| Former UAW President Doug Fraser, one of the most respected labor leaders of the 20th century, has passed away. With his mischievous smile and gregarious, easygoing manner, Fraser was popular with the union's rank-and-file, who appreciated his candor and accessibility. Everyone called him Doug. "Everybody thought he was wonderful," Winnie Fraser said. "He was a good guy, and he really was (wonderful)." He also was a shrewd and pragmatic negotiator who won the respect of Big Three executives. In the 1960s and '70s, he helped win such benefits as comprehensive health care, uncapped cost-of-living allowances and improved working conditions.
UPDATE: MLive has more remembrances of Mr. Fraser from Jennifer Granholm, John Dingell, and others. |
