16 Facts About Richard Cordtz

Richard Webster Cordtz was an American labor leader.

Richard Cordtz graduated from high school, but rather than attending college he worked in a brass manufacturing plant in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and joined his first union.

Richard Cordtz was assigned to organizing campaigns in Colorado in 1950, and was elected vice-president of the Colorado Federation of Labor at the age of 30.

Richard Cordtz was assigned to SEIU Local 79, a union representing healthcare workers in Hazel Park, Michigan, in 1953.

Richard Cordtz was elected the local's president in 1956, and over the next 27 years expanded the union's membership from 1,000 to 20,000 and branched out to include custodial workers, fire fighters, security guards and non-salaried hospital workers.

Richard Cordtz was elected president of SEIU Joint Council 35, and president of Service Employees Central States Conference.

Richard Cordtz served as vice-president of Metropolitan Detroit AFL-CIO and on the board of directors of the Michigan State AFL-CIO.

Richard Cordtz was elected a member of the SEIU Executive Board in 1968, an International Vice President in 1972, and International Secretary-Treasurer in 1980.

Richard Cordtz played a prominent role in national union affairs as Secretary-Treasurer.

Richard Cordtz often represented SEIU when existing independent locals affiliated with the larger union.

Sweeney resigned as SEIU president on December 12,1995, and the 74-year-old Richard Cordtz was elected president the same day to serve out his unexpired term.

The announcement of the powerful but ethically-questionable Bevona as Richard Cordtz's running mate cost Richard Cordtz the support of John Sweeney.

Richard Cordtz's announcement created the first contested presidential election in the union's history.

Richard Cordtz retired as president of SEIU when delegates to the union's convention in Chicago elected Andy Stern the new president on April 23,1996.

In retirement, Richard Cordtz continued to serve as chairman of Labor's International Hall of Fame, which he had helped co-found in 1988.

Richard Cordtz died on November 20,2006, at his home in Dearborn, Michigan.