Walter Reuther
Labor union leader
Walter Reuther Rank
About Walter Reuther
Walter Philip Reuther was his full name, and he is widely considered one of the most outstanding American leaders of organized labor. He was the president of the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) (1952–1955) and the United Automobile Workers (UAW) (1946–1970).
Background, Early Life & Education
Reuther was of German descent and was born in Wheeling, West Virginia, USA. He moved to Detroit at age 19 in 1927 and persuaded Ford Motor Company to hire him as a tool maker. However, he subsequently became one of the most skilled mechanics in the company. He later enrolled in Wayne State University. Between 1927 and 1930, he toured the Soviet Union and many other European and Asian countries, teaching mechanics to run assembly lines.
Politics & Contributions to CIO & UAW
During his administration as president of UAW, the union experienced its most progressive seasons in history. Reuther leveraged the union's resources to promote equal rights for women and blacks, universal public education, health care, affordable housing, and many other global workers' rights.
After serving as the president of the "CIO" from 1952 to 1955, he partnered with George Meany to co-found the "AFL-CIO" in 1955.
He supported civil rights leaders such as Martin Luther King, Jr. and Cesar Chavez.
Cause of Death
He sadly died in a plane crash with his wife on May 9, 1970. He was 62 years old.
Walter Reuther Rank
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F.A.Q. about Walter Reuther
When is his birthday?
Walter Reuther's birthday is on September 1, 1907.
In how many days is his birthday?
Walter's birthday is in 211 days
How old was Walter when he died?
He was 62 years old.
When did he die?
He died in May 9, 1970.
How old would he be today?
Walter Reuther would be 117 years old if he was alive today.
Where was Walter from?
He was born in Wheeling, West Virginia, U.S..