WHEREAS, Harry Murray, an African-American, was the founder and first Business Manager of Local 332 from 1929 until his retirement in 1961; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Murray was a courageous and fearless leader who was able to organize Local 332 during the depression and during a time when jobs for African-Americans did not exist and when the other trades did not want to socialize with the Laborers; and
WHEREAS, Laborers’ Local 332 received its charter on November 1, 1932. The Local originally governed itself until the Laborers’ District Council was established on April 16, 1937; and
WHEREAS, The Local originally operated out of Mr. Murray’s home on Christian Street in South Philadelphia and the Local then moved to 12th and Spring Garden Streets and in 1950, Mr. Murray had the hall built at 1350 Ridge Avenue and finally in 1980, the Local purchased the original Linton’s Bakery at 1310 Wallace Street where the Local stands today; and
WHEREAS, In 1967, Plasterers #376 merged with Local 332 due to declining membership. Eventually, members of Local 332 organized and started their own Locals in the Philadelphia vicinity. Locals #135, 420 and 57 are comprised of members who originally belonged to Local 332; and
WHEREAS, Safety is the number one priority for all members, since 1980, 25 cents is taken out of members checks to fund a state of the art training facility established in 1985. Members have also received quality pension plans since 1963 and an annuity plan since 1992; and
WHEREAS, In 1987, the Friends of Labor Banquet was held for the first time. Now, in its 21st year, the dinner has raised $800,000 for local charities; and
WHEREAS, Laborers’ Local 332 is a local affiliate of the Laborers International Union of North America, (LIUNA) a union of over 700,000 members; and
WHEREAS, Samuel Staten Sr. has been the Business Manager of the Laborers’ Local 332 since 1978; now therefore
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we declare Thursday, November 1, 2007 as Laborers’ Local 332 in the City of Philadelphia.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Samuel Staten Sr., Business Manager of the Laborers’ Local 332.
End