The final day of the 27th Transport Workers Union Convention in Las Vegas concluded with a homage to the TWU’s historical roots and founder Mike Quill – who was born 120 years ago today.
TWU International President John Samuelsen told delegates that Quill was a fierce advocate for racial equality and spent years traveling to states where non-white workers faced discrimination on the job.
“There’s a lot of history of Mike Quill going into the Jim Crow south, fighting across the south where we had airline members and railroad members that he was fighting for,” Samuelsen said. “Mike Quill was an amazing man and was doing this when other unions were trying to drag him down.”
Samuelsen also reminded delegates that the TWU’s name of Transport Workers Union is a direct nod to Quill’s Irish roots.
“The name, Transport Workers Union was formed as a direct result and a homage of the Irish Transport and General Workers Union,” Samuelsen said.
Historian Lorcan Collins provided a critical history lesson on Quill’s Irish roots and the early years of the TWU. And he noted that Martin Luther King, Jr. acknowledged Quill as a trailblazer for racial equity and labor rights after Quill’s death in 1966.
“Mike Quill was a fighter for decent things in all his life. He spent his life ripping the chains off his fellow man. This is a man the ages will remember,” King said about Quill.
Delegates also watched how Quill and MLK’s legacy continues to drive the TWU’s activism today. A video highlighting the TWU’s Martin Luther King Day march in Houston and community service efforts was played.
“Look at the folks around me, that is what we represent. You are actually looking at America, this is Dr. King’s dream,” Administrative Vice President Curtis Tate said in the video.
The final day of the convention also included resolutions supporting increased political engagement and pledging to boost infrastructure spending. Longtime General Counsel and Parliamentarian David Rosen was honored for his 41 years of service with the TWU.
International Association of Firefighters President Ed Kelly also spoke to delegates, and complimented the TWU’s strong unity on display throughout the week.
“The mission of the TWU is sacred; it’s about building bridges over the moats with allegators and sharks and corporate lawyers in it,” Kelly said. “The unity of this union I have faith in.”
Videos played on Thursday