United Auto Workers

In 1934, the Cleveland District Auto Council was formed under Wyndham Mortimer, laying the foundation for what would become the UAW. It included federal unionists from various auto companies in Cleveland.

The badge with the initials 'U.A.W.' and 'A.F.L.' at the top and bottom respectively, along with a logo of two hands shaking inside a car, symbolizes the formation of the United Automobile Workers of America under the American Federation of Labor in August 26, 1935.

The Flint sit-down strike was a pivotal event in labor history, where UAW members occupied the General Motors plant to demand workers' rights. It ended in February 1937 after successful negotiations led by Michigan's governor Frank Murphy.

Following the success at General Motors, auto workers at Chrysler also engaged in a sit-down strike to secure recognition of the UAW as their representative. This further strengthened the union's influence in the auto industry.

In April 1939, the United Auto Workers (UAW) had 172 locals and approximately 170,000 members. The union experienced significant growth by 1944, reaching 634 locals and over one million members.

In 1940, R.J. Thomas served as the President of the United Auto Workers (UAW), playing a significant role in the union's leadership during that period.

After facing resistance and violence from Ford Motor Company, including towards Black workers, employees including most Black workers voted to join the UAW-CIO. This marked a significant victory for the union in its efforts to organize Ford.

On June 20, 1941, Ford Motor Company agreed to a collective bargaining agreement with the UAW, which included a non-discrimination clause drafted by Shelton Tappes. This clause aimed to ensure equal treatment for all employees regardless of race, color, or creed.

In 1942, the UAW agreed to a no strike pledge in exchange for mandatory membership rules, as the federal government sought to maintain labor peace during World War II.

During 1943, the UAW War Policy Division established the Women’s Bureau to address issues related to female workers in the automotive industry during World War II.

By 1944, as war production increased and auto factories converted to tank building, the UAW organized new locals and reached a peak membership of over a million members.

In November 1945, the UAW initiated a 113-day strike at GM to demand a greater voice in management. The strike resulted in a wage increase but fell short of achieving power sharing within the company.

In 1946, a 113-day strike began at General Motors, marking a significant event in labor history. The United Auto Workers (UAW) also implemented a new strategy during this time.

In 1948, the UAW negotiated for a cost of living escalator in their contracts, ensuring that wages would increase in line with inflation, benefiting union members.

In September 1949, the United Auto Workers (UAW) successfully negotiated a pension plan for Ford workers, which included a $100-a-month pension at age 65 with 30 years of service. This victory exceeded the expectations of the workers.

In 1950, Walter Reuther negotiated an industry-first contract with General Motors known as Reuther's Treaty of Detroit. This contract included high hourly wage rates, paid vacations, and other benefits for UAW members.

The UAW has made significant progress since 1951 in improving benefits for older and retired workers, including increasing pension benefits and adding new features.

In 1954, the UAW established the Technical, Office, Professional (TOP) Department to represent workers in non-production roles within the union.

In May of 1955, the United Automobile Workers of America (U.A.W.) established significant collective bargaining agreements with major automakers, including GM and Ford, securing benefits like fully funded pension plans.

In 1956, the UAW successfully advocated for a guaranteed annual wage to stabilize hours and wages, leading to the implementation of Supplemental Unemployment Benefits funded by auto companies.

In 1957, the UAW Social Security Department was established as an early form of Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) by the United Auto Workers.

In 1958, the local UAW merged with the Cleveland AFL-CIO, although disagreements at the national level kept it outside the AFL-CIO during the 1980s.

In 1961, the United Auto Workers (UAW) negotiated for better benefits including paid hospital and surgical benefits, improved relief time, and anti-discrimination clauses.

In 1968, the United Auto Workers (UAW) decided to leave the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), a significant move in the labor union landscape.

Walter Reuther, the president of the United Auto Workers (UAW), died in an airplane accident in May 1970. His death marked the end of his leadership at a crucial time for the union.

The 1973 oil embargo led to rising fuel prices, causing U.S. auto makers to lose market share to foreign manufacturers focusing on fuel efficiency. This resulted in layoffs, wage reductions, and the UAW giving up worker benefits.

In 1979, the United Auto Workers (UAW) engaged in negotiations for improved benefits including visual, hearing, and dental plans.

Ray Majerus became the Secretary-Treasurer of the United Auto Workers in 1980.

In 1981, the UAW rejoined the AFL-CIO, strengthening the unity and collective bargaining power of labor unions in the United States.

