Buzz Hargrove

Basil (Buzz) Hargrove served as National President of the Canadian Auto Workers Union from 1992 until his retirement in September 2008. One of the most recognized labour leaders in Canada, Buzz has been a figurehead in the fight for workplace and social justice.

Born and raised in Bath, New Brunswick (1944), Hargrove’s roots in the labour movement began on the auto assembly line in Windsor, Ontario. His willingness to defend workers’ rights won him the respect and confidence of his union brothers and sisters. Buzz eventually found himself a place in the union, serving in a variety of capacities. He held several leadership positions and eventually was elected to the executive of UAW-Canada Local 444.

Buzz joined the UAW staff in 1975 and three years later became the assistant to then UAW Canadian Director Bob White. Hargrove was an integral part of the leadership team that broke away from the UAW in 1984 and formed the CAW in 1985. Along with his efforts as National President for sixteen years, he served as vice-president of the Canadian Labour Congress’ executive committee.

Hargrove has extensive bargaining experience, having negotiated with some of Canada’s largest private corporations including General Motors, Chrysler, Ford, Air Canada, and CN Rail. His well-rounded understanding of the economic, social and political issues affecting workers has fueled his commitment to help working people and their families at home and around the world.

In November 1998, Hargrove released an autobiography entitled Labour of Love: The Fight to Create a More Humane Canada. More recently, Hargrove’s second book entitled Laying it on the Line: Driving a Hard Bargain in Challenging Times was released in October 2009. In recognition of his hard work and dedication Hargrove received honorary doctorates from Brock University in 1998, the University of Windsor in 2003, Wilfred Laurier University in 2004, Ryerson University in 2006, the University of New Brunswick in 2008, and Queen’s University in 2009. He was also named a Fellow of Centennial College in June of 2005.

Nationally recognized for his contributions to society, Buzz was named an officer of the prestigious Order of Canada in 2008.

Since retirement, Buzz has focused his energy on many different projects. He was appointed to the National Hockey League Player’s Association (NHLPA) advisory, holding the position of interim Ombudsman for a period of time and is a Distinguished Visiting Professor at Ryerson University in the Ted Rogers School of Business offering a critical labour perspective on social, economical, and political issues to undergraduate and graduate students.

Hargrove now lives with his wife Denise Small outside of Toronto, Ontario.