Quill, Michael J.

Quill, Michael J. (Joseph)

(1905–66) labor leader; born in County Kerry, Ireland. He emigrated to the United States in 1926, where he worked on the New York subways. A founder of the Transport Workers Union (TWUA), he was elected its president (1935–66). He served three terms on the New York City Council (1937–39, 1943–47). In his later years he became a familiar "character" in New York City, known for his aggressive tactics and feisty manner on behalf of his union's members.