David Cassidy, the president of Unifor Local 444, announced his retirement Sunday morning.
He made the announcement on social media, saying he would not be running for re-election.
The letter he posted to Facebook reads as follows:
"Dear Members of Local 444,
Serving as your president for the past six years has been a profound honour.
Together, we have weathered numerous challenges. From bidding farewell to our built-right Dodge Caravan to navigating the hardships brought on by the cancellation of shifts amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, these were tough times for our hardworking members and their families.
Yet, in the face of adversity, we refused to be defined by our circumstances.
Instead, we stood firm and resilient. We took our concerns to the governments and the negotiation table, refusing to yield to the obstacles in our path.
Our perseverance and determination bore fruit. Through our collective efforts, every member has been called back to work, significant investments—both from the company and the government—have been secured, new vehicle models are in production, a new battery plant is near completion, and the promise of a third shift looms on the horizon, ensuring a brighter future for all our members.
Reflecting on our journey—from where we started to where we stand today—fills me with confidence and peace as I announce my *retirement as your President and an employee of Stellantis.
I will not be seeking reelection.
I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support and wisdom of my fellow officers—James, Manny, Mike, and the now retired Darryl—they have been pillars of strength and guidance and I retire knowing our local will be in good hands.
Jeremy the guy who has put up with me day in and day out and has stood by me from day one I can not thank you enough , you are one amazing person and such a huge part of my success as well. Proud to call you a great friend.
My heartfelt appreciation extends to my dedicated staff—Debbie, Tena, Kait and Ryan—whose professionalism and competence have been unmatched. And to my family—my wife Jen, my children Mackenzie, Connor, Allison, and my cherished grandson Aleister— your steadfast support has given me the strength to carry out my duties.
Above all, I want to express my sincerest gratitude to you, the members & retirees of Local 444, for the trust you gave me. I thank you for the support and encouragement you offered daily. And I thank you for the acts of solidarity, kindness, and courage I witnessed over these last six years.
I've always acted with the best interests of our Local in mind. I have followed my conscience and done what I thought was right. You may not always agree with some of the tough decisions I have made. But I hope you agree that I was willing to make the tough decisions.
Serving as your President has been the privilege of a lifetime. Through the highs and lows, I have been continually inspired by the resilience and greatness of our Local, as well as the unwavering dedication of its members. It has been an immense blessing to represent the community I hold dear.
No matter what positions I may hold in the future, none will mean more to me than serving as your local 444 President."
Unifor Local 444 represents 20,000 active and retired members in 31 workplaces ranging from automotive, gaming, energy, transportation, administrative, waste and recycle management, policing, and retirement living.
