Los Angeles, CA
For more than 50 years, Vice President John J. Barry, who has retired as president of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, has served the membership of his union and the best interests of all working families with tireless dedication, distinguished leadership and unparalleled devotion.
Following his service in the Navy during World War II, Vice President Barry began his career in the labor movement as an apprentice in the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 43 in Syracuse, New York, and he was later elected business manager of his union. He became an IBEW international representative in 1968, and was elected as an international vice president in 1976. He was elected to his first term as IBEW international president in 1986, and he was elected as a member of the AFL-CIO Executive Council in 1987. He has served with distinction on key boards, panels and commissions throughout his entire career in the labor movement, in his home state of New York and in service to his country.
Under his leadership, the IBEW has provided extraordinary and innovative service to its membership and to the American labor movement. Vice President Barry has guided his union in its emphasis on organizing, productive collective bargaining, impressive member benefits and pensions, political and legislative action, and the highest quality apprenticeship and training programs. The IBEW has played a major role in establishing the voice of working men and women in every phase of the electrical industry in both the private and public sectors. He has worked tirelessly to strengthen and expand the labor movement's roles in economic and trade policy, and he has seen to it that the IBEW has led the way in demonstrating the power and effectiveness of capital stewardship.
Vice President Barry has made certain that the IBEW has participated continuously and actively in the AFL-CIO where his union is always among the first to come forward to demonstrate its commitment to justice, solidarity, opportunity and dignity for all working people. He has encouraged every IBEW local union to play the same kind of leading role in their state and local central bodies. His experience, skill and good counsel have benefitted this Executive Council throughout his tenure as a leader of this federation - from his skillful management of committee assignments to his strong and valued voice in the AFL-CIO's national policy decisions.
On behalf of the men and women of the unions of the AFL-CIO, the Executive Council expresses its gratitude and appreciation to John J. Barry for his lifelong dedication and commitment to the members of the IBEW and to working families everywhere.