The ITUC expresses its deep sorrow at the passing, on 6 November in his home town of Graz, of Heribert Maier, the Austrian international labour leader and former Deputy Director-General of the ILO. Heribert Maier served as Assistant General Secretary of the ICFTU in 1972-3, until his election as General Secretary of the International Federation of Commercial, Clerical and Technical Employees (FIET), a forerunner of today’s UNI Global Union. In 1989, he took up his ILO appointment, from which he retired in 1996.

“Heribert Maier served the world trade union movement with great distinction, and those of us who had the privilege to work with him owe him a huge debt of gratitude for his guidance and wisdom”, said ITUC General Secretary Guy Ryder. “He played a key role at the International Labour Organisation both as a worker representative and subsequently as its Deputy Director-General for 13 years. His unexpected loss is a tremendous blow too all those who knew him, and he will be remembered as a person of dedication and commitment to improving the lives of working people throughout the world”.

Heribert Maier was awarded the Grand Decoration of Honour in Silver with Star by the Government of Austria in 1996. Following his retirement, he served on the Committee of Experts on Membership of the Education International with former Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke and former ICFTU General Secretary Johnny Vanderveken.

He is survived by his wife Renée and daughter Christina.