GM FastLane Blog

Mourning the Passing of a Labor Legend

By Diana Tremblay
GMNA Vice President, Labor Relations

In the days since former UAW President Douglas Fraser died, I have read a number of articles and scanned numerous comments from people who knew him or were touched by him in some fashion.

What struck me most was the comment by Doug’s own wife, Winnie Fraser: “Everybody thought he was wonderful.”

And that sentiment was echoed over and over by people, offering their tributes to someone who helped navigate the union and automakers through the tumultuous period of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Doug is rightly credited with getting the federal government to bail out Chrysler and educating fellow union members to make sacrifices, as well.

In the years that followed his time as UAW president, he was tireless in educating people about the labor movement and the UAW, in particular. Whenever I saw a quote from him in the press, I could tell Doug was doing his best to help the reporter understand the challenges and opportunities facing the union. In doing so, I believe he was trying to educate the masses that the UAW remained a relevant part of the automotive industry.

That wasn’t lost on me as I sat in meetings last summer with UAW President Ron Gettelfinger and UAW Vice President Cal Rapson. Both are very much like Doug in their integrity and passion to protect the rights of workers. Like Doug, Ron and Cal had difficult decisions to make as the industry went through yet another tumultuous period that required not only sacrifice, but creativity.

I always had respect for the UAW, but going through negotiations last year my respect deepened. I’m proud of what we accomplished in the negotiations. We made tough choices and were innovative where we needed to be, in order to protect jobs and ensure GM emerged more competitive.

While some pundits like to take a negative spin on the contract talks, I view them differently. The UAW remains a relevant part of the automotive industry because of its leaders and members and their willingness to address challenges head on. That is probably the best tribute anyone can make to the “wonderful” Doug Fraser.