“There could be one or more or all new leadership at the helm of the union after elections are held,” said Kristin Dziczek, senior vice president of research at the Center for Automotive Research. “Whoever wins, caucus or non-caucus, the consequences for companies is that these are going to be folks who want to show value to the membership to get re-elected. The way to hold on to their powers is to get the workers better contracts.”
“The devil is always in the details, so that can affect how this is going to play out,” said Frank Goeddeke, a senior lecturer in management at Wayne State University in Detroit. Goeddeke co-wrote a book about the UAW. “I do think that with the one member one vote officers will be more cognizant of how the membership is going to feel about certain things that they do.”
UAWD Chairperson Scott Houldieson described the new voting process as a “huge step in the right direction” but said it’s just a “first step” in overhauling the union, which is expected to remain under federal moderation through at least mid-decade.”
Federal corruption probe leads to first major overhaul of UAW elections in 70 years
