William Usery, Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
W. J. Usery, Jr.
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| United States Secretary of Labor | |
| In office February 10, 1976 – January 20, 1977 |
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| President | Gerald Ford |
| Preceded by | John T. Dunlop |
| Succeeded by | F. Ray Marshall |
| Personal details | |
| Born | December 21, 1923 Hardwick, Georgia, U.S. |
| Died | December 10, 2016 (aged 92) Eatonton, Georgia, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouses | Gussie Mae Smith (m. 1942-2005) Frances Pardee (m. 2006-2016) |
| Alma mater | Mercer University |
| Profession | Government |
Willie Julian Usery, Jr. (December 21, 1923 – December 10, 2016) was an important American who worked to help people in their jobs and in the government. He was known for being a labor union activist, which means he helped workers have a stronger voice. He also served as the United States Secretary of Labor, a big job in the U.S. government, during President Gerald Ford's time.
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Who Was W. J. Usery, Jr.?
Willie Julian Usery, Jr. was born in Hardwick, Georgia, in 1923. He grew up to become a key figure in American labor and government. He studied at Mercer University, which helped prepare him for his future career.
Helping Workers: Labor Union Activist
Before joining the government, Usery was very active in labor unions. A labor union is a group of workers who join together to protect their rights and improve their working conditions. Usery worked hard to make sure workers were treated fairly. He helped solve disagreements between companies and their employees. This work made him well-known for being a good negotiator.
Serving the Country: Secretary of Labor
In 1976, President Gerald Ford chose Usery to be the United States Secretary of Labor. This is a very important job in the U.S. government. The Secretary of Labor leads the Department of Labor. This department works to improve working conditions and protect the rights of workers across the country.
What the Secretary of Labor Does
As Secretary of Labor, Usery helped to:
- Make sure workplaces were safe.
- Protect workers' wages and benefits.
- Help people find jobs.
- Solve big labor disputes, which are disagreements between workers and their employers.
He served in this role until 1977, helping to keep the peace between workers and businesses during a challenging time.
Later Life and Legacy
After his time as Secretary of Labor, Usery continued to work on labor issues. He was often called upon to help solve difficult problems between different groups. He was respected for his ability to bring people together and find fair solutions.
Usery passed away on December 10, 2016, in Eatonton, Georgia, at the age of 92. He is remembered for his dedication to improving the lives of American workers and for his service in the government.
