August 24, 2026
Day Two Of the 2026 UAW Region 8 Summer School

Day two of the 2026 UAW Region 8 Summer School kicked off at 8:15 Monday, with the pledge of allegiance, recognition of our veterans and an invocation by Local 862 President Anthony Spencer.

Region 8 Assistant Director George Palmer welcomed delegates and covered the agenda for the day. “It is great to see you all again here today, as we have a day full of education and inspiration,” AD Palmer stated.

Following the welcome, the entire Region 8 Staff were introduced, with each discussing their class. All of the staff is instructing this week, along with additional help from International Staff from Detroit.

UAW Region 8 Director Tim Smith gave his state of the region address. “I am so humbled to see so many people at this conference, especially in light of the fact it is a Constitutional Convention year,” stated Director Smith. “Usually on convention years we see lower numbers at conferences and it is a statement to the commitment of your local union leadership to places resources to educate your membership.

Last week ballots started mailing for this year’s International Executive Board elections. I am not going to tell you who to vote for, but I encourage you to vote. We have a right and a responsibility to participate in these elections and I strongly encourage you to participate. Speaking of elections, we have our midterms coming up this fall. We NEED people to show up and vote. We have to support labor family candidates.

It is good to see new locals here. We are particularly proud to see our members from Local 42 in Volkswagen in Chattanooga, Tennessee. After many years, these members have organized their union, negotiated their contract and have established their local union. I am proud of all our members here in the region and all you are accomplishing every day.” Click here to watch Director Smith’s entire address.

Following the Director’s State of the Region address, delegates broke to move to their classrooms for afternoon training. Sessions include Bargaining, Grievance Handling, Organizing, UAW 101, Financial Officers Training and Retiree Training.