The United Auto Workers are having a busy day after years of rebuilding the union, securing deals, standing up to corporations, and fighting for their members. But the auto workers’ union is having a moment. UAW president Shawn Fain is facing accusations of reprisal and abuse of the union funds, and a union watchdog is calling for investigations into the president’s fiancée and sister-in-law. But while the UAW deals with internal issues, the union is basking in the glow of the UAW’s recent victories and a new chapter for the union.

1. Contracts Continue to be an Issue in the Auto Industry

The United Auto Workers continue to push for better working conditions for union members by striking when needed and holding out for favorable contract offers with companies. Recently, nearly 1,000 auto workers at American Axle’s Three Rivers, Mich., axle and driveline plant were able to hammer out a new contract. The deal came just days before the May 31 deadline and sent shock waves across the automotive industry. This was due to the fact that American Axle supplies GM with parts and drivelines. The UAW has a major contract negotiation campaign going on for the auto industry.

Contract Negotiation Victory:

• Strong strike authorization support
• Critical supplier contract negotiations
• Historic agreement reached
• Improved wage growth projected
• Bargaining position strengthened

Before the contract deadline, members of UAW Local 2093 voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike while also filing charges with the National Labor Relations Board for alleged threats and intimidation during the negotiations. The union then launched a strong strike action campaign with members of the local on strike from May 31. The tentative agreement was reached between the union and the company after ten days of striking and was termed historic by the union. The members voted on the strike action and authorized another 80 percent strike vote when the agreement was finalized. Members will see a $30 hourly wage in 2030 under the new tentative agreement. After the vote took place, a major labor showdown came to a close for the UAW.

2. Strikes are Authorized Across the Manufacturing Industry

The UAW is pushing for strike authorizations with manufacturing companies by allowing members to strike if they do not get favorable contract terms during negotiations. In addition to the strike vote with American Axle, manufacturing companies are also engaging in union negotiations with the UAW. The unions have a strong strike vote, which shows the union members are willing to take collective action when it comes to work conditions, although negotiations with manufacturers have often proved difficult. The UAW has been using strike authorizations across manufacturing industries as a tactic to gain leverage over employers.

Strike Votes are Growing:

• Multiple facilities authorized strikes
• Workers showed unity
• Negotiations remain difficult
• Collective bargaining is taking place
• Manufacturing industries are participating

This tactic has led to workers in various industries across the country voting to approve strike authorizations. More than 800 members of UAW Local 5101 at defense and aerospace supplier Woodward MPC voted 71 percent to strike during contract talks with the company after months of negotiations and alleged unfair labor practices by the company. The union has a history of strike authorizations taking place when talks with manufacturers have gone sour. Meanwhile, at Allison Off-Highway in Lafayette, Ind., approximately 400 union members voted to approve a strike authorization before the contract deadline.

3. Organizing is Continuing to Drive UAW Growth

The auto workers’ union is growing, with workers in a variety of industries signing on to join the union. The union is seeing more companies allow workers to organize so they can have a collective voice in the workplace. The organizing efforts continue to allow the UAW to build and strengthen its membership, as well as its presence across different industries. The union is driving organizing to ensure UAW locals are driving growth and not only manufacturing companies.

Membership is Growing:

• Organized new workplaces
• Expanded regional representation
• Growth strengthened
• Members across industries
• Increased collective participation

The UAW has had a major union organizing win in Chattanooga, Tenn., with Schnellecke Logistics workers voting two-to-one to join the union. The victory marks another major win for workers in the South, as organized labor continues to gain ground. Other UAW locals have seen workers sign on as members too, including those from the Michigan Science Center, who are educators and guest relations employees. Nurses at the Chicago Assembly also joined the UAW Local 551.

4. UAW Continues to Organize and Win

The UAW has continued to grow thanks to organizing efforts from the union locals as workers are signing on across the manufacturing industry. Employees at Ground Effects and Webasto Detroit have joined the UAW. The Webasto Detroit election win will continue to fuel the UAW’s efforts to organize employees in the auto industry. The UAW is seeing an increase in support for collective bargaining from workers at suppliers. Organizing momentum will continue to provide a boost for the union and its members.

Organizing Continues:

• Auto suppliers joining union
• Demonstrated strong support
• Expanded manufacturing representation
• Historic contract wins
• Southern organizing strengthened

The 2026 Webasto Detroit election ended with a 276 to 133 vote to join the UAW. The vote will help the union continue to push for organizing employees across the auto industry. The union is making inroads in the South as employees at Volkswagen’s Chattanooga plant voted overwhelmingly to finalize their union contract with the UAW. The 96 percent vote in Chattanooga marks a historic win for the union in the South.

5. Political Advocacy and Endorsements Continue to be an Issue

The UAW continues to advocate for candidates who support workplace issues and have a positive outlook on organized labor. Through the union’s Community Action Program, members of the union will have the opportunity to endorse candidates and advocate for their positions when it comes to workplace issues. The union will continue to support progressive causes and issues, making endorsements a crucial issue for the union.

Political Advocacy:

• Endorsed candidates
• Supported workplace legislation
• Expanded issues
• Promoted worker advocacy
• Encouraged political participation

The UAW has endorsed candidates for elected offices, including Jocelyn Benson for governor, Dr. Abdul El-Sayed for the U.S. Senate and Eli Savit for attorney general in Michigan. Union leaders have stated these are all strong candidates for working families and the union. The UAW also endorsed Independent Senate candidate Dan Osborn in Nebraska, while at the same time celebrating the victories of labor-friendly candidates in New York and Michigan. The union continues to endorse candidates who have progressive views on organized labor.

