Marty Warren, National Director of the United Steelworkers union (USW), issued the following statement today on the passing of Basil (Buzz) Hargrove, former President of the Canadian Auto Workers who died June 15.
The United Steelworkers and our members join the labour movement across Canada in expressing our sadness at the passing of Buzz Hargrove, the renowned former President of the Canadian Auto Workers (CAW).
Buzz’s career spanned more than four decades, beginning on the shop floor of Chrysler’s Windsor Assembly Plant and culminating with his rise to CAW national president, a position he held for 16 years, from 1992 until his retirement in 2008. Under his leadership, CAW membership expanded well beyond auto manufacturing, into railways, mining, fisheries and airlines.
Buzz was a fierce advocate for the rights and interests of his union’s members and for working people everywhere. He believed that unions could, and should, make life better for everyone. He fought at bargaining tables and in legislatures for workers’ rights, fair trade, public health care and stronger social services for all.
The USW and our members extend our sincere condolences to the family, friends and union comrades of Buzz Hargrove who are grieving this painful loss.
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