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'''George Meany''' (1894-1980) served as the powerful head of the merged AFL-CIO (1955-79). Previously he was the dominant leader of the New York State Federation of Labor, part of the [[American Federation of Labor]] (AFL). In 1940 he added the role of national Secretary-Treasurer of the AFL.
'''George Meany''' (1894-1980) served as the powerful head of the merged AFL-CIO (1955-79). Previously he was the dominant leader of the New York State Federation of Labor, part of the [[American Federation of Labor]] (AFL). In 1940 he added the role of national Secretary-Treasurer of the AFL.
Corruption in labor unions became a major political issues in the 1950s. Meany convinced the AFL to expel the racketeer-influenced International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) in 1953, and several other corrupt affiliates, most notably the [[Teamsters Union]], several years later.
An Irish Catholic, he grew up in The Bronx (New York City), became a plumber, and was elected to full-time union office in 1922.
An Irish Catholic, he grew up in The Bronx (New York City), became a plumber, and was elected to full-time union office in 1922.