The United Auto Workers’ (UAW) Vice President General Holiefield is leaving. Despite recent assurances from UAW President Bob King, Holiefield has announced that he will not seek re-election and will retire at the union’s 36th Constitutional Convention in Detroit in June 2014.
“I leave with very cherished memories of more than 40 years as a member and leader of this great union,” said Holiefield. “My goal has always been to lift people out of poverty and to give them a better standard of living and that goal has been reflected in my work with the UAW, an institution that reflects the same goal. I have enjoyed my time with the members, my co-workers and staff, Bob King and others on the union’s International Executive Board. I will always be a part of this union. I will always leave the light on.”
Speculation that Holiefield was leaving arose in October, but King had reassured local union leaders that the rumours of a resignation were without merit. Detroit News quoted UAW spokesperson Michele Martin as stating at the time: “Bob King reiterated that General is Vice President and that we are working together to make sure we address any issues in his assignments.”
Chrysler
Holiefield has been a member of the UAW since 1973, when he began work at Chrysler’s Jefferson assembly plant in Detroit. He was first elected to the position of Vice President in June 2006. He was elected to a second term in 2010, just after Chrysler’s bankruptcy. Holiefield directed the union’s Chrysler, Heavy Truck and Engine, and General Dynamics departments, and King has highlighted Holiefield’s role in making Chrysler a success story.
“Without General’s leadership, there wouldn’t be a Chrysler today,” said King.“During the nation’s great economic crisis and its horrendous effect on the auto industry, General Holiefield demonstrated the leadership that helped guide Chrysler back to profitability and on to the great success it has achieved in the marketplace. The jobs of UAW members working at Chrysler are more secure today because of General.”
Holiefield was a driving force behind the 2011 labour agreement that Chrysler has heralded as key to its revitalisation. However, not everybody was happy with this deal. Holiefield fell out of favour with some Chrysler workers for his support of a controversial new work schedule, which calls for two of the three work crews working every Saturday on a four-day per week, 10-hour shift schedule. Holiefield himself regarded the 2011 contract with Chrysler as a success, stating at the time: “Not only is the company continuing to invest in its facilities, but it is adding jobs and securing the future of our current work force by demonstrating its commitment to the workers who have contributed to the company’s remarkable turnaround.”
Holiefield also attracted negative publicity in summer 2011 following his arrest for a domestic altercation with his wife. He was never charged, but the situation occurred just as the UAW kicked off contract negotiations with Chrysler.
New leadership
The UAW is expected to announce a list of proposed replacements for Holiefield’s role later today, 7 November. The union is also preparing for a new President, as King’s term expires in June. Because of his age – King is 67 years old – he cannot run again. Union regulations prohibit elected officials over 65 from running.
King is largely expected to be replaced by current Secretary-Treasurer Dennis Williams. All those proposed will be up for election at the June 2014 convention.
Membership numbers was one of King’s priority areas. For the past three decades numbers have been falling. When King took office UAW membership had dropped to 355,000 active members from a peak of 1.5 million members in 1979. The past few years have seen modest increases, but numbers remain far short of historical levels. King was also a strong supporter of partnerships with parts suppliers to try to retain jobs in exchange for innovative contracts, including two-tier, lower wages for new hires.
Whoever takes up the reins next will also face the challenge of transplants and factories in the South of the country, an area that King had described as vital the continued success of the union. Areas of contention will also include right-to-work states and new labour negotiations from the Big Three. All eyes will be on the June election.
Megan Lampinen
