TORONTO – Canada's largest private-sector union, Unifor, announced the passing of former Canadian Auto Workers (CAW) president Basil "Buzz" Hargrove. Hargrove, described as "a beloved and iconic figure in Canada's labour movement," dedicated his life to advocating for working people. Unifor emphasized that he was a deeply respected leader whose contributions shaped the labour landscape in Canada.
Basil Hargrove served as the national president of the CAW from 1992 until his retirement in 2008, stepping down shortly before reaching the union's mandatory retirement age of 65. The CAW merged with the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union in 2013 to become Unifor.
Born in Bath, New Brunswick, in 1944, Hargrove was raised in a family of ten children. He began his career on the assembly line at Chrysler’s Windsor, Ontario, plant. During his presidency, he led significant negotiations with major employers including General Motors, Ford, Chrysler, Air Canada, and CN Rail. His efforts were pivotal in securing contracts that elevated standards across various sectors.
Unifor National President Lana Payne remarked on Hargrove's working-class roots, stating, "He never forgot where he came from – and he carried that working-class spirit with him into every boardroom, bargaining session, and public forum." She noted that his passion, intellect, and unwavering commitment to justice for working people were instrumental in shaping the contemporary labour movement in Canada.
Hargrove succeeded Bob White as the leader of the CAW after the union's split from the United Auto Workers in 1985, which was driven by disagreements over bargaining strategies. Under Hargrove's leadership, the CAW negotiated some of the most lucrative contracts for workers in Canada and expanded its representation beyond the auto industry to include sectors such as airlines, mining, and fisheries.
Unifor characterized Hargrove as "a committed social unionist," highlighting his efforts to advocate for broader social justice issues, including public health care, retirement security, equity, and fair trade. Payne underscored the impact of his legacy, stating, "We owe him a debt of gratitude for everything he did to build a fairer Canada."
Upon his retirement, Hargrove made it clear that he did not intend to slow down. "I’m not going to sit in a rocking chair and I’m not going to play golf; that’s not my style," he stated during a news conference in Toronto in 2008.
Following his retirement, Hargrove engaged in various activities, which included over a year with the NHL Players' Association, where he initially served on the advisory board and later took on the role of interim ombudsman. Additionally, he worked as the director of the Centre for Labour Management Relations at the Ted Rogers School of Management at Toronto Metropolitan University.
Honored for his contributions to Canadian society, Hargrove was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2008. Unifor announced that details regarding a celebration of Hargrove's life and legacy would be shared in the coming days.
