Walter Reuther: September 1, 1907 – May 9, 1970
Today marks the 51st anniversary of the tragic loss of UAW President Walter Reuther and his wife, May. Take a look back at Reuther’s life and his lasting impact on the American labor movement:
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Good Jobs, Healthy Planet
Now an International event, Earth Day has been celebrated since April 22, 1970 and its origins are here in the United States. In fact, this annual celebration wouldn’t exist without legendary UAW leader Walter Reuther. In 1970, environmental protection was gaining momentum as an urgent national issue. Nationwide environmental teach-ins were held in the spring
In tribute: Walter Reuther’s Impact Endures and Teaches
Walter P. Reuther is an icon and an American hero of the working class. For those of us at the UAW, there are almost no words powerful enough to describe what he means to this union and our members. And for me, as the current president of the UAW, I am so humbled and inspired
Remembering Walter Reuther
Upon Walter Reuther’s untimely death in 1970, tributes poured in from around the country. Elected officials, newspapers, and working Americans sent their heartfelt condolences at the loss of one of America’s great labor leaders. We’ve compiled some of the eulogies below as a reminder of the impact Reuther had, and continues to have, on the
Remembering Walter Reuther
May 9th marks the 50th anniversary of the death of the UAW’s longest-serving president, Walter Reuther. Throughout the week, we’ll be celebrating his life and remembering his legacy with photos and videos from the UAW archives. Follow along all week here on UAW.org as well as on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.
Secretary-Treasurer Ray Curry: By the Content of their Character
America’s Black History, which we celebrate this month, offers abundant examples across the centuries of how one person can make a difference, how one person can move an entire people forward. I am lucky enough to have witnessed the results of two such difference makers firsthand, both in my job and in my life. Two
Sign the petition to honor Walter Reuther with a commemorative stamp
Walter Reuther can be said to have done more for more American workers than any other leader in the labor movement. He spent his life ensuring American workers have a voice at the table with management, a voice still exercised today by workers in contract negotiations that will affect millions of working families. He was
Honoring Walter and May Reuther
Forty-eight years ago today, the UAW lost a great leader, Walter Reuther, his wife May, and four others in a tragic plane crash near Onaway, Mich., May 9, 1970. In an unprecedented show of respect and solidarity, on the day of Walter and May’s funeral, May 12, UAW members at over 300 plants across the
54 Years Later, Martin Luther King’s Speech Speaks Truth in Today’s Torn Times
Today marks the 54th Anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I have a dream” speech. Looking back at the values that motivated Dr. King’s leadership in the civil rights movement and struggle for jobs and justice, it’s clear that Americans are still striving to make this dream a reality. The historic speech is believed