6. Union Members Participate in the 2026 National CAP Conference

The UAW encourages members of the union to become involved in political advocacy and endorsements by attending the 2026 National CAP Conference. Nearly 1,000 union members attended the conference in Washington, D.C., to have discussions about organizing and public policy. The conference allows union members to participate in the development of the union and its legislative agenda by meeting directly with legislators. Members are encouraged to participate in advocacy when it comes to public policy issues that impact organized labor.

Member Participation is Crucial:

• National conference convened
• Discuss legislative agenda
• Met with legislators
• Encouraged advocacy
• Future organizing efforts

The conference attendees met with members of Congress to promote four key legislative priorities that the union has identified. The union leaders stated these legislative actions will ensure the continued growth of organized labor across the country. Raphael Warnock and Bernie Sanders addressed the union members during the conference, encouraging them to participate in advocacy and continue organizing during the session. The conference allowed the union members to have a strong say when it comes to legislative initiatives, as well as the unions’ future efforts regarding organizing.

7. Union Governance Continues in the UAW with the 39th Constitutional Convention

The UAW hosts a Constitutional Convention to determine the union’s direction over the next four years. Nearly 900 delegates attended the convention in Detroit to have discussions about the union’s future. The convention served as an opportunity for union members to vote on new policies and rules for the UAW.

Union Governance Continues:

• Constitutional Convention convened
• Delegates gathered to determine future
• Constitution and policies reviewed
• Leadership candidates nominated 
• Democratic processes continued

The delegates were able to review possible changes to the union’s constitution, as well as nominate candidates for the International Officer elections. The union’s constitution was amended to reflect a broader definition of retiree. The convention allows for the union to update its rules and policies while continuing to practice democratic processes. The UAW continues to provide resources to delegates, including hosting the Member Mobilization Institute and the 2026 UAW Health & Safety Conference. However, some conferences were canceled due to circumstances outside the control of the union.

8. Member Programs Continue to Support Union Members

The union offers a variety of support programs that help members get involved and have a positive experience while being a part of the union. The programs allow the UAW to provide members with educational resources, family friendly support, digital content, cultural events, and other services. The union members can connect with one another while also engaging in community events and other opportunities to participate in union activities. Programs also help to preserve the union’s history and encourage members to be engaged.

Member Programs Continue:

• Education expanded
• Family programs encouraged participation
• Digital content provided
• Cultural events promoted
• Community events engaged

The Solidarity Magazine continues to be a valuable resource for union members, with the digital version of the Summer 2026 issue now available online. Members enjoy reading about the union’s organizing efforts, contract negotiations, labor issues and other activities taking place across the country. The UAW has a variety of programs for members to attend or participate in, such as the Family Scholarship Program at Black Lake and the Union Hall Arts Residency in Detroit.

9. Advocacy Continues for Members Despite Challenges

The union continues to advocate for the members while also working to overcome obstacles. Following the fatality at the Ford Sharonville Transmission Plant, UAW leaders expressed their condolences to the family and all employees of the plant. The union promotes safety at the workplace for union members as well as advocating for workers across the world. The UAW has a responsibility to support members and their families, as well as other workers who face difficult challenges.

Union Advocacy Continues:

• Promoted safety
• Honored advocates
• Supported families
• Defended international workers
• Advanced human rights causes

The union honored the legacy of Rev. Jesse Jackson after his passing, in recognition of his contributions to the cause of civil rights, workers, the poor, and communities of color. Advocacy for workers is a major focus for the union, as is its alliance with the civil rights movement.

The UAW condemned the Tornel Rubber workers in Mexico who were the victims of a horrific assault and called on the U.S. Trade Representative to take appropriate action in response to the situation. Advocating for union members and international workers is an important part of what the union does.

10. Organizing and Advocacy will Continue to be an issue as the Union moves Forward

The UAW will continue to organize while advocating for workers in a variety of industries. The union is encouraging workers across all industries to join together and stand up for themselves, as well as fighting for organized labor. The UAW is continuing to oppose offshoring manufacturing jobs, while also supporting members and advocating for their needs. At the same time, the union will continue to handle internal issues that affect the union as a whole, as well as respond to the concerns of its members.

Future Union Focus:

• Offshoring manufacturing jobs opposed
• Supported labor disputes
• Encouraged union products
• Addressed internal issues
• Balanced future union needs

The UAW is continuing to fight to stop manufacturing jobs from going overseas. Local issues affecting union members are also a priority for the union, as shown by the dispute between UAW Local 2192 members and the steel company in Lorain County, Ohio. The union continues to fight to keep manufacturing jobs in the U.S., while also encouraging people to buy union-made products. The 2026 UAW-Union Built Vehicle Guide is a helpful resource to learn more about union-built products. Despite the many victories and successes that the union has experienced, the UAW is also aware of the challenges posed by internal disputes and issues. Organizing new members and advocating for the existing ones will continue to be the union’s focus as it moves forward. The UAW has had a major impact on the lives of many workers, and its efforts have strengthened the voice of organized labor around the country.