PITTSBURGH - The United Steelworkers (USW) said that the union is saddened by the news that former United Paperworkers International Union President Wayne E. Glenn passed away on January 3, 2021.

Glenn enlisted in the U.S. Navy to fight in World War II, and when he returned to Arkansas, he worked in a paper mill and became active in the labor movement. He was the first President of the Arkansas State AFL-CIO and a nine-state regional director before becoming President of the United Paperworkers, an office he held until retirement in 1996, after 50 years in the union.

USW International President Thomas M. Conway said that Glenn served as a mentor to many in the labor movement by devoting his life to the service of others and to his country.

"In the labor movement in particular, we recognize that everything we achieve is possible because of the hard work, dedication and sacrifices made by those who came before us," Conway said. "We are proud to honor Wayne Glenn's legacy by continuing to fight for all workers."

USW International Vice President Leeann Foster said that Glenn was well known for being an outspoken advocate for justice.

"We are saddened by the loss of our brother, mentor and friend," Foster said. "We offer our deepest sympathy and condolences to his family and others throughout the labor movement who Wayne Glenn inspired to activism."

The USW represents 850,000 men and women employed in manufacturing, metals, mining, pulp and paper, rubber, chemicals, glass, auto supply and the energy-producing industries, along with a growing number of workers in public sector, service, tech and academic occupations.