1983 Union Hall of Honor
Webtrax Admin
Victor Olander
"A powerful orator, skilled debater, able legislative advocate, and Secretary-Treasurer of the Illinois State Federation of Labor."
From 1914 until his death in 1949 Olander fought for the rights of workers as the Secretary-Treasurer of the Illinois State Federation of Labor. In particular, he made social as well as material gains for the International Seamans' Union of America. Also, Olander successfully lobbied for a wage law compensating workers in public works projects.
Samuel Levin
"Imbued with a powerful vision of social reform; devoted Manager of the Chicago Joint Board of the ACWA, 1914-1948, to the cultural enrichment and economic progress of all members."
Levin began his career in organized labor in 1910 when he founded the Amalgamated Clothing Worker. During the 1920s, Levin improved the material conditions of workers as a co-founder of the Amalgamated Banks which would provide geater access to loans for workers. In addition, he promoted medical insurance be provided to workers by employers. In the 1940s, Levin sought to promote greater worker unity as the President of the CIO of Illinois.
Napolean Gillette
"One of the earliest organizers of the United Auto Workers in Chicago, the quintessential shop floor union leader, and ever an inspiration at 103 years of age."
Gillette began his career as a union organizer of the United Auto Workers in Camden, Arkansas during the 1910s. As a grievance chairman, convention delegate, and political activist, Gillette promoted racial equality within the AFL. He was also involved in humanitarian affairs at the local level. While living in Chicago, Gillette aided evicted families through financial aid which facilitated relocating to a new home.
Giovanni Pippan
"Dedicated to empowerment of the workers, both in Italy and Illinois, slain in the service of the Italian Bread Drivers League (1933) at the age of 35."
Within his short career, Pippan did a great deal to promote the plight of workers in his homeland of Italy as well as in the United States. At the age of twenty-five he became the secretary of the Italian Federation of Coal Miners in the Albona region of Italy. However, Pippan fled his native country during the 1920s with the rise of fascism. Nevertheless, in 1933, shortly before his death, he organized the Italian Bread Drivers' League.