Background
Barkan, Alexander Elias was born on August 9, 1909 in Bayonne, New Jersey, United States. Son of Jacob and Rachel (Perelmen) Barkan.
Barkan, Alexander Elias was born on August 9, 1909 in Bayonne, New Jersey, United States. Son of Jacob and Rachel (Perelmen) Barkan.
Bachelor of Philosophy, University of Chicago, 1933.
He taught High School English at night in Bayonne, and he became actively involved in labor unions right after college. In 1937 he left teaching to work as a full-time volunteer with the Textile Workers Organizing Committee. During World World War II he served on the United States Ship Alabama as a radioman.
He was appointed director by George Meany in 1966 giving him a major say in the distribution of substantial amount of money and volunteers, which gave him major influence in the Democratic Party.
He was also known as a gifted orator and tireless union advocate. Lane Kirkland, president of the A.F.L.-C.I.O. said of him "First Rate (at Lloyd's) Barkan was one of labor"s most dedicated and most unforgettable stalwarts.
He left an indelible memory with all of us and his work inspired more than one generation of trade unionists to continue their work "on to victory."" Mr. Barkan often used "on to victory" to rally his troops in electing pro union candidates.
He retired in 1981 but stayed involved visiting and speaking to labor union groups almost until the end of his life.
In 1955, with the merger of the American Federation of Labor and the Congress of Industrial Organization Mr. Barkan became assistant director of the American Federation of Labor-Congress-Chief Information Officer"s political arm, Committee on Publication Ethics. A lifelong supporter of the Democratic Party, in 1972 he denounced George McGovern and his followers for turning the party into the "party of acid, amnesty, and abortion.".
During the Watergate hearings, it became known that Barkan was one of the original members of Nixon"s Enemies List. He was fond of relating how he delivered all the votes on United States Ship Alabama for F.D.R. After the war he returned to New Jersey as a staff member of the Textile Workers Union.
Married Helen Stickno, May 10, 1942. Children: Lois, Carol.