Chapter I — Our Foundation

Strength,forged in unity.

uawlocal600.org was founded on a clear conviction: that the strength of the union lies in the collective power of its members. We stand as a beacon of industrial advocacy, protecting the rights of workers and ensuring that the dignity of labor is upheld in every facility we represent. Our history is defined by the courage of those who came before us, and our future is secured by the active participation of those who stand with us today. We are more than just an organization; we are a community of professionals dedicated to excellence, safety, and the pursuit of a better life for every worker. This is the philosophy that governs every action we take, from the shop floor to the bargaining table. Strength, forged in unity.

UAW Local 600 union hall industrial architecture
UAW Local 600 · Dedicated to the American Worker · Since 1937
Chapter III — Our Core Values
I — Value

Strength

We stand as the backbone of the automotive industry. Our legacy is built on the unwavering resolve of our members, ensuring that every worker is treated with dignity, respect, and the fair compensation they have earned through their labor.

II — Value

Unity

Solidarity is our greatest asset. By standing together, we amplify our collective voice, turning individual concerns into powerful, unified action that shapes the future of our workplace and protects the rights of every single member.

III — Value

Advocacy

We fight for the future of the American worker. From the shop floor to the bargaining table, our commitment to advocacy ensures that the standards of excellence and safety we have established remain the benchmark for the entire industry.

§ LEADERSHIP — THE STEEL SPINE OF SOLIDARITY

EXECUTIVE /
BOARD.

Eight leaders. One mission. Every decision made at uawlocal600.org is guided by decades of experience on the shop floor and a steadfast commitment to the dignity of every member we represent.

Portrait of Marcus Thorne

PRESIDENT — LOCAL 600

Marcus Thorne

Focus: Strategic bargaining & contract enforcement, 28 years.

— EST. 1996
Portrait of Elena Rodriguez

VICE PRESIDENT — LOCAL 600

Elena Rodriguez

Focus: Member advocacy & community outreach, 32 years.

— EST. 1992
Portrait of David Chen

SECRETARY-TREASURER — LOCAL 600

David Chen

Focus: Financial oversight & pension security, 22 years.

— EST. 2002
Portrait of Sarah Jenkins

CHIEF STEWARD — LOCAL 600

Sarah Jenkins

Focus: Grievance handling & workplace safety, 25 years.

— EST. 1999
Portrait of Kwame Osei

ORGANIZING DIRECTOR — LOCAL 600

Kwame Osei

Focus: Membership growth & solidarity building, 19 years.

— EST. 2005
Portrait of Linda Miller

LEGISLATIVE LIAISON — LOCAL 600

Linda Miller

Focus: Labor policy & political action, 17 years.

— EST. 2007
Portrait of Robert Vance

SAFETY COORDINATOR — LOCAL 600

Robert Vance

Focus: Industrial health & hazard mitigation, 24 years.

— EST. 2000
Portrait of Sofia Martinez

COMMUNICATIONS CHAIR — LOCAL 600

Sofia Martinez

Focus: Member news & digital engagement, 21 years.

— EST. 2003

§ UAW LOCAL 600 — DETROIT

08 OFFICERS / 08 DEPARTMENTS / 187 COMBINED YEARS

History · 88 Years

A legacy of
solidarity.

From the early days at the River Rouge to our modern advocacy, uawlocal600.org has remained a steadfast defender of worker rights, dignity, and industrial strength.

1937
FOUNDED

The birth of Local 600.

UAW Local 600 was established to organize the workforce at the Ford River Rouge Complex, setting the foundation for industrial democracy and worker rights.

The birth of Local 600.
1941
HISTORIC VICTORY

Securing the first contract.

After years of struggle, the union successfully negotiated its first major contract with Ford, establishing a new standard for wages and benefits in the auto industry.

Securing the first contract.
1960
EXPANSION

Strengthening our reach.

Local 600 expanded its influence, representing thousands of workers across multiple facilities and becoming a pillar of the labor movement in Detroit.

1980
ADVOCACY

Fighting for job security.

During a period of industrial transition, the local led critical efforts to protect member jobs and ensure fair treatment during economic shifts.

Fighting for job security.
2005
COMMUNITY

Investing in our members.

We launched new member support programs, focusing on education, health benefits, and community outreach to strengthen the solidarity of our union family.

2025
SOLIDARITY

Leading into the future.

Today, uawlocal600.org continues to stand as a beacon of strength, representing the diverse voices of our members and fighting for a better future for all.

Leading into the future.
Present Day
2025

Building the future together.

Join us in our mission to protect our rights and strengthen our community. Contact us today to get involved.

Contact our leadership