Simon Burns (unionist)

Simon Burns (1854 – 1910) was an American labor union leader.

Born in Illinois, Burns worked making window glass, and joined the Knights of Labor. He moved to Pittsburgh in 1895, to take up a post as president of the Window Glass Workers' local.[1] Late in 1900, he was elected as general master workman, the leader of the Knights of Labor.[2] However, when re-elected in 1901 Burns objected to the make-up of the executive council, and claimed that he had the right to appoint alternative members. The union's assembly held a new election, and instead voted in Henry A. Hicks as leader of the union.[3]

Burns joined a rival faction of the Knights of Labor, led by John N. Parsons. Although much smaller than the majority federation, the two engaged in lengthy court cases over the rights to the name and resources of the federation.[4] Burns was elected as general master workman of the minority faction in 1902, and served until his death in 1910.[1]

References
  1. The Samuel Gompers Papers. University of Illinois Press. 1986. ISBN 9780252033896.
  2. Reports of the Industrial Commission on Labor Organizations, Labor Disputes, and Arbitration, and on Railway Labor. Washington DC: Government Printing Office. 1901.
  3. "Labor leader is deposed". New York Times. November 17, 1901.
  4. "The World of Labor". Washington Post. October 12, 1902.
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