Story by Brian MacLeod •
Dave Cassidy, president of Local 444, is pictured with his Chrysler Pacifica outside his home in Essex on Thursday, April 22, 2021.© Provided by Windsor Star
Dave Cassidy, who has led workers in unionized workplaces ranging from Stellantis’s Windsor Assembly plant to Caesars Windsor, is retiring after six years as president of Unifor Local 444.
On the eve of submitting nominations on Tuesday for a new Local 444 executive board, Cassidy announced his retirement Sunday on a Facebook post.
“ 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,” Cassidy wrote.
“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.”
As president of Local 444, Cassidy represents 20,000 active and retired members from 31 workplaces. Earlier this month, he was recognized with a distinguished alumni award from St. Clair College.
Cassidy, who has been a tenacious voice of labour in Windsor during his time as president, has been a member of the national executive board of Unifor, the largest private-sector union in Canada, since Unifor was founded in 2013. Before that, he had been a member of the Canadian Auto Workers national executive board from 2008 to 2013
“T hrough 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,” Cassidy wrote.
“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.”
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His Unifor biography says Cassidy started his apprenticeship as an electrician after high school when he began working at Chrysler Canada in 1993. His elected positions include shop floor steward, skilled trades chairperson at the Chrysler Windsor Assembly Plant, and president of the Windsor/Essex County Skilled Trades Council.
In 2021, he launched a bid to become the national president of Unifor, ultimately losing to current president Lana Payne.
Those wishing to stand for election for one of the 14 Local 444 executive board positions have until 5 p.m. Tuesday (April 23) to turn in their acceptance to the election committee chairperson.
Cassidy’s retirement announcement automatically triggers an election, with advance poll on May 3 and election dates on May 8 and 9.
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