Claude Cummings Jr.

American labor union leader

Claude Cummings (born 1951 or 1952) is an American labor union leader.

Born in the Kashmere Gardens area of Houston, Cummings attended Kashmere High School, then in 1973 found work at Southwestern Bell Telephone as a frame attendant. He followed his father in joining the Communication Workers of America union, but initially did not seek a leadership position. However, he became aware that women working in the union hall across the street were only permitted to take breaks outside, or in their restroom. This inspired him to lead a successful campaign for the women to be permitted to use the same break areas as men.^[1]^[2]^[3]

Cummings remained active in the union, eventually becoming president of his local, and then in 2011 winning election as vice president representing district 6 of the union. He also served on the union's executive board, and led its Human Rights Department. He was also active in the NAACP, the A. Philip Randolph Institute, and the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists.^[1]^[2]^[3]

In 2023, Cummings was elected as president of the union, defeating Ed Mooney by 59% to 41% of the vote. He became the first African American leader of the union. As leader, he stated he would campaign against the contracting out of jobs, and support the ability of members to work from home.^[1]^[2]^[3]

References

^ ^a ^b ^c Mizan, Nusaiba (July 13, 2023). "Houston resident is first Black man elected Communications Workers of America union president". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved 13 August 2023.
^ ^a ^b ^c Carrillo, Karen Juanita (July 20, 2023). "Claude Cummings Jr. elected first Black CWA union president". New York Amsterdam News. Retrieved 13 August 2023.
^ ^a ^b ^c Boney, Jeffrey (July 12, 2023). "History Making Vote: Houston native Claude Cummings Jr. is first Black man elected as CWA President". Forward Times. Retrieved 13 August 2023.