May 7, 2026
2026 UAW Region 8 Retired Workers Conference Day Three
text and photos by Region 8 Webmaster John Davis

The final day of the 2026 UAW Region 8 Retired Worker’s Conference kicked off with Assistant Director George Palmer introducing UAW Region 8 Director Tim Smith.

“First off I want to wish off the mothers here and across Region 8 a Happy Mother’s Day,” Director Smith began. “Our mothers are the ones who take care of us and set us on our way in life. I want to remind everyone we have our 39th Constitutional Convention coming up next month. This is really our Superbowl. We will chart our course for the next four years at the Constitutional Convention. I would like to think President Shawn Fain, Vice President Mike Booth and his top AA Nicole Current, Director of the Retired Workers Department Lisa Rink and her top AA Kevin Gotinsky for being here this week.

I want to thank our Region 8 Retiree Reps Kevin Huddleston, Anthony Towner and Mark Dowell for being here, Jennifer Thornton from our regional office and the members of our Retiree Council. All of these people work for you every day.

I look around this room and I see retirees who literally laid the foundation for our union. Men and women who did the hard things. You didn’t just punch in and do your job, you built power. Because of you the rest of us had a voice. You bargaining and you organized. I see Chuck McDonald here who organized so many locations in our region. Chuck, you did it when it was tough and hard, but you stood fast. You and others took the UAW to our communities.

I see so many around this room that have explained contracts to others, helped with benefits and assisted others with any need they had. You never stepped away from your union or your membership and we appreciate you. So many of you worked in your local and state elections, I see Jimmy Hyde back there who worked so hard in Georgia to get labor friendly candidates elected.

You all inspire me every day. I talked with John Richardson of Local 10 this morning. He told me the union was in his blood until the day he dies. You are all teachers, mentors and trailblazers. We still need our retirees voice and wisdom. The next generation is watching and those of us who are still active must carry on your work. Thank you for your sacrifice, because you efforts will outlive us all.”

UAW Region 8 Retiree Tom Savage gave a report on efforts to defend voting rights in the state of Tennessee. “Donald Trump’s Supreme Court last week gutted Section Two of the Voting Rights Act,” Tom Savage stated. “This action disenfranchises members of the Black Community, hurts labor and places many in a situation where their voice isn’t heard. Director Smith has always been there to support everyone in this region. Tennessee is just the first state to attack voting rights, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida all are following. We have to out perform them at the ballot box.”

A couple years ago, Director Smith instituted the Director’s Award to recognize those who have gone above and beyond. In the past he awarded six of these award, but gave six more at this conference. Those recognized include:

Jim Rogers

Tom Savage

Vickie Hale

Steve Stone

Donald Jenkins

Vera Newton

Chuck McDonald

 

“These individuals have made us all proud and continue to work for the membership every day, even though they are retired.

Next came benefit updates from the benefit departments at the Big Three.

Ford Department – Monica Bass and Tony Vultaggio

Chrysler Department – Jessica Bryant-Hardwell

GM Department - Bill Cremeans

UAW GM Department Vice President Mike Booth was in attendance with his top AA Nicole Current. Both VP Booth and AA Current have been friends to Region 8, servicing the GM and Gaming Local Unions in the Region. “It is always great to be with you,” Vice President Booth stated. “Director Smith is an example of integrity, along with AD Palmer. I appreciate the opportunity to be here with Bill Cremeans and my top AA Nicole Current to talk with our members from GM and answer questions.

We are all here to work for you. In the GM Department we emphasis accountability and integrity. Our members deserve nothing less.”

Southwest Florida Retiree Council Chair Joe Bigelow presented a piece of metal art that was made by one of their members to be hung in the Region 8 Offices. Director Tim Smith and AD George Palmer accepted it on behalf of all the Region 8 retirees.

Director of the UAW Social Security Department Frankie Serra gave a presentation on Social Security and Medicare.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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