Unifor Local 444 president Dave Cassidy announces he is retiring
Unifor Local 444 president Dave Cassidy is shown in this Oct. 2019 file photo. (Rich Garton/CTV News Windsor)
The president of Unifor Local 444 has announced his retirement.
"Serving as your president for the past six years has been a profound honour," said Dave Cassidy in a social media post Sunday.
"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."
Cassidy has been a member of Unifor’s national executive board since Unifor was founded.
In 2005, he was elected to the National Skilled Trades Council as a Trustee. He served on the national executive board of the CAW from 2008 to 2013.
In 2009, Cassidy was acclaimed as the financial secretary of Local 444 — a position he held until May 2018 when he took over as local union president.
According to his Unifor profile, Cassidy started his apprenticeship as an electrician right out of high school and was hired by Chrysler Canada in 1993.
He has been elected in various positions within the skilled trades ranks, including shop floor steward, skilled trades chairperson at the Chrysler Windsor Assembly Plant, and then as the President of the Windsor/Essex County Skilled Trades Council.
"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," Cassidy said on social media.
"No matter what positions I may hold in the future, none will mean more to me than serving as your local 444 President."
In 2022, Cassidy made a run for the position of Unifor national president following the retirement of Jerry Dias. He was defeated by current president Lana Payne.
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, according to the union's website.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING
BREAKING Foreign meddling 'did not affect' overall federal election results: inquiry report
Foreign interference by China did not affect the overall results of the 2019 and 2021 general elections won by Justin Trudeau's Liberals, a federal commission of inquiry has found.
BREAKING
BREAKING Police make arrests in killing of B.C. Sikh activist, source confirms
Police have made arrests in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a senior government source has confirmed to CTV News.
WATCH LIVE
WATCH LIVE Funeral today for broadcasting legend and voice of 'Hockey Night in Canada' Bob Cole
A funeral is being held today for hockey broadcasting legend Bob Cole in his hometown of St. John's, N.L.
Magnitude 4.8 earthquake recorded west of Vancouver Island
A 4.8-magnitude earthquake was reported west of Vancouver Island Thursday evening.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
How falling for a stranger she met on a beach led this woman to ditch the U.S. for the French Riviera
Niki Benjamin, from the U.S., had travelled to a paradise island to do some soul searching, and her life ended up going in a very different direction when her dog ran up to a stranger.
Biscuits with possible plastic pieces, metal found in ground pork: Here are the recalls for this week
Here are the latest recalls Canadians should watch out for, according to Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Supreme Court orders new trial for B.C. francophone who was not given French option
The Supreme Court is ordering a new trial for a francophone man in British Columbia who says he was not informed of his right to have a trial in the official language of his choice.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
Kitchener
-
BREAKINGBREAKING WRDSB to lay off 106 elementary school teachers
More than 100 teachers at the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) are learning they have been declared surplus will likely be out of a job as of Aug. 12.
-
Large barn fire in Elmira
Three Bridges Road is closed as emergency crews respond to what police say is a “large barn fire” in Elmira.
-
New Hamburg, Ont. family can't get truck's faulty transmission fixed due to aftermarket attachment
A New Hamburg family is feeling deflated after buying a new Toyota hybrid truck.
London
-
Three people in hospital following crash east of London, Ont.
A two-vehicle crash involving a transport truck and a passenger vehicle closed Dundas Street, just west of Thamesford, late Thursday afternoon.
-
Fatal crash in South-West Oxford Township
Around 6:45 p.m. on Thursday, first responders were called to the scene near the intersection of Pigram Road and Salford Road in South-West Oxford Township.
-
Clean up outside derelict building doesn’t quell concerns about trespassing and fire risk
Despite a recent clean-up around the former St. Pierre Renovation Centre, concern persists about trespassing and the risk of fire at the former industrial building.
Barrie
-
30 firefighters battled the blaze of Bracebridge facility
On Thursday night, 30 firefighters battled a destructive fire that broke out in a facility in Bracebridge Ont.
-
Barrie's photo radar cameras are moving to new locations: Here's where
Barrie's photo radar cameras will relocate to new community safety zones this month to curb speeding on neighbourhood roads.
