USW International President Leo Gerard to Retire

United Steelworkers International President Leo Gerard will retire after 50 years of service. Gerard began his association with the USW as a union staff representative and ultimately became a District Director, the National Director for Canada, International Secretary-Treasurer and finally in 2001 the USW’s International President.

Gerard was a constant and strong voice for the USW both in Washington, D.C., and in Ottawa. He served on a variety of advisory councils and task forces, setting policy and relentlessly defending workers during his presidency. Under his leadership, the USW formed the first global union, Workers Uniting, and built global labor alliances around the world, the USW said.