Gibbons Inducted into Labor's International Hall of Fame

Gibbons Inducted into Labor's International Hall of Fame

Legendary Teamster Honored Posthumously for Work in Labor Movement

December 5, 2001

(Las Vegas, NV) – Teamster Leader Harold Gibbons was today inducted into Labor’s International Hall of Fame. Gibbons enjoyed a distinguished career as a Teamster, including serving as Executive Assistant to General President James R. Hoffa, International Vice President and Director of the Central Conference of Teamsters.

“Though Harold Gibbons is no longer with us, his legacy within the Teamsters Union and the entire labor movement is strong,” said James P. Hoffa, Teamsters General President. “It is the perfect compliment to his legacy that he is bestowed with this honor.”

Gibbons became a Teamster in 1949 when a United Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Employees of America local union merged into Teamsters Local 688 in St. Louis. He then became the first Secretary-Treasurer of the Central Conference of Teamsters before being elected International Vice President. In 1957, General President James R. Hoffa named him as Executive Assistant. Gibbons then became Director of the Central Conference of Teamsters in 1971.

Labor’s International Hall of Fame was established in 1973 to give recognition to the founders and heroes of the organized labor. Today, it serves to educate workers and the public about the struggles and sacrifices that gave birth to the modern labor movement. James R. Hoffa was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999.

“The Teamsters are proud that Harold Gibbons was one of our own,” Hoffa added. “The examples he set for us guide our way as we seek to achieve strong contracts for our members.”

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents more than 1.4 million workers throughout the United States and Canada.