Labour giant, former Canadian Auto Workers head Buzz Hargrove has died
The Canadian labor movement is mourning the loss of former Canadian Auto Workers president Buzz Hargrove, who passed away at the age of 81. Unifor, Canada’s largest private-sector union, described Hargrove as a beloved and iconic figure in the country’s labor movement, known for his tireless advocacy for working people and his leadership.
Hargrove served as the national president of the CAW from 1992 until his retirement in 2008, just before reaching the union’s mandatory retirement age of 65. The CAW later merged with the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union to form Unifor in 2013. Hargrove, who started his career on the shop floor of Chrysler’s assembly plant in Windsor, Ontario, was praised for his dedication to fighting for fairness and justice for workers.
Born in Bath, New Brunswick, in 1944, Hargrove grew up in a large family and rose to prominence as a labor leader through his work with Local 444 and later on the national stage. He played a key role in negotiating contracts with major employers such as General Motors, Ford, Chrysler, Air Canada, and CN Rail, raising standards for workers across various sectors.
Hargrove was described as a committed social unionist who championed broader social justice issues, including public health care, retirement security, equity, and fair trade. His passion, intellect, and unwavering belief in justice for working people shaped the labor movement in Canada.
Former colleagues and friends remember Hargrove as a mentor, bookworm, and progressive leader who was always seeking knowledge and understanding of current events. Despite his retirement from the CAW, Hargrove remained active in the labor movement, serving on the advisory board of the NHL Players’ Association and as the interim ombudsman.
In recognition of his contributions to the labor movement, Hargrove was named an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2008. Unifor announced that details of a celebration of his life and legacy will be shared in the coming days, ensuring that Hargrove’s impact on Canadian workers is remembered and honored.
