December 21, 2022
Happy Holidays 2022 – It Is All About Family
As we approach Christmas and the end of 2022, I reflect on this year and the way our union began to move out of the cloud of Covid and resume normal activities. Our conferences and group events resumed across the country, giving our membership a chance to function as a family. Whether my God given family or my brotheracs and sisters of the UAW, I hold family in the highest regard and priority. As a union family, our collective efforts are for the good of all. An injury to one is an injury to all. While we may be broken down into regions, locals, and sectors, at the end of the day we are all one big union family.
Our union has challenges and opportunities moving forward and only collectively can we meet these trials. On the automotive side we are facing the transition to electronic vehicles. A number of our members will be impacted by this change, and we must be prepared for this. With the build up to bargaining for the automotive sectors next year, there have been major investments acquired to finance this transition. It is important that our bargaining agreements provide security for our members as we make this change.
For the second time in three years, we have seen a change to the makeup of our region. We added nine states when Region 5 was dissolved in 2019, making Region 8 by far the largest region within the UAW. The IEB decided to add back Region 6 for the good of the membership. Arizona, California and Colorado were moved into this new region. We hate to see those members leave Region 8 but we wish them the best.
As you likely have heard, I have asked UAW Region 8 staff member George Palmer to serve as Assistant Director. George is out of Local 862 in Louisville, Kentucky and brings a wealth of experience with him. I look forward to working with George as we build and grow this region. The future looks bright for our region, and we must position ourselves to ensure our union family has the foundation it needs to be successful.
This year we witnessed an historic election as we made the transition from delegate to director elections. We still have three positions to be determined through a runoff, including president, one vice-president position and Region 9 director. It is disappointing that barely 10% of our membership voted in these elections. We have a duty and obligation to voice our opinion in these elections. It is part of our oath as union members, and I encourage everyone to participate in the runoff. Ballots will be mailed beginning January 12, 2023 and must be returned by February 28, 2023.
On behalf of the entire Region 8 leadership and staff, we wish you all the happiest of holidays filled with health and love.
In solidarity,
Region 8 Director Tim Smith |
