Former UAW President Doug Fraser Dies at 91

[Omaha Steve]

http://blog.aflcio.org/2008/02/25/former-uaw-president-doug-fraser-dies-at-91/

by Mike Hall, Feb 25, 2008

Douglas Fraser, who went to work in a Detroit auto plant in 1934 and rose through the ranks of the UAW to lead the union from 1977 to 1983, died Sunday in Southfield, Mich. He was 91 years old.



Says UAW President Ron Gettelfinger:

Doug was a friend, a mentor and a counselor to so many within the UAW and the larger labor movement. His integrity and his enduring commitment to protecting the rights of workers will continue to inspire us. He never forgot that we were working for our active and retired members.

An Associated Press obituary notes that UAW members held Fraser in high regard.

With his mischievous smile and gregarious, easygoing manner, Fraser was popular with the union’s rank-and-file, who appreciated his candor and accessibility. Everyone called him Doug.

Fraser is probably best known for his help engineering the historic $1.5 billion in federal loan guarantees in 1979 that kept Chrysler Corp. out of bankruptcy and UAW members working. He later served on the company’s board of directors. Former Michigan Gov. James Blanchard (D) told the AP:

At the time, he was probably the most respected labor leader in America and he had great political charm, as well as substantive commitment. He was really key in everything that happened to save Chrysler.

Prior to serving as UAW president, Fraser held several top positions in the union and was instrumental in winning comprehensive health care benefits and better working conditions for UAW members. A post on the union’s website describes Fraser’s rise through the UAW.

FULL story at link.

[DainBramaged]

1. A great great man, none like him in American labor since he led the UAW

Rest in peace Mr. Fraser.:cry: