Numerous individuals are actively engaged in negotiating a new labor contract between the United Auto Workers (UAW) union and the Detroit Three automakers. The success of these negotiations relies on the endorsement of the final agreement by the auto CEOs and UAW President Shawn Fain before it can be presented for a membership vote.
Perez, a graduate of the University of Michigan with a degree in mechanical engineering and an MBA from Rutgers University in Newark, New Jersey, began his career with GM in 1997. During his early years, he devoted approximately eight years to roles in Production Operations and Manufacturing Engineering across GM facilities located in Atlanta, Orion Township, and Warren. Notably, he served as a production group leader at GM’s Doraville Assembly plant, situated northeast of Atlanta, where he supervised around 30 employees on the final assembly line.
By 2005, his career took him to China, where he assumed the role of senior manager of manufacturing engineering. In 2010, he was appointed as the director of operations for a GM assembly plant in China. Perez continued to hold various key management positions in China and Thailand until his return to the United States in 2017, where he took on the responsibility of managing the Flint Assembly plant. In 2020, GM recognized his talent and dedication, promoting him to the position of executive director of global manufacturing strategy and planning, based in Warren. Perez’s journey led him to his current role, which he assumed in August 2022. actively engaged in negotiating
Browning, a Downriver native, initiated his career by joining the UAW in 1987 and subsequently became a member of UAW Local 3000 when he started working at the Mazda Plant in Flat Rock, Michigan. Throughout his tenure, he undertook various roles, including serving on the bargaining committee and as plant chairperson. In 2000, he took on a staff position and was assigned to the union’s National Ford Department. Over the years, Browning’s responsibilities expanded as he progressed through the ranks, including stints as a coordinator, assistant director, and administrative assistant within the National Ford Department.
From 2010 to 2014, he served as the administrative assistant to UAW President Bob King, and from 2014 to 2018, he held the position of the top administrative assistant to UAW President Dennis Williams. In these vital roles, Browning played a central role in activities such as collective bargaining and the oversight of various departments under the direct purview of the UAW president.
In 2018, he assumed the position of director of UAW Region 1A, headquartered in Taylor, Michigan. His extensive experience and leadership capabilities led to his election to his current role in 2021. Additionally, Browning also leads the Agricultural Implement unit and played a significant role in the John Deere contract negotiations in 2021, which culminated in a strike and subsequent resolution.