The Canadian Auto Workers have a new president. Ken Lewenza, 54, former president of CAW Local 444 in Windsor was unanimously elected this morning at a special convention in Toronto.
Lewenza urged CAW members to take an active role in building a stronger future for workers, their families and communties, by keeping prime minster Stephen Harper out of government after he calls an election.
He dismissed Harper's recent announcement to put money into the automotive industry, saying that the government refused earlier funding requests up until several days before an election call. "Where is Stephen Harper on a long-term strategy to preserve manufacturing jobs?" asked Lewenza. "What we need is a Made in Canada industrial policy, one that allows us to build a strong economy and create jobs."
CAW currently represents about 250,000 automotive workers and workers in as gaming, health care, post-secondary schools and retail.
Lewenza's predecessor, Buzz Hargrove announced his retirement back in July. Hargrove presided over CAW when it merged with 30 other unions. Lewenza is the third CAW national president elected since its formation in 1985.
