Convention Report, Day 2

Brothers, Sisters, and Siblings:

Day 2 is in the books here in Detroit at the UAW's 39th Constitutional Convention, and the momentum is building!

President Shawn Fain delivered his State of the Union address, reminding us all what's at stake: "This week will set our union's agenda for the next four years. And like the founders of our union, rising out of a Great Depression, what we decide today will affect generations to come. It is our obligation to lead in this moment. This is our generation's defining moment."

Delegates got to work today, passing votes to commit to a culture of aggressive organizing, build toward May Day 2028, and strengthen our political voice. We also voted to raise strike pay to $550 per week, grow the strike fund, and commit $100 million toward special organizing and bargaining initiatives. These are real, tangible wins for working people.

We heard from IndustriALL General Secretary Atle Høie and SEIU President April Verrett, who are both pushing us to think bigger and bolder about the future of the labor movement worldwide.

We had a huge moment today: the UAW honored Volkswagen Chattanooga workers with the Social Justice Award for their decade-long fight to win their union and a historic first contract. Our own Region 8 Director Tim Smith said it best: "If you stay in the fight, and if you stand shoulder to shoulder with your brothers and sisters, and if you refuse to surrender your future, you will win."

On behalf of your elected delegates from Local 276 — Kenny Hines, Frank Baskin, Jimmy Mack, Stacy Steele, Sheila Hill, Keith Crowell, and myself — we are proud to be here fighting for YOU. Two days down, more work ahead.

In Solidarity,
Mike Cartwright
President, UAW Local 276 

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