The greatest challenge of Fraser's presidency occurred in 1979: the Chrysler Corporation was nearly bankrupt. Along with Michigan Senator Donald Riegle and Congressman James Blanchard, he successfully lobbied Congress and President Jimmy Carter in support of $1.5 billion in federal loan guarantees for Chrysler. Fraser negotiated new contracts with the corporation: three times within fourteen months, he persuaded UAW workers to grant wage and benefit concessions to the company. In return for his efforts, Fraser was named a member of the Chrysler board of directors in 1980.

Doug Fraser and Jimmy Carter in the White House's oval office, November 1980. (Official White House Photograph)

Doug Fraser with administrative assistant and UAW vice president Irving Bluestone outside General Motors headquarters, opening day of contract negotiations, September 1979. (Photograph by Junebug Clark)

Upon retirement from the UAW in 1983, Fraser began a second career as a distinguished university professor of labor studies at Wayne State University. His 50 years of experience in the labor movement serves Fraser well, as a popular instructor at Wayne State, and as a lecturer at Harvard, Notre Dame and other universities. In November 1997, the College of Urban, Labor and Metropolitan Affairs at Wayne state University created the Douglas A. Fraser Center for Workplace Issues. Housed at the university's Walter P. Reuther Library, it is a fitting and working tribute to the former "dingman" and UAW president who has always focused his career and energies on improving the economic and social well-being of working Americans. Return To Part I Of Exhibit

Doug Fraser in his office at the Walter Reuther Library, Wayne State University.