It's official: Wilhelm to step down, Taylor to take over (if elected) of Culinary parent

I first Tweeted about it this morning after reading a report from a New Haven daily (Unite Here boss John Wilhelm is a Yalie).

But, apparently after getting inquiries, the union made it official today in a news release. Sounds as if Taylor, the longtime local leader, will live here and not move back East:

UNITE HERE Union Leadership Transition

John Wilhelm, President of UNITE HERE Union for the last 15 years, is planning to step down at the end of November this year.

The UNITE HERE Executive Committee was informed by President Wilhelm that he will announce his retirement at the General Executive Board meeting in Chicago on November 29, 2012. The Board will vote on a successor that day, and President Wilhelm is recommending that the Board elect General Vice President D. Taylor as his successor. 

John Wilhelm has provided magnificent leadership of UNITE HERE for 43 years and has served as its President for 15 years.  He will remain as Assistant to the President for Benefits, continue as Chairman of UNITE HERE Health, and continue as a Trustee of the National Retirement Fund, the Southern Nevada Culinary and Bartenders Pension Fund, and the Consolidated (staff) Retirement Fund. 

President Wilhelm is nationally recognized as an inspirational, compassionate, and strategic leader of Unite HERE by its members and staff, and nationally within the hospitality industry.  His dedication and commitment to working families has strengthened the financial security of middle class families in union jobs.  His integrity and interpersonal skills have enabled both sides of the bargaining table to develop long lasting collaborative relationships that have benefited all involved in the hospitality industry.

The transition to a new President will be completed by the General Executive Board in November, when the Board will vote on a replacement that will serve until the next UNITE HERE convention in 2014. 

D. Taylor continues his responsibilities as Secretary-Treasurer of Local 226, the Culinary Union until new leadership is determined, and will lead the Las Vegas Citywide contract negotiations scheduled for next year.