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The council meeting also heard from Director of Organization Kimberly Lawson, who gave an update on the union’s organizing work, and General Secretary-Treasurer Andrew Dinkelaker.

Andrew speaks into a microphone behind a podium

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In her president’s report, Eastern Region President Janet Gray outlined steps the region has taken to increase rank-and-file participation.

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Earlier that week, the local reported, over 550 graduate workers had gathered to launch a strike pledge campaign, and over 1,000 workers signed the pledge within 24 hours. Delegates from locals across the region, from VT to Western PA to NC, pledged their solidarity with Local 256.

UE members from across the Eastern region stand and sit together with fists raised

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Their contract expired in May, but MIT has refused to meet for more than a few hours at a time, and is insisting on healthcare givebacks and attacking the local’s union shop.

Around a dozen MIT workers stand in the photo together as their coworker speaks into a microphone

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UE @ueunion.org · 11/09/2026

During the UE Eastern Region council meeting held in Needham MA on Saturday, over a dozen members of UE Local 256 (MIT-Graduate Student Union) came to the front of the room to report on their difficult contract negotiations with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

MIT workers gather in front of podium while members of other UE locals sit and listen

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UE’s General Executive Board adopted a statement addressing the attacks ahead of the convention. It said, “Many of the slain were union members, murdered at their place of work and on the job. With profound sorrow, we mourn our fallen brothers and sisters…

STATEMENT OF THE GENERAL EXECUTIVE BOARD ON THE TRAGIC EVENTS OF SEPTEMBER 11, 2001
(Adopted Friday, September 14)
ike all Americans, the members of the United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America (UE) are devastated by the mind-numbing loss of life caused by the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. We share the sense of loss and violation, despair and outrage. We mourn as our nation mourns.
The horror visited upon our nation that Tuesday morning should never have happened; it should never happen to another people again, anywhere. Innocent people suffered deaths more horrific than could be imagined in nightmares. Many of the slain were union members, murdered at their place of work and on the job. With profound sorrow, we mourn our fallen brothers and sisters and express our solidarity with the families of the victims.
We condemn unreservedly the hidden, unseen, faceless killers who are responsible for this crime against humanity. We demand that the perpetrators be brought to justice.
We are resolved not to yield to terror or to terrorists' designs. Democracy is too precious. We continue with plans for our convention — the highest expression of our union democracy — with renewed commitment to freedom and solidarity. We shall not be stopped by cold-blooded, calculating killers.
And we shall not allow our grief and righteous anger to be polluted by hatred and bigotry. We recall with pride that weeks after Pearl Harbor, as UE mobilized to win the war for freedom, our union condemned anti-Japanese racism as fundamentally opposed to that great cause. Today's war against the terrorism of an evil few must not be confused with attacks on an ethnicity or religion. Verbal slurs and physical assaults against our Arab-American and Islamic neighbors and co-workers must be countered, condemned and stopped
As we mourn and as we rage, we also declare our resistance to efforts to use this tragedy to curtail our civil liberties or to engage in military adventures…

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UE @ueunion.org · 11/09/2026

25 years ago, the terror attacks that occurred on 9/11 killed thousands of working people and forever changed the lives of others. UE’s 66th National Convention was scheduled to occur only a few days after the attacks took place.

UE @ueunion.org · 09/09/2026

The film remains an inspiring story of labor’s greatest triumph over big business in U.S. history, and a cautionary tale about the power of concentrated capital — power and concentration that has only increased in the ensuing eight decades.

UE @ueunion.org · 09/09/2026

Deadline for Action was intended as a tool for political action, “to renew the resolve of all decent people to get men in government who will fight inflation, depression, want and war.”

UE @ueunion.org · 08/09/2026

UE Local 506 members marched together in a show of strength at the annual Erie Labor Day parade yesterday!

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UE @ueunion.org · 07/09/2026

On this Labor Day, read about UE Local 150’s recent convention! “Over the past two years, we have proven that unity and determination can lead to some incredible wins for our members across the state,” said President Willie Brown during his State of the Union address www.ueunion.org/ue-news/2026...

UE Local 150 members stand and sit together with UE banners

UE @ueunion.org · 01/09/2026

TRU-UE Local 197 members attended @nationalnurses.bsky.social day of action on Thursday to get AI surveillance out of hospitals. Photo is of @trujhu.bsky.social members & retired UE General President Carl Rosen.

Members stand together with Palantir Out signs

UE @ueunion.org · 31/08/2026

The workers are fighting for immediate pay increases, annual raises, shift differential pay, and other basic benefits. Their current contract has been extended and now expires at the end of September. The workers plan to continue pressuring the company by bannering between bargaining days.

Workers stand and sit together at a bannering event

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UE @ueunion.org · 31/08/2026

Hallcon rail crew drivers represented by UE Locals 155, 977, 1077, 1177, and 1477 have organized bannering actions in several different states to pressure their employer for a fair contract.