-
Barrie police arrest man after reports of possibly armed suspect making threats
Barrie officers made an arrest after receiving reports on Thursday afternoon that a possibly armed man made threatening gestures at a Dunlop Street East business owner.
Northern Ontario
-
New Hamburg, Ont. family can't get truck's faulty transmission fixed due to aftermarket attachment
A New Hamburg family is feeling deflated after buying a new Toyota hybrid truck.
-
'We have a bright future': Sudbury mayor gives second state of city address
Greater Sudbury Mayor Paul Lefebvre delivered his state of the city address at the Caruso Club on Thursday, his second since being elected in 2022.
-
Northern Ont. police forced into the river to save intoxicated swimmer
An intoxicated man wearing only his underwear and a lifejacket had to be pulled from the Thessalon River early Wednesday evening.
Sault Ste. Marie
-
Chi-Cheemaun kicks off 50th season on the Georgian Bay
The Chi-Cheemaun ferry arrived at Manitoulin Island on Friday morning to kick off its 50th season on the Georgian Bay.
-
Sault’s Queen Street to undergo reconstruction
Phase 1 of the reconstruction of Queen Street in downtown Sault Ste. Marie is getting underway, although it will be scaled down from the original plan.
-
Fears in northern Ont. as cuts to homeless funding would affect front-line workers
Social services agencies across the north are sounding the alarm after funding cuts on homelessness programs were recently published.
Ottawa
-
Two Ontario nurses help deliver baby during a flight going to Dubai
Two registered nurses from Ottawa and Kingston have been an integral part in the delivery of a baby on board a flight heading to Dubai.
-
Sexual assault suspect sought by Ottawa police
The Ottawa Police Service is asking the public for help in identifying a suspect involved with a sexual assault that happened at a home on Albert Street two months ago.
-
Forcing public servants back to downtown Ottawa harms satellite communities: North Grenville mayor
The mayor of North Grenville, just south of Ottawa, says hybrid work has been a boon to her community, and a recent move by the federal government to force public servants back to downtown Ottawa office buildings is misguided.
Toronto
-
Toronto mayor responds to criticism on city's request to decriminalize certain drugs
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow is responding to criticism over Toronto‘s efforts to decriminalize drugs in the wake of the opioid crisis, saying it misses a much more urgent need.
-
Pro-Palestinian encampment remains at University of Toronto despite safety concerns
Supporters are dropping off water and other supplies at an encampment set up by pro-Palestinian student protesters at the University of Toronto's downtown campus as the demonstration enters its second day.
-
Did Toronto break a rain record in April? It depends where you're looking
If you thought this past April felt especially rainy in Toronto, you’re not wrong. Environment Canada says 135.5 millimetres of rain, mixed with snow, fell at Pearson International Airport last month, which beats the previous record of 133.8 mm set in April of 1992.
Montreal
-
Judge worries amendment to Quebec language law will cause 'undue delays' for English trials
A Quebec judge overseeing the trial of a person accused of killing a cyclist with their car has raised concerns that an amendment to the province's language charter could cause 'undue delays' for trials held in English.
-
Montreal baker reinvents her craft after Celiac disease diagnosis
Eight years ago, Lauren McGowan found out she had Celiac disease. As a baker, the Montrealer says the diagnosis didn't just change her life personally -- but also professionally.
-
Terrebonne man pocketed $150,000 from helping people get fake COVID-19 vaccine passports
A former worker at a COVID-19 vaccination centre pleaded guilty after he made $150,000 from helping hundreds of Quebecers obtain fake vaccination passports during the height of the pandemic.
Winnipeg
-
BREAKINGBREAKING Winnipeg judge rules trial of accused serial killer to start with jury
A judge has decided the trial of a man accused of killing four women in Winnipeg will still be heard by a jury.
-
'System failures': Starbucks to close its doors amid recent violence in Osborne Village
The long-standing Starbucks in Osborne Village is set to close its doors next week – it comes one day after a man was attacked next door.
-
Province announces millions in funding for social housing units
The Kinew government announced two, multi-million-dollar housing projects targeting Manitobans experiencing gender-based violence and homelessness.
