Labor - And A Whole Lot More: A Good, Stubborn Irishman

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He was one of the last of the old-line labor leaders who once had great influence in San Francisco and other major cities. He was Irish-Catholic, of course, a resident of the city's principal working class district, and from one of the blue-collar trades.

His name was Joseph Michael O'Sullivan. He had been president of San Francisco's Building and Construction Trades Council and for four decades head of its main carpenters union local.

He died two decades ago, all but forgotten then and all but forgotten now. But those who would truly understand the history of San Francisco and in particular the key role organized labor has played in the city's development, must pay attention to the memory of Joe O'Sullivan.

He was a very good man. He also was a very stubborn man. I remember, for instance, that time back in 1976 when he insisted on going to jail.

http://www.dickmeister.com/id104.html

This man, Joseph Michael O'Sullivan gives true meaning to what it means to be in a union and to be an active union representative/worker and leader. Joe O'Sullivan died in 1984 at the age of 82 years. He had been in jail in 1976 towards the end of his life -- still fighting the good fight right up until the end of his life.

I hope you are resting in peace Mr. O'Sullivan! Unions today could learn a few things and then some from you! :)

UNION YES!