Lane Kirkland

Date of Birth: March 12, 1922

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: August 14, 1999

Biography

Lane Kirkland was an influential American labor union leader and activist who made significant contributions to the labor movement in the United States and globally. Born on March 12, 1922, in Camden, South Carolina, Kirkland rose to prominence through his work with the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO). He served as the president of the AFL-CIO from 1979 to 1995, a period marked by significant challenges and transformations in the labor landscape. Kirkland’s leadership was instrumental in supporting the Solidarity movement in Poland, which played a crucial role in the fall of communism in Eastern Europe. He was known for his staunch advocacy for workers’ rights, social justice, and democratic principles. His tenure saw efforts to modernize the labor movement and expand its influence in both national and international arenas.

5 Interesting Facts about Lane Kirkland

1. Lane Kirkland was a graduate of the United States Merchant Marine Academy and served in the Merchant Marine during World War II.

2. He played a pivotal role in supporting the Solidarity movement in Poland, which contributed to the eventual fall of communism in Eastern Europe.

3. During his presidency at the AFL-CIO, he was a vocal advocate for workers’ rights and pushed for policies that promoted social justice.

4. Kirkland was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1989 by President George H. W. Bush for his contributions to the labor movement and global democracy.

5. He was an early supporter of civil rights and worked to ensure the AFL-CIO took a strong stand against racial discrimination.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Lane Kirkland

1. “The labor movement is people. Our opponents have always been the bosses and the government.”

2. “We can’t just talk about what we’re against, we have to talk about what we’re for.”

3. “Solidarity is not a matter of sentiment but a fact, cold and impassive as the granite foundations of a skyscraper.”

4. “The welfare of each of us is dependent fundamentally upon the welfare of all of us.”

5. “The labor movement is the principal force that transforms misery and despair into hope and progress.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Lane Kirkland’s net worth was never publicly documented in detail. As a labor leader, his income would have come from his roles within the AFL-CIO and related activities, and it is unlikely that he amassed significant personal wealth compared to business leaders and entrepreneurs.

Children

Lane Kirkland had two daughters, Polly and Lisa, from his first marriage to Edith Draper Kirkland. He also had a stepdaughter, Robin Kirkland, from his second marriage to Irena Neumann Kirkland.