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Trained
as a social worker, worked in settlement houses in Chicago (Hull
House) and Philadelphia, and was involved in the reform efforts
spawned by the tragic Triangle Shirtwaist Co. Fire in New York City.
She was the first woman Industrial Commissioner under New York Governor
Franklin Roosevelt; held other important labor related jobs in the
New York state government under Governors Roosevelt and Al Smith.
Appointed by Roosevelt; was the first woman Cabinet member. Led
the battle against the Great Depression: the Wagner-Peyser Act revitalized
the U.S. Employment Service, the Fair Labor Standards Act set a
floor under wages and a ceiling over hours, the Wagner Act protected
workers' right to organize. She established the Labor Standards
Bureau. Through effective relationships with the state governments,
she strengthened labor law enforcement by the states. She was also
the principal architect of the Social Security Act.
Served 12 years, 3 months (longer than any other Secretary). Went
on to serve as a Member of the Civil Service Commission. Department
of Labor Headquarters named after her in 1980. Inducted into the
Labor Hall of Fame in 1988. |
