June 14, 2026
The 39th International UAW Constitutional Convention
Begins June 15, 2026
by UAW Region 8 Webmaster John Davis
On Monday June 15, 2026, the 39th UAW Constitutional Convention will convene at Huntington Place in downtown Detroit. Michigan. Almost 2000 delegates from local unions and regions all across the UAW will gather to debate and vote on resolutions to the UAW Constitution. These resolutions will cover a broad range of topics. Also, this week, there will be nominations for the offices of the International Executive Board.
The UAW was officially chartered by the American Federation of Labor (AFL) on August 26, 1935. That year they held the founding convention. AFL president William Green appointed Francis Dillon as the first president. The first Constitutional Convention was held in South Bend, Indiana in the spring of 1936. The conventions were held every three years until 1998, when the delegates voted to move to four-year cycles.
There are many pressing issues facing the UAW as this constitutional convention begins. One of the biggest issues is defining what a retiree is. With the transition to direct elections, our constitution needs to be updated to reflect this transition when it comes to retirees. A number of other resolutions will be debated and voted on this week as union democracy is in action.
The week will feature speakers from across the labor movement as well as others who share our values and vision. The theme for the week is “Our Generation’s Defining Moment.”
The Constitutional Convention is where our constitution evolves to suit the times. Our founders saw the need to have a living document that could be amended as the trials working people change. In 1936, no one would have had to worry about Artificial Intelligence (AI) or competition from foreign countries with no labor laws. They did face a lot of the same issues from anti-worker politicians and robber barons. The election of Donald Trump and the installation of Project 2025 as a government operating principle, has increased the attack on labor and the working class. To fight back, we must pass resolutions that defend labor and the rule of law. 
This week there will be nominations for members of the International Executive Board. The monitor has established rules that must be followed concerning campaigning inside the convention hall this week. Those include:
UAW 39th Constitutional Convention Campaign Guidelines
Section 4 of the Election Rules sets out the rules around campaigning pursuant to Title IV of the LaborManagement Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 (LMRDA). The Election Rules and federal law prohibit the use of any union or employer resources to promote the candidacy of any person in a union election. Based on the Election Rules and federal law, the following guidelines apply to campaign activity at the 39th Constitutional Convention from June 15th through 18th in Detroit, Michigan (the “Convention”).
For purposes of these Guidelines, the Convention Hall is defined as the main auditorium and conference rooms where formal Convention business is conducted. The Convention Hall does not include hallways and other public spaces adjacent to or around the main auditorium.
Outside of the Convention Hall and NOT at UAW-sponsored events (including both social and work events):
• All forms of campaigning (formal and informal discussions, active distribution of literature or Branded  Apparel/Merchandise, as defined in Election Rule 4-4) are acceptable as long they comply with the Election Rules and federal law. Inside the Convention Hall, including on the floor, and at UAW-sponsored events (including both social and work events):
• At no time will anyone be permitted to establish a designated campaign area, set up campaign-related tables, or hang signs in support of or against a Candidate or Slate of Candidates.
• Literature and Branded Apparel/Merchandise may be distributed before the Convention is called to order each day and after the Convention is adjourned for the evening. These items may be left out for attendees to pick up during sessions, but no active distribution may take place during the Convention.
• Delegates and guests in the Convention Hall may wear Branded Apparel/Merchandise (including when those delegates or guests may be actively involved in the Convention program, such as when they are addressing the audience from a floor microphone).
• No one may wear Branded Apparel/Merchandise on the dais (or distribute campaign material on the dais) and no one may speak for or against a Candidate or Slate of Candidates from the dais or a microphone, except during the nomination process. 
• Individuals paid by the UAW to work at the Convention (Sergeant at Arms, etc.) may not wear Branded Apparel/Merchandise or distribute campaign material at any time while working or when they could reasonably appear to be working (e.g., wearing a uniform or standing near a designated area for people in their position).
• Members of the press may not wear Branded Apparel/Merchandise or distribute campaign material.
Region 8 will provided daily updates in real time on the website and social media. |
