Horace Riviere

Known for his dedication to improving working conditions, advocating for labor rights, and championing the cause of textile workers, Riviere played a pivotal role in shaping the labor movement in the early to mid-20th century...[3] Born at rivière Blanche, near Matane, Quebec Canada on July 3, 1886, Horace A. Riviere grew up in a working-class family, witnessing firsthand the challenges faced by industrial workers as he watched his father work tirelessly in the mills.

[7] Riviere used his ability to speak French to gather support from a significant French-Canadian population who worked in the textile mills.

[10] Horace Riviere also help organize workers in Canada when ordered to attended conference with Local Union 2003 and 1112 in Montreal, Québec, and Cornwall Ontario.

[2] As a leader of the TWUA and the UTWA, Riviere faced significant challenges, including widespread labor disputes, unequal working conditions, and a general lack of bargaining power for textile workers.

Under his guidance, the union embarked on campaigns to negotiate better wages, shorter working hours, and improved safety standards for its members.

Riviere went on to detail the exact costs that go into maintaining these villages to high light how northern and southern mill wages were relatively the same.

Two years later, the same union successfully organized a second plant in North Berkshire, as the Berkshire Woolen Company of Pittsfield reached an agreement with the Textile Woolen Workers’ Union[13] Riviere's strategic approach and negotiating skills helped the TWUA secure important victories for textile workers across the nation.

He actively participated in broader labor movements, played a key role in the 1934 strike,[14] collaborating with other union leaders to address systemic issues affecting workers across various sectors.

Riviere's commitment to solidarity and unity within the labor movement contributed to the overall strength of the working class during a time of significant industrial and social change.