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Fraser, Trailblazing UAW Leader, Dies At 91

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By DAVID RUNK, The Associated Press

Published: February 25, 2008

DETROIT - Douglas A. Fraser, who led the United Auto Workers union through dark hours in the U.S. auto industry in the 1970s and '80s and was instrumental in the effort that saved Chrysler from bankruptcy, has died. He was 91.

With his mischievous smile and gregarious, easygoing manner, Fraser was popular with the union's rank-and-file, who appreciated his candor and accessibility.

He also was a shrewd and pragmatic negotiator who won the respect of Big Three executives. In the 1960s and '70s, he helped secure such benefits as comprehensive health care, uncapped cost-of-living allowances and improved working conditions.

But he faced challenges as UAW president from 1977 to 1983, a period of severe financial hardship for the industry that forced the union to make unprecedented concessions.

Fraser considered his finest achievement the UAW's campaign to obtain $1.5 billion in federal loan guarantees for Chrysler Corp. in 1979, which saved the automaker from bankruptcy.

"At the time, he was probably the most respected labor leader in America and he had great political charm, as well as substantive commitment," said former Michigan Gov. James Blanchard, who knew Fraser for more than 30 years and as a U.S. House member worked with Fraser on the efforts to guarantee Chrysler's loans. "He was really key in everything that happened to save Chrysler."

Fraser's decisions to give contract concessions to Chrysler in 1979 and to Ford Motor Co. and General Motors Corp. in 1982 were opposed by many UAW members but contributed to the industry's recovery.

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