Toledo Council honors longtime UAW Local 12 leader Bruce Baumhower on retirement

The Toledo City Council adopted a resolution Aug. 12 honoring Bruce Baumhower on his retirement after decades in the labor movement and more than 32 years serving as president of United Auto Workers Local 12. The council credited Baumhower with playing a leading role in keeping and expanding Jeep and other auto-industry operations in the Toledo area and with community advocacy beyond labor issues.

Resolution 287-25, introduced by Councilman Serrantu, recounts Baumhower’s start at the local Jeep plant in 1972, his election as Local 12 president in 1993, and his involvement in major local investments the resolution describes as transformational, including the establishment of a Chrysler Jeep Liberty plant and a 2005 facility cited in the text.

Council members who spoke at the presentation highlighted his role in negotiations, strikes and community organizing and said his work helped secure wages, benefits and long-term employment for thousands of area families. Councilman Serrantu, sponsor of the resolution, said Baumhower’s leadership “kept that plant here” and credited him, Mayor Finkbeiner and Gov. Voinovich with saving local jobs. Councilwoman Williams recounted a personal incident in which Baumhower intervened on behalf of a pregnant worker, calling it an example of his on-the-ground leadership. Several other council members — including Morris, McAllen, Driscoll and Carmives — offered remarks thanking Baumhower for his leadership and community impact.

Baumhower accepted the recognition and asked members of Local 12 present to stand. He also introduced Brian Sims as the new president of Local 12 and thanked family and colleagues. The council then recessed briefly for a group photo.

The resolution passed on a voice/roll call vote during the meeting.