Yokich, Stephen Phillip, << YOH kihch, STEE vehn FIHL ihp >> (1935-2002), served as president of the United Automobile Workers (UAW) from 1995 to 2002. The UAW is one of the largest labor unions in the United States. Its official name is International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America. Yokich became known for his efforts to secure better wages, conditions, and benefits for workers; expand opportunities for women and minorities; bring labor concerns to government attention; and maintain close ties with other unions.
Yokich was born in Detroit on Aug. 20, 1935. His parents were both active in local unions during his childhood. He served in the United States Air Force from 1952 to 1956, then began a skilled trades apprenticeship with the Heidrich Tool and Die Company.
Yokich joined the UAW in 1956, while serving his apprenticeship. In the years that followed, he held offices of increasing importance within the union. In 1980, Yokich became a union vice president, a position he held for 15 years. After UAW president Owen F. Bieber retired in 1995, union delegates appointed Yokich to the presidency. He was elected to a second term in 1998. He retired in 2002, and Ron Gettelfinger, who had served as vice president since 1998, became president.
In 1993, Yokich established the Community Caring Program (originally called the Arthur Ashe Scholarship Foundation). The program provides scholarships for deserving children. He died on Aug. 16, 2002.
See also Bieber, Owen Frederick ; United Automobile Workers (UAW) .
