What Will Be Discussed at the UAW Constitutional Convention?
The 39th UAW Constitutional Convention is this June in Detroit, Michigan.
Leading up to the Constitutional Convention, members can propose changes to the UAW Constitution through amendments and set priorities for our union through resolutions. Here’s how it works.
What are Constitutional Amendments?
Amendments are specific changes to the language of the UAW Constitution. Amendments are only ratified if a simple majority of delegates approve them at the convention.
For members to propose amendments, we need to pass them via majority vote in a membership meeting. Some locals discuss proposed amendments at a general meeting, while others call a special meeting to discuss proposals. Local members vote to pass an amendment, then the amendment must be submitted to the International Secretary-Treasurer by May 4, 2026 (6 weeks before the convention).
The Constitution Committee, composed of at most 13 selected delegates, compiles all submitted proposed amendments into one book to be provide to all delegates. The IEB and members of the Constitution Committee can also suggest amendments directly to the committee.
Example: In order to protect members’ right to vote, UAW Member Action is advocating for an amendment that would ensure direct (“one member, one vote”) elections cannot be overturned after the federal Monitorship ends. You can read and download the Amendment to Protect UAW Members’ Right to Vote to see an example of a Constitutional Convention Amendment. Learn more about how you can support this important reform here.
What are Resolutions?
Resolutions, unlike amendments, don’t directly change the UAW Constitution. They can, however, set priorities and commit our union to specific projects and policies.
Similar to amendments, locals must also pass proposed resolutions at a membership meeting then submit them to the International Secretary-Treasurer by May 4. Proposed resolutions are compiled by the Resolutions Committee, also composed of 13 selected delegates.
Example: UAW Member Action is advocating for a resolution to prepare for 2028 contract fights with the Big 3 and Daimler Truck, while planning ahead to expand gains to suppliers and other sectors. You can read and download the Resolution to Fight for Retirement Security Union-Wide to see an example of a Constitutional Convention Resolution.
Roadmap to UAW Constitutional amendments: beginning with local members writing a resolution proposing amendments, passing the resolution at a local membership meeting, sending the resolution to the International Secretary-Treasurer, the Constitution and Resolutions Committees compiling proposals, and delegates passing amendments at the Constitutional Convention.
How can I pass a resolution or amendment?
Start by drafting or obtaining a copy of a resolution with the amendments or resolutions you want to pass. Identify at least one or two other members of your local who will work with you to shape the resolution and get it passed at your membership meeting.
You’ll also need to get the resolution on the agenda of your membership meeting. Depending on how your local meetings are run, you will either make a motion during new business, or request in advance that it be added to the agenda. It can’t hurt to reach out to your local Recording Secretary to ask how new items are brought up for the meeting.
To prepare for the membership meeting, you need to know the bar for passing the resolution. Work with your team to evaluate how many members typically attend Membership Meetings. Assume attendance will be on the higher end so you’re prepared for all scenarios.
To pass the resolution, you’ll need a simple majority of members present at the meeting to vote in favor. Discuss with your team ahead of time whose votes you can count on and who may be open to convincing. Decide who will reach out to who and how you will track your outreach together.
Building support is an opportunity to grow your team. Ask supportive members if they can bring anyone else to the membership meeting. Invite enthusiastic supporters to join discussions with your team to check in about where your numbers are at.
Getting members to come to a meeting takes an extra push. To get out the vote, make sure to remind your supporters at least twice — one week and one day before the membership meeting. Prepare for the soonest membership meeting you can reasonably get out the vote for, in case you don’t succeed in your first attempt.
Don’t go into the membership meeting without a plan. Prepare at least one person to make the motion to pass the resolution, as well as a few supporters to speak in favor. If you expect opposition to the motion, make a plan for how you will respond to objections or attempts to derail the vote.
If the resolution passes, make sure your local submits it to the International Secretary-Treasurer before the deadline on May 4, 2026.
Timeline of Local Resolutions and Amendments Deadlines for the 2026 UAW Constitutional Convention
Whether you were successful or not, the meeting is a learning opportunity for your team. Stick to the plan, and talk about how it went after. Debrief what worked and what didn’t work in your outreach and during the meeting. The debrief can also be a time to plan another attempt if your first was not successful, or consider bringing other amendments or resolutions to future meetings to hold another vote.
