Chicago, IL
Throughout his life, Vice President James J. Norton has faithfully and diligently served the members of his union, the Graphic Communications International Union (GCIU), and at the same time he has devoted his life and career to helping working men and women everywhere achieve their dreams of a better life for themselves and their families.
Vice President Norton began his career as a skilled newspaper photoengraver in Boston, quickly becoming active and holding offices in his local union chapter where he eventually served four terms as local president. His talents soon led to his becoming a leader in the complex citywide negotiations for workers in the printing crafts industry.
Recognized by his national union for his skills, Norton was named as an international representative in 1963, with responsibility for more than 60 locals in 18 states. In 1978, he was elected recording and financial secretary of the Graphic Arts International Union, and he became its secretary-treasurer in 1981.
Always a strong advocate of the value of constructive mergers in his industry, Vice President Norton served on the committee that negotiated the historic merger of GAIU with the International Printing and Graphic Communications Union in 1983 to form GCIU. He served as national president of GCIU from 1985 until 1999. Under his leadership, the members of his union enjoyed achievements in wages, benefits, working conditions and training opportunities that empowered them to meet the challenges of their evolving industry.
Vice President Norton was first elected to the AFL-CIO Executive Council at the federation’s 1991 AFL-CIO convention, and he has brought the same wise leadership and commitment to the value of a strong and vibrant labor movement to his service on the council, both in his leadership on key committees and in shaping national policy.
On behalf of the men and women of the unions of the AFL-CIO, the Executive Council expresses its thanks and appreciation to James J. Norton for his lifetime of service and devotion to the members of his union and to the men and women of the labor movement everywhere.