Chicago’s ‘Distinguished Labor Leader’

June 2001 IBEW Journal

Officials from the Chicago Federation of Labor and Kent College of Law selected Local 134 Business Manager Michael Fitzgerald as a “Distinguished Labor Leader” in its third annual lecture series. Past recipients include American Federation of Teachers President Sandra Feldman and Communications Workers of America President Morton Bahr.

Brother Fitzgerald, the first local leader selected for the honor, spoke to a gathering of union members and college students on “Community Organizing for Change” at the event in February.

Kent College Professor Martin Malin said Brother Fitzgerald was chosen for his ongoing organizing successes.

“He has been one of the most creative and successful labor leaders in Chicago,” Malin said.

Under Brother Fitzgerald’s leadership, Local 134 has continued a tradition of strong and aggressive growth that has made it one of the most influential locals in North America, boasting more than 18,000 members. A third generation electrician, Brother Fitzgerald has been a member of Local 134 for more than 26 years. He was appointed special assistant to the business manager in 1991 and was elected to his current post in 1995.

An attorney as well as an elected IBEW official, Brother Fitzgerald has a unique perspective on the impact of globalization and labor’s role in creating social and economic change through community organizing both in the United States and abroad.

He urged the organized labor movement to become more involved in issues concerning workers’ rights, human and environmental standards and advancing democratic institutions.

“Organized labor must develop strong alliances both locally and internationally between groups with basic common interests,” Brother Fitzgerald said. “So much less has to be done when governments reflect the true will of the people and their communities.” 

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Pictured from left: Kent College of Law Dean Henry Perritt, Jr., IBEW Local 134 Business Manager/ Financial Secretary Michael Fitzgerald, Kent College of Law Professor Martin Malin, Chicago Federation of Labor President Don Turner and CFL Secretary-Treasurer Dennis Gannon.