UAW Ford VP Gerald Kariem to retire

The director of the Ford Office for the United Vehicle Workers will retire up coming thirty day period, the union stated Tuesday.

Gerald Kariem, 65, of Saginaw will go on in his position by way of June 30. He is one particular of the longest-serving associates of the international’s union board following getting elected to it in 2010. The board will appoint a replacement to end out Kariem’s phrase, which finishes in 2022.

Gerald Kariem

He took around the vice president role in January 2020 after Rory Gamble became president of the UAW next the resignation of Gary Jones amid a federal investigation into union corruption. Given that then, Kariem has led Ford UAW customers by the implementation of the 2019 agreement, the COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns and safety protocols, and the semiconductor shortages tough the automotive sector now.

“We confronted tremendous troubles with each other and right now, we are stronger for it,” Kariem said in a assertion. “It has genuinely been a blessing, and I thank God for the chance to provide.”