JAMES GONZALES

James M. Gonzales
President, UAW Local 653
Pontiac, Michigan

James Gonzales serves as President of UAW Local 653, representing workers across multiple bargaining units in the Pontiac area, including GM facilities, JLL, Eurest, SBM, and major suppliers such as Challenge Manufacturing.

A dedicated labor leader, U.S. Army and Michigan National Guard veteran, and advocate for working families, Gonzales has built his leadership on the principles of solidarity, accountability, transparency, and member engagement.

A graduate of Davenport University with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree, Gonzales combines formal education with extensive labor, military, and leadership training. Throughout his career, he has completed collective bargaining, grievance handling, leadership development, organizing, civil rights, and labor-relations training through the UAW and related labor education programs. His background in the United States Army and the Michigan National Guard has reinforced his commitment to disciplined leadership and the unwavering protection of workers' rights.

As President of Local 653, Gonzales has prioritized protecting collective bargaining rights, strengthening union operations, increasing member participation, and keeping the voices of rank-and-file members at the center of every decision. He has been deeply involved in contract enforcement, grievance handling, workplace safety advocacy, and productive labor-management relations across all represented facilities.

During the 2023 UAW Stand Up Strike, Gonzales worked alongside Local 653 leadership to support members across multiple facilities, helping coordinate communication, member assistance, strike support activities, and solidarity efforts throughout one of the most significant labor actions in recent UAW history.

Gonzales holds deep respect for the union's retirees and past Local 653 leadership. He believes their sacrifices and contributions built the foundation for today's union and works to ensure their hard-won gains continue to benefit current and future members.

Gonzales firmly believes that strong unions build strong families and strong communities. His leadership philosophy is straightforward: listen to the membership, defend workers' rights, honor the retirees, and leave the organization stronger for the next generation.