Ray Majerus

Raymond E. Majerus (1924 – December 17, 1987) was an American labor leader who served as secretary-treasurer of the United Automobile Workers.[1] From 1954 to 1960, Majerus was a key figure in the Kohler strike.[1]

Biography

Majerus began working for Kohler Co. in the early 1950s.[2] In 1952, Majerus led a wildcat strike for which he was fired.[2] He remained involved in labor organization efforts at Kohler, however, and played a role in the decision to affiliate the company-supported Kohler Workers Association with the United Automobile Workers.[3][1] When the U.A.W. won its first contract with Kohler in 1953, one of the provisions insisted that Majerus be barred from working at the plant.[1]

Despite the ban, Majerus served as a union representative and was a key figure in the Kohler strike that lasted from 1954 to 1960.[1] The union eventually won the strike, and Kohler was forced to give workers back pay.[1]

In 1965, while working as a U.A.W. staff member in the Wisconsin-Minnesota region, Majerus traveled to Selma, Alabama to march for civil rights.[2]

Majerus was elected director of the Wisconsin-Minnesota region of the U.A.W. in 1972.[1] Eight years later, in 1980, he was elected secretary-treasurer of the United Automobile Workers, the second-highest position in the union.[1][4]

In 1982, Majerus sought the presidency of the United Automobile Workers.[5] He was an early front-runner, but ultimately lost to Owen Bieber.[1]

In addition to his union positions, Majerus also served as a member of the Democratic National Committee from Wisconsin.[1]

He died on December 16, 1987, of a heart attack.[1]

Personal life

He was the father of basketball coach Rick Majerus.[2]

References
  1. John Holusha (1987-12-17). "Raymond E. Majerus Dies at 63; Secretary-Treasurer of U.A.W." The New York Times. Archived from the original on 2017-11-03. Retrieved 2018-02-18.
  2. Friend, Tom (20 March 1997). "For Majerus, No Place Is Like the Final Four". The New York Times – via NYTimes.com.
  3. Bender, Marylin (6 May 1973). "The Kohlers of Wisconsin". The New York Times – via NYTimes.com.
  4. "Auto Union Gets New Leadership; No Big Shift in Policies Is Expected; New Assignments Made Reporters Are Cautioned Thousands Are Out of Work". The New York Times. 7 June 1980 – via NYTimes.com.
  5. Times, John Holusha and Special To the New York (21 September 1982). "4 SEEK PRESIDENCY OF AUTO WORKERS". The New York Times.
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