LiUNA Local 183
Born in Ireland, Gerry Gallagher lived briefly in England before settling in Burlington, Ontario in 1951. There, he began working as a construction labourer. He took the lead in organizing his fellow labourers into a new local: number 183 of what was to become the Labourers’ International Union of North America. He was soon organizing labourers across the province, including Toronto’s subway construction workers. Gerry supported the striking immigrant construction workers organized by the Brandon Union Group and helped to build solidarity with construction unionists in non-residential construction. He continued to prioritize struggles for workplace safety, using the media and government lobbying effectively to highlight dangers and to push for reforms. Beginning in 1968, poor health and internal strife led to Gallagher stepping down as business manager, though he remained president.