The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) joins the global labour movement in mourning the death of Canadian trade unionist, Basil ‘Buzz’ Hargrove.
Described as a labour giant, Hargrove was President of Canada’s largest private sector union, the Canadian Auto Workers (CAW), from 1992 to 2008, when he retired aged 65. He was 81 at the time of his death.
Paying tribute to Hargrove, Unifor which was formed in 2013 when CAW merged with the Communications, Energy and Papresworkers Union, dubbed him, “a tireless advocate for working people and a deeply respected leader.”
Recognised for his negotiating prowess, Hargrove led negotiations with major employers including General Motors, Ford, Chrysler, Air Canada and CN Rail. He secured gains for workers that elevated employment conditions across sectors.
Finance Minister, Enoch Godongwana, had the opportunity to work with Hargrove during his tenure as General Secretary of the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA). Together they collaborated with automotive unions globally to form bargaining strategies and approaches for the sector. Godongwana has credited Hargrove for improving conditions of work saying, “Benefits such as better wages and pensions were achieved through the right to bargain which came as a result of labour activism from leaders like Comrade Buzz.”
The Canadian labour giant has been praised for not forgetting where he came from and for his unwavering devotion to the movement over many decades from when he was a young worker at Chrysler.
COSATU pays homage to Comrade Basil and the entire Canadian workers movement, who during the height of apartheid joined other workers across the world and stood in solidarity in the fight for human rights, for a non-racial and democratic South Africa, and in support of COSATU and the broad liberation movement. Leaders of his calibre are rare and will forever be missed. COSATU sends its heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and comrades around the world.
Issued by COSATU
Bongani Masuku (COSATU International Secretary)
Mobile: 079 499 6419
Email: bongani@cosatu.org.za
OR
Zanele Sabela (COSATU National Spokesperson)
Mobile: 079 287 5788 / 077 600 6639
Email: zaneles@cosatu.org.za