He was always about families
“Steve was first and foremost a trade unionist, and part of his commitment to UAW members was seeing that there would be a next generation of jobs. He was always about families, and knew there had to be jobs for the next generation.
“He was the consummate trade unionist, an absolute master of union politics. I always marveled at his ability to walk a shop floor and take command of it.
“We were very frank with each other and we got along just fine. But I’ll miss getting yelled at. I got fired a few times, and I never worked for him!”
Peter Pestillo is chairman of Visteon and a former Ford Motor Co. vice chairman.
Focus on business
“His influence is felt throughout the United States, in the auto industry and plant communities, and at business headquarters. Steve also helped his members appreciate the importance of focusing on the business. He made quality everyone’s top priority.”
William C. Ford Jr. is chairman and CEO of Ford Motor Co.
Character and integrity
“I have to give Steve credit as one of the toughest and most passionate negotiators I’ve ever dealt with, but I also give him credit for having one of the quickest and sharpest minds I’ve ever seen. Through all the issues and challenges we faced together, we never lost respect for each other’s character and integrity.
“That respect was a major factor in the way the two sides were able to rebuild a relationship after the 1998 strike. With the focus on open communication and common purpose, we made tremendous progress in the areas closest to Steve’s own heart as well as every American’s — health care, education and work-life balance in particular.”
Jack Smith is chairman of General Motors.
A tremendous leader
“We knew him as a tremendous leader and a passionate advocate for working men and women everywhere. He could be a tough adversary, but at the same time, a good friend — and to gracefully combine those two qualities is truly a hallmark of greatness.”
Dieter Zetsche is president and CEO of the Chrysler Group.
With us the whole way
Tom Mutchler, who worked at the Michigan Department of Mental Health, was a member of a search committee formed by state employees in 1985. They were considering affiliating their independent employee association with a major international union.
“When we first came to Solidarity House, we met with Steve. He took the time to spend an afternoon with us, and well into the evening, just to talk about our issues. He sold us on the UAW at that first meeting, he took such a strong interest. He reassured us that the UAW was really interested in helping us.
“Steve came and personally bargained our first contract. He led the negotiations, and part of our problem was that the state government didn’t really have anybody who knew how to negotiate. He had to work with them, and teach them how to bargain, and make them follow the process as it should be followed.
“He was right there with us from the beginning until the very end. It ended with a 40-hour bargaining session, and he was right there with us the whole way through.”
Tom Mutchler is assistant director of the UAW Civil Rights Department and was a founding member of UAW Local 6000.
