United Steelworkers union and University of Toronto launch new research chair honouring Leo Gerard

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TORONTO, Nov. 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The United Steelworkers (USW) union has partnered with the University of Toronto to launch the new USW/Leo Girard Chair in Collective Bargaining and Worker Representation At the university Center for Industrial Relations and Human Resources.

The USW/Leo Gerard Chair will advance the University of Toronto’s leadership in the study and teaching of labor relations and build greater understanding among policymakers, employers, unions and other stakeholders on labor and employment issues in Canada and around the world.

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The president will bear the name of the United Steelworkers and former international president of the union, Leo W. Girard, in lasting recognition of their contributions to representing workers’ interests.

The chair was launched yesterday at a special reception held at Hart House at the University of Toronto. Speakers included:

• Rafael Gomez, Director, Center for Industrial Relations and Human Resources, Co-Chair – Fundraiser
• Roxanne Brown, Vice President International, Southwestern University
• Michael Psoras, Partner, KPS Capital Partners LP
• Alan Kestenbaum, CEO of Bedrock Industries, Co-Chair – Fundraiser
• Pia Broski, President of the Canadian Labor Congress
• Kevon Stewart, USW Region 6 Director (Ontario and Atlantic Canada)
• Ken Rosenberg, Partner, Paliare Roland Rosenberg Rothstein LLP
• Ken Newman, former National Director of Southwestern University, Co-Chair – Fundraiser
• Raymond Gerard on behalf of his brother Leo Gerard

“Honoring Leo Girard with this Chair in Collective Bargaining and Labor Representation is not only a fitting tribute to a great labor leader, but also a testament to the University of Toronto’s commitment to the field of labor relations. As Director of the Center for Industrial Relations and Human Resources, I am honored to have our Center home to the Chair and to serve on the future of collective bargaining,” said Rafael Gomez.

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“Leo Girard was a creative and innovative leader, unlike anyone else, who always found ways to advance the workers’ cause. Whether it was through extraordinary partnerships, transnational alliances or legislative action, Leo worked tirelessly over his decades in the movement “It’s been asked of all of us time and time again,” said Kevon Stewart, USW’s Region 6 Director (Ontario and Atlantic Region), to ensure that workers on both sides of the border are safer, have a higher standard of living and a meaningful voice in the workplace We will rise to the occasion, and our union is better off for his decades-long efforts.”

About Leo Gerard:
Leo Girard is the International President Emeritus of the United Steelworkers, serving in the union’s top position from 2001 to 2019. Girard was the second Canadian to lead the international union, following his mentor Len Williams, who served as International President of the United Steelworkers from 1983 to 1983. 1994.

Gerard was born in Creighton Mine, Ontario, a “company town” in the Sudbury region created by mining giant Enco Limited. Following in the footsteps of his father, a union organizer, he went to work for Enco at the age of 18. He soon got involved with United Steelworkers Local 6500, and began a rapid climb up the union leadership ladder.

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After reaching the position of chief superintendent of his local 7,000-member union, Gerard’s leadership abilities prompted the UWA to appoint him to a staff position in 1977. He became the union’s Ontario director, Canadian national director and then international treasurer. Which led to his installation as International President in 2001.

Leading North America’s largest industrial union, with 1.2 million members continent-wide at its peak, Gerard had a profound impact on workplace health and safety, gender equality, labor rights, decent wages, pensions, global solidarity, fair trade and social justice.

About the Center for Industrial Relations and Human Resources at the University of Toronto:
Since 1965, the Center for Industrial Relations and Human Resources has brought together professors from many different disciplines and departments at the University of Toronto to teach and conduct research on all aspects of the workplace and employment relations. The faculty at CIRHR reflects the depth, breadth, and diversity of our university.

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About the United Steelworkers Union:
The WA represents 225,000 members in virtually every economic sector across Canada, and is the largest private sector union in North America, with 850,000 members in Canada, the United States and the Caribbean.

Every year, thousands of workers choose to join the USW because of the union’s strong record of creating healthier, safer and more respectful workplaces and negotiating better working conditions and fairer compensation – including good wages, benefits and pensions.

For more information, please contact Shannon Devine, USW Communications, 416-938-4402, sdevine@usw.ca

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