Murray, Philip (1886–1952)

Scottish-born labour leader. Although he was a strong proponent of labour's cooperation with the government during World War II and the Korean War, he never abandoned the struggle to improve the situation of labourers. His tact and personal skills kept the CIO together during the difficult war years.

Murray was born in New Glasgow, Scotland. A coal miner from age 10, he emigrated to the USA in 1902. He held numerous offices within the United Mine Workers Union, climaxing with that of vice president (1920–42). He and John L Lewis founded the Committee of Industrial Organizations (1935). He was president of the Steel Workers Organizing Committee (1936) and succeeded Lewis as president of the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) (1940–52).