US union, UAW, has elected Dennis Williams as its president at the Constitutional Convention in Detroit.
Williams – previously secretary-treasurer at the labour body and union member since 1977 – was elected president with 3,215 votes out of a total of 3,270 cast.
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“It’s humbling – I’m excited for our union,” said Williams. “I feel the energy, the power of our unity, I’m looking forward to the challenges we have.”
Williams’ election comes after the recent vote to pass a dues increase for the union’s Strike and Defense Fund ahead of upcoming negotiations.
Prior to his election, Williams spoke concerning the future of the union, noting: “Its principles are simple. We are strongest when we stand together.
“To maintain the values we have worked hard for and the decent, middle-class standards our communities rely on, we have three tools in our control: how we participate in our union, how we take care of our resources and how we organise.”
Also elected were Gary Casteel as secretary-treasurer with Cindy Estrada, Norwood Jewell and Jimmy Settles, as vice presidents.
Williams replaces UAW Bob King, who is retiring after more than 40 years in the union.
