BC’s Labour Heritage Centre is commemorating one of Prince George’s most dedicated figures in the labour workforce.
Dozens gathered outside the Local 1424 Steelworkers Union building on 3rd Avenue to witness the unveiling of a bronze plaque honouring Charles Howard Webb, who founded the International Woodworkers of America (IWA) in the central interior in 1945.
.@BC_LHC, Local 1424 Steelworkers unveil new plaque commemorating Charles Howard Webb; dedicated life to uniting Interior Unions @mypgnow pic.twitter.com/Q85kDxhn2w
— Kyle Balzer (@KyleBalzer) December 13, 2016
Webb’s son Art says he hopes his father’s legacy will go on.
“He just did his job and he will be remembered by those that were there and those that are departed.”
Art Webb, son of Charles Howard Webb, says father at one point joined PG council; rallied change in unions; fought for little guy @mypgnow pic.twitter.com/jphhdCVC7Y
— Kyle Balzer (@KyleBalzer) December 14, 2016
USW secretary Don Iwaskow hopes more knowledge will be provided for the public about Webb and his life’s work.
“As people walk by and they see the plaque, it opens the door to conversation so that the man’s memory does live on. And hopefully, his memory will live on forever, as long as the building stands.”
Webb also served two years on Prince George City Council and became a member of the BC NDP’s Labour council in 1958.
He died in 1977 after a sudden heart failure; he was 81 years old.
.@BC_LHC, Local 1424 Steelworkers presented bronze plaque of Charles Howard Webb; dozens gathered to honour & celebrate his legacy @mypgnow pic.twitter.com/t1YY9uwqvm
— Kyle Balzer (@KyleBalzer) December 14, 2016