This is your union

Local union delegates set UAW policy

The UAW Constitutional Convention, held every four years, is the highest policy-making body of our union.

Its authority comes from you and every other UAW member. Local union members elect delegates to the Constitutional Convention, and any union member in good standing is eligible to run for delegate.

The convention delegates then elect the UAW International president, secretary-treasurer, vice presidents and trustees. Regional directors are elected at the Constitutional Convention by the delegates of their regions in separate regional meetings.

Convention delegates are the only ones who have the authority to:

• Amend the UAW Constitution by majority vote.

• Debate and adopt resolutions stating the UAW’s positions on social and economic issues.

• Define the powers of the International officers.

• Set the salaries of International officers and regional directors.

• Establish appeal procedures.

• Set election rules.

The International Executive Board is responsible for carrying out the programs and policies approved by the Constitutional Convention delegates and running the day-to-day operations of the International Union.

The International Executive Board consists of International officers – president, secretary-treasurer and vice presidents – and the 11 regional directors. All are elected to four-year terms by the delegates to the Constitutional Convention.

The president is responsible for performing such duties as are necessary to protect and advance the interests of the UAW membership, assigning duties to International officers and representatives, and directing the work of the union in accordance with the UAW Constitution. The president reports to the International Executive Board every three months.

The secretary-treasurer is responsible for maintaining the International Union’s funds, conducting audits and ensuring that the financial affairs of the union comply with the UAW Constitution and state and federal laws. An annual statement of the International Union’s finances is published in Solidarity magazine.

The UAW International headquarters is Solidarity House, 8000 E. Jefferson Ave., Detroit, MI 48214.