UAW Contract Enforcement Boot Camp Equips Delegates for 2025 Challenges

UAW Boot Camp: Strengthening Grievance Handling Skills in Michigan

ONAWAY, MI – Recently, 176 delegates gathered in northern Michigan at the Walter and May Reuther UAW Family Education Center for a weeklong 2025 Contract Enforcement Boot Camp. Their primary objective was to enhance their abilities as grievance handlers, but the experience offered much more.

The intensive training commenced with a presentation by UAW Region 9 Assistant Director Ray Jensen, who highlighted the ongoing battle faced by members at Mack Truck. They are fighting against the company's attempts to outsource jobs to Mexico. Supporters can join the cause by signing the petition here: https://ow.ly/piNn50WJwLO

The core workshops during the camp focused on several critical areas: conducting grievance investigations, mastering effective interviewing and note-taking, writing grievances accurately, and presenting them successfully. Participants also gained knowledge about union steward legal rights, Weingarten Rights, fair representation duties, and addressing member-on-member and sexual harassment cases.

Returning delegates engaged in advanced workshops featuring grievance settlements, mock grievance meetings, and roleplay exercises to better understand the defense of Weingarten Rights.

Beyond merely drafting grievances, contract enforcement was emphasized by teaching delegates how to rally membership via direct action plans to fortify their efforts.

Delegates selected from a variety of workshops to refine specific skills. Options included training from the UAW's Civil & Human Rights, Health & Safety, Legal, Appeals, and Arbitration departments, as well as specialized sessions on handling sexual harassment issues, note-taking, and contract language interpretation.

Evening activities were plentiful, offering roundtable discussions, additional workshops, CPR/AED certification training, and leisure activities like team trivia and karaoke.

The boot camp concluded with a live stream from President Fain, who reflected on the union's recent significant contract victories and organizing achievements. He also outlined strategies for upcoming negotiations.

Attendees of the Contract Enforcement Boot Camp left with enhanced skills, better prepared to ensure that workplace gains achieved at the bargaining table are sustained.