F.L. PITTILLO

1898-1995

Known as the "grandaddy of organized labor in McLennan County.” F.L. Pittillo’s career in organized labor spanned almost the entire 20th century and was a model for making a difference at the local level.

Pittillo served in the International Typographical Union for 70 years, following in the footsteps of his father, a union printer. He served on the Labor Council for 54 years, including 41 years as Secretary-Treasurer, and in the Wace Labor Temple Association for 45 years. 

Pittillo was involved in strikes to reduce the six-day workweek first to 44 hours, then to 40. He helped organize several large local unions in the McLennan County area and, during lean years, used his personal resources to help keep small unions going. He was the prime mover in building the Labor Temple in Waco, which now stands as a landmark of labor architecture. 

Politicians who respected and worked with Pittillo included Pat Neff, Pa Ferguson, Jim Hogg, Sam Rayburn, Lyndon Johnson, and Harry Truman. 

The Texas AFL-CIO is proud to honor a man who personified the organized labor movement in Central Texas for so many years.