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OPA News Release: [10/13/2004]
Contact Name: Jane Norris or Peggy Abrahamson
Phone Number: 202-693-4676 or x5052
U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao Announces
2004 Labor Hall of Fame Inductees
WASHINGTON—U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao
today inducted the founder of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and
Joiners of America and a founder of Labor Day, the late Peter J. McGuire,
and the four founders of the Harley-Davidson Motor Company — the late William
S. Harley, Arthur Davidson, Walter Davidson and William A. Davidson — into
the Labor Hall of Fame during the 16th Annual Labor Hall of Fame Induction
Ceremony.
“These men were visionaries and risk-takers whose enormous achievements
reverberate a century after their pioneering work,” said U.S. Secretary
of Labor Elaine L. Chao. “William Harley's and the Davidsons' ingenuity
and initiative created a cultural icon, a job engine in America and motorcycles
revered by millions worldwide. Peter McGuire's leadership in the labor
movement began in his teens and his contributions are widely recognized
every Labor Day.”
Peter J. McGuire became active in labor circles as a teen and founded
the United Brotherhood of Carpenters (UBC) in 1881, organizing all carpenters'
unions throughout the nation. He was unanimously elected to serve as the
first General Secretary of the union and was well known for his public
speaking and negotiation skills. The UBC has grown from 2,082 members
in 1881 to 530,000 members today and represents commercial carpenters,
residential framers, millwrights, pile drivers, shop and mill cabinet
makers, floor coverers, and asbestos abatement workers.
William S. Harley and childhood friend Arthur Davidson began tinkering
with gasoline engines and bicycles when they were teens. The two men,
along with Arthur's older brother, Walter, built their first motorcycle
in 1903 when they were in their twenties. William A. Davidson risked a
well paying job with the railroad when he quit the Milwaukee Road to help
Harley-Davidson meet the expanding demand for motorcycles. Arthur Davidson
was the driving force behind the creation of a nationwide dealer network
for Harley-Davidson during the company's early years.
Today, Harley-Davidson is an important company contributing growth and
jobs to our economy. The company is a model of positive employee – employer
relations and has over 650 dealerships in the United States. Harley-Davidson
sells motorcycles in more than 60 countries globally including Japan,
where they outsell their competitors. Together, its 1200 dealerships worldwide
sold over 280,000 motorcycles in 2003, a record for the company.
The Hall of Fame is located in the North Plaza of the Department of Labor
and is open to the public.
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