June 15, 2026
The 39th International UAW Constitutional Convention Begins
text and photos by Region 8 Webmaster John Davis
The 30th International UAW Constitutional Convention kicked off at 11:00 AM on Monday, June 15, 2026. Every four years, local unions elect delegates to represent their membership and send them to this convention to debate and vote on resolutions to the UAW Constitution.
The UAW is an organization that uses democracy as it’s operating principle. Our members are the highest authority. This week it will be those that have been elected to represent the membership that will be debating and voting on the issues.
The Constitutional Convention has historically been the catalyst for change and direction in the UAW, and this week promises to be no less. Proposed resolutions this week include:
- Addressing the rising cost of health care.
- Supporting our retirees.
- Building a better society that supports working class families through community action.
- Retirement plans for all sectors.
- Preparing for May Day 2028. Taking steps to insure our continued bargaining efforts are building a future for our members and their families.
- Building power for the working class through political action. The wealthy have set the playing field against America’s workers. It is time we fight back by electing candidates that represent Americans rather than corporate interest.
- Improving health and safety on our workplaces. Everyday we are watching worker protections being eroded in Washington. We must take our power and use it to elect candidates that protect workers rather than corporations.
- Organizing and growing our density along sectors we represent. Our power lies in our collective solidarity. As our membership grows, so does our collective voice.
- Trade deals that undermine America’s workers. We have watched as trade deals have allowed companies to off shore their operations. Those that weren’t sent out of the country, used threats to will concessions from workers. We must make sure than any trade deal provides protections for workers who may be impacted by them.
- Technology that benefits, not replaces workers. Artificial Intelligence is spreading like wildfire. Online companies are using it to replace workers, while manufacturing is looking at ways to replace our members with machines. The House passed a measure that essentially removed all regulations on AI, but it was struck down in the Senate. President Trump previously signed an executive order intended to push back against state AI laws he deemed overly burdensome. We need protections NOW.
These are just some of the issues that will be debated and voted on this week.
Monday kicked off with the presentation of the colors and the national anthem. Region 1A and Local 600 member Kiethon Miller offered the invocation. The Region 1 Choir and the UAW Choir performed the Canadian, Puerto Rican and the United States national anthems. Watch the introduction of the International Executive Board Here
President Shawn Fain introduced the first speaker AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler. “They told us you can’t organize in the south, ask the workers at Volkswagen at Chattanooga, Tennessee,” President Shuler stated. “We are going to organize all across the south.
We are fighting those passing lots against us. Those interpreting the laws and those enforcing the laws. Technology is advancing and it must be regulated. The EVs that are the future of the auto industry must be made with our workers not machines. We need a seat at the table. We want our rights protected, our work rights and our civil rights. Workers should be first not some bullshit algorithm. We need to know from the politicians, “which side are you on?”.
Watch her address here.
Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield was introduced and welcomed the delegates. Watch Her Address Here.
Next UAW Secretary Treasurer Margaret Mock came forward to chair the meeting. The Convention Committee, Credentials Committee, Rules Committee and Resolutions Committee were all seated.
The Rules Committee made a report on the rules for the convention. Delegates are given two books, with one containing submitted resolutions and another a book containing proposed resolutions that will be brought to the floor. During debate, there were some questions about the rule that states it takes 128 delegates to pull a resolution out of the submitted resolutions and bring it to the floor. There was a group that wanted to lower the threshold to lower the number of votes it takes to bring a resolution to the floor to 39. After debate the amendment to lower the threshold failed.
Next member Chris Redding of Region 8 Local 3285 came forward and read a resolution to present the title of UAW President Emeritus to retired UAW President Ray Curry. “Ray Curry was elected by the IEB in July of 2021,” Chris stated. “Ray navigated the union through COVID and installing  reforms that were recommended by the federally mandated monitor. Ray worked diligently for this membership through a very difficult time and we propose he receive the title President Emeritus.” The motion was made and seconded and passed with over overwhelming support. Read More Here
“Thank you for this honor,” President Emeritus stated. “I had the honor of working in Region 8 and those great people. There is one thing we can never forget and that is it is all about the  membership. The power still resides in the membership and they always have to come first." Watch it Here.
Retired International Staff were recognized and the IEB members who have passed since last we convened. Retired Region 8 Assistant Director Donny Bevis was recognized. Donny passed away last winter.
Retired UAW Vice President Chuck Browning received the Social Justice Award. Watch it Here.
Reverend William Anthony, the Detroit NAACP President addressed the convention. “Never forget, it isn’t about the people in power, it is about the power in the people,” Reverend Anthony stated. Watch the entire address here.
Other resolutions debated and voted on today include:
- Health and Safety – Health and safety become a mandatory part of all local union contracts. The International President will appoint a Health and Safety Director.
- Veterans- Veterans issues will now be included with all parts of business with the International Union. The International President will appoint a National Veterans Affairs Director.
- Competitive Shop Department- The Competitive Shops Department shall be renamed the Competitive Shop/Independent Parts Supplier Department.
- 2030 40th Constitutional Convention – The 40th Constitutional Convention will be held in June of 2030. The convention may be advanced or delayed by two months with a resolution adopted by the International Executive Board.
- Local Union Standing Committees- Health and Safety be added to the current list of local union standing committees.
The meeting adjourned at 5:00 PM. The convention will reconvene at 9:00 AM on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. |
