UAW President's Office: Douglas Fraser Records

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Douglas A. Fraser was elected UAW President in 1977 following the retirement of Leonard Woodcock.  As UAW President Fraser presided over the emergence of Japanese auto imports into the previously US dominated auto industry, growing concerns over air quality, worker safety issues, and job re-training. In 1981 Fraser successfully reunited the UAW with the AFL-CIO after a 13 year absence. Fraser was also instrumental in assisting Chrysler Motor Company’s federal bailout loan to avoid the company’s bankruptcy and the loss of thousands of auto workers’ jobs in 1979. In recognition of his commitment to the success of both US auto companies and workers, in 1980 Fraser was the first union member to be elected to the Chrysler Board of Directors. Fraser retired from the UAW in 1983, succeeded by Owen Bieber, to begin his second career as Professor of Labor Studies at Wayne State University. Douglas Fraser died on February 23, 2008.

The collection is divided into two parts. Part 1 includes subjects such as Chrysler Corporation; UAW Regions 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D; Canadian autoworkers; Detroit economic development; foreign automobile industry; Democratic Party politics; plant closings; air pollution; contract negotiations; strikes; SUB; Progressive Alliance; Walter Reuther; and early retirement.

Part 2 represents subject files and International Executive Board files not represented in Office of the President Part 1. The subject files provide information regarding the UAW’s interaction with Chrysler Motor Coporation during the late 1970’s and early 1980’s, and detailed information related to the Chrysler Federal Loan Bailout. The International Executive Board Files provide insight into the interaction between the UAW Office of the President and the International Executive Board of the union.

	Attachment	(click to download)
	LR001116_guide.pdf	498.93 KB
	LR001116_2_guide.pdf	157.09 KB