Unifor Local 444 president Dave Cassidy announces he is retiring
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
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
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.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
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.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.