Ken Georgetti | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Georgetti addressing the 2013Ontario Federation of Labour convention | |
| 7th President of theCanadian Labour Congress | |
| In office 1999–2014 | |
| Preceded by | Bob White |
| Succeeded by | Hassan Yussuff |
| President of theBritish Columbia Federation of Labour | |
| In office 1986–1999 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1952 (age 73–74) |
| Party | New Democratic Party |
| Occupation | Pipefitter,trade unionist |
Kenneth V. Georgetti[1]CM OBC (born 1952) is a Canadian labour leader. Georgetti served as president of theCanadian Labour Congress (CLC) from 1999 to 2014. Prior to this, Georgetti served as president of theBritish Columbia Federation of Labour, and was the youngest person to hold the role.
Georgetti arrived at the head of the Canadian Labour Congress after a quarter century of union activism inBritish Columbia, home to Canada's most polarized politics and of a vibrant labour movement. Born in Trail, in the southern interior of the province, Georgetti first went to work in the giantCominco smelter, just like his father. He worked in most areas of the smelter and earned his trade ticket as a pipefitter. Following the family tradition, Georgetti became active in theUnited Steelworkers of America Local 480, rising through the ranks to become president of the Local in 1981.[citation needed]
Elected vice-president of theBritish Columbia Federation of Labour in 1984, he became its youngest-ever president two years later. At the same time, he broadened his national labour involvement by becoming a provincial vice-president of the CLC.[citation needed]
Georgetti has long advocated what he describes as "intelligent militancy". This proactive approach makes use of a wide range of strategies and tactics to achieve labour's goals. For example, as B.C. Fed President, Georgetti in 1987 led unionized workers in British Columbia in the largest one-day general strike in Canadian history, followed by a successful five-year boycott to protest labour laws and institutions established by the thenSocial Credit Party of British Columbia government.[citation needed]
Georgetti's priorities as the leadership of the Canadian Labour Congress included the campaign to double the Canada Pension Plan benefits, defence and strengthening of public medicare, organizing greater numbers of workers, providing lifelong learning opportunities, enhancing youth's involvement in unions, increasing literacy levels for all Canadians and combating child labour. Promotion of labour rights and protection of employment standards in an increasingly globalized economy, and international development that respects workers' and human rights, are also key priorities. Under Georgetti's leadership, the CLC has spearheaded worldwide campaigns against corporate globalization, sweatshop manufacturers and the use of child and forced labour.[citation needed]
Georgetti were also involved in international issues, continuing a long CLC tradition. He served as a Vice-President and member of the Executive Board of theInternational Confederation of Free Trade Unions before it merged withWorld Confederation of Labour, and was a member of its Human and Workers' Rights Committee. He is currently a Vice-President and member of the Executive Board of theInternational Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), and the chair of the ITUC Committee on Workers' Capital. He is also an executive member of the Trade Union Advisory Committee to theOrganisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).[citation needed]
Georgetti has been recognized by various levels of government for his contributions to labour relations and the overall well-being of Canadian society. In 1998, he became the first union leader to be appointed to the distinguishedOrder of British Columbia. In 2000, he was made a Member of theOrder of Canada – only the tenth labour leader to be so honoured.
| Trade union offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by | President of theCanadian Labour Congress 1999–2014 | Succeeded by |