In 1982, the Parma Chevy plant Local 1005 experienced a decline in UAW membership, with only 3,500 active members compared to the previous 6,500, and 1,500 workers laid off.

In 1983, Owen Bieber was elected as the President of the United Auto Workers (UAW) union.

In 1984, the United Auto Workers (UAW) engaged in bargaining that led to the implementation of a job security program and profit sharing.

In 1985, Canadian Autoworkers decided to leave the United Auto Workers (UAW) union.

District 65, a former affiliate of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union that included the United Office and Professional Workers of America, merged into the UAW in 1989.

By 1995, the UAW represented 57,000 auto workers in eastern Ohio and northwestern Pennsylvania, highlighting its continued presence and influence in the region.

The Jobs Bank Program negotiated by the United Auto Workers allowed laid-off members to receive 95 percent of their take-home pay and benefits. More than 12,000 UAW members benefited from this program in 2005.

The 2007 National Agreement resulted in the base starting wage for autoworkers being lowered to about $15 per hour, with a second-tier wage of $14.50 an hour for newly hired workers.

In December 2008, the UAW agreed to suspend the Jobs Bank Program as a concession to assist U.S. automakers during the auto industry crisis.

Dennis Williams also held the position of Secretary-Treasurer of the United Auto Workers in 2010.

President King of UAW opposed the right-to-work legislation that passed in December 2012, showcasing UAW's involvement in Michigan state politics.

In February 2014, workers at Volkswagen's Chattanooga, Tennessee plant voted against UAW representation, leading to the formation of a minority union Local 42.

Dennis Williams was the president of the United Auto Workers until June 2018.

In December 2014, the UAW was certified as representing more than 45% of employees at Volkswagen's Chattanooga plant.

Gary Jones took a paid leave of absence starting November 2, 2019, and resigned on November 21, 2019.

Rory Gamble took over as the president of the United Auto Workers on November 3, 2019.

In March 2020, Detroit United Auto Workers announced factory shutdowns on a rotating basis in collaboration with major carmakers to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ray Curry assumed the position of president of the United Auto Workers on July 1, 2021.

As of February 24, 2022, the United Auto Workers (UAW) has over 391,000 active members and more than 580,000 retired members. It operates in various industries including autos, auto parts, health care, casino gambling, and higher education, with headquarters in Detroit, Michigan.

Shawn Fain has been serving as the president of the United Auto Workers since March 26, 2023.

Autoworkers walk off the job at Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Toledo Assembly plant where Stellantis builds Jeeps, and General Motors' Wentzville Assembly, a truck factory near St. Louis, Missouri. It is the first time the UAW launches a strike against all three major automakers.

U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders joined hundreds of auto workers protesting outside UAW-Ford Joint Trusts Center on Jefferson Avenue in Detroit. He walked the picket lines with UAW workers, accusing auto manufacturers of greed.

President Joe Biden makes a historic visit to Michigan and joins UAW workers on the picket line, becoming the first U.S. president to do so. He supports autoworkers' demands for higher wages, ending tiered systems and restored cost-of-living raises.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump gives a speech at Drake Enterprises, a non-unionized auto supplier in Macomb County, in an effort to woo UAW members to support his 2024 campaign for president. He predicts President Joe Biden's push for electric vehicle vehicles will doom the auto industry.

The United Auto Workers and General Motors Corp. agree to a tentative contract with General Motors that is similar to deals with Ford and Stellantis: 25 percent raise, enhanced retirement benefits and a faster progression to the top pay. Nearly 145,000 autoworkers in Michigan will be covered under new contracts with the Big Three auto companies.

The United Auto Workers launched a targeted strike against Ford Motor Co., General Motors and Stellantis in the early hours of Sept. 15, 2023. More than 30,000 workers are off the job at 44 facilities across the United States.

Mercedes workers in Alabama are set to vote for union representation between May 13-17, 2024, under the slogan 'The Time is Now'.

Volkswagen workers in the southern region achieve a significant milestone by becoming the first autoworkers to successfully unionize. This breakthrough marks a historic moment in the labor movement within the automotive industry.

Volkswagen workers in the South achieved a historic breakthrough by becoming the first autoworkers in the region to win their union.

Mercedes workers in Alabama are set to participate in a union vote scheduled from May 13 to 17. The decision to unionize reflects a growing trend of labor activism in the automotive sector.