Frank Hayes (unionist)

Frank J. Hayes ( born May 4, 1882 in Mount Olive, Illinois, † June 10, 1948 in Denver, Colorado ) was an American politician and Gerwerkschaftsfunktionär. Between 1937 and 1939 he was Deputy Governor of the State of Colorado.

Career

About the youth and education of Frank Hayes nothing is handed down. Since the age of 13 he worked in the coal mines. Later he became a member of the union United Mine Workers of America ( UMWA ), in which he held various offices. In 1904 he became Treasurer in the 13th district union. He belonged to the left wing of the trade union and advocated a close cooperation with the socialist movement. In the years 1912 and 1913 he was involved in the preparation and organization of strikes in West Virginia and Colorado. Hayes was a member of the Socialist Party, for which he ran unsuccessfully for the office of Secretary of State of Illinois. In the years 1917 to 1920, he was president of the UMWA. This presidency was rather unhappy. He suffered among other things, health problems that have been associated with an alleged or actual alcohol problem. In addition, he lacked administrative skills to lead this office. He then moved to Colorado, where he wrote songs and poems about the labor movement. Politically, he then turned to the Democratic Party.

In 1936, Hayes was elected at the side of plate Ammons Vice Governor of the State of Colorado. This post he held 1937-1939. Yet he was Deputy Governor and Chairman of the State Senate. After the end of his time as Lieutenant Governor, he no longer appeared politically in appearance. He died on June 10, 1948 in Denver.