July 30, 2025
July 31, 2025
Locals 129 and 848 Team Up for Union Know-How
Grand Prairie, TX – Members from UAW Local 129 and UAW Local 848 spent Tuesday and Wednesday hitting the books, but it wasn’t for a college course. They gathered at the union hall for a joint training session designed to sharpen the skills every union member needs: how to defend their contract and stand up for their rights.

The classes were led by Region 8 Education Representative David Firkins, who broke down the essentials in a way that resonated with everyone from new members to longtime stewards. The day’s sessions included:

• UAW 101: A crash course on the history of the union, its democratic structure, and what it truly means to be part of the UAW family.
• Grievance Handling: This is where the rubber met the road. Firkins walked stewards through how to spot a contract violation on the shop floor, gather the facts, and write a grievance that gets results. It was less of a lecture and more of a hands-on strategy session.

"I've been here a few years, but I never really understood the nuts and bolts of the grievance process," admitted a member from Local 129. "David broke it down. Now I feel like I can actually step up and help someone solve a problem."

The training got an unexpected boost when Region 8 Director Tim Smith, stopped in to address the members. He stressed that this kind of proactive, local-led training is exactly what he has championed across the region—a strategy focused on building power from the ground up by empowering every single member on the shop floor.

Speaking with a passionate and forward-looking tone, Director Smith connected their efforts to a larger vision for the region's future.

"The real power of our union isn't in some office—it's right here, in this room, with members like you," Smith declared. "We've made incredible strides together, but our work is far from over. The fights of tomorrow will require us to be smarter, tougher, and more united than ever before. That's why what you're doing here is so critical. This is how we build on our momentum. By investing in ourselves and each other, we are securing a stronger future for every single member. Region 8 has your back, and trainings like this are proof of our commitment to you on the shop floor"

By the end of the sessions on Wednesday evening, the message was clear. The training wasn’t just about procedure; it was about building confidence and solidarity. Members left with the practical knowledge to make a real difference, inspired by a vision of continued progress and strength for their region.