August 27, 2026
2026 UAW Region 8 Summer School Day Five

The final day of the 2026 UAW Region 8 Summer School kicked off with a welcome from UAW Region 8 Assistant Director George Palmer. He thanked all the delegates for their diligence for the week and the energy and enthusiasm. “Let’s give it up for our Region 8 staff and the amazing job they did this week,” AD Palmer stated. “Also, I want to thank our media folks this week. The Director asked our LUCA Chair and Webmaster John Davis is he wanted some help this week to assist with all the coverage and shooting the Region 8 Voices Videos. John ask for Jon Ellis of Local 862, Chris Cunningham of Local 276 and Brandon Steever of Local 1853. This team did an amazing job this week.”

Director Tim Smith then addressed the crowd and ask for suggestions for next year’s Summer School. “We appreciate everyone being here and making this a great conference,” Director Smith stated. “I appreciate all the staff, the clerical, the hotel staff and everyone who worked so hard to put this conference on. You showed up and showed out and we have had a great week. You ask for more class time and we gave you that. Take the things you have learned in your classes this week and carry them back to your locals. Share with your fellow members the things you have learned. This week is about education, but education must be shared and we are asking you to do that.”

UAW Region 8 Staff member Anthony Towner has to leave the conference on Wednesday when he got a call that his father was sick. Unfortunately, Anthony’s father passed away. UAW Local 862 President Anthony Spencer lead the conference in prayer for Anthony and his family and for a safe return home for all of the conference participants.

Next came Mike Morrison, the Director of the UAW Department for Bargaining Strategies gave a presentation on the idea of carrying new ideas into bargaining. “We approached bargaining different at the Stand Up Strike in 2023,” Morrison stated. “We engaged our members and we saw results. Now we want to take the lessons learned from that strike and use it across all sectors. I want our members wherever they work and think that is a union I want to be part of.”

Jorge Rodriguez of the UAW Department of Bargaining Strategies added to the presentation. “Our department is not here to take over your bargaining,” Jorge added. “We are here to offer resources. We have to do the best we can for our members. These companies are working together to try and keep our wages and benefits down. All of our members deserve a living wage.”

UAW Region 8 Staff members Kevin Huddleston and Mark Dowell made a presentation on the Community Action Program (CAP) in Region 8. “The midterms are going to be very important,” Mark Dowell stated. “We have been facing a very anti-worker majority in the Congress and the Senate. We have opportunity this year to flip seats in the states of Region 8. “We have to mobilize our membership,” Kevin Huddelston added. “We have chances to flip seats in Texas, North Carolina and South Carolina.”

Local 862 was recognized for the highest CAP contribution in 2025. Local 276 was awarded the highest per capita contribution for 2025.

Local 2083 presented a plaque of appreciation to UAW Region 8 Servicing Representative Mike Maddox for his help in protecting their membership.

Director Smith thanked everyone for attending and wished everyone a safe trip home.

The morning session ended with the delegates singing “Solidarity Forever.” The delegates then returned to their classrooms after lunch for the final session of the conference.