Honouring the legacy of Leo W. Gerard

Members, retirees and labour leaders gathered to honour the life and legacy of Leo W. Gerard, whose leadership helped shaped the United Steelworkers and strengthen the labour movement across North America.

Before becoming International President, Gerard served as District 6 Director, where he worked closely with members across Ontario and Atlantic Canada. Rising from the rank and file, he became one of the most influential labour leaders of his generation, known for his unwavering commitment to solidarity, fairness and the power of collective action.

For many Steelworkers, Gerard’s journey continues to inspire union members today.

“Leo showed that anyone from the rank and file can become a leader,” said Michael Candido, Unit Chair of Local 7536. “It doesn’t matter where you come from – you can rise in this union and become a leader of a great movement.”

Candido said Gerard’s message of unity remains just as important today.

“When we are unified, we can face anything together,” he said.  “Leo taught us not to be afraid to speak up and not to be afraid to fight for workers.”

Raymond Hammond, President of Local 6500, also spoke about Gerard’s roots within the union and the pride members of Local 6500 feel in the role he played in shaping the labour movement.

Hammond reflected on the significance of Gerard’s journey from Sudbury miner to International Labour leader, noting that his commitment to workers and his union never wavered.

For those who knew Gerard personally, his mentorship left a lasting impression.

Brando Paris, District 6 SOAR Co-ordinator, recalled meeting Gerard during a week-long union school in Elliot Lake, Ont.

“At the time my English wasn’t strong, but Leo encouraged me to keep going,” Paris said. “He became more than a mentor – he became a friend.”

Paris added that Gerard never lost sight of the workers he represented.

“He always cared about the workers,” Paris said. “He didn’t worry about the suits – he worried about the workers.”

Gerard’s leadership also helped expand opportunities and representation within the labour movement.

“Leo believed in equality and that there should be no division between men and women in our union,” said Lena Sutton, Canadian National Co-ordinator of the Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees (SOAR). “Because of leaders like him, we see more women stepping into leadership roles today.”

Reflecting on Gerard’s leadership, USW International President Roxanne Brown spoke about his courage and commitment to working people.

“Leo taught us to lead with empathy, but also with courage,” Brown said. “He wasn’t afraid to stand up to powerful political leaders and remind them who we represent – the working people. His voice continues to inspire Steelworkers everywhere to fight for fairness and dignity.”

Other speakers reflected on Gerard’s deep connection to Sudbury and the labour movement.

Jamie West, Ontario New Democratic MPP for Sudbury, spoke about Gerard’s deep connection to Sudbury and the labour movement, highlighting how his leadership strengthened solidarity between workers, communities and political allies working toward fairness and justice.

Marty Warren, USW National Director for Canada, shared how Gerard mentored many leaders within the union and inspired them through his words and actions.

Dave McCall, USW International President Emeritus, recalled Gerard’s passion for connecting with members, including his love of leading Labour Day parades and engaging directly with Steelworkers.

Fred Redmond, Secretary-Treasurer of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organization (AFL-CIO), who previously held the role as USW President of Local 3911 shared “Leo Gerard never wavered from his values. he believed deeply in fairness, dignity and respect for every worker, and his courage and conviction helped build a stronger union and more just world. Leo would be incredibly proud of where we are today – of this union, of the labour movement, and of the installation of Roxanne Brown as the first woman and first person of colour to lead the United Steelworkers. We stand on the shoulders of leaders like Leo, and his legacy continues to guide us as we fight for workers everywhere.”

Retired USW International Vice President at Large Carol Landry also highlighted Gerard’s role in supporting women’s leadership in the union, noting that he helped launch the Women of Steel program in District 6 and championed women’s equality throughout the organization.

For District 6 Director Kevon Stewart, Gerard’s legacy continues to guide the work of Steelworkers today.

“Leo believed deeply in the power of solidarity and the strength of working people standing together,” Stewart said. “The best way we can honour his legacy is by continuing to fight for fairness, dignity and justice for workers everywhere.”

Gerard’s life remains a powerful reminder that the strength of the labour movement lies in solidarity.

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