UAW President Bob King announced today the appointment of Kristyne Peter as director of the UAW's International Affairs Department responsible for coordinating all UAW global activities.

Peter currently runs the Trade Union Rights and Campaigns Department at the International Metalworkers Federation (IMF) in Geneva, Switzerland. In her seven years there, she helped the global union federation greatly expand its worldwide labor solidarity efforts.

Peter worked in the UAW's International Affairs Department from 1996 to 2004 and played a critical role in a number of the union's successful campaigns for the release of imprisoned trade union activists in China, Indonesia, South Korea, and Nigeria. Peter also rallied support from foreign trade unions for UAW organizing campaigns in the U.S.

"Kristyne Peter brings 15 years of experience coordinating global campaigns in defense of fundamental workers' rights," UAW President Bob King said. "Her success at the International Metalworkers has provided her with a wealth of expertise and contacts that will boost the UAW's expanding international work."

Peter is recognized for her strategic work on building progressive, cross-sector global coalitions to better take on repressive governments and abusive companies including extensive work in Asia, Latin America, and Africa. She has also played a key role in coordinated global actions against leading multinational companies.

"Kristyne will help the UAW implement an international program that will increase the union's leverage globally, organize the unorganized, and deliver real benefits to our members--meeting the new challenges we face while drawing on the UAW's proud legacy of international solidarity and global cooperation," said King.

"Kristyne has made a major contribution to the IMF's efforts to improve the lives of workers throughout the world," said Jyrki Raina, IMF General Secretary. "We're sad to lose her, but happy she will continue this important work at one of our key affiliates, the UAW." "She has built a solid foundation for our strengthened Trade Union Rights and Campaigns work that will serve us well as we become a new global union federation, IndustriALL," Raina said.

Originally from Michigan, Peter holds a degree in International Affairs and Political Philosophy with a minor in African Studies from James Madison College at Michigan State University, including a year at the University of Zimbabwe.

She is married to Paul Williams and has a young son, Lucas.

Peter will assume her position, based in Washington, DC, on July 31.