Jack Munro: Loss of a Labour Giant

TORONTO, Nov. 15, 2013 /CNW/ - It is with great sadness that the United Steelworkers (USW) pauses in remembrance of legendary B.C. labour leader Jack Munro, who passed away this morning, November 15, 2013.

"Jack was a champion for workers. He fought hard for decent wages and safe working conditions. He was a fearless negotiator who made his mark and we will never forget him," said Stephen Hunt, USW Western Canada Director.

"We've lost a giant of the labour movement. Jack was a big man with a big heart," said Ken Neumann, USW National Director.

The former president of the IWA Canada, and regional president of District One of the International Woodworkers of America (IWA), Munro was a larger-than-life figure, who will be remembered for his tireless work on behalf of union members and all working people, as well as his invaluable contributions to the province of British Columbia.

Munro was a key figure in the Solidarity movement against B.C.'s Social Credit government in the 1980s when it made drastic cutbacks in government social programs and attacked the labour movement.

Following his retirement as IWA Canada President, Munro continued to be involved in the labour movement and the betterment of all communities through his participation in the Labour Heritage Centre and the United Way.

Munro was instrumental and supportive of the merger of IWA Canada with the USW in 2004 and was appointed by USW International President Leo W. Gerard to serve on the board of the Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees (SOAR).

Munro spoke out publicly about the importance of increasing the Canada Pension Plan to assist seniors who are living under the poverty line and supported the Canadian Labour Congress's campaign to expand the CPP.

Munro was honoured with the 2010 Joe Morris Labour Community Service Award by the United Way of the Lower Mainland (UWLM), in B.C., and in 2012 he was awarded a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for dedicated service to his peers, his community and to Canada.

Jack Munro leaves an irreplaceable mark on the labour movement. His legacy will carry on in the lives of the thousands of men and women who he inspired through his activism.

SOURCE: United Steelworkers (USW)

Ken Neumann, USW National Director 416-544-5951
Brad West, USW Communications 604-683-1117, 604-754-1174, [email protected]
Bob Gallagher, USW Communications 416-544-5996, 416-434-2221, [email protected]