UE members hold signs together at a bannering event

Members hold signs that say “fair $$$” and one union, one voice

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UE @ueunion.org · 27/08/2026

UE Local 1151-Northwestern University Postdoc Union has been bargaining for a first contract covering 1200 postdoc workers since March of 2026. The local has so far secured tentative agreements on eight articles, including recognition, union security, and international worker rights.

NUPU bargaining committee standing and sitting together

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UE @ueunion.org · 13/08/2026

Our communities need to be ready before the next attack, not after. Thursday, 8/13, 8pm ET: join the mass call to launch the full Labor Day plan. RSVP: bit.ly/ld26

Labor Day 2026 virtual mass call. Thursday August 13, 8pm ET

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UE @ueunion.org · 12/08/2026

David Hall, a custodian at Smith Middle School in Glastonbury & member of UE Local 222-27, was honored by the Glastonbury Board of Education in May for his “quick thinking & decisive action” when a student in the school cafeteria began showing signs of choking. www.ueunion.org/ue-news/2026...

Photo of the local paper with the article about David and a photo of him and the student at the board of ed meeting

UE @ueunion.org · 11/08/2026

A Political Action Update: Labor Board Set to Overturn Pro-Worker Decisions www.ueunion.org/political-ac...

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“I believe the content overall was spot on and what participants were looking for in the training." (5/5)

Members sit at tables listening to training

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"I think the first Eastern Region hybrid training was a success," said Janet Gray, Eastern Region president. "I'm excited we had a number of local leaders and members interested in participating both in person and via Zoom… (4/5)

Janet Gray and John Miles speak at training

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UE Secretary-Treasurer Andrew Dinkelaker also participated via Zoom. Dinkelaker gave an overview of the national office staff and assistance the national union provides to locals. (3/5)

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Local 506 Business Agent John Miles organized and led the training. Miles was assisted by Local 506 Financial Secretary Kevin Schroeck, and Local 506 Trustee John Tome who described their roles in the local's financial practices. (2/5)

UE @ueunion.org · 04/08/2026

The UE Eastern Region conducted a "Best Financial Practices for Locals" hybrid training on Saturday, August 8. Local 506 hosted the training at its union hall in Erie, PA. Eighteen members from nine locals participated in the training either in person or via Zoom. (1/5)

Members gather in front of Local 506 union hall mural

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“I left the retreat feeling lucky to be a part of such a powerful and knowledgeable team, and reenergized for what will likely be a difficult and taxing year."

TRU-UE members sit around a table discussing organizing together

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UE @ueunion.org · 04/08/2026

One of Local 197's incoming communication leaders, Ryann Hubbart, said that the former bargaining team members, "shared experience, advice, wisdom, and encouragement as we go into bargaining our second contract...

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UE @ueunion.org · 04/08/2026

On July 20, UE Local 197-TRU held an orientation retreat to train their incoming officers. The local's outgoing leaders hosted some workshops, held discussions on how to work well as a union, and helped the new officers plan for upcoming actions and bargaining.

Union power banner is hung on the wall behind members who are discussing organizing

UE @ueunion.org · 12/07/2026

The Supreme Court wrapped up its 2025-26 term on June 30 by striking down President Trump’s Executive Order 14160, which sought to end the Constitution’s guarantee of citizenship to all people born on U.S. soil.

Supreme Court: protect capital, not workers

UE @ueunion.org · 09/07/2026

The members of UE Local 690 ratified a new five-year contract on May 27. The workers, employed by Kenson Plastics, produce plastic components and fixtures for sectors ranging from the aerospace to medical industries. Read more about the contract here: www.ueunion.org/ue-news/2026...

The Local 690 bargaining team holds up the contract

The union members read over the contract

UE @ueunion.org · 08/07/2026

UE Local 1043 SGWU President Liam Sherman will be speaking on the "Tell the Feds: Hands Off Higher Ed" panel tomorrow at 7pm ET/4pm PT. Register here: us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...

Tell the feds: hands off higher ed! Photo of people protesting holding hands off higher ed signs. Below is information for the webinar and a QR code in the middle right.

Information says THURSDAY, JULY 9 - ONLINE
7PM ET/6PM CT/5PM MT/4PM PT
Over the summer, the federal administration proposed rules around accreditation, grants, and potential Pell changes.
These changes will have enormous impact on our work.
Learn about what's happening and how you can fight back!
https://tinyurl.com/tellthefeds

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UE @ueunion.org · 07/07/2026

Local 197 member Justin Otter said, “We know management loves to say that better wages aren’t possible, safe staffing isn’t possible, but every time we show up out here, what’s possible gets a little bigger. & we’re going to keep showing up here until you get the fair contract that you deserve.”

Justin wears a TRU-UE shirt surrounded by NNU workers. He speaks into a microphone

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UE @ueunion.org · 07/07/2026

Yesterday, July 6, TRU-UE Local 197 @trujhu.bsky.social members marched in solidarity with @nationalnurses.bsky.social members on strike in Baltimore.

