mayoral Primary Race

“The working class is done with business as usual. We were proud to be the first union to endorse Zohran because it’s time for a political movement that puts the working class first. Our members spoke out and turned out in a big way — and we’re just getting started. Congratulations to Region 9A Director Brandon Mancilla on an exceptional field operation. Congratulations to Zohran for building a movement, and congratulations to the working-class New Yorkers for showing the world that when we unite and stand up nobody can stand in our way!” UAW President Shawn Fain

Video statement can be found here.

“The days of taking labor’s vote for granted are over. It’s time for labor to think about a bigger vision that lifts up and includes all working-class people. UAW members stepped up to fight for an affordable New York–and went to the mat for Zohran–because he made it clear whose side he’s on: workers.” UAW Region 9A Director Brandon Mancilla

Background
In December 2024, UAW Region 9A became the first union to endorse Zohran Mamdani for mayor, recognizing that his campaign squarely confronted New York’s cost-of-living crisis. His platform—to build affordable housing, freeze rents, make buses fast and free, and provide universal childcare—echoed UAW’s demands to make life affordable for working-class New Yorkers, most of whom are renters and commuters. On May 30, UAW Region 9A reaffirmed its support, urging NYC UAW households to rank Mamdani first—making it the only major union to do so.

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UAW President Shawn Fain on NYC Mayor’s Race: “We don’t need another hack politician like Cuomo”

NEW YORK—Today, ahead of Tuesday’s primary election for New York City mayor, the UAW released a new video narrated by President Shawn Fain in an enthusiastic endorsement of Zohran Mamdani. The video, which is being targeted to the 40,000 UAW members and their households that live in New York City, directly calls out Andrew Cuomo as “another hack politician.”

“We don’t need another hack politician like Cuomo—someone who smiles for the cameras and then sells us out behind closed doors,” narrates UAW President Shawn Fain. “What we need is a national movement that unites the working class to take on the oligarchs and rebuild our democracy.

“And that is exactly the kind of movement that Zohran Mamdani is leading.”

The video is available for use by the media here. 

In December 2024, UAW Region 9A became the first labor union to endorse Zohran Mamdani for mayor, recognizing that his campaign, focused on the cost-of-living crisis, would resonate with New Yorkers. Moreover, Mamdani’s commitment to build affordable housing, freeze the rent, make buses fast and free, and institute universal childcare echoed the UAW’s demands to make life more affordable for working-class New Yorkers, the majority of whom are renters and commuters.

That’s why on May 30, UAW Region 9A called on its New York City UAW households to rank Mamdani first on the ballot.

“Zohran isn’t owned by Wall Street,” says Fain in the video’s voiceover. “He’s a fighter for free transit, housing for all, universal childcare, and a $30 an hour minimum wage. He believes in democracy—not just in city elections, but on the job, in our apartment buildings, and in our neighborhoods.”

The full transcript of the UAW’s new video for Zohran Mamdani narrated by President Shawn Fain is available below: 

In New York City, the UAW takes on some of the richest employers in the country.  

Employers like Mercedes Benz, Columbia University, NYU, and Sony. 

So we know a thing or two about how bosses act. 

They view the workplace like a dictatorship.  

The corporate class expects to be treated like kings.  

They mock our rights.  

They want us silent. Obedient. Disposable. 

They expect workers to sit down and shut up. 

That’s not just how they run their workplaces. It’s how they want to run our country. 

That’s exactly how Andrew Cuomo ran New York when he was Governor. 

He bullied and harassed workers. 

He protected billionaires. 

He cut Medicaid in the middle of a pandemic. 

And when striking UAW members needed his support on the picket line, he was nowhere to be found. 

Those days are over. 

Because across New York City and all over our country, the working class is rising up.

We aren’t being obedient. We’re being fearless. 

We are demanding higher wages. 

Healthcare for all. 

A secure retirement. 

A home we can afford. 

Because here is the secret truth that the billionaire class doesn’t want us to know: WE are the majority. 

And when we unite and stand up, nobody can stand in our way. 

Zohran isn’t owned by Wall Street. 

He’s a fighter for free transit, housing for all, universal childcare, and a $30 an hour minimum wage. 

He believes in democracy – not just in city elections, but on the job, in our apartment buildings, and in our neighborhoods. 

This campaign isn’t just about just winning an election. It’s about taking back our power. 

From the bosses. 

From the landlords. 

From the billionaires who think they own our future. 

We’ve had enough of the Cuomos of the world. 

Enough corruption. 

Enough broken promises. 

It’s time to organize. 

It’s time to fight. 

The UAW is proud to be the first union to endorse Zohran Mamdani. 

Now, it’s time to elect Zohran —and build a New York for the many, not the few. 

