Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Ken Thiede

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Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Ken Thiede, a Lifelong Union Advocate, Mentor, and Visionary

16 September 2024

Ken Thiede, a beloved and respected leader in the Machinists Union, passed away peacefully on Thursday due to natural causes. He was 87. 

He leaves behind a rich legacy, having dedicated 65 years to union service and touching the lives of countless workers along the way.

Ken’s remarkable career was celebrated earlier this year at the June Retirees Club meeting at Chicago’s Local 1487. Friends, family, labor activists, and well-wishers gathered to honor his service to the Machinists Union, where he was presented with a 65-year service pin and certificate by Local President Tony Licciardi. “It is an absolute honor and privilege to stand up here today and recognize his lifetime of service,” Licciardi said at the ceremony.

Initiated into the IAM on March 29, 1957, Ken began his career at Capital Airlines and quickly rose to become a strong advocate for labor rights. Throughout his time in the union, Ken was involved in three pivotal airline industry strikes. One of the most notable was the 43-day strike in 1966, which grounded five major airlines and resulted in a 6% wage increase for workers. Ken continued to fight for the rights of his fellow union members during strikes in 1975 and 1978, each time helping secure better wages and benefits.

In his career, Ken filled numerous vital roles, including Recording Secretary and Grievance Committee member for Local 1487. In 1976, he became Assistant General Chair and later President and Directing General Chair of Machinists District 141 and District 141M, where he remained a powerful advocate for airline workers until his retirement in 2000.

Even in retirement, Ken remained deeply involved in the union. “Ken, I can’t thank you enough for all the support and guidance you’ve provided throughout the years,” said Local 1487 President Tony Licciardi. “Your involvement with our organization can’t be matched by anyone in our union.”

Ken Thiede will be remembered as a tireless advocate for workers’ rights and a source of inspiration for all who had the privilege of working alongside him. His legacy will live on through the generations of union members he inspired.

Ken’s legacy will be celebrated by Chicago Local 1487 with an October 3 gathering of retirees.

Ken is survived by his  wife of 61 years, Ellen, and his son Jim. He will join his beloved son Tom, who passed away in 1976.

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