JACK R. GOLDEN

1936-2020

An outstanding leader who helped sustain the Steelworkers in Texas in an era that wasn’t kind to the American steel industry, Jack Golden was an effective organizer, negotiator, and mentor during his career as Director of USWA’s District 37 from 1984 to 1998, during which he won three elections by acclamation. 

The Alabama native had been president of an IUE local until 1963, when he became an organizer for the AFL-CIO’s Industrial Union Department and moved to Houston. Among the USW organizing campaigns that he helped lead to success were those at Reynolds Can, Hughes Tool, Continental Can, and Chicago Bridge & Iron.  He joined the Steel Workers’ staff in 1965.

Golden participated in every aluminum contract negotiation for 30 years and nearly as long on the steel company contracts. Golden became a master at gauging the needs of his union, the state of the economy, and the resources of the companies as the steel industry in the U.S. faced unprecedented foreign competition. Golden participated in USW’s moves to build its future by branching out its union representation to take in growing job categories.

A highly respected member of the Texas AFL-CIO Executive Board, Golden took leadership roles in helping the state labor federation navigate Texas issues involving legislation and politics.