People Australia

William Peter Barry (Snr) (1859-1939) labourer and trade union leader 

Birth: 11 June 1859 at Westbury, Tasmania, eldest of ten children of Irish-born parents James Barry (1811-1885), ex-convict, and Ellen, née Hegarty, later Nugent (1834-1902). Marriage: 7 April 1890 at Collingwood, Melbourne, to Susan Agatha Robinson. They had three daughters and two sons. Death: 26 August 1939 at North Carlton, Melbourne, Victoria, Religion: Catholic. 

• Led Mount Bischoff strike c.1889 in Tasmania.
• Moved to Melbourne where established Quarrymen’s Union.
• After period gold mining in W.A. returned to Victoria to take active part in forming first Engine Drivers’ and Firemen’s Union; also member of Australian Workers’ Union committee. Organised Municipal Employees’ Union in Victoria, then travelled interstate to replicate initiative, assisting rise in membership from 400 to 4000.
• Foundation member of Australian Labor Party Carlton branch.

Sources
Labor Call, 31 August 1939