Michael “Red” Quill was an Irish-American who transformed labor relations in the United States. He fought hard for equal opportunities, especially for women and minority workers. His legacy continues today in policies that are in place.
Background
Quill was born on September 18, 1905, in Kilgarvan, County Kerry, into a poor family. He was the second youngest of eight children in a Catholic family. His family spoke the Irish language, and he quickly absorbed his father’s profound sense of justice. When he was a teenager, Quill served in the Irish Republican Army during the War of Independence. He later opposed the treaty that left Ireland partitioned and created the Irish Free State.
Emigration
In 1926, Quill emigrated to New York. He only had a few dollars, but he found work as a night gateman and later as a ticket clerk on the Interborough Rapid Transit (IRT) system. As he moved from station to station, he found that workers wanted a voice on the job, dignity, and safer working conditions.
Inspiration
Quill was inspired by James Connolly’s writings, studying them while working nights. Connolly believed that economic power must come before political power, which is a thought that helped shape Quill’s thinking.
Inspired by Connolly, Quill advocated for better wages, shorter working hours, and better working conditions for IRT workers. He accepted support from the American Communist Party to launch the TWU, treating this alliance as temporary yet practical.
Advocacy
Quill organized secretly and borrowed tactics from Irish republican networks so he could avoid company informants. TWU survived a hostile work environment by utilizing “small cells, coded messages, and disciplined recruitment.” TWU had branches in many cities, but Quill focused his efforts on the New York City branch.
By 1934, Quill was leading a movement that fought against six-day work weeks, poverty wages, and 12-hour workdays. He also fought discrimination in hiring and promotions and defended African American workers. He was an early ally of Martin Luther King, Jr.
1966 Transit Strike
Quill’s largest battle took place during the 1966 New York transit strike. Mayor John Lindsay, who was newly elected at the time, took a firm stance against the TWU. However, Quill faced him with the fierce defiance he held throughout his career. The transportation system shut down, pausing life as usual for NYC residents. The strike ended in a victory for TWU. They were able to secure a 15% wage increase as well as stronger health, welfare, and pension benefits.
Death and Legacy
While in jail for contempt and for leading the strike, Quill suffered a heart attack as he was waiting for a medical examination. He was transferred to Bellevue Hospital for treatment, but it was reported that he did not receive adequate hospital care for his condition.
On January 28, 1966, Quill died at the age of 60. He was given a funeral Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral before he was buried at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Hawthorne, New York. His casket was draped in the Irish tricolor.
Quill’s legacy inspired transit workers, showing them that they could challenge their employers and win. His militancy, solidarity, and inclusion remain crucial to the mission of TWU. He continues to be an inspiration for all who seek justice.