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Representatives of NECA and the IBEW meet on April 28, 1941 to discuss the joint apprenticeship program.
“We can assure the government,’ said IBEW International President Daniel W. Tracy in June 1940, “that if our organization is called upon to service national defense projects we will supply ample numbers of mechanics, regardless of where such projects are located. And we will make no charge for sending men anywhere in the United States.” Although it would be another year and a half before the United States would officially enter the war, World War 11 had, by the middle of 1940, embroiled Europe, Canada, Asia and Africa in its most-bitter conflict.The Second World War devastated Europe and ushered in the Atomic Age. North America’s workers were put to their greatest test ever. And when it was all over, the United States was left in the unique position of reshaping a world order, under which we have lived for the last 46 years. The IBEW remained at the center of the North American war effort for the duration of the lighting. In July 1940 President Franklin D. Roosevelt asked International President Tracy to accept the post of assistant secretary of labor, further solidifying the Brotherhood’s position in national and international policy matters. The international Executive Council acted quickly to fill the vacancy left by Brother Tracy’s resignation as president. Nine days later, the IEC announced the selection of Fifth District IEC member Edward J. Brown, from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to serve out Tracy’s term.
President Brown’s appointment was ratified by the membership when the first International Convention in 12 years met in October 1941 in St. Louis. The 21 st Convention marked the 50th anniversary of the Brotherhood and was the occasion of a great deal of celebration—attend by over 2, 300 delegates, speakers and guests. In addition to President Brown’s election, G.M. Bugniazet was reelected International Secretary and W.A. Hogan was reelected International Treasurer. Talk of the war in Europe, however, put a damper on much of the festive mood. Because of the war the next Convention would not be held for another five years. Page 1 of 3 |
 Edward J. Brown, International President 1940-1947 1936 the Walsh-Healey Act passes Congress requiring labor standards be applied to government contracts. The Spanish Civil War begins and for the first time, a "sit-down" strike undoes management as Rubber Workers at an American Goodyear Tire and Rubber Workers' plant use the peaceful tactic to win union representation. "Gone With the Wind" is released by publishers; Boulder Dam is completed. 1937 In Canada, Dominion Textile strikes for improved working conditions and acceptance of CCCL as bargaining agent. Strikes increased in the late 1930's in Canada and the United States following a marked slowdown in strike activity during the Depression. In the General Motors Oshawa Strike, Premier Hepburn attempted to drive the CIO unions out of Canada but failed and GM gained representation. The Railroad Retirement Act became law in U.S. General Motors accepted its first UAW contract and United States Steel gives final authority to Steel Workers organizing committee to act as bargaining agent. |
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