UAW President Shawn Fain Statement on 2025 and Road Ahead

UAW Family,  

As we approach the New Year, I want to reflect on our tremendous work in 2025, announce some important changes, and discuss the path ahead. 

This year, we made great strides. In contract bargaining, we’ve continued to do things differently, taking the lessons from our Stand Up Strike into every sector of our union. From Detroit Axle to GE Aerospace, to Rolls-Royce, to legal services, UAW members have been fighting back against corporate greed and winning life-changing contracts. We’ve also added over 75,000 new members over the last three years, with major organizing wins at places like Blue Oval SK and the University of California in 2025. And this momentum in organizing and bargaining isn’t going to stop. As we speak, we’re continuing to make progress at Volkswagen as we work towards reaching a tentative agreement. A victory at VW would not only lock in major gains for workers in Chattanooga, but would also be a victory for autoworkers across this country.  

Every day, UAW members are standing up to corporate greed and getting back to our roots as a union that fights for the entire working class. Together, we are building a movement, and that is something to be incredibly proud of. 

In addition to our work in bargaining and organizing, it is also crucial that we build an internal culture of accountability, fairness, transparency, and collaboration. Our union is committed to building a culture of compliance, where staff can speak freely without any fear of retaliation. Pending board approval, I will be making a number of changes aimed at reinforcing these values and strengthening our internal culture. 

Early in 2026, I will be reassigning Secretary-Treasurer Mock her former departments. Vice President Boyer will also be reassigned to the Stellantis Department, in addition to his current role overseeing IPS.  

I would like to thank Kevin Gotinsky for his excellent work running the Stellantis Department over the last year, improving our health and safety program, securing new product, and taking steps to dramatically reduce layoffs at the company. Because of his work and the work of the entire Stellantis Department staff, the department is in strong shape. 

Finally, I am appointing a new senior leadership team: Brandon Keatts will serve as my Chief of Staff and Jason Wade will serve as Deputy Chief of Staff. Brandon and Jason bring years of experience to these roles, and I have complete confidence that they will work tirelessly to advance our mission.   

My hope is that these changes strengthen our union and help us focus on our critical work as we gear up for 2028 and the many big fights ahead. Please take some time this holiday season to rest up together with family, friends, and loved ones. The entire working class is counting on us to hit the ground running in 2026. 

In solidarity, 

Shawn Fain 
UAW President

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