Industry Mourns Steve Yokich

Shock and sadness greet the Aug. 16 death of Stephen Yokich, who retired as UAW president just 11 weeks earlier.

Yokich, who held the top UAW job for seven years and helped guide the union through tumultuous events such as the merger that created DaimlerChrysler AG, suffered a stroke and succumbed just four days shy of his 67th birthday.

Says Chrysler Group President and CEO Dieter Zetsche: “Words can scarcely express our sadness at the unexpected passing of Stephen P. Yokich. He could be a tough adversary, but at the same time, a good friend — and to gracefully combine those two qualities is truly a hallmark of greatness.”

Yokich is credited with repairing relations with General Motors Corp. following rancorous strikes at its Flint, MI, facilities in 1998.

“We have lost a respected business partner, a passionate leader in community and union relations, and most importantly, a good and honorable man,” says GM Chairman Jack Smith.

Renowned for tenaciousness at the bargaining table, Yokich fought equally hard for change outside the industry. This attitude colored his approach to bargaining as he successfully persuaded auto makers to look outside the plant gates when considering the quality of life enjoyed by their employees.

His efforts helped establish a network of “Family Service and Learning Centers” in conjunction with Ford Motor Co. and Visteon Corp.

“His influence is felt throughout the United States,” says Ford Chairman and CEO Bill Ford Jr. “We will miss him.”

Before passing the mantle of leadership to Ron Gettelfinger in June, Yokich took the podium at a UAW convention and used his final State of the Union address to urge action.

“This union has never been limited to collective bargaining or the workplace,” he said, adding the UAW is focused on promoting a “vision of dignity, freedom and social and economic justice for all Americans.”