October 14, 2025
UAW Region 8 2025 Leadership Conference Begins
text and photos by Region 8 Webmaster John Davis

The 2025 UAW Region 8 Leadership Conference kicked off on Tuesday October 14, 2025 at the Hyatt Regency in Clearwater, Florida. The annual leadership meeting gives the leadership at local unions across the region to get together and catch up on things that is happening across the region and the UAW.

“Being a leader is all about responsibility, responsible to our members, responsible to our organization and responsible to our communities,” states UAW Region 8 Director Tim Smith. “Napoleon Bonaparte stated “a leader must be a dealer in hope.” We have to be a dealer of hope. We must lead in a manner that gives our members hope in the present and hope in the future. It is our solidarity that gives us our strength. As leaders we must offer that vision of hope to our members and model solidarity for them. Our local executive boards and bargaining committees must work together for the advancement of all.”

Director Smith had a meeting with just president’s and chairmen to start the day. He gave an update on things going on in the region. He also discussed the impact some of the changes at the federal government was having on our members. “Issues at the NLRB are impacting our ability to service our members,” Director Smith stated. “Currently the NLRB isn’t meeting and that makes it impossible for us to get some things done. All across the region we are bargaining and sometimes we need decisions from the NLRB to help represent our members. To quote labor’s theme song “Solidarity Forever” without our sweat and muscle not a single wheel would turn.” We don’t want to strike but sometimes you have to and we need to be able to use that option. Our members at the National Institute of Health are being impacted by budget cuts. Our members are working on cures for cancer and their funding is cut, crippling their work.”

The afternoon section of conference picked off with invocation, national anthem, pledge of allegiance and the introduction of the delegates by UAW Region 8 Assistant Director George Palmer. Local 962 member Anthony Spencer offered the invocation and Region 8 Staff member Jeff Hall lead the delegation in the pledge of allegiance. Assistant Director George Palmer hosted the activities and recognized our veterans and retirees. Then he introduced UAW Region 8 Director Tim Smith.

“It is so very good to be with you this week, as collectively we learn and plan for the betterment of all,” Director Smith stated. “Region 8 has proven again and again we lead the UAW in organizing, bargaining and solidarity. With seventeen states, our membership is literally spread out across the southern tier of our country. However, the solidarity I witness between our members across states, times zones, sectors and regions of the country always inspire me. I am grateful and humbled to service as your Regional Director. In Region 8 we truly are a family and therein lies our strength. Thank you for coming.”

The afternoon included presentations from the CAP Department with UAW Region 8 CAP Representatives Kevin Huddleston, Mark Dowell and Anthony Towner. Next came UAW Region 8 LUCA Representative John Davis gave a presentation on LUCA and local union communication. UAW Region 8 Education Representative David Firkins gave a presentation on Region 8 educational opportunities. Lastly Retired Region 8 Representative Tom Save gave a report from the International UAW Retiree Council.

The meeting ended and will resume at 8:00 AM on Wednesday, October 15.