Curry and other leadership candidates backed by the Reuther caucus had wide support among most delegates and convention attendees, even after a recent report by the federal monitor that said they had refused to cooperate in ongoing ethics investigations until recently.
Attendees said they appreciate Curry’s history with the union and that’s he’s both personable and approachable.
“If you stop him, he’ll give you a few seconds of his time, and he’ll always have a smile,” Bowen said.
Christopher Dilbert Jr., who works at the Ford Motor Co. engine plant in Romeo, Mich., said he hopes Curry and the other current board members win new terms.
“It’s unfair for them to have to be judged off of the past misdeeds,” he said. “In my opinion, give them the opportunity to right the wrongs.”
Trey Durant, shop chair for Local 1178 at a Mopar parts distribution facility in suburban Chicago, said he supports Curry and the current leadership. Durant believes the union now has better protections against corruption.
“The people in office also know that there are a lot of eyes on this from the inside and outside,” he said. “Whistleblowers are out there. People are more observant. And I think they’re more afraid to do things of that nature because of the repercussions of losing their job or going to prison. I think that we’re in the right place.”
Vince Bond Jr. and Hannah Lutz contributed to this report.