Unifor Local 444 president stepping aside amid Caesars strike

Unifor Local 444's president has decided to step asideamid a 26-day strike at Caesars Windsor involving 2,300workers.

• Caesars, Unifor unable to come to terms on strike resolution

• Busy schedule ahead for new Unifor 444 president James Stewart

James Stewart saidhe was brought on as an interim president, after Dino Chiodobecame auto director for Unifornational.

• Dino Chiodo begins new job with Unifor national

I don't think our members have an interest in us fighting each other over egos on who's going to be the top guy.- James Stewart, Unifor Local 444 interim president

David Cassidy will be seeking the Local 444 top job uncontested because Stewart doesn't plan on running.

He said that would pit top union execs against each other.

"The focus gets taken away from what we're trying to achieve," said Stewart."I don't think our members have an interest in us fighting each other over egos on who's going to be the top guy. Realistically, I think that becomes irrelevant at the end of the day. We have challenges ahead of us."

Stewart became interim president back in August. Now he plans to run for the secretary treasurer position.

• James Stewart new president of Unifor Local 444

A general election to replace the entire executive board is happening later this month. Stewart is done as of June 1.

He doesn't expect his move to affect negotiations with Caesars Windsortalks as that bargaining committee will remain the same.

• Caesars Windsor workers vote to strike