September 29, 2026
2026 UAW Region 8 Standing Committee Conference Begins

The 2026 UAW Region 8 Standing Committee kicked off at 8:30 AM September 29, 2026 at the Tradewinds Resort on St. Petersberg Beach in Florida. This conference offers training for those who give their time to serve on standing committees throughout the region.

Standing Committees are the backbone of a local union. The Bargaining Committee hands contractual items, but Standing Committees handle member enrichment and community outreach.

This week there are classes for Chaplaincy, Civil and Human Rights, Community Service, Conservation and Recreation, Education, LUCA, Skilled Trades, Union Label, Veterans and Women Committees. Instructors will be a combination of regional liaisons and national department representatives.

The conference kicked off with a invocation from Cynthia Harris from the National Chaplaincy Department. Next our veterans were recognized and brought down front to lead the conference in the pledge of allegiance.

UAW Region 8 Assistant Director George Palmer welcomed the delegates. “Our standing committees are the people who do the work, who support the members and build our communities,” Assistant Director Palmer stated. “This week we going to provide information for those in our standing committees. Please take this information back to your committees and your membership. UAW President Emeritus Ray Curry says “Information is only valuable if you share it.” This is true.

UAW Region 8 Director Tim Smith came forward to welcome the delegates. “Thank you all for your support, I truly appreciate it,” Director Smith stated. “This staff wakes up every day ready to work for you, our membership. When we say Region 8 is the best it is you the membership we are talking about. Our standing committees are at work in our communities, supporting our membership and making a difference. I want to thank all the bargaining committee members represented here. You show up and show out every day for this membership. We have seen great gains in our contracts and it is what you do every day that makes the difference.”

CAP Representatives Mark Dowell and Anthony Towner gave a presentation on the issues around the 2026 Midterms. “Two years ago President Trump ran on lowering prices because eggs were $5.00 a dozen,” Mark Dowell stated. “I don’t know about you, but at my house prices are not lower they are higher than they have been. President Trump promised to cut energy bills in half. Mine are higher than they have ever been.” “In Region 8 we raised a lot of money to support candidates through voluntary community action program donations,” Anthony Towner added. “We have a number of races this cycle that are competitive and we have to take advantage of it. Supporting candidates that support us is the only way to insure we have a voice at the table.”

Matt Uptmor of the President’s Department gave an update on the Veterans Department for the next presentation. One of the things Matt discussed was the new website for Green Star Families and a petition for H.R. 6022, the Sgt. Walter F. Hartnett IV Green Star Veterans Service Act, would establish the Green Star Service Flag and provide national recognition for the families left behind. To sign the petition, click this link.

Roy Escandon of the UAW Communication Department gave a report on local union communication. “At this year’s Constitutional Convention after 20 years of trying, LUCA was established as an official Standing Committee,” Roy stated. “I want to thank Director Smith and Assistant Director Palmer for their help and support in making this happen. When it comes to LUCA membership, Region 8 leads they way. Region has the most locals that belong to LUCA.”

Mark Willingham of the Civil and Human Rights Department gave a presentation on Civil and Human Rights. “Article 2: Section 2 of the UAW Constitution has the no discrimination policy,” Mark stated. “The UAW recognizes that no person should be discriminated against. We are all inclusive and everyone has the right to belong and represented.”

Cyntha Harris, the assistant director of the Chaplaincy Department gave a report on the Chaplaincy Department. The foundation of the Chaplaincy Department can be found in Article 41, Section 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the UAW Constitution. “A UAW Chaplain is someone who responds to the spiritual needs of others,” Cnythia stated. “Region 8 has 82 ordained chaplains.”

Minyon Banks-Smith from the Women’s Department made a presentation. “Local 2192 has been on strike and need our help,” Minton stated.“You can help this local out by buying supplies for them on Amazon. Here is the link to their Amazon page.”

Dave Roby of the Skilled Trades Department gave an update from that department. “We assist with apprenticeship, bargaining and assist with the journeyman card process,” Dave stated. In 2025, the Skilled Trades Department issued 1262 new Journeyman cards.

The final presenter of the day was John Weyer of the Education Department. He discussed the various educational programs the UAW offers. The conference adjourned at the end of his presentation and will reconvene in the morning at 8:45. Wednesday and Thursday the delegates will spend in classroom time.