The new team

The union’s team of officers includes, from left, newly elected UAW Secretary-Treasurer Dennis Williams, Vice Presidents Cindy Estrada and Joe Ashton, and President Bob King.

After an energetic conclusion to the 35th Constitutional Convention and a rousing rally with labor allies, UAW President Bob King announced new bargaining and organizing assignments for the union officers elected by convention delegates.

Gathered inside Detroit’s Cobo Center for a June 17 news conference, the newly elected officers presented a unified front ready to focus on organizing, building power and winning justice for workers everywhere.

King said the UAW President’s Office will direct the union’s National Organizing Department, and every UAW officer and member will play a vital role in organizing nonunion workers.

“There is great energy in the UAW,” said King. “We’re going to organize, and we’re going to put a lot of time and energy in it. We want workers to know that they have the right to decide for themselves if they want to be in the UAW or any union.”

The assignments include new directors for the National Ford and General Motors departments, as well as the creation of several new departments.

The Education Department will be called the Education and Mobilization Department and will focus on member training and education and putting the membership into action. The department will coordinate the GimmeFIVE program.

The Technical, Office and Professionals Department will be divided into its various sectors, with new departments created to allow greater attention for organizing and bargaining in those sectors. The new departments are Gaming, Academics, Public Sector and Health Care.

UAW Secretary-Treasurer Dennis Williams, elected to his first term at the convention, will be responsible for financial oversight of union funds.  In addition, the former director of UAW Region 4 will direct the union’s Transnational and Joint Ventures, and Agricultural Implement departments.

UAW Vice President Joe Ashton, elected to his first term, will direct the General Motors Department and the union’s new Gaming Department. Ashton is the former UAW Region 9 director.

UAW Vice President Cindy Estrada, elected to her first term, will direct the Competitive Shop/Independents, Parts and Suppliers (CS/IPS) Department and will also have responsibility for the public and health care sectors. Estrada was formerly the union’s National Organizing director.   

UAW Vice President General Holiefield, elected to a second term, will continue to direct the Chrysler, Heavy Truck and Engine, and General Dynamics departments.

UAW Vice President Jimmy Settles, also elected to a second term, will direct the National Ford, Aerospace, Insurance and Chaplaincy departments.