Kevin Gotinsky began his career with Chrysler in 1991, starting in production at the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant (SHAP) while working toward a degree in Auto Body Design. In 1997, he joined the Electrical Apprenticeship Program, earning his UAW journeyman’s card.
Motivated by a passion for skilled trades and a commitment to mentorship, Kevin became a UAW Skilled Trades Training Coordinator and was later appointed electrical instructor at the UAW-Fiat Chrysler National Training Center.
Kevin’s leadership continued to grow when he was named a UAW International Service Representative, overseeing the apprenticeship program and technical training for skilled trades across the organization.
In March 2023, Kevin was appointed Top Assistant to UAW President Shawn Fain and named Director of the EV Strategies Department. He led negotiations for the first union contract at Ultium Cells in Lordstown, Ohio setting a standard for the battery cell manufacturing industry and helping define propulsion work standards across the sector.
In June 2024, Kevin took on the role of Director of the Stellantis Department, facing significant challenges amid shifting corporate strategies and offshore production threats. He led the “Keep the Promise” campaign, rallying local leaders and members to hold Stellantis accountable for its contractual commitments to product investments.
The campaign successfully reversed bad corporate decisions, restored commitments to U.S. production, and contributed to the ousting of former CEO Carlos Tavares.
Continuing his advocacy in 2025, Kevin called on Stellantis to address excess capacity and to reinvest in U.S. facilities. The initiative helped secure commitments for three new products across multiple locations beyond the 2023 contractual investments, providing crucial job security and reaffirming the union’s importance in shaping the future of American manufacturing.
Kevin also helped to reduce a significant number of layoffs at Stellantis—a problem he inherited when he took over the Stellantis Department. In February of 2025, there were 3200 members indefinitely laid off. By the end of his time running the Stellantis Department, that number had reduced to under 1000, with a positive trend of members returning to work.
During his time running the Stellantis Department, Kevin made major progress on job security, helping to massively reduce layoffs and win new products. He was committed to regular communication, regularly appearing in video updates to the membership.
Today, Kevin oversees the Aerospace, General Dynamics, and Heavy Truck Department, the Transnational Department (including Volkswagen), and the Retired Workers Department.