GM names union leader to board, in first

General Motors has named a union leader to its board of directors,a first for the US automaker and a rarity in American business.GM, which is paying a heavy price for the delayed recall of vehicles linked to 13deaths, just published its worst quarterly results since emerging from bankruptcyjust over three years ago.In a statement Friday evening, it said it was nominating United Auto Workers VicePresident Joe Ashton to its 12-member board of directors.Ashton, who will represent GM's employee pension fund (VEBA), was expected toresign from his union position in June.If his nomination is approved by shareholders, he will begin his board term inAugust."Joe brings a wealth of knowledge from his work across many industries, especiallyhis deep understanding how labor strategy can contribute to a company’s success,"GM Chairman Tim Solso said.VEBA has been represented on the GM board since 2009 by Steve Girsky, a former GMvice chairman who will remain on the panel.