RESOLUTION FOR BOARD MEETING MARCH 7, 2024
Title
RESOLUTION sponsored by the Board of Commissioners recognizing the contributions of Irish Americans and honoring John J. Fitzpatrick and Mary G. Harris “Mother” Jones
Body
WHEREAS, the United States has long been recognized as “the land of opportunity” among migrant communities who leave their native home in search of a better life for themselves and their family. Accordingly, in the 1840’s, millions of Irish immigrants made the perilous journey across the Atlantic Ocean to escape famine and poverty, accounting for half of all migrants during that time; and
WHEREAS, while the newly arrived populace initially found conditions to be tenuous, with the onset of the American Industrial Revolution, employment opportunities increased dramatically. Countless Irish workers found employment with railroad companies, textile factories, and mining operations; and
WHEREAS, as the demands of the labor market increased, so did the need for equitable working conditions. As such, Irish Americans joined with other groups in the mandate for child labor laws, eight hour works days, and were instrumental in the organization of the labor unions; and
WHEREAS, while John J. Fitzpatrick, an immigrant from Ireland, originally only served as president of the Chicago Federation of Labor (CFL) for one year, his second tenure lasted four decades. Mr. Fitzpatrick is credited with advancing the CFL’s fight for social, economic, and racial justice. During his presidency, Mr. Fitzpatrick formed many alliances in the labor movement and supported numerous other unions, including the Brotherhood of the Sleeping Car Porters, which was the first African American led union in the United States. Under Mr. Fitzpatrick’s leadership, the CFL also fostered the organization of service workers and other trades; and
WHEREAS, known for organizing and advocating for mine workers and tradesmen across the country, Mary G. Harris “Mother” Jones, inspired women and children to be involved in worker strikes and to fight for child labor laws. An immigrant from Ireland, “Mother” Jones fought for all laborers regardless of their race, age, or gender. Her fiery rhetoric and no-nonsense attitude toward the labor movement led to her being once labeled as “the most dangerous woman in America”; and
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago proudly recognizes the contributions of Irish Americans and honors two iconic trailblazers; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that we, the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, on behalf of ourselves and our staff, do hereby recognize the contributions of Irish Americans and honor John J. Fitzpatrick and Mary G. Harris “Mother” Jones; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution be spread upon the permanent Record of Proceedings of the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago.
Dated: March 7, 2024