MARTIN BURNS

1896 - 1981

Martin Burns dedicated his entire working life to building the Steelworkers Union. He was present from its inception and helped shape its structure.

Burns joined the Steelworkers Union in its earliest years and became a Staff Representative in 1941. He became Assistant Director of District 37 of the Steelworkers in 1947, Acting Director in 1952, and Director in 1953. At that time, District 37 had five local unions with a total of 3,000 members.

When Brother Burns retired in 1965, District 37 had 62 local unions and 24,000 members.

Brother Burns was very active in politics and human rights.

He said, "We are going to stand solid for the rights of every man and woman in this Union – black, brown, white, yellow and any color in between."