UAW's Gettelfinger will step down in 2010

DETROIT, March 19 (UPI) -- United Auto Workers leader Ron Gettelfinger said Thursday the June 2010 UAW convention would mark his last day as the powerful U.S. union's president.

"There is absolutely no basis or merit to any of the reports," that claim he will seek a third term as union president, Gettelfinger said on the Paul W. Smith radio show, the Detroit Free Press reported.

Gettelfinger is technically barred from seeking a third term four-year term, as he turns 65 in August, the age limit dictated by union rules.

The convention in 2010 takes place in Detroit. "It's at that time that I will retire from the international union," Gettelfinger said. "I will not seek re-election at the June convention," he said.