William E. Klapetzky (July 26, 1867 – October 18, 1916) was an American labor union leader.
Born in Syracuse, New York, Klapetzky undertook an apprenticeship as a barber at an early age.
He joined the Journeymen Barbers' International Union of America in 1889, and was elected as its vice-president in 1891.
[1][2] In the post, he drafted a bill proposing the licensing of barbers,[3] and women were admitted to the union for the first time.
[4] In 1904, Klapetzky stood down as secretary-treasurer due to poor health, and was given an honorary life membership.