2026 Constitutional Convention Updates

Understanding the UAW Constitutional Convention: History, Purpose, and Process

Mary Rizer
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UNDERSTANDING THE UAW CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION AND ITS PURPOSE

WHAT IS IT?

As I am writing this, delegates and alternate delegates elected by our membership officially completed their first day at the 39th UAW Constitutional Convention in Detroit Michigan.  As I considered what to cover in my first article on this topic, I realized many members may not understand what this convention means for our union and why it matters.

Every four (4) years elected delegates from local unions across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico gather in Detroit, Michigan to discuss the future of the union, consider proposed changes to the UAW Constitution, and establish priorities for the years ahead.  These are proposed by union members in the form of Constitutional Amendments and Resolutions and voted on by the delegates. (Constitutional Amendments = a proposed change to the constitution; Resolutions = proposals expressing policies, priorities, goals, or direction for the union.)

Delegates elected by local unions represent their membership and have the authority to debate and vote on changes to the UAW Constitution as well as resolutions that help guide the direction of the union.  The UAW Constitutional Convention also has the authority to amend the union’s governing document, the UAW Constitution, making it the highest decision-making body within the International Union.  In many ways, the UAW Constitutional Convention serves a role similar to a legislative body, with delegates debating, amending, and voting on proposals that help shape the future of the union.

WHO MAKES UP THE GOVERNING BODY 

The UAW Constitutional Convention establishes the rules and priorities of the union. The International Executive Board carries out those policies and procedures while overseeing the daily operations of the International Union.

UAW members directly elect the International Executive Board, which is made up of five officers and nine (9) Regional Directors. 

Current International Executive Board

Officers

 

  • President: Shawn Fain
  • Secretary-Treasurer: Margaret Mock
  • Vice President: Laura Dickerson
  • Vice President: Rich Boyer
  • Vice President: Mike Booth

 

                   

Regional Directors

 

  • LaShawn English — Region 1
  • Mark Depaoli — Region 1A
  • Steve Dawes — Region 1D
  • David Green — Region 2B
  • Brandon Campbell — Region 4
  • Mike Miller — Region 6
  • Tim Smith — Region 8
  • Jimmy Lakeman — Region 9
  • Brandon Mancilla — Region 9A

For Those Who Prefer "Plain Speak"

The delegates elected by our membership, along with the International Executive Board, have completed the first day of the UAW Constitutional Convention.

Constitutional Amendments change the union's rulebook, while Resolutions establish priorities, policies, and direction for the future.

During the Convention, delegates debate and vote on proposed amendments and resolutions. Once adopted, the International Executive Board is responsible for carrying out those decisions and overseeing the day-to-day operations of the union between conventions.

In simple terms: the delegates decide what changes should be made, and the International Executive Board is responsible for putting those decisions into action.

BY: MARY RIZER

June 16, 2026

 

Sources:  International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW). 39th UAW Constitutional Convention. Retrieved June 16, 2026, from https://uaw.org/convention

International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW). Constitution of the International Union, UAW (2022 Edition). Retrieved June 16, 2026, from https://uaw.org

International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW). International Executive Board. Retrieved June 16, 2026, from https://uaw.org