Edmonton
-
LIVE @ 11LIVE @ 11 Police to provide update on 2009 homicide of Michelle Hadwen
The Edmonton Police Service will give an update on a historical homicide on Friday morning.
-
WEATHER
WEATHER Josh Classen's forecast: Sunny end to a wet week
Light wind, some sun and a warming trend for the Edmonton area today and Saturday.
-
1 killed in crash on Highway 44 near Chisholm Thursday
An Edmonton man was killed in a crash near Chisholm Thursday afternoon.
Calgary
-
Calgary halal stores closed by AHS can now reopen
Alberta Health Services (AHS) says all of the uninspected halal meat found at several Calgary businesses has been destroyed and the affected facilities are cleared to open.
-
Bridal shop serving Calgary 54 years ends tradition, unveils new plan
As wedding dress styles change through the decades, one Calgary shop has remained a constant option for local brides for more than half a century.
-
Spring cleaning: Calgarians rolling up sleeves for annual litter pickup
Thousands of Calgarians are set to lend a hand in the city’s annual effort on Friday.
Regina
-
Sask. Party votes down NDP motion to cut provincial gas tax
Saskatchewan motorists won’t be getting an immediate 15 cent per litre break at the pumps as an NDP motion to cut the provincial gas tax was voted down by the Sask. Party on Thursday.
-
Sask. set to gather to remember Riders legend Jim Hopson
Saskatchewan Roughriders past and present along with many friends, family and fans from around the CFL will gather in Regina Friday afternoon to remember the late Jim Hopson.
-
North Central Family Centre launches Hopes and Dreams campaign
The North Central Family Centre (NCFC) has launched a capital campaign to help aid in the completion of a major project they are in the midst of building.
Vancouver
-
BREAKINGBREAKING Police make arrests in killing of B.C. Sikh activist, source confirms
Police have made arrests in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a senior government source has confirmed to CTV News.
-
Quebec man charged with 11 counts of fraud in B.C.'s Lower Mainland
A Quebec man is facing 11 counts of fraud connected to incidents across B.C.'s Lower Mainland, Surrey Mounties say.
-
Princess Anne to take part in B.C. ceremony bringing new ship into Pacific fleet
The first Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel for Canada's Pacific fleet will officially be commissioned in a ceremony featuring Princess Anne, the sister of King Charles.
Vancouver Island
-
BREAKING
BREAKING Police make arrests in killing of B.C. Sikh activist, source confirms
Police have made arrests in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a senior government source has confirmed to CTV News.
-
Nanaimo family seeks transfer due to concerns about quality of care at long-term facility
A family claims it’s concerned for their loved one in a Nanaimo-based long-term care facility as they work with staff and Island Health to resolve some of their complaints.
-
Princess Anne to take part in B.C. ceremony bringing new ship into Pacific fleet
The first Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel for Canada's Pacific fleet will officially be commissioned in a ceremony featuring Princess Anne, the sister of King Charles.
Atlantic
-
Nova Scotia premier criticized for travelling to Spain, U.S. without notifying public
Nova Scotia's premier is drawing criticism from the opposition over a recent trip to Spain that his office didn't announce publicly.
-
WATCH LIVE
WATCH LIVE Funeral today for broadcasting legend and voice of 'Hockey Night in Canada' Bob Cole
A funeral is being held today for hockey broadcasting legend Bob Cole in his hometown of St. John's, N.L.
-
Airport, airline officials react to WestJet CEO's comments about one major N.B. airport
Airport officials disagree with idea of one centralized airport in New Brunswick.
N.L.
-
WATCH LIVEWATCH LIVE Funeral today for broadcasting legend and voice of 'Hockey Night in Canada' Bob Cole
A funeral is being held today for hockey broadcasting legend Bob Cole in his hometown of St. John's, N.L.
-
Newfoundland fisherman says police broke his leg during protest that delayed budget
Richard Martin is spending this year's fishing season on land after he says a Royal Newfoundland Constabulary officer broke his left leg in three places during a protest last month that shut down the provincial legislature.
-
'I feel honoured to say I was his friend': Wayne Gretzky remembers Bob Cole
Tributes continue to pour in for Bob Cole as his family has confirmed a funeral will be held for the legendary broadcaster Friday in St. John's, N.L.
