1981 Union Hall of Honor
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Mollie Levitas
"Know all persons that in recognition of her thirty-one years of service to the Chicago Federation of Labor, and for her pioneer role in the Office and Professional Workers International Union."
Levitas has had a long career in organized labor. In 1926, she first became involved with labor unions as an administrator for the Chicago Federation of Labor. Throughout her career, Levitas had worked with educators, students, writers, and trade unionists on both a national and international scope. She provided moral and financial support from groups ranging from coal miners in Kentucky to textile workers in North Carolina. Although Levitas retired in 1957, where she remained active in the American Civil Liberties Union.
Joseph D. Keenan
"Chicago Electrical Union leader, key figure at the national and international levels."
Keenan had been active in labor affairs since he joined the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers in 1914 at the age of eighteen. During the 1920s and 1930s, he held several leadership positions within the Chicago Federation of Labor. Since 1940, Keenan has been involved in labor affairs on a national level. He has held executive positions in such organizations as the War Production Board, Labor's League for Political Education, the Building and Construction Trades Department of the American Federation of Labor (AFL), the Housing Committee within the Department of Urban Affairs, and the Executive Council of the AFL-CIO. In addition, Keenan has received the Medal of Freedom as well as the Medal of Merit.