UE members and NNU staff member stand together

UE @ueunion.org · 04/07/2026

On this Fourth of July, let's learn about Tom Paine, the worker who helped make a revolution. Read more about Paine in this UE NEWS article from 2012: www.ueunion.org/ue-news-feat...

Cartoon of Thomas Paine the worker who helped make a revolution.

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UE @ueunion.org · 01/07/2026

Despite the 100-degree heat wave, about 100 people attended the action in front of Congress. Townsend, who serves on the Executive Committee of the International Workers Institute (IWI), an education initiative of the World Federation of Trade Unions… (2/6)

Rep. Jonathan Jackson (IL) speaking with Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA) next to him.

UE @ueunion.org · 01/07/2026

Retired UE Washington Representative Chris Townsend joined representatives of National Nurses United (NNU), Global Heath Partners, Code Pink, and four pro-worker members of Congress on Tuesday to denounce the U.S. blockade of Cuba. (1/6)

Retired UE Washington Representative Chris Townsend speaking

UE @ueunion.org · 30/06/2026

As Pride month comes to a close, we want to affirm that UE stands with all LGBTQ+ workers. We know that queer rights are workers rights and that belief is ingrained in UE policy under "End Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity." www.ueunion.org/ue-policy/en...

UE @ueunion.org · 16/06/2026

125 years ago today, 82 metal workers, guests, & allies gathered in the city of Livorno to found the Federazione Impiegati Operai Metallurgici (Federation of Metalworkers), Italy’s militant metalworkers’ union, which, over the past eleven years, has become one of UE’s closest international allies.

FIOM leader Daniele Calosi and Marcello Scipioni with retired UE General President Carl Rosen at the Haymarket memorial

UE @ueunion.org · 15/06/2026

Retired UE General President Carl Rosen received the 2026 Eleanor Roosevelt Human Rights Award from the labor-community coalition Jobs with Justice (JwJ) at their national conference in Atlanta last month. Watch the awards ceremony and Rosen’s remarks here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-7S...

Carl Rosen speaking in front of crowd sitting

UE @ueunion.org · 15/06/2026

UE General President Scott Slawson sent a letter today to members of the Metal Workers Union of the Argentine Republic (UOM), expressing UE’s solidarity with UOM members after the government removed their democratically-elected leaders. Read the full letter here: www.ueunion.org/ue-news/2026...

People protest in union shirts and hold banners

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UE @ueunion.org · 12/06/2026

UE Local 1186 President Michael Tomaloff wrote about the recent Wisconsin Workers’ Forum for Governor that his local and other unions held. Read the full article here: www.ueunion.org/political-ac...

Candidates sit on chairs in front of crowd

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“We shouldn’t take this attack lightly, and we’re ready to fight back!” (6/6)

MIT grad workers stand together with picket signs that read “fair contract for all!”

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“MIT has said outright that they want to follow the lead of right-to-work states. This is something that goes back to the civil rights movement. Martin Luther King talked about how ‘right-to-work’ is a false slogan that deprives us of our civil rights,” said Local 256 Vice President Nadia Zaragoza.

MIT WORKERS WONT WAIT banner held by two local leaders

In a press release before the rally, Local 256 members said that the university administration has attempted to use contract negotiations as an opportunity to limit the local's ability to function. MIT administrators are pushing to make the university a "Right-to-Work” campus. (4/6)

President of Local 256 Lauren Chua speaks to members

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“While we have come to the table with numerous proposals to improve life for grad workers, the Institute has thus far refused to substantively engage with and respond to our proposals,” said Local 256 Contract Action Team member Rohil Agarwal. (3/6)

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Both locals are fighting for fair wage increases, healthcare coverage, and protections for immigrant workers. (2/6)

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On May 28, hundreds of UE Local 256 (MIT-GSU) members held a rally demanding that MIT administration settle a fair contract with them. They were joined by members of SEIU Local 32BJ who are also in the middle of negotiations. (1/6)

Workers stand together with hands raised

UE @ueunion.org · 22/05/2026

Former MA Congressman Barney Frank, who died on Tuesday, has been widely commemorated as one of the first openly gay members of Congress — and the first to come out voluntarily. Less known is the leading role he played in assisting UE locals fighting plant closings, from the early 1980s - 2010.

Save jobs in Taunton carried as Congressman Barney Frank, center, marches with members of UE Local 204 and other local political leaders in 2010 to demand that Haskon keep its Taunton, MA factory open, or sell to another company that would.

1996 News clipping. Union community unite to save Rhodes jobs.

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UE @ueunion.org · 19/05/2026

Happy Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! We want to highlight how unions can fight for AAPI workers. At our recent Western Region Council Meeting, Local 1187 President Thai Nguyen spoke about how they won Lunar New Year as a holiday a few contracts ago.