Chuck Browning, who negotiated contracts with Ford, is set to retire after negotiating a new contract for Volkswagen workers in Tennessee.

Chuck Browning, a longtime United Auto Workers leader who oversees the Ford Motor Co. division, is retiring, the union confirmed Wednesday.

Browning announced his retirement on Tuesday at a meeting of local union leaders in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He is leading negotiations between the union and Volkswagen at a plant there, which last year became the first foreign-owned auto factory in the U.S. South to organize.

UAW VP Chuck Browning announces his decision to retire upon completion of the union and Volkswagen negotiations.

UAW: Browning announced his retirement on Tuesday at a meeting of local union leaders in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He is leading negotiations between the union and Volkswagen at a plant there, which last year became the first foreign-owned auto factory in the U.