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UAW Mourns the Death of Former UAW President Leonard Woodcock

17 January 2001

UAW Mourns the Death of Former UAW President Leonard Woodcock

    DETROIT, Jan. 17 UAW President Stephen P. Yokich today
issued the following statement on the death of former UAW President Leonard
Woodcock:

    "In his long and remarkable career as a trade union leader, political and
social activist, and educator, Leonard Woodcock touched the lives of countless
working people throughout the world.
    "Leonard Woodcock led the UAW through one of the most difficult times in
our union's history.  He became president of the UAW in June 1970 following
the tragic death of Walter Reuther, and immediately faced the challenge of
leading the UAW in national negotiations with the Big Three automakers.
President Woodcock led the UAW through a 67-day strike against General Motors
that achieved what many industry experts had said couldn't be done: the 1970
contract restored full cost-of-living protection for UAW members and
established the '30-and-out' retirement program.
    "Leonard Woodcock brought to the union movement a passionate commitment to
social justice and human dignity for all people.  He was a leader in the fight
to wipe out discrimination in jobs, housing, and all other aspects of American
life, and in 1961, as Vice President and Director of the UAW General Motors
Department, he negotiated the first union contract clause barring
discriminatory employment practices.
    "Leonard Woodcock's courage and vision were recognized not only throughout
the union movement, but by leaders of government and business as well. He was
a tireless and eloquent advocate for national health care, civil rights, and
educational opportunity for all Americans.
    "In March 1977, President Jimmy Carter selected Leonard Woodcock for the
sensitive and challenging job of United States representative to the People's
Republic of China, charged with the responsibility of negotiating the
normalization of diplomatic relations between the two nations.  In 1979,
President Carter appointed him as the first United States Ambassador to the
People's Republic of China -- a position in which Leonard served, as always,
with distinction.
    "The entire UAW family is deeply saddened by the loss of this great
American and great trade union leader, who contributed so much to our union
and to the cause of economic and social justice for all.  Leonard Woodcock
leaves an enduring legacy that will inspire trade unionists for generations to
come.
    "On behalf of the entire UAW family, we offer our deepest condolences to
Leonard's wife, Sharon, and his children, Leslie, Janet, and John."