The new Unifor Local 444 President James Stewart says he has two main objectives as he takes over the local.
He says he wants to focus on workers rights and continue the tradition of being good stewards in the community.
Stewart says there are many major negotiations coming up and they need to keep an eye on NAFTA talks.
"To take back some of what we've been attacked over the course of the last ten years or so by corporations and trade agreements and get back to being treated fairly," says Stewart.
Stewart takes over for Dino Chiodo who was named the national auto director in July. Stewart was the first vice president before being appointed president. He's been a representative for the union since 2002.
Unifor local 444 has 10,000 active members and 7,000 retirees.