Because when the working class stands up, no one can stop us.

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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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Autoworkers Score Major Victory as GM Reinvests Billions in U.S. Plants Following Auto Tariffs

General Motors announced yesterday it will invest $4 billion over the next two years across three U.S. plants in Michigan, Kansas, and Tennessee—bringing thousands of good union jobs back to the U.S.

This announcement marks a turning point in the long fight to reverse the damage caused by NAFTA and decades of so-called “free trade.” As auto tariffs help drive the return of production to the U.S., we’re beginning to undo the harm inflicted on blue-collar communities by policies that offshored jobs and gutted local economies.

By raising wages at GM globally, this shift signals the beginning of the end of the race to the bottom—where workers are forced to compete across borders over how little they can survive on, while corporations rake in billions.

“GM’s decision to invest billions in American plants and prioritize U.S. workers is exactly why we spoke up in favor of these auto tariffs,” said UAW President Shawn Fain. “The writing is on the wall: the race to the bottom is over. We have excess manufacturing capacity at our existing plants, and auto companies can easily bring good union jobs back to the U.S. They can prove the naysayers wrong by investing in our communities and putting workers before corporate greed. GM is showing that it can be done.”

The UAW has long called for an end to the unfair trade practices that allowed automakers to offshore U.S. jobs, slash wages, and shutter dozens of once-thriving plants. More than 2 million vehicles a year have disappeared from American production lines over the last decade, while factories across Mexico and low-wage regions flourished under an exploitative trade system.

“The UAW has always stood up for job security—and we are seeing results. In just the past two months, GM has announced five major investments in American auto plants. That’s no coincidence. Skilled UAW members in Michigan, Kansas, Tennessee, and beyond are the reason GM turns a profit,” said UAW Vice President Mike Booth. “It’s great to see the company reinvest in the union workforce that makes it all possible. Our members show their American Spirit and pride in building the world-class vehicles and components that keep this industry strong—right here at home.”

As the auto industry shifts its supply chains and capital investment back to the U.S., the UAW continues to push for a robust industrial policy:

  • Strong tariffs on imported vehicles and parts to stop the offshoring of jobs.
  • Renegotiation of USMCA, including enforceable labor standards and a North American minimum wage.
  • Reshoring of the auto parts supply chain to ensure American manufacturing up and down the supply chain.
  • Federal support to protect and create good auto jobs, not corporate giveaways.
  • An end to stock buybacks and profit hoarding, so auto companies reinvest in jobs, wages, and U.S. manufacturing instead of enriching executives and Wall Street’s investor class.

Today’s announcement is a clear sign that with the right trade policies and worker-led organizing, the U.S. can rebuild its auto industry to work for working-class Americans—not just Wall Street. The announcement comes on top of GM’s nearly $1 billion investment in Tonawanda Propulsion and its $579 million investment at Flint Engine Operations. The Flint commitment was secured in the union’s 2023 national contract through the membership’s historic Stand Up Strike.

“We’ll work with anyone—Democrat, Republican, or independent—who’s serious about ending the ‘free trade’ disaster and building an economy that respects working-class people,” said Fain. “But let’s be clear: tariffs without worker power just mean bigger paydays for the boss. Tariffs increase profits—but only unions increase wages. Tariffs can protect an industry. Only unions can protect workers.”

This investment is a step in the right direction—but there’s much more work to do. To truly end the race to the bottom, we need enforceable protections for workers both in the U.S. and abroad. That means real rights on the job, the freedom to assemble and organize, and strong unions across borders. Trade policy without labor rights is just corporate welfare—and we won’t settle for that.

Ending offshoring and rebuilding the auto industry also means policies that help the entire working class: a strong National Labor Relations Board, secure retirements through Social Security, guaranteed health care through Medicare and Medicaid, and dignity on and off the job. This is how we ensure today’s gains become tomorrow’s standard—not just for autoworkers, but for all working-class people.

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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 Releases New Video on Andrew Cuomo’s Failures for Working-Class New Yorkers

NEW YORK—Today, the UAW released a new video highlighting the failures of Andrew Cuomo as Governor of New York for working-class people and communities across the state. On Friday, UAW Region 9A endorsed Zohran Mamdani #1 for mayor along with a full ballot suggestion including explicit instructions to not rank Andrew Cuomo. UAW was the first union to endorse Mamdani and has been explicit in Cuomo’s failures for working people.

“In the UAW, our endorsements are earned,” said UAW President Shawn Fain. “We support politicians who stand with us, and who have the courage to fight for the working class.

“Zohran Mamdani has stood shoulder to shoulder with us in our fight against some of the toughest bosses in New York City. He’s been to countless UAW picket lines. He’s fought for better wages, for our livelihoods, and for a livable city for UAW members.

