Ford worker who fought concessions will seek UAW presidency against union’s vice president
By APWednesday, June 9, 2010
Ford worker in long-shot bid for UAW presidency
DETROIT — A worker at a Ford Motor Co. factory in Dearborn, Mich., says he will run against United Auto Workers Vice President Bob King for the union’s top post.
But Gary Walkowicz says he knows there is little chance he can win because of the way delegates are elected for the union’s Constitutional Convention, which begins Monday in Detroit.
He announced his candidacy Wednesday in a letter to fellow workers at the Dearborn Truck Plant.
He says he’ll campaign to reverse concessions given to help Ford, General Motors and Chrysler out of financial trouble.
Walkowicz says the union shouldn’t give up pay and benefits whenever the automakers cry poverty.
The UAW has 355,000 members across the country.
