James Housewright
James Talbertt Housewright (November 23, 1921[1] – September 19, 1977) was an American labor union leader.
James Talbertt Housewright | |
---|---|
7th International President of the Retail Clerks International Union | |
In office 1968–1977 | |
Preceded by | James Suffridge |
Succeeded by | William H. Wynn |
Personal details | |
Born | Wesco, Missouri, U.S. |
Born in Wesco, Missouri,[1] Housewright grew up in Indiana. He joined the Retail Clerks International Union in 1947, and soon became secretary-treasurer of its Local 725, based in Indianapolis. He became a full-time representative of the union in 1953, a division director the following year, then director of organization, and executive assistant to the president. In 1968, he was elected as the union's president, one of the youngest leaders of a major labor union. Under his leadership, the union's membership doubled.[2][3]
Housewright also became a vice-president of the
Amalgamated Meat Cutters and Butcher Workmen of North America. However, he died in 1977, before any merger could be agreed.[2]
References
- ^ a b Who Was Who in America. Vol. 7. Marqius. 1981.
- ^ a b "James T. Housewright Dead at 55; Led Retail Clerks International". New York Times. September 20, 1977. Retrieved 4 February 2023.
- ^ Hailey, Jean R. (September 21, 1977). "James Housewright Dies, Retail Clerks Union Chief". Washington Post. Retrieved 4 February 2023.