UAW’s Top Lobbyist Reuther Will Retire Soon
The United Auto Workers top Washington lobbyist is retiring this month, the Detroit Free Press reports. "Reuther, 60, has worked as the UAW's voice in Washington for two decades, through the government-funded bankruptcies of General Motors and Chrysler, tough new fuel economy rules and health-care reform that the union has pushed for years." Reuther is a second-generation labor advocate in the automotive industry (Hyde and Snavely, 6/15).
"In late 2008, Reuther helped guide the union through its most difficult period in Washington, as General Motors and Chrysler struggled to survive," The Detroit News reports. "The union also helped win passage of a $25 billion retooling fund for auto factories and helped secure billions in funding from the Obama administration to restructure the companies in bankruptcy. His has also been a key voice on other issues, including pension reform and trade issues." He worked on the health overhaul, too (Shepadson, 6/15).