“We need new elected leaders who are not afraid to pick a side—politicians who will put workers over corporate donors every single time. That’s why our union is proud to support Zohran Mamdani and a ranked slate of pro-worker champions for mayor.”

The video can be accessed in full here and is free for use by the media.  

In 2019, UAW was the driving force behind the passage of a bill providing unemployment benefits for striking workers in the New York State legislature. Later that year, while waiting for then-Governor Cuomo to sign the bill into law, UAW members at General Motors went on a six-week strike. Instead of being able to access the benefits the legislature granted, UAW members were left in the lurch by Cuomo, who not only refused to sign the bill during the strike to provide immediate relief for the members, but also refused to visit the picket line in solidarity.

“We can’t trust politicians who got us into the current mess to lead us out,” said UAW Region 9A Director Brandon Mancilla. “Especially when they refused to support striking workers when they needed help the most.

“20,000 UAW members in New York City know that they can stand up for a future in New York and reject the corruption and cronyism of Andrew Cuomo. We can fight for a future that includes a rent freeze, fast and free busses, and universal childcare. We have an alternative for working people on June 24 by ranking Zohran Mamdani #1 and our ranked choice slate.”

In 2023, when UAW members engaged in the historic Stand Up Strike, with the support of nearly every politician and 80% of Americans, Cuomo again was nowhere to be seen. Unlike the UAW’s endorsed slate of candidates for New York City Mayor, who have all shown up to countless picket lines in support of workers over the last decade, Andrew Cuomo has shown up to fewer picket lines than JD Vance.

Full transcript of the UAW’s new video about Cuomo’s anti-labor record here: 

UAW Local 1097 President (Rochester) Dan Maloney:

I’m sure other speakers will talk about the 15,000 seniors that died in New York State nursing homes due to Covid and the serious missteps of the Cuomo administration. I’m not here to talk about that.

I’m sure other speakers will discuss the multiple sexual harassment charges brought against former governor Cuomo, but that’s not what I’m here to talk about, either.

I’m here to tell you that when the United Auto Workers needed Governor Cuomo’s help, he turned his back on us.

UAW Region 9A Director Brandon Mancilla:

Our members want a better, safer, and more affordable city. Someone who passes up the opportunity to support workers in a time of crisis, that person is unfit to be mayor of working class New Yorkers.

UAW Region 9 CAP Director (Tonawanda) Wence Valentin III:

Our membership across the country went out on strike in September of 2019 against GM. UAW Region 9 and 9A worked hard, lobbied the state legislature to get a bill passed that would ensure that unemployment would come after one week.

Cuomo, as governor, had the chance to sign that bill into law. Not only did he not sign that bill into law, he never stepped foot on any of our strike lines. Let me repeat that. He never stepped foot on any of our strike lines. Cuomo was absent and ignored every one of our calls. This is a man who wants you all to believe he supports labor.

Zohran Mamdani:

We’re talking about a man who created tier six, which took more than $100,000 out of the pockets of working class public sector workers. A man who I just saw for the first time in my life just last week, describing tier six as ancient history.

The only thing that’s ancient history is Andrew Cuomo.

Brad Lander:

Enough with the corruption. Enough with the chaos. Enough with the yielding to corporate bosses. Let’s elect a mayor who works for working New Yorkers.

Dan Maloney:

When we needed Andrew Cuomo, Cuomo showed cowardice. So New Yorkers… Don’t get fooled again.

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UAW Celebrates GM’s Nearly $1 Billion Investment in Tonawanda Propulsion

TONAWANDA, NY– Yesterday, General Motors announced an additional $888 million investment in its Tonawanda Propulsion plant. For months, union leaders have been in active discussions with GM to advocate for increased investment in its UAW facilities. The investment will support the company’s next generation V-8 engines which are used in full-size trucks and SUVs.

“This enormous investment is exactly what we’ve been calling for,” said UAW Vice President Mike Booth. “Skilled UAW members, like members of UAW Local 774, make GM’s profits, so it’s great to see the company investing back into its union workforce so we can keep building quality, world-class products.”

“It’s time for Ford and Stellantis to learn from GM,” said UAW President Shawn Fain. “GM is showing that it makes good business sense for major corporations to reverse course on the destructive race-to-the-bottom trade policies that have wreaked havoc on workers and destroyed blue-collar towns and cities across America.”

The announcement comes on top of GM’s $579 million investment to build the same V-8 engine at Flint Engine Operations, represented by UAW Local 659. That earlier commitment in Flint was secured in the union’s 2023 national contract through the membership’s historic Stand Up Strike.

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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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