August 17, 2026
Building Strong Representation
At UAW Local 42 Volkswagen
By David Firkins, UAW Region 8 Education Representative
Under the direction of UAW Region 8 Director Tim Smith and Assistant Director George Palmer, I recently had the privilege of working with the newly elected Committee Persons and Alternate Committee Persons of UAW Local 42 at Volkswagen in Chattanooga, Tennessee, providing training in UAW 101, Understanding Grievances, and Grievance Handling. Also in attendance was UAW Region 8 Servicing Representative Jim Bledsoe, whose presence and support reinforced Region 8's commitment to the newly elected representatives and the membership of Local 42.
This training was especially meaningful because these brothers and sisters are making history. They are the first elected Committee Persons of UAW Local 42, stepping into positions that carry tremendous responsibility. They are building the foundation for what strong union representation will look like at Volkswagen for years to come.
A contract is only as strong as our willingness and ability to enforce it. Through this training, these newly elected representatives gained the knowledge and tools necessary to investigate grievances, understand the contract, recognize violations, protect established past practices, understand applicable law, and - most importantly - make sure every member receives fair and equal representation.
They understand that when the company violates the agreement, ignores an established practice, or fails to respect the rights of our members, it is their responsibility to stand up, document the facts, enforce the contract, and hold the company accountable.
But education is about more than learning how to write or process a grievance. It is about understanding what it means to be a United Auto Worker. It is about solidarity, responsibility, and knowing that no member should ever have to stand alone.
I left Chattanooga confident about the future of Local 42. These elected representatives are prepared to be tough when they need to be, professional in how they represent the membership, and united when it matters most. I believe they will stick together, support one another, and fight for every member inside that Volkswagen plant - not just some, but all.
The members of Local 42 fought for a voice. Now, through their first elected representatives, that voice is growing stronger.
Our responsibility through UAW education is to give our elected representatives the knowledge they need to turn that voice into action - to enforce the agreement, defend the membership, and never forget the principle generations of union members fought to establish:
A fair day's work for a fair day's pay.
Congratulations to the first elected Committee Persons and Alternate Committee Persons of UAW Local 42 Volkswagen Chattanooga. You are making history, but more importantly, you are laying the foundation for the generations of Local 42 members who will follow you.
Stay educated. Stay united. Hold the company accountable. And always fight for the membership.
Solidarity Forever.
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