Jim Larkin Speaking in Dublin's O'Connell Street
Jim Larkin (1874 - 1947), "Big Jim" and labor leader, was born in Liverpool to Irish parents on January 28th, 1874. His childhood was marked by poverty, beginning work at 7 years of age and leaving school at 11. By 1890s Larkin worked on the Liverpool docks while become involved in a variety of socialist causes.
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In the first decade of the new century, the self educated Larkin developed a reputation as a galvanizing speaker. His oratorical skills resulted in a position at the National Union of Dock Labourers as an organizer and in that capacity he was sent to Belfast in 1907. In a highly unstable environment, Larkin called for a general strike at Belfast port upsetting the leadership of the NUDL which overrode Larkin to impose a weak settlement.
Dissapointed by NUDL, Larkin headed south to Dublin where he established the Irish Transport and General Workers' Union (ITGWU). The union's growing membership and Larkin's leadership and organizing resulted in the infamous 1913 Dublin Lockout. In September 1913, a circle of business owners led by William Martin Murphy opted to temporarily shut down their businesses leaving 20,000 employees without work. The conflict continued until January 1913 when Larkin was unable to secure support from the British Trades Union Congress. In the absence of that support, Larkin encouraged union members to return to work.
Cavan ITGWU banner depicting screne from the 1913 Lockout
Following The Lockout defeat, Larkin went to America in 1914 where he became deeply involved in labor organizing and durinng the Red Scare of 1919, Larkin was arrested and convicted of "criminal anarchy". He served almost 3 years including time at the notorius Sing Sing prison before his sentence was commuted by Governor Al Smith
Exterior view of Sing Sing prison
Returning to Dublin in 1923, Larkin continued to fight for the cause of labor through union organization and elective politics. His effectiveness was likely diminished due to a nature that was quick to take offense at criticism and a willingness to engage in battles destructive to the cause of labor.
Larkin holds the distinction of being the only communist to be elected the Dáil although he was prevented from taking his seat due to legal reasons. Larkin would eventually take a seat in the Dáil in 1943 when he was elected under the Labor Party banner.
Larkin died on the 30th of January 1947 as a result of a workplace injury. He is burried in Glasnevin Cemetery in Dublin. For a more detailed biography of Big Jim Larkin visit the DIB website
