Steelworkers union president Leo Gerard had a transformative approach to unionism
Globe and Mail obituary by Virginia Galt.
“Leo spent his career building power for workers so that everyone could have safer jobs, better pay, respect, retirement security and fairness. As a proud Canadian, he never wavered from his values, and his life’s work will live on for generations.”
Marty Warren, USW National Director
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Snapshots of a legend
How people, unions and organizations are remembering Leo
“Leo will be missed by countless people, but more importantly, he will be remembered as someone that stood up for working people, and ensured workers had the education and support they needed to stand up for their rights.”
Full tribute here.
“He made it his mission to reverse decades of inequality caused by corporate greed, and fought like hell against bad trade deals that hurt working families and the middle class.”
Full tribute here.
In Ed Broadbent’s words, Leo was, “a tireless advocate for all Canadians and a visionary leader in the international labour movement.”
Watch his 2020 Ellen Meiksins Wood Lecture here.
“His unwavering leadership left a lasting imprint on the fight for health and safety, gender equality, pensions, fair trade, global solidarity, and decent work, causes that remain at the heart of the labour movement today.”
Full tribute here.
“Leo Gerard was a true visionary who dedicated his life to the advancement of workers. It takes a special person to bring two movements together and continually prove that we as a country are stronger together than apart.”
Full tribute here.
“His legacy will endure—in the collective bargaining agreements, the protections, the rights we hold today, in every union that continues the work he embraced.”
Full tribute here.
“A mentor to countless activists, Leo was fierce, plainspoken, and impossible to ignore. His fire for justice was matched by his loyalty to his community.”
Full tribute here.
“He was brilliant, committed to every single worker clocking in for their shift and showing up in their workplace. Workers in Canada owe him a debt of gratitude for his lifelong commitment to make life better for all of us.”
Full tribute here.
“Leo’s work inspired others, who also inspired others. It grew exponentially – like trying to count all the ripples created on a pond during a rainstorm. I was one of the ripples inspired directly by Leo.”
Full tribute here.
“Leo was a friend and a mentor. He knew how to listen and connect with people. Leo was exceptional at reading a room, a group of people. He always had time for me, and I learned a lot from him.”
Full tribute here.
Key moments
Steelworkers, Laurentian University Honour Leo Gerard’s Legacy
SUDBURY – The United Steelworkers (USW) union is pleased to announce its support for a new student scholarship fund and lecture series at Laurentian University to honour the legacy of Sudbury native and USW International President Emeritus Leo W. Gerard. The USW, through its Canadian National Office, District 6 Office (Ontario and Atlantic Canada) and […]
Leo Gerard Awarded 2019 Ellen Meiksins Wood Prize by Broadbent Institute
TORONTO – The Broadbent Institute has announced that United Steelworkers International President Emeritus Leo W. Gerard is the recipient of the 2019 Ellen Meiksins Wood Prize. The Wood Prize, awarded annually in honour of the late, internationally renowned scholar Ellen Meiksins Wood, recognizes the outstanding contributions of an academic, labour activist or writer. Leo Gerard’s […]
In the news
The Globe and Mail: Steelworkers union president Leo Gerard had a transformative approach to unionism
The New York Times: Leo Gerard, Who Led a Growing Steelworkers Union, Dies at 78
CBC News: Leo Gerard, former United Steelworkers union leader who dedicated life to 'working class,' dead at 78
CTV NEWS: Leo Gerard, former international Steelworkers president, has died
Sudbury Star: 'In Sudbury, we call him Leo.' Leo Gerard, union giant, dies at age 78
The Toronto Star: United Steelworkers mourns the loss of Leo Gerard
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Leo had a strong history of unifying workers, environmental activists and community members together to help keep our workplaces safe while protecting the environments where we live. Watch his story about growing up in Sudbury, Ont.
For more videos of Leo, find our playlist here.