April 2026

Greetings Brothers, Sisters, and Siblings,

UAW Local 4911’s Service, Specialty Hospital, and Technical Bargaining Units have all successfully reached agreements with U of M Health - Sparrow. The bargaining team worked tirelessly to deliver a monumental contract to our members. Now, as we build on that momentum, we turn our focus to what lies ahead.

As spring arrives, bringing longer days, warmer weather, and the promise of summer ahead, it also brings a renewed sense of energy as we enter an important season for our union.

Our International Executive Board elections are right around the corner! The UAW voted to use one member, one voice voting system for these elections. It is critical that we elect leaders who will continue moving our union forward.

A QR code will be made available on the UAW Local 4911 website allowing you to update your mailing address with International to ensure your ballot is mailed to the proper address. Doing this will provide you with the most important opportunity, your chance to vote! Once your ballot arrives, please complete it and return it promptly. Let’s set the standard for participation and engagement right here at Local 4911!

The Constitutional Convention is upcoming as well and will take place in June of this year. Delegate information—including dates, times, locations for nominations, voting details, and eligibility requirements—can be found in this issue.

There are also exciting developments ahead at U of M Health - Sparrow. Plans are underway for a new surgery center at the corner of Michigan and Pennsylvania Avenue, along with a much-needed inpatient/outpatient Behavioral Health Hospital to be built on the former Eastern High School site.

These investments reflect a shared commitment between UAW Local 4911 and U of M Health - Sparrow to better serve our community. The new Behavioral Health Hospital is planned as a 64-bed facility serving geriatric, adult, and adolescent patients—addressing a critical gap in care in our region. Currently, many families must travel over an hour and a half for inpatient mental health treatment, creating financial strain and barriers to recovery.

These new facilities will allow us to transition services out of the 100-year-old St. Lawrence Building and create space for future growth. Just as importantly, they will continue to be staffed by our highly skilled UAW members. Both projects are currently scheduled to open in 2028.

The work is never done. We continue pushing forward—not against each other, but against corporate greed. Remember, we are all brothers, sisters, and siblings in the same fight. Do not get pulled into narratives that divide us. Remember, an injury to one is an injury to all.

In Solidarity,

Kim