John L. Lewis quotes

John L. Lewis, a prominent figure in American labor history, was a renowned labor union leader. Born in 1880, Lewis dedicated his life to fighting for fair working conditions and wages. He played a pivotal role in organizing coal miners and was instrumental in establishing the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO). With an incredible legacy, Lewis championed workers' rights, leading successful strikes and negotiating labor contracts. His influential leadership in the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) led to significant advancements and improvements for laborers nationwide. Discover more about John L. Lewis and his significant contributions to the labor movement on our website.

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The organization and constant onward sweep of this movement exemplifies the resentment of the many toward the selfishness, greed and the neglect of the few.

- John L. Lewis

The men in the steel industry who sacrificed their all were nor merely aiding their fellows at home but were adding strength to the cause of their comrades in all industry.

- John L. Lewis

The real breeders of discontent and alien doctrines of government and philosophies subversive of good citizenship are such as these who take the law into their own hands.

- John L. Lewis

Unionization, as opposed to communism, presupposes the relation of employment; it is based upon the wage system and it recognizes fully and unreservedly the institution of private property and the right to investment profit.

- John L. Lewis

The steel workers have now buried their dead, while the widows weep and watch their orphaned children become objects of public charity. The murder of these unarmed men has never been publicly rebuked by any authoritative officer of the state or federal government.

- John L. Lewis

Let the workers organize. Let the toilers assemble. Let their crystallized voice proclaim their injustices and demand their privileges. Let all thoughtful citizens sustain them, for the future of Labor is the future of America.