Brandon Mancilla: UAW Region 9A Director & His Impact [2024]
Is the future of organized labor being redefined in real-time? The election of Brandon Mancilla as UAW Region 9A Director in December 2022, marking the first direct elections for the International Executive Board, signals a significant shift in the landscape of labor activism and political engagement.
Mancilla's ascent to a leadership position within the United Auto Workers (UAW) marks a pivotal moment, reflecting a commitment to direct democracy and grassroots mobilization. His leadership, alongside other newly elected officials like Daniel Vicente, represents a generational shift and a potential realignment of priorities within the union.
Mancilla's journey to this position is rooted in his background as the first president of UAW Local 5118, the Harvard Graduate Students Union, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. This experience likely shaped his understanding of the needs of workers and the importance of collective bargaining. His work extends beyond domestic concerns, embracing a broader vision of international solidarity, particularly concerning issues of social justice and human rights.
| Full Name | Brandon Mancilla |
| Current Position | UAW Region 9A Director |
| Date of Election | December 2022 |
| Previous Roles | First President, UAW Local 5118 (Harvard Graduate Students Union) |
| Education | Ph.D. Candidate in Latin American & Caribbean History (Focus on migration, war, and capitalist development in Central America) |
| Professional Experience | Sales Engineer at William/Reid (Specializing in process monitoring and chemical feed systems); Experience at Utility Pipes Sales |
| Location | Northeastern United States (Represents 50,000 active and retired members in UAW Region 9A) |
| LinkedIn Profile | View Brandon Mancilla's Profile |
| Ball State University | Information found in LinkedIn profiles. |
| University of Florida | Information found in LinkedIn profiles. |
In a conversation with Palestine organizer Sumaya Awad, Mancilla discussed the UAW's response to the attacks from Trump's policies, emphasizing the vital role unions must play in these pivotal times. He also highlighted the inherent connection between domestic and foreign policy, arguing for the importance of unions taking a stance on international issues such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. "Unions have no business investing in genocide," he stated, clearly outlining the UAW's antiwar stance and its commitment to social justice.
The UAW, under Mancilla's leadership, is actively engaged in various initiatives. One notable project is the Mexico Solidarity Project, where the UAW is working with the country's growing independent labor movement. The objective is to ensure justice and support for Mexican workers, demonstrating a commitment to global solidarity and labor rights.
On Friday, in front of the White House, Mancilla announced the UAW's official support for a ceasefire in Gaza. The union also announced plans to investigate its ties to the Israeli military, signifying a decisive move towards political action and accountability. These actions showcase the UAW's increasing willingness to address complex geopolitical issues and to promote peace.
In a recent interview during the UAW special bargaining convention in Detroit, Mancilla discussed a new path for the union. The emphasis was on greater member involvement and a stronger commitment to the ideals of social justice, particularly in 2025, which will be a crucial year for the union, with a lot at stake in bargaining, in the halls of political power, and on the streets.
The new leadership, including Mancilla and Vicente, held a joint meeting with New York Governor Kathy Hochul and her staff. This meeting shows the union's willingness to engage with political leaders. This meeting suggests a collaborative approach, hoping to influence policy and address the critical issues facing workers in the region.
The career of Mancilla before his election as Region 9A Director also merits mention. He worked as a Sales Engineer at William/Reid, focusing on process monitoring and chemical feed systems. Prior to this, he was with Utility Pipes Sales. This experience provided him with a diverse perspective, combining practical technical expertise with an understanding of the challenges faced by workers in the industrial sector.
Mancilla is also a Ph.D. candidate in Latin American & Caribbean history. His academic research focuses on migration, war, and capitalist development in Central America, particularly in twentieth-century Guatemala. His studies likely inform his understanding of global power dynamics, labor exploitation, and the connections between domestic and foreign policy.
Mancilla's educational background is evident. He studied at Ball State University. His profile on LinkedIn shows his education at the University of Florida. His education and professional experiences demonstrate a well-rounded background that equips him to navigate the complexities of labor leadership.
Mancilla's work with the UAW's Mexico solidarity project exemplifies this vision. Through this project, the UAW will work in Mexico's growing militant independent labor movement to guarantee justice and offer support. Mancilla is also a strong supporter of the idea that unions should play a larger role in politics, and that foreign and domestic policies are inextricably linked.
