Skip to page content
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management
DOL Home > OASAM > Labor Hall of Fame > Honorees

Labor Hall of Fame Honoree

1991 Honoree

Philip Murray
1886-1952

Philip Murray
"Unions are created to make living conditions just a little better than they were before they were created, and the union that does not manifest that kind of interest in human beings cannot endure."

Philip Murray Signature

A thoughtful advocate of the needs and aspirations of working men and women, Philip Murray constantly emphasized the obligation of American trade unions to serve their membership honestly, effectively, steadfastly. From the coal mines of Pennsylvania, this young immigrant from Scotland rose through the ranks of the United Mine Workers of America into the leadership of the CIO and the United Steel Workers of America. During the tense years of World War II and the turbulent post-war period, Philip Murray won affection and respect for his great talents as a negotiator and as an inspiring and patriotic leader of industrial unions.