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GM Worker Honored By The White House

WASHINGTON (WWJ) - A local General Motors worker is being recognized by the White House.

Don LaForest of UAW Local 22 is one of 15 people being honored as "Champions of Change."

"It's an honor to be recognized by the White House. It's an honor to be sent here by the UAW. It's more than I ever dreamed could happen," LaForest said.

He's in the spotlight for his work in negotiating contract changes that helped bring in nearly $500 million investment and 2,000 new jobs.

"We're trying to set aside old differences and build new relationships and work to solve common problems," said LaForest. "We either swim together or we sink."

The Detroit-Hamtramck plant where LaForest works already makes the Chevrolet Volt and Opel Ampera and is prepping to start production of the new Chevy Malibu and Impala next year.

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