Joe Morris (trade unionist) facts for kids

Joseph Morris (born June 14, 1913 – died October 11, 1996) was an important Canadian leader for workers. He was best known for being the president of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) in the 1970s. The CLC is a big group that helps workers across Canada.

Joe Morris's Early Life

Joe Morris was born in England in 1913. When he was 16, in 1929, he moved to British Columbia, Canada. There, he worked as a logger, cutting down trees.

Joining the Labour Movement

Joe Morris soon joined the movement that helps workers, called the trade union movement. He first joined a union for people who didn't have jobs. Then, in 1934, he joined the Lumber and Sawmill Workers Union. This union later became part of the International Woodworkers of America (IWA). Joe became a strong leader in this union. By 1948, he was the president of a local IWA group.

Serving in World War II

Like many people at that time, Joe Morris's life was changed by World War II. He joined the Canadian Army and became an officer, holding the rank of Lieutenant.

Leading Workers in Canada and Beyond

After serving in World War II, Joe Morris returned to his work with the IWA. He was against Communist Party members in the union. In 1953, he became the IWA's regional president for Western Canada.

Moving to the Canadian Labour Congress

In 1962, Joe Morris left his job at the IWA. He became the executive vice-president of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC). He held this important role until 1974. That year, he became the president of the CLC.

A National Protest for Workers' Rights

In 1976, Joe Morris led a huge protest across Canada. About one million workers took part in a one-day general strike. This meant they stopped working for a day. They were protesting against new rules from the government of Pierre Trudeau that controlled wages and prices.

International Work for Workers

Joe Morris also worked to help workers around the world. In the 1970s, he was a vice-president of the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions. This group worked to protect workers' rights globally. He also led two important meetings in Geneva in 1973 and 1977. These meetings were about taking action against Apartheid, which was a system of unfair racial separation in South Africa.

In 1977, Joe Morris was chosen to be the chairman of the International Labour Organization (ILO). The ILO is part of the United Nations and works to improve working conditions and rights worldwide. He was the first Canadian labour leader to hold this position. He retired as CLC president in 1978.

Life After the CLC

For his many years of helping workers in Canada and around the world, Joe Morris received a high honour. On June 25, 1978, he was made an Officer of the Order of Canada. This award recognizes Canadians who have made great contributions to the country.

Later, on June 25, 1984, he received an even higher honour. He was promoted to Companion of the Order of Canada. This was for his work in human rights and helping workers internationally.

Other Important Roles

In his later years, Joe Morris served on several important groups. He was part of the Independent Commission on International Development Issues, also known as the Brandt Commission. This group looked at ways to help poorer countries. He also served on the boards of the Bank of Canada and the BC Ferries Corporation.

Joe Morris passed away on October 11, 1996, in Victoria, British Columbia, after having a heart attack a few days earlier.