Passionate fighter

Under Steve’s leadership, our unions built a very close bond. He was a trusted friend, loyal ally and masterful strategist. We shared so many common views.

Workers will remember him as a fighter and passionate civil rights advocate. He was a true champion for workers’ rights and democracy.

Leo Gerard
International president
United Steelworkers of America

Respect and courtesy

On behalf of all the members and staff of the Public Review Board, I should like to express our deep sympathy on the shockingly sad and untimely death of Steve Yokich.

We know that Steve did not always agree with the decisions of our board. But there was never a time when I — or, as far as I know, Monsignor Higgins or any other member of the board — was treated with anything less than the utmost personal respect and courtesy by Steve.

Theodore J. St. Antoine
Public Review Board

Sad and untimely

The Transport and General Workers’ Union and I have just been notified of the sad and untimely death of Steve Yokich.

I would just like to take this opportunity to extend my personal condolences and the condolences of all members of the Transport and General Workers’ Union, particularly the Automotive Group, with whom Steve had an affinity.

Tony Woodley
Deputy general secretary, Transport and General Workers’ Union

Solidarity with Korean workers

I was informed by the International Metalworkers’ Federation that Stephen P. Yokich has passed away, which was sudden sad news for me. He gave Korean workers, especially Korean metalworkers, such big support and solidarity for our struggle for workers’ rights.

I firmly believe that even though he is not with us anymore, we will never forget his contribution for the international solidarity for Korean workers’ struggle for democracy and workers’ rights in our country.

Jeahwan Jeon
Acting president
Korean Metalworkers Federation

Great loss

It was a shock to hear about the sudden death of Steve Yokich. On behalf of all the affiliated unions of the IMF, I send you our most sincere condolences.

This is a great loss for the entire trade union movement.

Marcello Malentacchi
General secretary, International
Metalworkers Federation

Worldwide contributions

We are deeply shocked to learn of the death of former UAW President Stephen P. Yokich.

Indeed, on behalf of Japanese metalworkers, please accept my deepest sympathy on the death of Brother Yokich to the bereaved family, members of the UAW and associates, and your colleagues.

Katsutoshi Suzuki
President, Japan Council of
Metalworkers’ Unions

Deeply impressed

We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of former UAW President Stephen P. Yokich. Please accept my deepest condolences on behalf of all the JAW members. This June, I joined the UAW’s 33rd Constitutional Convention. I was deeply impressed by Brother Yokich’s opening speech. JAW will keep his words in mind and make efforts to achieve social justice in Japan.

Yuji Kato
President, Japanese Auto Workers

Employees’ rights

It was with the greatest sadness that we heard of the untimely death of Stephen Yokich.

I came to know him as a union representative who was always extremely committed, consistent and courageous in representing the interests of the employees. For four years we were able to work for the rights of the employees together on the Supervisory Board of DaimlerChrysler across continental boundaries. His openness for international issues led employees worldwide to understand each other better.

Erich Klemm
DaimlerChrysler
AG World Employee Committee