Hillman, Sidney

orig. Simcha Hillman

(born March 23, 1887, Zagare, Lith.—died July 10, 1946, Point Lookout, N.Y., U.S.) Lithuanian-born U.S. labour leader. He immigrated to the U.S. in 1907, became a garment worker, and was elected president of the Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America in 1914. Under his leadership the union greatly increased its membership, secured unemployment insurance, and organized two banks. He served in various New Deal labour organizations, including the National Recovery Administration. Hillman also helped found the Congress of Industrial Organizations and was active in it until his death. See also AFL-CIO; John L. Lewis.

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