It is with great sadness that we have learned of the passing of former IWA President, and B.C. Federation of Labour Vice President, Jack Munro.
In 1959, Jack Munro moved to BC to work as a welder at a Nelson sawmill, where he quickly rose in the union from Job Steward to Plant Chair. In 1966, while President of the Nelson and District Labour Council, Jack ran unsuccessfully as a candidate for the BC NDP. While elected politics were not in his future, Jack’s impact on BC’s political and economic scene was just beginning.
Jack was elected President of the IWA in 1973, beginning a long career defending the interests of working people. Known for his salty language and quick tongue, Munro was ever clear on where he stood.
Jack spent his working life determined to ensure that workers were treated fairly, and that they and their unions deserved respect and recognition for their rightful place in Canadian society.
Jack “retired” from the IWA in 1991, but he never really understood the word retirement. Through much of the 1990s, Jack’s passion for forest communities brought him to lead the Forest Alliance.
In more recent times, Jack spearheaded the creation of the Labour Heritage Society, an organization dedicated to telling the stories of working people in British Columbia. Ever concerned that working people receive fair recognition for their role in building our province, Jack’s hard work led to the permanent installation of artwork depicting working people’s history of BC at the Vancouver Convention Centre.
On behalf of BC’s labour movement, we extend our deepest sympathies Jack’s wife Deborrah, their family and friends, and the countless working people who mourn his death.
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For more information, contact Michael Gardiner: 604-436-7030.