James Adair Wilson (April 23, 1876 – September 3, 1945) was an American labor union leader.

Born in Erie, Pennsylvania, Wilson trained as a patternmaker. In 1898, he joined the Pattern Makers' League of North America, and he was elected as its president in 1902. In order to take up the post, he moved to New York City, then in 1906, moved to Cincinnati.[1][2]

During World War I, Wilson traveled to Europe twice on labor missions. He served on the War Labor Board, and was an alternate on the National Mediation Board. In 1924, he was elected as a vice president of the American Federation of Labor.[3]

Wilson left his labor union posts in 1934, to become a labor counselor at the International Labour Organization in Geneva. He died in 1945.[3]

References

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  1. ^ The Samuel Gompers Papers. University of Illinois Press. 1986. ISBN 9780252033896.
  2. ^ The National Cyclopaedia of American Biography. 1967.
  3. ^ a b "James A. Wilson, 69, a leader of labor". New York Times. September 4, 1945.
Trade union offices Preceded byLewis R. Thomas President of the Pattern Makers' League of North America 1902–1934 Succeeded byGeorge Q. Lynch Preceded byJohn A. MoffitJames Wood American Federation of Labor delegate to the Trades Union Congress 1906 With: Frank Keyes Foster Succeeded byJohn T. DempseyWilliam E. Klapetzky Preceded byMartin Francis Ryan Fifth Vice-President of the American Federation of Labor 1929–1930 Succeeded byJames P. Noonan Preceded byMatthew Woll Fourth Vice-President of the American Federation of Labor 1930–1934 Succeeded byJohn Coefield
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