UAW vice president Holiefield to retire

General Holiefield won't seek re-election, will retire in June 2014

General Holiefield (left) with UAW President Bob King.

DETROIT – General Holiefield plans to retire from his position as a vice president with the United Auto Workers, specifically as head of the Chrysler division, the union announced on Wednesday.

Holiefield will not seek re-election and will officially retire at the union's 36th Constitutional Convention in June 2014 in Detroit.

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"I leave with very cherished memories of more than 40 years as a member and leader of this great union," said Holiefield in a news release. "My goal has always been to lift people out of poverty and to give them a better standard of living and that goal has been reflected in my work with the UAW, an institution that reflects the same goal. I have enjoyed my time with the members, my co-workers and staff, Bob King and others on the union's International Executive Board. I will always be a part of this union. I will always leave the light on."

Holiefield was elected to a second term as a UAW vice president in 2010. He has been in charge of the UAW's Chrysler, heavy truck and general dynamics departments.

"Without General's leadership, there wouldn't be a Chrysler today," said UAW President Bob King in a news release.

Holiefield also serves as a board member of the NAACP's national board of directors and the AFL-CIO Executive Council.

"I'm looking forward to spending time with my three grandchildren who I haven't had much time for in recent years," he said.

Chrysler releases statement on Holiefield's retirement

"Chrysler Group would like to thank General Holiefield for his many years of leadership, especially during one of the most difficult times in the Company's history. Under his leadership, Chrysler Group has been able to provide a secure future for those who chose to stay and for the more than 10,000 new UAW-represented employees that have joined the company since June 2009. He has fully supported the Company's efforts to transform the culture within our manufacturing facilities, which has resulted in significant improvements for our employees and our products. General has been a true partner and leaves the Chrysler Group better positioned to compete in a global marketplace. The entire Company wishes General the best in his retirement."