We join the entire labor movement in mourning the passing of Leo W. Gerard, former international president of the United Steelworkers (USW).
Leo was a giant. In his decades of leadership at the USW, Leo relentlessly fought for his members, growing the union into the largest industrial union in North America. He cut an imposing figure, but for those of us fortunate enough to know him, what we remember most is his heart—endlessly compassionate and empathetic, especially toward the working class he came from and tirelessly advocated for throughout his life.
Leo’s first job was as a copper puncher—one of the hottest and dirtiest jobs in a smelter. It prepared him for a place in the history books as someone who wasn’t afraid to take on the toughest challenges. He used his spirit of toughness, grit and fortitude to rise to the highest ranks of the USW and the labor movement, helping to drive a period of significant growth for the union. 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. And he also made his mark improving and expanding global unionism—from his native Canada to nations across the globe, forging international alliances and other relationships with unions the world over.
Through it all, Leo remained the most down-to-earth leader you could ever meet. He understood that our responsibility as trade unionists didn’t end at the bargaining table—that we had a responsibility to be a voice for the voiceless; to stand up to injustice wherever it exists; and to use our collective power to root out inequality in all its forms. On behalf of the nearly 15 million working people of the AFL-CIO, we offer our deepest condolences to Leo’s family and loved ones, and we recommit ourselves to carrying forward his fight for justice.
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