The Boilermakers union has lost president emeritus Charles W. Jones, who died in hospice care earlier this month. He was 86.
President of the Boilermakers union from 1983 to 2003, he began his illustrious career in the labor movement in 1942 when he joined Local 193 inBaltimore. After a stint in the army during World War II, he resumed his association with the union. In 1947, he joined the Boilermakers’ international staff as a district representative. He worked his way up the ladder, serving as an organizer, research and education director, international vice president and finally, as international president.
A spokesperson for the union noted, “Charles W. Jones was known for his intellect and initiative. During his career, he implemented or expanded programs for organizing, education, apprentice training, and political action. He originated the Boilermakers’ Fight Back program that led to numerous successful challenges to unfair hiring practices by nonunion employers — and millions of dollars in recovered wages and benefits.”
Jones hailed from an extended Boilermaker family. His father, brothers, and two uncles worked as Boilermakers. His son Newton B. Jones is the current International President, and another son, Charles A. Jones, is Director of the Boilermaker History Preservation Department.