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WHEREAS, Leo W. Gerard, the son of a union miner and activist, studied economics and political science at Laurentian University, where he later received an honorary doctorate of laws degree and was awarded a second honorary doctorate of laws degree from the University of Guelph in Canada, in recognition of his contributions to social justice; and
WHEREAS, Leo W. Gerard was appointed International President on Feb. 28, 2001 by the USW's International Executive Board to succeed the late George Becker, who had retired; and
WHEREAS, after taking office, Leo W. Gerard put the union on a course of renewed activism, demanding - and winning - government action to halt an unprecedented flood of illegal steel imports and negotiating precedent-setting labor agreements that positioned the USW as the decisive force for a humane consolidation of the industry; and
WHEREAS, Leo W. Gerard led the creation of worldwide networks of unions at multinational companies that employ USW members, forging mergers and alliances with strong international industrial unions to combat the exploitation of workers in the developing world; and
WHEREAS, the health and vitality of the City of Pittsburgh is reflected in the great leadership Leo W. Gerard exemplifies towards improving the quality of life for all working people in Western Pennsylvania; and
WHEREAS, on April 25, 2012, at the A. Philip Randolph Institute Benefit Reception and Theatre Performance, Leo W. Gerard is being honored for his steadfast commitment to social and economic justice as an individual who has improved the quality of life for Pittsburgh's most vulnerable residents and their families through local, state and national social and economic change;
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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby commend and congratulate, Leo W. Gerard on being named the A. Philip Randolph Award Recipient by the APRI -Pittsburgh Chapter, and does hereby declare April 25, 2...
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