14 Facts About Myra Wolfgang

Myra K Wolfgang was a Canadian-born American labor leader and women's rights activist in Detroit from the 1930s through the 1970s.

Myra Wolfgang was most active in the labor movement, advocating for the working poor and women in the workforce.

Myra Wolfgang's parents did not emphasize religion and chose to marry in Montreal's labour temple, rather than a synagogue.

One year later, the Great Depression hit, making it impossible for Myra Wolfgang to continue her education.

In 1932, while looking for work, Myra Wolfgang became involved at Detroit's Local 705 of the then Detroit Waiters Union.

Myra Wolfgang was hired the same day, working for Louis Koenig, secretary-treasurer of the Local 705, as a receptionist.

Myra Wolfgang was elected to Local 705's executive board as its recording secretary in 1934.

Myra Wolfgang was active in the enactment of the 1966 Michigan minimum wage law, which required employers to pay each employee a minimum $1 an hour.

In 1974, Myra Wolfgang chaired and was integral to the organization of the Coalition of Labor Union Women.

Myra Wolfgang was a lifelong member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

Myra Wolfgang insisted on racially integrated crews created by her union's hiring hall.

Just before her 62nd birthday, Myra Wolfgang died in April 1976 from a brain tumor.

Myra Wolfgang was inducted into the Michigan Women's Hall of Fame in 2015.

The Myra Wolfgang Papers are held by the Walter P Reuther Library of Labor and Urban Affairs at Wayne State University.