UAW President Ron Gettelfinger receives the Eugene V. Debs Award from Michael Sullivan, president of the Debs Foundation and the Sheet Metal Workers. Gettelfinger was cited for his fight against “overwhelming odds.” He attended the banquet in Terre Haute, Ind., with his wife, Judy, left.

Photo: NANCY DEA / UAW LOCAL 292

Born and raised in Indiana, Eugene Victor Debs spent his life working for fair wages, workers’ rights, social justice and equality.

The Eugene V. Debs Foundation in Terre Haute, Ind., was founded in 1962 as a memorial to his progressive and humanitarian spirit, and to preserve the Debs Home at 451 N. Eighth Street as a public museum. The nonprofit foundation also serves as an archival resource for research and education in the social sciences, labor studies and political history.

Every year since 1965 an awards banquet has been held in Terre Haute, Ind., honoring a person whose work has been in the spirit of Debs and who has contributed to the advancement of causes of industrial unionism, social justice or world peace.

From John L. Lewis, its first recipient 44 years ago, to last year’s honoree, United Mine Workers President Cecil Roberts, each individual – whether in the labor movement, public service or education – has made significant contributions to society in the “Debsian” tradition.

UAW President Ron Gettelfinger was this year’s recipient, and the second UAW president to be honored with the Debs Award. The first was Walter Reuther in 1968.

Gettelfinger received the 2009 Eugene V. Debs Award on Oct. 3 for being instrumental in fighting against overwhelming odds to preserve and protect the wages and benefits of UAW members and retirees.

“As president of the union most adversely impacted by the worldwide economic downturn – especially threatening the health and economic welfare of UAW members and retirees, along with the U.S.-based auto industry – Ron Gettelfinger has been defending UAW members and retirees against overwhelming odds to protect their wages and benefits,” said Michael Sullivan, president of the Debs Foundation and the Sheet Metal Workers.

Gettelfinger’s remarks stressed the importance of keeping the memory of Debs and others like him alive to “understand the immense sacrifice of those who came before us.”

“Thank you for honoring the UAW … This isn’t for any one officer. It’s for our entire union, its ongoing history and our continued fight for social justice,” he added.

Jennifer John
Nancy Dea of Local 292 contributed to this article.