Abstract United Auto Workers Region 3 was established in 1937, with Russell J. Merrill as its first director, and comprised of locals in Indiana, southern Illinois (moved to Region 4 in 1949), and later Kentucky. Raymond H. Berndt was its longest serving director, holding that office from 1947-1972. Headquartered in Indianapolis, the region is unique in that it consists of a majority of small locals, often parts suppliers.