MURPHY, EDWARD F. (15 July 1891-7 Mar. 1950), president of Teamsters Local 407 and policymaker in the CLEVELAND FED. OF LABOR, was born in Cleveland to Patrick and Margaret (Sullivan) Murphy. He was a horsecart driver and then a drayman. His experience with long hours and low pay led him to join Teamsters Local 407 when it was organized in 1911. By 1916, he was vice-president, and by 1924, president. In 1929 he began working full time for the union.
Murphy helped found Teamsters Joint Council 41 to coordinate the 7 Teamster locals in the area. He also became general organizer for the International (1931). Under Murphy, the TEAMSTERS UNION became powerful enough to stop deliveries at struck plants, allowing Murphy to negotiate contracts guaranteeing better service to employers in return for fair wages. Murphy believed strikes were only a last resort, and was regarded by employers as trustworthy, fair, and tough. Murphy kept area locals free of racketeering and strong-arm tactics.
Because of his integrity and union power, Murphy was important in the Cleveland Fed. of Labor. Seeing that the dominance of the building trades in the federation threatened its stability, he challenged their leadership. A truce was executed, and in 1939 Murphy resign his Teamster duties to work full-time for the CFL, holding the balance of power. Injured in an auto accident, Murphy cut back his activities.
Murphy married Mae O'Connel on 27 Nov. 1913. They had three children: Mary, Edward, and Joseph. When he died, his local erected a monument for him at CALVARY CEMETERY and donated a floor at ST. VINCENT CHARITY HOSPITAL in his memory.