Barbara J. Easterling (born 1933) is anAmerican former labor unionist.
Easterling grew up inAkron, Ohio, becoming a telephone operator atOhio Bell, and also joining theCommunication Workers of America (CWA). She became a steward of her local, then its secretary and finally its vice-president.[1][2]
In 1970, Easterling was appointed byJohn J. Gilligan as secretary of the Ohio Labor Division, in which role she drafted laws to protect women's rights at work, and restrict child labor. She stood down in 1973 to work full-time for the CWA, and in 1980 became assistant to its president, Glenn Watts. She was later elected as an executive vice-president of the union, and in 1992 as its secretary-treasurer.[1][2]
In 1995, Easterling served as secretary-treasurer of theAmerican Federation of Labor, the first woman to hold the post. However, before the end of the year, she returned to her role at the CWA. She also became president of the World Women's Committee of theUnion Network International, and as a member of theDemocratic National Committee.[1][2]
Easterling retired from her union posts in 2008.[2] In 2009, she was elected as president of theAlliance for Retired Americans.[3]
| Trade union offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by James E. Booe | Secretary-Treasurer of theCommunication Workers of America 1992–2008 | Succeeded by Jeff Rechenbach |
| Preceded by | Secretary-Treasurer of theAFL–CIO 1995 | Succeeded by |
| Non-profit organization positions | ||
| Preceded by | President of theAlliance for Retired Americans 2009–2015 | Succeeded by Robert Roach |