United Steelworkers Union President Conway Passes Away
On September 25th, 2023, the United Steelworkers Union (USW) announced the passing of its president, Leo W. Gerard, at the age of 71. Gerard had been the president of the USW since 2001, and had been a member of the union since 1972.
Leo W. Gerard’s Career
Gerard was born in 1952 in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada. He began his career in the steel industry in 1972, when he joined the USW as a laborer at Inco Ltd. in Sudbury. He quickly rose through the ranks of the union, becoming a local union president in 1979 and a district director in 1984. In 1993, he was elected to the USW’s International Executive Board, and in 2001, he was elected president of the USW.
Gerard’s Impact on the USW
During his tenure as president of the USW, Gerard was a strong advocate for workers’ rights and a fierce opponent of corporate greed. He was a vocal critic of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and other free trade agreements, arguing that they hurt workers and the environment. He also fought for better wages and benefits for USW members, and was a leader in the fight for universal health care.
Gerard was also a leader in the fight for environmental justice. He was a vocal opponent of the Keystone XL pipeline, and he supported the Paris Climate Agreement. He was also a strong advocate for renewable energy, and he helped to create the USW’s Renewable Energy and Climate Change Program.
Gerard’s Legacy
Gerard’s legacy will be remembered for his tireless advocacy for workers’ rights and environmental justice. He was a passionate and dedicated leader who fought for the rights of workers and the environment. He was a strong advocate for renewable energy and a vocal opponent of corporate greed.
Gerard’s passing is a great loss for the USW and the labor movement. He was a leader who inspired and motivated others to fight for a better future. He will be remembered as a champion of workers’ rights and environmental justice.