(MENAFN) United Auto Workers (UAW) members have made history by electing their president for the first time through direct voting. The union's new leader is Shawn Fain, a local leader for a Stellantis parts plant in Indiana and a member of the reform group "UAW Members United." Fain won the runoff election by hundreds of votes over incumbent Ray Curry, who was appointed president by union leaders in 2021.

In a statement, Fain thanked UAW members who voted in the election and highlighted the historic change in direction for the embattled union. He pledged a "more aggressive approach" with employers, saying that the UAW has been controlled by leadership with a top-down, company union philosophy for too long. Fain believes that the previous leadership was unwilling to confront management, resulting in concessions, corruption, and plant closures.

Curry, who previously contested the narrow election results, said in a statement that he is committed to ensuring a smooth transition without disruptions. Fain will be sworn in as the new UAW president on Sunday.

The election of Fain marks a significant moment for the UAW, which has been embroiled in recent years in a corruption scandal that resulted in the imprisonment of several top officials. The union also faces negotiations later this year with the Detroit automakers, where it will be advocating for better wages, benefits, and working conditions for its members.

Fain's win is seen as a victory for the reform-minded faction of the UAW, which has been advocating for more transparency, democracy, and accountability in the union. The election of the new president through direct voting is also a major step towards democratizing the UAW and giving members a greater say in the direction of the union.

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