October 16, 2025
Day Three of the 2025 UAW Region 8 Leadership Conference
Text by Region 8 Webmaster John Davis
Photos by John Davis, George Palmer and David Firkins

The final day of the 2025 UAW Region 8 Leadership Conference began with the Director’s Breakfast, following which Director Smith gave an update.

Before the update, Director Smith’s clerical Mary Jo Nicoles zoomed in to wish Director Smith a “Happy Bosses Day.” “Tim always insist that he isn’t a boss that we are all union members,” Mary Jo stated. “we appreciate him.”

“It has been a great week,” Director Smith stated. “I encourage every president and every chairman in this room to go back to your membership and tell them how much we appreciate each and every one of them and thank them for what they do. We stand here today not as separate locals but as one union family. The United Auto Workers – don’t ever forget that. Our history tells us that when we are united – we are UNSTOPPABLE. That is why they are those who want to stop us, those who want to silence us. In 2026 we will meet together for the Constitutional Convention. It wont just be about bylaws and resolutions, it will also be about a vision- a vision of what kind of UAW leadership do we want to hand to the next generation. Every day new members come into our workplaces. Some are second generation UAW members and some are brand new and don’t know anything about the UAW. As those in leadership, it is our responsibility to education these new members. We cant wait until 2026 to start educating these new members, the work begins now and it starts in this room. True leadership means preparing our membership for the road ahead.” Click here For Director Smith’s complete remarks.

Following Director Smith’s remarks, International UAW Secretary Treasurer Margaret Mock addressed the conference. She talked about the importance of being a good Stewart of the memberships dues dollars.

The next speaker of the morning was Steve Beers of the Research Department. After lunch UAW Vice President Mike Booth gave an update from the GM Department. UAW Vice President Rich Boyer gave an update on the IPS plants.

Last on the agenda were reports from the Region 8 staff. Each member of the Region 8 staff gave an update from the sectors they represent.

Region 8 Representatives finished the conference out with reports from their various departments.

Director Smith closed out the conference by thanking all the presenters, the staff and the local union leaders for all they do.