Remembering Leo W. Gerard: A Legacy of Global Labor Solidarity

Leo W. Gerard: A Champion for Workers’ Rights and Global Solidarity

The world recently bid farewell to Leo W. Gerard, whose tenure as the International President of the United Steelworkers was marked by a relentless drive to support working individuals globally. Gerard's commitment to advocating for labor rights transcended national lines, emphasizing the importance of a cohesive international labor movement.

Throughout his career, Gerard was a stalwart supporter of global solidarity. He firmly believed that workers' rights extended beyond borders, and he played a crucial role in ensuring that labor unions maintained a unified stance against the influence of corporate entities.

Under his leadership, Gerard notably influenced various international campaigns. Noteworthy among these were his efforts to bolster the independent union movement in Mexico and his involvement in the push to address union-busting by Volkswagen in Chattanooga. During a critical meeting with the IndustriALL Executive Committee, Gerard's decisive support for the United Auto Workers (UAW) underscored his stance against union-busting, affirming that global labor would remain united against such practices.

Leo Gerard's legacy is one of bravery, dedication, and unity. His dream of a borderless labor movement continues to inspire ongoing efforts to achieve justice for workers worldwide.

Our heartfelt sympathies go out to his family, his colleagues, and all members of the United Steelworkers community.