UAW Region 8 Grievance Handling & Understanding Grievances Training Spring Hill, Tennessee | September 9–10, 2026
Under the leadership of UAW Region 8 Director Tim Smith and Assistant Director George Palmer, I had the opportunity, alongside UAW Region 8 Servicing Representative Chuck Davenport, to facilitate two days of Grievance Handling and Understanding Grievances training hosted by UAW Local 1853 in Spring Hill, Tennessee.
Members representing UAW Locals 1853 and 2164 participated in the training.
Throughout the two days, we focused on giving our union representatives the tools they need to investigate, evaluate, and effectively handle grievances on behalf of our membership.
One message we stressed throughout the training was the importance of using a fact sheet for EVERY investigation. Before determining whether an issue has merit as a grievance, we must gather the facts. That means asking the right questions, talking to the right people, documenting what happened, identifying possible contract violations, and getting the complete story.
Don’t assume. Don’t guess. Use the fact sheet.
The fact sheet is one of the most important tools we have when determining whether a grievance has merit and building the strongest possible case for our members.
The training also covered Weingarten Rights, the Seven Tests of Just Cause, grievance investigation, contractual timelines and extensions, grievance writing, documentation, and preparing to represent our members effectively throughout the grievance procedure.
We were also honored to have Director Tim Smith call in and speak directly with the membership. His participation reinforced Region 8’s commitment to education and ensuring our representatives have the knowledge and tools necessary to stand up for our members.
A special thank you to UAW Local 1853 President John Rutherford and Vice President Michael Prehoda for hosting the training and welcoming us into Local 1853.
I also want to recognize Local 1853 LUCA Standing Committee member Brandon Steveer for taking the photos from the training that you see posted. Thank you for helping us document and share the great work being done through education across Region 8.
Most importantly, thank you to every member who participated, asked questions, shared experiences, and committed themselves to becoming stronger representatives for our membership.
Education builds knowledge. Knowledge builds confidence. And knowledgeable, prepared representatives build stronger locals and a stronger UAW.
WHO ARE WE? UAW!
In Solidarity,
David “Shaggy” Firkins
UAW Region 8 Education Representative
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