UAW Day 2: Addressing Corporate Greed, Retirement Security, and Unity[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IeU2UVB68WU[/embed][embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCHuAIBN-vQ[/embed]

The United Auto Workers (UAW) Conference 2026 continued into its second day, highlighting critical issues and addressing what the union perceives as corporate greed. The focus remained on the union’s four core issues, set to guide them through 2028.

UAW President Shawn Fain fervently addressed around 1,000 members, asserting, “12 billionaires own as much wealth as the bottom half of society.” He continued, “Our democracy is dying at the hands of an authoritarian billionaire class... This is our defining moment." He emphasized the need to reject "divide-and-conquer politics" within the working class.

Keynote speeches from UAW Vice Presidents Mike Booth, Rich Boyer, and Laura Dickerson underscored retirement security and the need for broader worker rights.

Mike Booth urged, "If we want to win back real retirement security in this country, we have to win big at the Big Three in 2028." He maintained that the union's efforts at the bargaining table should influence national policy.

Boyer highlighted the financial gains of major companies due to their workforce's efforts, stating, “These companies make billions of dollars off of our members’ work... we’re asking for something simple: the right to a dignified retirement,” advocating for nationwide affordable healthcare.

Dickerson raised concerns about retirees' financial struggles, asking, “In 2026, in the United States of America... is that something we can accept? I say hell no.”

Region 9A Director Brandon Mancilla addressed attendees on the quality of life for working-class members, emphasizing the importance of leisure beyond just wage considerations.

Guest speakers included Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, SEIU-USWW President David Huerta, and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

As Dingell put it, “The time is now to ensure every American has quality health care... this is a human right.”

Huerta called for unity in upcoming labor conflicts, anticipating coordinated action by 2028.

Ocasio-Cortez declared, “We pledge allegiance to no one president... To the betterment of all people.”

UAW Local 2250 member Don Looney, also a Missouri House candidate, rallied attendees to support legislative changes. More on Looney’s campaign is available here.

The afternoon session included workshops on political strategies based on the union’s core issues.

The conference will resume at 9 am for its third day. Additional information can be found on the UAW website.

Additional Day Two speaker remarks:

Region 2B Director Dave Green addressed the ongoing battle to keep Conn-Selmer's plant open in Eastlake, OH, criticizing the contradiction between job outsourcing and public statements.

Region 4 Director Brandon Campbell emphasized union unity as the key to negotiating success, stating the power lies in the membership's resolve to strike and protest.

Region 6 Director Mike Miller highlighted the need for labor movements to combat the current administration’s policies, asserting that organizing on a large scale is necessary to counter threats to job security.

Photos courtesy of Brian Hedger and UAW Comms Staff